Applications are currently being accepted from eligible candidates from Rwanda and Nigeria who are interested in pursuing a PhD and conducting research in a PASET Priority Thematic Area. This opportunity is being offered through the Fifth Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) PhD Scholarships program, which aims to provide top-notch international PhD training to qualified individuals.
The funding for this initiative is provided through contributions from African governments, the World Bank, and the Government of Korea, and it is being managed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Scholarship Summary:
Scholarship Sponsor(s): African governments, World Bank & Government of Korea
Host Institution(s): PASET
Scholarship Worth: Fully-funded
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: PhD
Nationality: Rwanda and Nigeria Nationals
Scholarship Details:
PASET is an initiative led by Africans, with the aim of enhancing skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology to drive socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The primary objective of Rsif is to bridge the human resource gap in highly qualified specialists in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (ASET) by providing quality training to PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. Additionally, Rsif aims to improve research and innovation capacities in those fields in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Through competitive grants, Rsif also facilitates the strengthening of research and innovation ecosystems in selected African Host Universities (AHU). The program focuses on five Priority Thematic Areas, which include training, research, and innovation.
- ICT, including big data and artificial intelligence, is one of the Priority Thematic Areas supported by Rsif.
- Rsif also supports research and innovation in the field of Food Security and Agri-business.
- Minerals, Mining, and Materials Engineering is another Priority Thematic Area supported by Rsif.
- Energy, including renewables, is also a Priority Thematic Area of the Rsif program.
- Finally, Rsif supports research and innovation in the field of Climate Change.
The specific objectives of Rsif are to:
- Create a stock of highly skilled scientists, professionals and innovators in ASET areas.
- Identify and nurture young talented Africans who wish to further their studies in ASET fields where expertise is needed most.
- Address imbalances in the number of women and disadvantaged groups in ASET fields in Africa.
- Build African university capacity to provide relevant ASET training and to ensure continued investment in scaling up ASET education and workforce.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Fifth Rsif PhD Scholarships Call for Rwanda and Nigeria Nationals, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:
- To be eligible for the Rsif PhD scholarship, applicants must be citizens of Rwanda or Nigeria.
- Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree in one of the fields of study supported by Rsif.
- They must meet the specific admission requirements of the Rsif African Host University (AHU) where they intend to pursue their PhD.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are 35 years of age or younger.
- Applicants must be willing to enrol full-time in a PhD program at an Rsif AHU for the 2023-2024 academic year.
- They should not hold another PhD scholarship at the time of applying for the Rsif PhD scholarship.
- Applicants must be willing to spend 6-12 months in a ‘sandwich’ training at an international partner university, research institute, or private company.
- Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that their research goals align with the Rsif Priority Thematic Areas and contribute to the development of Africa.
Scholarship Benefits:
- The Rsif PhD Scholarship provides a range of benefits, including coverage of university tuition and related fees, a competitive stipend to cover living expenses, travel, medical insurance, and research costs.
- Rsif PhD scholars will receive support to spend 6-12 months in a ‘sandwich’ training program at an international partner university, research institute, or private company.
- Upon completion of their PhD, Rsif PhD scholars become part of a growing network of emerging leaders in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (ASET) fields in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
- Rsif PhD scholars will have access to competitive research grants provided by Rsif to support their continued research and innovation in ASET fields in SSA.
How to Apply:
If you wish to apply for the Fifth Rsif PhD Scholarships Call for Rwanda and Nigeria Nationals, you must submit your application through icipe’s online platform; applications sent by email or in hard copy will not be considered.
