Applications are open for the African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships in Climate and Development 2026 - 12 fully funded places on a four-year doctoral training programme at the University of Cape Town (UCT), hosted via the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI).
Apply by 15 October 2026 at 23:00 SAST. The programme builds African scholars tackling the continent’s pressing climate and development challenges. Related ACC materials indicate fellowship support on the order of R390,000 per annum (stipend/fees plus relocation, medical, research and related costs), subject to the official award terms.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official Africa Climate Collaborative / ACDI fellowship page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - ACC PhD Fellowships 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | PhD Fellowships in Climate and Development - Africa Climate Collaborative |
| Host | University of Cape Town (UCT) / ACDI, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Awards | 12 fully funded fellowships (each linked to a topic + supervisory team) |
| Duration | 4 years (1 year structured coursework + 3 years thesis research) |
| Topics | Choose one of 19 listed research topics |
| Citizenship | Citizens of an African country only (including those living outside Africa) |
| Age | Under 35 as of 1 February 2027 |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026, 23:00 SAST |
| Apply | Official ACC PhD fellowship application |
Programme Structure
- Year 1: Structured pre-doctoral coursework and PhD proposal development
- Years 2 - 4: Independent thesis research under supervision, plus doctoral skills training
- Each fellowship is tied to a specific research topic and named supervisory team
Research Topics (overview)
Applicants must pick exactly one topic from the official list (19 topics spanning urban flooding and care, NDC energy governance, sustainable concrete, biodiversity remote sensing, electric cooking, climate education, fisheries adaptation, smallholder resilience, coastal bioeconomies, transformative adaptation, Chinese power finance in Africa, and more). Review disciplinary requirements for your chosen topic on the official topics page before applying.
Benefits
- Fully funded four-year PhD training at UCT
- Structured coursework year plus supervised thesis research
- Named supervisory team and topic-linked research pathway
- Support to apply for UCT PhD admission if selected for the fellowship
- Focus on African climate and development challenges with continental relevance
Eligibility
- Completed Master’s degree relevant to climate and development in Africa - matching the discipline required for your chosen topic
- Citizen of an African country (residence outside Africa is OK)
- Under 35 years old as of 1 February 2027
- Apply to only one of the 19 topics (multiple applications may lead to disqualification)
- Must later apply and be accepted for a UCT PhD to take up the fellowship (ACC assists successful applicants)
- Women and applicants with lived experience of displacement or disability are particularly encouraged
Required Documents
- CV (max 5 pages) with 3 referees (one must have supervised your Master’s dissertation)
- Writing sample (ideally from your Master’s dissertation)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s academic transcripts (certified copies later if selected)
- Letter of motivation (interest in topic/programme; how your training fits)
- Copy of national ID or passport
How to Apply
- Read the full topic list and pick one matching your Master’s discipline.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Submit via the official ACC PhD fellowship application by 15 October 2026, 23:00 SAST, clearly naming your single topic.
Official Links
PhD Fellowships in Climate and Development - Africa Climate Collaborative
African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), UCT
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- AfricaLics PhD Visiting Fellowship Programme (VFP) 2027
- MediaTech Hub (MTH) Accelerator 2026
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - African Climate Collaborative PhD Fellowships
When is the deadline?
15 October 2026 at 23:00 South African Standard Time (SAST).
How many fellowships are available?
12 fully funded fellowships, each linked to a research topic and supervisory team.
Who can apply?
African citizens under 35 (as of 1 Feb 2027) with a relevant Master’s degree, applying to one of the 19 topics.
Do I need UCT admission first?
Successful fellowship applicants must then apply and be accepted for a UCT PhD; ACC offers assistance with that step.
Where do I apply?
Through the official ACC application page.
