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Volkswagen Stiftung Knowledge for Tomorrow – Cooperative Research Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Volkswagen Stiftung Knowledge for Tomorrow – Cooperative Research Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa - Fellowship, Post a Comment

Provider
Various
Host country
Germany
Region
Europe

About this scholarship

![](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/pexels-canva-studio-3153198.jpg) [starportillo](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/author/beyondstellar/) [December 14, 2021December 12, 2021](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/2021/12/14/) The Volkswagen Stiftung Knowledge for Tomorrow funding initiative aims at the development and sustainable reinforcement of research in Sub-Saharan Africa and is open to all disciplines. A primary objective is to provide junior researchers in Africa with an opportunity to enhance their skills and academic qualifications and to open up future prospects in their home countries. Besides supporting African-German research cooperation, a special focus has always been on the development, reinforcement, and extension of academic networks within and beyond the African continent. **Application deadline:** December 20, 2021 ### Table of contents - [Benefits of the Knowledge for Tomorrow Research Projects](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/volkswagen-stiftung-knowledge-for-tomorrow-cooperative-research-projects-in-sub-saharan-africa/#h-benefits-of-the-knowledge-for-tomorrow-research-projects) - [Eligibility Criteria for Sub-Saharan Africans](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/volkswagen-stiftung-knowledge-for-tomorrow-cooperative-research-projects-in-sub-saharan-africa/#h-eligibility-criteria-for-sub-saharan-africans) - [How to Apply for the Volkswagen Stiftung Opportunity](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/volkswagen-stiftung-knowledge-for-tomorrow-cooperative-research-projects-in-sub-saharan-africa/#h-how-to-apply-for-the-volkswagen-stiftung-opportunity) * * * Stay in the loop! Get weekly updates on new scholarships offerings here. * * * ## Benefits of the Knowledge for Tomorrow Research Projects From time to time, the Volkswagen Foundation organizes thematic workshops in order to aid the identification of promising areas of future-oriented research and the development of innovative lines of research in a spirit of partner-like cooperation. These meetings are used to discuss the current status of research, identify research issues, and to explore and develop possibilities for cooperation with other researchers and research institutions inside sub-Saharan Africa. The program covers funding for symposia, workshops (usually up to 50 participants) and summer schools (max. 60 participants). ## Eligibility Criteria for Sub-Saharan Africans The basic criteria for Volkswagen Stiftung Knowledge for Tomorrow Program include the following: - developed in cooperation between German and African scholars - participants from African and non-African countries (incl. Germany) - active participation of young researchers (doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers) ## How to Apply for the Volkswagen Stiftung Opportunity Details of conditions and the application procedure can be found under [Information for Applicants 81k (pdf)](https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/sites/default/files/downloads/MB_81_e.pdf). Applications must be filed electronically via the application portal. For more details, visit [Volkswagen Stiftung website.](https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/funding/our-funding-portfolio-at-a-glance/knowledge-for-tomorrow-%E2%80%93-cooperative-research-projects-in-sub-saharan-africa) * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. 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Eligibility criteria

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Citizen or permanent resident of an eligible African country
  • Currently applying to or enrolled at the PhD level
  • Willing to study in Germany
  • Strong academic record — typically a minimum GPA equivalent to a UK 2:1 / US 3.3
  • English-language proficiency demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI letter
  • Two academic or professional references able to speak to your potential

Required documents

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

  • Valid international passport (bio page scan)
  • Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
  • Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
  • Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
  • Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
  • Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
  • Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
  • Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

Deadline timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

  1. 12 months out

    Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.

  2. 6 months out

    Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.

  3. 3 months out

    Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.

  4. 1 month out

    Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

  5. Application deadline

    Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Volkswagen Stiftung Knowledge for Tomorrow – Cooperative Research Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to Germany for the duration of the programme.

Is the Volkswagen Stiftung Knowledge for Tomorrow – Cooperative Research Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa fully funded?+

Funding model: Funding type varies — check the official site. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is varies by intake — see the official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.