The Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS) has announced a call for applications for nine fully funded PhD scholarships for the 2026–2030 academic cycle. The programme aims to support doctoral researchers working on solutions that promote socially just transitions in energy, climate policy, and sustainability. Successful candidates will begin their doctoral studies in August 2026 and complete them in July 2030. The scholarships will be hosted at partner universities located in Germany, South Africa, and Colombia, providing an international academic environment that encourages South–South–North collaboration and knowledge exchange. Each selected PhD candidate will be formally enrolled at one host university while receiving co-supervision from experts within the TRAJECTS network, ensuring interdisciplinary mentorship and global research exposure. Research Focus Areas The TRAJECTS scholarship programme supports doctoral research that contributes to addressing urgent climate and sustainability challenges while ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the transition process. Applicants are encouraged to design research proposals aligned with one or more of the following thematic areas: Climate change mitigation and fossil fuel phase-out Climate policy development Economic and employment impacts of the energy transition Strategies for reducing dependence on fossil fuels Integration of renewable energy systems Energy access and energy justice Circular economy approaches to renewable technologies Hydrogen production and sustainable energy innovations Socio-ecological transitions in critical sectors Renewable energy and social-ecological systems Post-carbon urban development Agroecological transitions Environmental conflicts related to land use and energy extraction Hydroclimatological perspectives on sustainability TRAJECTS provides a list of suggested PhD research topics within the official call. However, applicants are not restricted to these topics. Candidates may: Combine several suggested research topics Propose an independent research idea aligned with TRAJECTS’ objectives Develop interdisciplinary approaches addressing climate, energy, and sustainability transitions Applicants must also clearly define the geographical focus of their research. Possible regions of study include: Colombia South Africa Neighboring regions Comparative or global analyses Scholarship Benefits The TRAJECTS PhD scholarship provides financial and academic support to help doctoral researchers focus on impactful research. Key benefits include: Monthly stipend of approximately €1,300–€1,400, depending on the host location Mobility funding for research visits and collaboration within the TRAJECTS network Access to specialized training programmes Language learning support Opportunities for international academic collaboration It is important to note that tuition fees are not covered by the scholarship. Applicants must confirm tuition requirements directly with their chosen host institution. Application Requirements Candidates applying for the TRAJECTS PhD scholarships must prepare a complete application package containing the following documents: Required documents Curriculum Vitae (CV) PhD research exposé or pre-proposal (3–6 pages) Motivation letter (1 page) One academic recommendation letter Proof of completed academic studies (Master’s degree transcript or certificate) Optional supporting documents Applicants may also submit additional materials to strengthen their application, including: Certificates of relevant work experience Documentation of training programmes or internships Proof of language proficiency Proof of PhD enrolment or acceptance at a host institution Self-declaration or certification confirming membership in an underrepresented group (if applicable) When completing the application form, candidates must indicate the relevant topic code associated with their research proposal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the full call for applications and guidelines before submitting their materials. Application Deadline The deadline to apply for the TRAJECTS PhD Scholarships is: 10 April 2026 at 11:59 PM (Johannesburg time) Applications submitted after this deadline may not be considered. About the TRAJECTS Global Centre The Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS) is part of a network of Global Centres for Climate and Environment funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). These centres are supported by funding from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and aim to strengthen international research collaboration on climate change, environmental sustainability, and energy transitions. The centre brings together universities and researchers across continents to develop innovative solutions for sustainable and equitable climate transitions. Contact Information Prospective applicants seeking additional information about the TRAJECTS PhD scholarships can contact the programme coordination team via email: coordination.global@trajects.org The programme coordination is hosted at Technische Universität Berlin, within the Workgroup for Economic and Infrastructure Policy (WIP), Faculty of Economics and Management, Germany. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering these. scholarships. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.