The Aga Khan Foundation supports programs in rural development, broadly defined, in several developing countries. It provides scholarships and loans for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from the developing world, with priority for master’s studies. The Foundation also considers applications for PhD programs in certain circumstances. Applications are invited from the following nationalities: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Foundation assists students with tuition fees and living expenses only. Please note that half of the scholarship amount is considered as a loan, which must be reimbursed. The application deadline is 01 February 2025, but earlier in some countries (please check the dates carefully). About the Fellowships
fellowships/scholarships
UNESCO — Fellowship for Young Women Scientists in Africa
Nominations for the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship Program for Young Women Scientists in Africa are open. The initiative aims to bridge the persistent gaps on the African continent and is designed to offer targeted support and focuses on promoting equal opportunities in science, by creating concrete opportunities for young women to become actively involved in various life science disciplines. Two young women will be awarded a grant of US$25 thousand each to advance their research and foster a promising scientific career. Applicants must hold African nationality and conduct research at a recognized laboratory in Africa. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2025. Fellowship for Young Women Scientists
German Academic Exchange Service — Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a comprehensive range of scholarship programs for German and international students, graduates, and academics. DAAD offers scholarship programs that are generally open to all subjects as well as subject-specific programs. Financial support consists of a regular monthly payment over a specified period. In addition to contributing to students’ cost of living, scholarship holders may often receive subsidies for books, health insurance, or childcare. Every scholarship provider has its own selection and application procedures. DAAD scholarship database
Marc and Nora Van Montagu Fund — Fellowship Program for Women Researchers in Africa
The Open Doors Fellowship Program (ODFP) targets post-doctoral and mid-career women researchers conducting agricultural research in Africa. Fellows receive financial incentives to enhance their scientific visibility and a research stay in Belgium. Applicants’ research fields must be plant breeding, agrobiotechnology, molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, chemical ecology, plant & soil health, livestock or aquaculture. There are no age limits. The application deadline is 10 January 2025. Open Doors Fellowship Program
Mongabay — Conservation Reporting Fellowship Program
The Mongabay Conservation Reporting Fellowship Program supports up to 12 fellows per year. Fellows will gain experience working with a range of editors at international news outlets, develop their environmental reporting skills, and create a portfolio of original publications to help them advance their careers in journalism. Each fellow will receive US$500 a month for the duration of the six-month fellowship (US$3,000 in total). The fellowship is open to anyone from a low- to upper-middle-income tropical country. The application deadline is 19 January 2025. Conservation Reporting Fellowship Program
Acumen Fund — East Africa Fellowship
The Acumen East Africa Fellows Program is a 6-month program comprising 5 seminars that gives individuals from East Africa the training they need to accelerate their social impact and leadership potential. Eligible countries are Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan & Ethiopia. Past fellows have included several in smallholder agriculture, renewable energy, waste management, fair trade, and other areas. Acumen covers all program expenses related to travel and accommodations, but it does not offer scholarships, stipends, or other funding. The application deadline is 07 February 2025. About this fellowship
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development — Women in Agricultural Sciences
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) announces the AWARD Leadership Program for Emerging African Women in Science. The call targets young women in science under 35 years of age from Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and Malawi. Selected candidates will participate in a nine-month capacity building program. The call for applications closes on 12 February 2025. AWARD Leadership Program
United Nations University — MSc in Sustainability Science 2025
The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers an MSc degree program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. UNU-IAS seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline to apply for the MSc program is 12 February 2025. Overview
United Nations University — PhD in Sustainability Science 2025
The UNU’s Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers a three-year PhD program to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. The program seeks to incorporate perspectives on global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. The Japan Foundation offers the UNU Scholarship to outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The deadline for applications is 19 February 2025. About Ph.D. in Sustainability Science
Obama Foundation — Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2025-2026 program have to be submitted until 05 January 2025. Applicant information