SwedenWMU PhD Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity at the World Maritime University focused on developing seafaring as skilled employment in Sub-Saharan Africa through analysis of education, institutions, and labour markets.
The fellowship is funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation through the WMU–LRF Africa Programme and is based at the World Maritime University headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, supporting research that contributes to the IMO Future-Ready Shipping (FRS) in Africa Project.
WMU PhD Fellowship Benefits
- 100% waiver of WMU doctoral tuition fees.
- Monthly stipend of approximately SEK 22,000 per month.
- Monthly stipend provided for up to 4 years, subject to satisfactory annual progress.
- Budget support for research travel upon approval.
- Budget support for conference attendance upon approval.
- Budget support for software upon approval.
- Budget support for open-access publication fees upon approval.
Get new scholarships by email
Scholarship Union lists awards like this one as they open. One short digest, no spam.
WMU PhD Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Must hold a completed Master’s degree with a thesis/dissertation in Maritime Affairs, MET, Political/Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Preference explicitly given to applicants originating from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Must demonstrate strong qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods analytical skills.
- Must provide a well-formulated research proposal.
- High level of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 96+, or Cambridge Proficiency Grade A/B).
- Must reside and conduct research on-site at WMU headquarters in Malmö, Sweden for the duration of the PhD program (remote participation is not permitted).
- Eligible academic fields include Maritime Affairs, Maritime Education and Training (MET), Political Science, Social Sciences, Development Economics, Labor Market Economics, Public Policy, or related interdisciplinary fields connected to Blue Economy and seafaring.
How to Apply for WMU PhD Fellowship
- Review the official Terms of Reference on the WMU Portal.
- Develop a comprehensive research proposal focused on MET, labor market access, or seafarer development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Request two academic referees to email their recommendation letters directly to [email protected] using the exact required subject line.
- Access the online portal via the WMU PhD in Maritime Affairs Page and submit all application documents before 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
- Direct informal inquiries or research proposal questions to Ms. Dofilia Kaloia at [email protected].
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 30 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the WMU PhD Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps, and where the programme is taken.
What is the monthly stipend for the fellowship?
The monthly stipend is approximately SEK 22,000 per month for up to 4 years, subject to satisfactory annual progress.
Does the fellowship cover tuition fees?
Yes, the fellowship provides a 100% waiver of WMU doctoral tuition fees.
Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based at the World Maritime University (WMU) headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.
Who funds the fellowship?
The fellowship is funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation through the WMU–LRF Africa Programme.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must hold a completed Master’s degree with a thesis/dissertation in a relevant field, and preference is given to applicants originating from Sub-Saharan Africa.
What English proficiency is required?
High level of English proficiency is required, for example IELTS 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 96+, or Cambridge Proficiency Grade A/B.
How many fellows will be selected?
One PhD Fellow will be selected for the Africa Programme cohort.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET, with late applications considered on a rolling basis until the fellowship is filled.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include the WMU PhD Application Form, WMU PhD Research Proposal, one-page motivation letter titled “WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026”, updated CV, certified degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English proficiency, passport data page, and two academic reference letters sent directly by referees.
How are candidates selected?
Candidates are evaluated by WMU’s Doctoral Admissions Board in collaboration with the WMU–LRF Africa Programme and LRF, based on research proposal quality, academic background, methodological rigor, and alignment with programme objectives; shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.