The Regional PhD Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing higher education and fostering innovation in Africa. This fund is specifically designed to support the development of research and technology through the provision of scholarships and funding for doctoral studies. Its primary goal is to enhance the quality and impact of research across various scientific and technological disciplines, thereby contributing to the continent’s socio-economic development.
The Rsif focuses on supporting PhD students from African countries who are pursuing research in key areas such as agriculture, health, renewable energy, and information and communication technology (ICT). The scholarship program is intended to provide financial assistance to students, enabling them to undertake rigorous research and contribute to solving critical challenges faced by their communities and countries.
Recipients of the Rsif benefit from comprehensive support, which typically includes funding for tuition fees, research expenses, living stipends, and travel allowances for fieldwork or conferences. The fund also offers access to a network of academic and research institutions across Africa, facilitating collaborations and knowledge exchange. This network is crucial for fostering regional and international partnerships that enhance the quality and impact of research.
In addition to financial support, the Rsif includes components designed to strengthen the research capacity of its recipients. This may involve specialized training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to develop advanced research skills and foster innovation. The program aims to create a supportive environment that nurtures young researchers and empowers them to become leaders in their fields.
The Rsif also plays a strategic role in advancing Africa’s research and innovation landscape. By investing in high-quality PhD research and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, the fund aims to build a robust research ecosystem that drives technological advancements and addresses pressing developmental challenges. The ultimate goal is to contribute to sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an African-led initiative that aims to close the skills gap in the applied sciences, engineering and technology (ASET) necessary for socio-economic transformation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) is the flagship program of PASET. Rsif supports PhD students, post-doctoral scientists and universities in SSA to establish high-quality training, research and innovation environments and to develop institutional capacity for the benefit of the whole region.
The scholarships available for this call are 20. Of these, 16 will be awarded to Kenyan nationals based on PASET’s 80/20 rule for contributing countries, and 4 will be awarded to nationals of other countries in sub–Saharan Africa.
DURATION
The duration of the PhD Scholarship is 3 to 4 years, within which time, the scholar undertakes a 6-12 months ‘sandwich’ placement at an international partner university, research institute or private company.
Eligibility Criteria For The Regional PhD Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif)
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any country in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have a relevant master’s degree related to the Rsif fields of study.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the Rsif AHU that hosts the PhD program.
- Be 35 years of age and below at the date of application.
- Be willing to enrol full-time in a PhD program at an Rsif AHU in the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Should not be holding another PhD scholarship when applying to the Rsif PhD scholarship.
- Be willing to spend 6-12 months in a ‘sandwich’ training at an international partner university, research institute or private company.
- Be willing to work on a research topic that aligns with and contributes to national or regional development in Africa.
- Priority for the scholarships will be given to women and existing young academic faculty who do not have a PhD.
- University tuition fee and research costs.
- A monthly allowance to cover living expenses such as accommodation and meals while at the Rsif AHU and while on a sandwich placement at an International Partner Institute.
- Return travel from home country to the Rsif AHU.
- Return travel from the Rsif AHU to the International Partner Institute
- Visas and student permits.
- Annual medical and personal accident insurance.
The PASET Rsif PhD scholarship does not cover:
- Extra support for family members/ dependents, including children and spouses.
- Additional return tickets to the home country for personal reasons.
- Application costs to AHUs including certifying and equating of certificates
Method of Application
a) Only complete applications submitted online will be accepted. Applications submitted by email or hardcopy will not be considered.
b.) Applications will be screened for plagiarism. Evidence of plagiarism will invalidate the application.
Please address any questions to: The Manager, Regional Coordination Unit (RCU), icipe Rsifscholarships@icipe.org
Application Deadline: 16th September 2024.
For More Information,
