UKUDLA Master’s Scholarships for African Candidates

About the opportunity

The African German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA) invites applications for full-time master’s scholarships at two partner institutions: the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, the programme advances expertise in agri-food systems and applied data science. Research focuses on leveraging modern data-science approaches, statistical and machine learning methods, and multi-omics to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security amidst environmental and socioeconomic changes. Scholars will work in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.

Funding and benefits

• Monthly stipend of EUR 650 (basic rate)
• EUR 30 monthly rent subsidy if campus or residence housing is not provided
• Contribution to medical aid up to EUR 20 per month upon provision of contract and proof of payment
• Tuition fee coverage up to EUR 3,000 per year
• Access to educational modules, short courses, summer schools, and workshops via the UKUDLA Graduate Centre

Who can apply?

• Open to African candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa
• Must hold a first academic degree, equivalent to a four-year university degree (BSc Hons, NQF-level 8) with an overall average of at least 68% (second class, upper division)
• Must have completed the last university degree no more than six years ago (from 2019 onwards)
• Must already be based in the African country of the institution where they are applying to study, as a national, permanent resident, or with a valid study visa
• Must commit to undertaking full-time study at either the University of Mpumalanga or the University of the Western Cape
• Academic background in Data Science, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, or another relevant quantitative discipline
• Basic knowledge of statistics, quantitative data analysis, machine learning, data engineering, and programming skills in Python and/or R
• English language proficiency (minimum TOEFL 79/80, IELTS Band 6, or proof that English was the language of instruction since secondary school)
• Must provide two academic references (one from a potential supervisor) and a letter of support from a potential supervisor

Required documents

• Completed and signed master's research project proposal using the official form
• Copy of national identification card or passport
• Two recent academic recommendation letters signed by different university teachers
• Letter of admission from the host university (can be submitted subsequently before the scholarship begins)
• Certified copies of university degree certificates, including transcripts
• Evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or medium of instruction proof)

When to apply

• Application closing date for Cohort 3 African candidates is 7 November 2026
• Scholarship commences on 1 February 2027

How to apply

• Complete the online UKUDLA Master's Scholarship Application form
• Prepare and attach the required documents, including the research project proposal and recommendation letters
• Submit the application before the deadline of 7 November 2026
• Participate in an online interview if shortlisted by the selection committee

Additional information

• Breeding projects involving the development of genetically modified (including genome-edited) organisms for commercial use as food or animal feed are ineligible for funding.
• Recipients cannot hold two DAAD grants simultaneously (no double funding).
• Continuation of the scholarship into the second year depends on a satisfactory written progress report from the supervisor and successful completion of UKUDLA Graduate Centre training measures.