The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), housed within the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) at Addis Ababa University, invites qualified and motivated candidates to apply for its PhD Program in Sustainable Development. The program is designed to provide advanced interdisciplinary training and research opportunities for scholars committed to addressing contemporary challenges in sustainable development, with a particular focus on governance-related issues. This PhD program offers a structured academic pathway that integrates multi-disciplinary teaching modules with a competitive funding opportunity for successful candidates. It aims to cultivate high-level research capacity and contribute to evidence-based policy and practice in sustainable development across Africa and beyond. About the PhD Program The Center for Sustainable Development was established through a collaborative partnership between Addis Ababa University, the University of Oslo (Norway), and the University of Malawi, with financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) under the NORHED II program. This international collaboration underscores the program’s commitment to academic excellence, global knowledge exchange, and contextually grounded research. The PhD in Sustainable Development is specifically designed to foster cutting-edge research that addresses pressing issues related to governance for sustainable development. Through a combination of coursework, research supervision, and academic exchange, the program prepares doctoral candidates to generate impactful knowledge that responds to local, regional, and global development challenges. Eligibility Criteria Prospective applicants are required to undergo a multi-stage screening and selection process. To be considered eligible, candidates must meet the following criteria: Applicants must have successfully passed the 2025 Graduate Admission Test (GAT). Applicants must hold a research-based Master’s degree (MA or MSc) in Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Sciences, or closely related fields. Applicants must submit a one-page statement of purpose or intent, clearly outlining their academic interests and research motivation, and demonstrate prior research experience, including publications where applicable. Applicants are required to prepare and present a five-page PhD research proposal focused on a topic related to Governance for Sustainable Development. Shortlisted candidates must demonstrate excellence in a written examination administered by the Center, followed by a face-to-face interview conducted by an admissions committee composed of representatives from Addis Ababa University, the University of Oslo, and the University of Malawi. The Center strongly upholds principles of affirmative action, equity, and inclusiveness. In line with this commitment, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Funding Opportunity The PhD program follows a competitive selection process in which a limited number of the most qualified candidates will be awarded financial support in the form of a stipend for the duration of their studies. Eligibility for funding is determined through a three-stage screening and selection process. Successful candidates who receive financial support will be required to sign a contractual agreement with the Center for Sustainable Development. This agreement stipulates that continued financial support is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress and successful fulfillment of PhD program requirements. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application package by the stated deadline. The required documents include: Proof of having passed the 2025 Graduate Admission Test (GAT) An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications, if available A one-page statement of purpose or intent A five-page PhD research proposal, structured as follows:BackgroundProblem Statement with clearly defined research questionsObjectivesTheoretical ApproachMethodologyEmpirical FocusThe proposal must be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman, 1.15 line spacing, with references provided in addition to the five pages. Two professional letters of recommendation Only applicants who meet all eligibility criteria and submit complete documentation will be considered. Qualified candidates will be notified and invited to proceed to the next stages of the selection process. Application Deadline and Submission Details The deadline for application submission is Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Applicants are required to submit both electronic and printed copies of all application documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Electronic submissions: csd@aau.edu.et Printed submissions:Center for Sustainable Development (CSD)Social Science Building, 1st Floor, Office No. 118Sidist Kilo Campus, Addis Ababa UniversityTel: +251974103868 This PhD program represents a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to engage in rigorous research, benefit from international academic collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable development scholarship and practice. 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 hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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