Fully Funded PhD Studentship – University of Hertfordshire The University of Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire Business School is now inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship with the Big Data and Innovation Lab. This exciting opportunity offers a full tuition fee waiver, a £20,780 annual stipend, and is open to UK, EU, and international students. This is not a partial funding opportunity—your tuition is fully covered, and your living costs are supported. If you are passionate about research, technology, and innovation, this PhD offers the resources, mentorship, and environment to take your expertise to the next level. About the Studentship The studentship is part of the HARVIST (Hub for Agricultural Resilience through Value-chain, Irrigation, Storage, and Technology) project, which aims to pilot three fully integrated, digitally enabled agricultural ecosystems. Key features of these ecosystems include: Solar-powered irrigation systems Cold storage solutions Traceable logistics platforms Predictive maintenance for agricultural machinery A blockchain-based marketplace These ecosystems are designed to be replicable, scalable, and franchise-ready, with a focus on sustainability and applicability in African contexts, particularly Nigeria. The research will combine machine learning, big data analytics, software development, and agritech innovation. Students will have the opportunity to develop multiple machine learning models, design front-end solutions, and explore sustainability in agriculture, contributing to a pioneering digital framework for climate-resilient food systems. Supervisors Professor Hafiz Alaka Professor Amin Hosseinian Far Both supervisors bring extensive expertise in big data analytics, agritech solutions, and applied research, and will provide mentorship throughout your PhD journey. Candidate Profile Applicants should meet the following criteria: Educational Background: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in computing or a related field Technical Skills: Knowledge and practical experience in big data analytics Machine learning methods, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep neural networks, support vector machines, and BART; experience with generative algorithms is a plus Experience with plug-in and software development Data visualization skills Other Interests/Experience: Sustainability knowledge Interest in management and applied research Exposure to Agritech solutions in Africa is highly desirable This studentship is suitable for candidates aiming for careers in academia, industry research, or advanced technical leadership. Funding The studentship includes: Full tuition fee waiver for three years Annual stipend of £20,780 (tax-free) Please note that applicants requiring a student visa are responsible for the visa application fees and Immigration Health Surcharge. How to Apply Applicants must submit the following documents: Completed application form – Download here Research proposal – Maximum 2,000 words Two academic references – Sent directly to doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk Degree certificates and transcripts English language certificate (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for non-native speakers) CV Personal statement Copy of passport photo page Completed applications should be sent to Doctoral College Admissions at: doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk. For informal enquiries, contact: Doctoral College Admissions: doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk Professor Hafiz Alaka: h.alaka@herts.ac.uk Interviews will take place during the week commencing 5 March 2026, and the studentship will start as soon as possible Key Dates Application Deadline: 24 February 2026 at 9:00 PM Interview Dates: Week commencing 5 March 2026 Studentship Start: As soon as possible Why This Studentship is Unique Many PhD students assume fully funded opportunities are limited to home students or require insider knowledge—but this is a fully paid, international PhD studentship with structured mentorship and applied research opportunities. This studentship offers a chance to: Engage in cutting-edge agritech and sustainability research Build expertise in big data, machine learning, and software development Gain real-world insights into African agricultural ecosystems Position yourself for careers in academia, industry research, or technical leadership If you have the curiosity, skills, and drive to tackle complex, applied problems at the intersection of technology and sustainability, this PhD provides the platform, support, and funding to succeed. Apply today and take your first step toward a fully funded research journey in one of the most exciting and impactful areas of applied technology and sustainable agriculture. Application Portal: doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this scholarship. 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.