Application
The 2026 Call for Applications is closed - the next application deadline will be January 2027 and further information will be available soon!
Application requirements:
- Applications are possible with an MSc degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field (e.g. biology, geography, sociology, veterinary medicine, marine biology, forestry, political sciences, law, economics etc.) with an above average final grade. For non-European degrees, a ranking from the issuing university must be included.
- Candidates interested in applying for the scholarship must get in contact with a senior CGIAR++ Scientist and a professor affiliated to a German university to develop the scientific proposal together. Only applications from such “tridems” will be accepted.
- Candidates must be hosted by a CGIAR++ Center, attached to an ongoing CGIAR++ research activity, best in form of an international, multidisciplinary project. The envisaged PhD project must be complementary and provide an added value to the ongoing CGIAR++ research activity.
- Candidates must be jointly supervised by a CGIAR++ senior scientist and a professor affiliated to a German university.
- Candidates must enroll into a PhD study program at a German University but do not need to be German nationals. Applicants from CGIAR++ partner countries are welcome and we particularly encourage female students to apply.
In addition to you will need the following documents:
- Letter of motivation (signed by the applicant and max. 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (in tabular form, signed and dated, max. 1 page
- Research proposal. Please use the provided template - Template download
- MSc certificate and transcript of academic records issued by the examination office
- TOEFL or IELTS certificate or other English proficiency certificate
Following documents have to be sent by the respective supervisors as one PDF by e-mail to hub@cifor-icraf.org
- Letter of recommendation and supervision confirmation from a professor affiliated to a German university (University supervisor). Please use the provided template - Template download
- Letter of recommendation and supervision commitment from a CGIAR++ center scientist (CGIAR++ supervisor), stating the attachment to a CGIAR++ research program/project. Please use the provided template - Template download
- Hosting Agreement from the respective CGIAR++ center. Please use the provided template - Template download