The Zero Waste Foundation is inviting applications for its 2026–2027 Graduate and Doctoral Scholarship Programme, supporting outstanding postgraduate students whose research contributes to the advancement of zero waste practices, sustainability and environmental innovation. The scholarship programme is designed to encourage high-quality academic research that addresses pressing waste management, resource efficiency and sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Successful applicants will receive monthly financial support while contributing to the Foundation’s research, education and knowledge-sharing activities. About the Scholarship Programme The Zero Waste Foundation Scholarship Programme supports students enrolled in thesis-based master’s and doctoral programmes whose research aligns with the principles and objectives of the zero waste movement. Recognizing that zero waste is a multidisciplinary field, the Foundation welcomes applications from a wide range of academic disciplines, including engineering, health sciences, architecture, urban planning, environmental sciences, social sciences, economics and public policy. Scholarships are awarded for the 2026–2027 academic year, covering the period from October 2026 to June 2027, with funding provided for a maximum of nine months per academic year. Scholarship Categories Applications are evaluated according to four thematic categories based on the relevance of the applicant’s thesis or research topic. Category A – Engineering, Health and Technology Research focusing on technological innovation, engineering solutions, environmental health, waste management technologies and related fields. Category B – Architecture, Design and Urban Planning Projects examining sustainable urban development, circular design, green infrastructure, resource-efficient buildings and waste-conscious planning approaches. Category C – Behavioral, Educational and Natural Sciences Research exploring environmental behavior, education, ecology, environmental awareness, natural systems and sustainability-related scientific studies. Category D – Economics, Communication and Governance Studies investigating policy development, public administration, communication strategies, economic systems, governance frameworks and stakeholder engagement related to zero waste. Applicants must clearly explain how their research contributes to at least one of these categories during the application process. Scholarship Value The Foundation offers generous monthly financial support throughout the scholarship period. Successful master’s students will receive 28,000 Turkish Lira per month, while successful doctoral students will receive 38,000 Turkish Lira per month. Scholarship amounts are reviewed annually and may be adjusted by the Foundation for future academic years. Eligibility Requirements To qualify for the scholarship programme, applicants must be enrolled in a thesis-based master’s or doctoral programme and demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. Applicants must meet the following requirements: Maintain a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.00 out of 4.00, 75 out of 100, or BB/AA. Be officially registered in a postgraduate programme. Have an approved thesis topic related to zero waste. Be in the thesis stage of their academic programme. Not be employed in a full-time position. Not be receiving a scholarship from another institution or organization. Applications that fail to meet these requirements will not be considered. Thesis Requirements A key requirement of the programme is that applicants must already have a thesis topic related to zero waste that has been formally approved by their academic institution. The thesis must clearly align with at least one of the scholarship categories and demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of zero waste knowledge, policy or practice. Candidates must provide official documentation confirming that their thesis proposal has been approved or formally submitted to their institute or faculty. Required Application Documents Applicants are required to submit a complete application package that includes: Student enrollment certificate Academic transcript National identity document copy Passport-style photograph Criminal record certificate Social security registration and service record Academic curriculum vitae (CV) Recommendation letter from a thesis supervisor or academic staff member Thesis proposal approval document or advisor confirmation Thesis Detail Form Scholarship Application Form Incomplete applications may not proceed to the evaluation stage. Selection Process The scholarship selection process is conducted by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee and consists of three stages. Preliminary Review Applications are screened to verify eligibility and ensure that all required documents have been submitted. Academic and Thematic Evaluation Eligible applications are assessed based on academic performance, financial need, research quality, innovation, relevance to the selected category and potential contribution to the zero waste field. Interview Stage Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in an interview assessing academic competence, motivation and alignment with the Foundation’s vision and objectives. Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities Students selected for the programme become volunteer researchers within the Foundation and are expected to actively contribute to its activities. Responsibilities include: Supporting research, educational initiatives and literature reviews. Contributing to data analysis and knowledge-generation activities. Producing at least one popular science article, research summary or policy report for Foundation publications. Submitting monthly progress reports approved by their thesis supervisor. Participating in meetings, seminars, workshops and events organized by the Foundation. Acknowledging the Foundation’s support in academic publications produced during the scholarship period. Scholarship Renewal and Termination Scholarships may be renewed annually following a new application and evaluation process. Master’s scholarships may be awarded for a maximum of two academic years, while doctoral scholarships may continue for up to four academic years. Funding may be terminated if recipients fail to maintain academic performance standards, abandon their zero waste research focus, fail to meet reporting requirements, receive another scholarship, obtain full-time employment, provide misleading information or lose student status. How to Apply Applications are accepted according to the schedule announced annually by the Zero Waste Foundation. Prospective applicants should carefully review all eligibility criteria and prepare the required documentation before submission. For questions regarding the programme, applicants may contact the Foundation at burs@sifiratikvakfi.org. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.