The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is inviting applications from highly qualified German citizens and permanent residents of Germany for a fully funded doctoral scholarship in Sustainable Energy Governance. The opportunity is part of the ENERGISE Project, an African-German initiative focused on strengthening research and expertise around a just energy transition in South Africa. The ENERGISE Doctoral Scholarship provides an opportunity for an aspiring researcher to undertake a full-time PhD at the University of Johannesburg while contributing to research on governance structures, institutions and policy instruments that can accelerate the transition towards sustainable and low-carbon energy systems. The doctoral research will be based in South Africa and will have an international dimension through collaboration and potential research mobility between South Africa and Germany. About the ENERGISE Doctoral Scholarship The ENERGISE project forms part of a broader, multi-institutional and transdisciplinary initiative aimed at establishing a centre of expertise in Just Energy Transition, with its main location in South Africa. The initiative brings together academic and research institutions in South Africa and Germany while promoting partnerships between universities, industry, civil society and other relevant stakeholders. The project focuses on application-oriented research addressing major challenges associated with the transition to sustainable and low-carbon energy systems. Areas of interest include sustainable energy solutions, environmental and societal impacts, innovation, decarbonisation, governance and the development of partnerships capable of supporting the implementation of new approaches and technologies. The research will be supported by UJ-TRCTI, the SARChI in Transformative Innovation, the 4th Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development at the University of Johannesburg. PhD Research Focus The successful doctoral researcher will examine how governance structures, institutional arrangements and policy instruments can enable and accelerate a just energy transition. The research is expected to contribute to understanding how governments, institutions and stakeholders can work together to advance sustainable energy solutions, decarbonisation and equitable access to clean energy. Applicants may develop research aligned with one or more of the following thematic areas: Sustainable energy solutions and their environmental impacts Digital innovation and technology adoption in the energy sector Partnerships between business, civil society and research institutions Innovative technologies supporting decarbonisation Inclusive innovation and equitable access to clean energy for underserved communities Governance and policy approaches supporting just energy transitions The research should have both academic and practical relevance, contributing to wider discussions around sustainable development and energy-transition challenges in South Africa and Africa. Scholarship Benefits The ENERGISE doctoral scholarship is designed as a fully funded three-year PhD opportunity and provides financial and international research support. Successful candidates will receive: Monthly stipend of EUR 1,825 EUR 2,000 in research mobility funding Opportunities for research stays between South Africa and Germany Potential research visits to German partner institutions International academic exchange opportunities Insurance support A possible extension of up to six months, subject to satisfactory academic progress and DAAD approval The scholarship is funded through DAAD Line B under the African-German Centre for Just Energy Transition. Mobility opportunities will depend on project requirements, academic arrangements and available DAAD funding. Scholarship recipients may not hold the award concurrently with salaried employment, whether on a full-time or part-time basis. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is specifically open to German citizens or permanent residents of Germany who meet the academic and research requirements. Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent NQF Level 9 qualification in a relevant discipline. Suitable fields include: Economics Public policy Development studies Science and technology studies Energy studies Environmental science Sustainability studies A related field The highest qualification should not be more than six years old, and applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 65% or equivalent in their master’s degree. Candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in academic research related to the Just Energy Transition, African innovation systems and/or sustainable development. Desirable Skills and Experience Applicants with knowledge of or an interest in South African and African energy policy landscapes are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience with qualitative or quantitative research methods will be an advantage. Previous exposure to policy-oriented or applied research is also desirable. German language proficiency is considered an advantage because of the scholarship’s German-South African research dimension. UJ-TRCTI values diversity and inclusion and particularly encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities, as well as candidates from under-represented groups. Application Documents Applicants will need to prepare a comprehensive application package containing: A detailed CV covering academic qualifications, research experience, publications, professional experience and relevant skills A motivation letter of no more than two pages A research proposal of no more than five pages Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts One or two academic reference letters The research proposal should clearly outline the research problem, objectives, research questions, proposed methodology, expected outcomes and relevance to the ENERGISE project and broader Just Energy Transition agenda. The scholarship award remains subject to the applicant meeting the University of Johannesburg’s formal doctoral admission requirements. Application Deadline Applications for the ENERGISE Doctoral Scholarship must be submitted by 30 September 2026 at 23:59 SAST. Applicants should upload all required documents through the designated online application form before the deadline. The final selection will be undertaken by the Selection Commission of the TUM ENERGISE Center in accordance with applicable DAAD criteria. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive communication within four weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. Enquiries: Ms. Hakelo MathebulaEmail: ujtrctiprojects@uj.ac.za How to Apply Eligible candidates should carefully prepare their CV, motivation letter, research proposal, certified academic documents and academic references before submitting their application through the official online application form. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that their proposed research clearly demonstrates alignment with Sustainable Energy Governance, Just Energy Transition and the objectives of the ENERGISE Project. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel SEE FULL TEXT HERE GSO Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organization. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes and has been sourced from official announcements and external sources. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, funding details, deadlines and application procedures with the official organization before applying. Please do not send applications or CVs to GSO, as GSO does not process applications and may not respond to individual application enquiries.