Overview
Apply for the African Climate and Development Initiative Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the University of Cape Town. The 3-year programme offers a tax-free stipend of R380,000 per year, with applications due 29 October 2026.
Complete scholarship details
The African Climate and Development Initiative at the University of Cape Town is inviting applications for its Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Climate and Development. This 3-year cohort-based programme supports recent African PhD graduates to carry out supervised research on climate and development topics at UCT.
Application Deadline:
29 October 2026 (23:00 SAST)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Africa Climate Collaborative Postdoctoral Researcher Programme (PRP) in Climate and Development at the University of Cape Town (UCT) offers 10 fully funded, 3-year postdoctoral research fellowships. The program supports recent African PhD graduates to transition into independent researchers under the guidance of experienced UCT supervisors. Fellows participate in a structured, cohort-based researcher development training program while embedded within specific departments or research labs across 11 targeted climate and development research topics.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Climate and Development, Energy Economics, Public Policy, Marine Science, Environmental Economics, Health Economics, Development Studies, Political Economy, Social Innovation, Governance, and Environmental Sciences (specific disciplinary requirements vary by research topic).
Type:
Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship / Cohort-Based Researcher Development Programme
Who can Apply?
Academic Qualification: A completed PhD degree relevant to climate and development in Africa, obtained within a maximum of 36 months post-graduation (holding a PhD discipline matching the requirements of the chosen research topic).
Citizenship: Open strictly to citizens of an African country (African applicants residing outside Africa are also eligible to apply).
Age Preference: Preference will be given to applicants under 35 years of age as of 1 February 2027.
Application Restriction: Each candidate may apply to only one of the 11 listed research topics (multiple applications will result in disqualification).
Equity Focus: Applications from women and candidates with lived experience of displacement or disability are strongly encouraged.
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates are evaluated based on academic background, alignment of their PhD training with the specific research topic’s required skill set, publication record, and potential to benefit from and contribute to the interdisciplinary cohort program.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
African countries (open to all African nationals worldwide).
Where will the Program be Taken:
University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town, South Africa (based within the primary mentor’s department or research lab).
How Many Fellows:
10 fully funded postdoctoral fellowships across 11 available research topics.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
Stipend: Tax-free stipend of R380,000 per annum over 3 years.
Additional Funding: An extra R130,000 over three years (subject to motivation) allocated for relocation costs, medical insurance, research expenses, and conference attendance.
Professional Development: Structured researcher development training, peer-learning cohort support, and mentorship from leading UCT and international experts.
How Long Will it Last:
3 years (full-time postdoctoral researcher program).
How to Apply:
Review the 11 available research topics and select the single topic for which you meet the precise disciplinary requirements.
Prepare your application documentation:
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum 5 pages, including contact details for 3 referees (one must be your PhD supervisor).
Writing Sample: Previous academic or research writing (ideally from your PhD dissertation).
Academic Transcripts: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
Letter of Motivation: Explaining interest in the topic and program, and how your background qualifies you.
Proof of Citizenship: Copy of National ID or passport.
Submit your complete application package via the official online application portal before 29 October 2026 at 23:00 (SAST) .
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
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