RSIF (PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund) PhD Scholarships

Critères d'éligibilité

Sub-Saharan African nationals under 35 (women under 40) with a relevant master's degree, applying to one of the RSIF African host universities in an applied science, engineering or technology field.

Présentation du programme

## Overview The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) is the flagship doctoral scholarship and applied research fund of the Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), an Africa-led initiative supported by African governments, the World Bank and other partners. RSIF funds African scientists and engineers to pursue full PhDs at carefully selected African host universities, with up to one year of "sandwich" placement at an international partner institution in Europe, North America or Asia, plus competitive innovation grants that turn doctoral research into deployable products and services. RSIF is hosted by the **International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)** in Nairobi as the Regional Coordination Unit. Unlike traditional scholarships that simply pay tuition, RSIF is a long-term ecosystem-building programme: it strengthens African PhD-granting universities, links them to global research networks, and explicitly funds the commercialisation of African research outputs. ## Benefits RSIF doctoral scholarships are **fully funded** and provide: * **Full tuition and university fees** at the African Host University for the duration of the PhD (typically three to four years). * **Monthly stipend** sufficient to cover accommodation, food and living expenses. * **Research budget** for fieldwork, laboratory consumables, equipment access and publications. * **Funded sandwich placement** of up to twelve months at an international partner research institution to access specialised facilities and supervisors. * **Round-trip airfare** for the international placement and for an annual return to the home country. * **Health, accident and travel insurance**. * **Conference and training allowance** for international scientific meetings. * **Eligibility for RSIF Innovation Grants** to translate doctoral research into commercial products, services or policy tools. * **Membership in the pan-African RSIF Scholars Network** with structured mentorship and career support. ## Eligibility * Be a **citizen of a sub-Saharan African country** that is a PASET participating country (most sub-Saharan African nations qualify; check the current call). * Hold a strong **master's degree** in a relevant applied science, engineering or technology field (typically upper second class or distinction). * Be normally **under 35 years of age** (women under 40) at the time of application. * Apply for a doctoral programme in one of RSIF's five priority thematic areas: * ICTs, including big data and artificial intelligence * Food security and agribusiness * Climate change * Energy, including renewables * Minerals, mining and materials engineering * Be willing to enrol at one of the RSIF African Host Universities for the full duration of the PhD. * Female candidates are **strongly encouraged**; RSIF has explicit gender-balance targets. * Demonstrate a commitment to returning to and working in sub-Saharan Africa after completing the programme. ## Application Process 1. Visit **rsif-paset.org** during an active call and review the participating African Host Universities and their accredited doctoral programmes in your thematic area. 2. Identify a host university and a supervisor whose research aligns with your interests; some hosts require a preliminary letter of support from the supervisor before applying. 3. Prepare your application: detailed CV, certified transcripts and degree certificates, a **research concept note** (typically four to six pages) aligned with one of the five RSIF themes, motivation letter, two academic reference letters, passport copy and proof of nationality. 4. Submit your application through the RSIF online portal before the published deadline. Applications submitted outside the portal or after the deadline are not considered. 5. Shortlisted candidates undergo a technical and interview evaluation by RSIF's scientific panel and the host university. 6. Successful candidates receive an offer of admission and scholarship, sign the RSIF scholar agreement, and enrol with their host university. ## Deadlines RSIF runs **annual cohort calls**, typically opening in the **first quarter of the year** (January–April) and closing within six to eight weeks. Cohort sizes have grown steadily as the fund expands, and selected scholars start their PhD in the following academic year. Applicants should monitor rsif-paset.org and the websites of the participating Host Universities from January onwards each year. ## Why this scholarship matters For African master's graduates aiming for a research career on the continent, RSIF is one of the most strategic doctoral fellowships available: it pays competitively, gives access to specialised international facilities through the sandwich placement, and — uniquely among major African PhD scholarships — funds the commercialisation of research outputs through follow-on innovation grants. It is particularly strong for applied scientists and engineers who want to remain rooted in Africa while building a globally competitive research profile.

Le descriptif détaillé du bailleur reste en anglais, car c'est la langue du dossier de candidature.

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