ABCD Future Leaders Scholarship supports doctoral researchers from Developing Countries to undertake research stays in Germany aligned with water security, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation themes. The scholarship targets PhD students who began their doctoral studies within the last three years and who are registered full-time at universities in Developing Countries.
The scholarship is offered by the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre), a consortium involving RWTH Aachen University, Asian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources (UNU Resource Nexus), and Technische Universität Dresden. The centre organises research across three clusters and supports research-to-practice training for Future Environmental Leaders.
ABCD Future Leaders Benefits
- €1,200 per month for accommodation and living expenses.
- Up to €105 per month as an insurance allowance.
- Up to €1,000 as a one-time travel grant.
- Up to €1,000 for research materials and equipment, allocated through the host institution.
ABCD Future Leaders Eligibility Criteria
- Started their PhD within the last three years.
- Be registered as full-time doctoral students at a university in a developing country.
- Have a research topic aligned with the ABCD-Centre’s research priorities.
- Demonstrate strong academic merit and motivation to contribute to their field.
- Have the ability to communicate effectively in English.
- Demonstrate adaptability and readiness to conduct research in Germany.
How to Apply for ABCD Future Leaders?
- Compile the required documents into a single PDF file
- Send the single PDF file to [email protected] by the application deadline of October 31st, 2026
- Include a personal motivation for the research stay (2-3 pages)
- Include a sample of a written scientific paper
- Include a recent Curriculum Vitae
- Indicate preferred host university (RWTH Aachen University, TU Dresden, or UNU Resource Nexus)
- Include a support letter from the home institution
- Preferably include an invitation letter by host scientist
- Include a statement of the ability to work online if remote work is required
- Include enrollment certificate and current transcript of records (not older than six months) from the home institution
- Include a passport copy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ABCD Future Leaders Scholarship 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, hosts, and how to apply.
What is the ABCD Future Leaders Scholarship?
The ABCD Future Leaders Scholarships are nine-month research stays for doctoral students from Developing Countries hosted by RWTH Aachen University, TU Dresden, or UNU Resource Nexus. The program supports research aligned with water security, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation, and aims to train Future Environmental Leaders to translate research into practice.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Eligible applicants are doctoral students who commenced their PhD studies within the last three years and are registered full-time at universities in Developing Countries. Applicants must propose research aligned with the ABCD-Centre clusters and indicate a preferred host university.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 31st, 2026. Applicants must compile all required documents into a single PDF and submit it by this date to the centre via the provided contact email.
What are the host institutions for the research stay?
Research stays can be hosted at RWTH Aachen University (Aachen, Germany), Technische Universität Dresden (Dresden, Germany), or UNU Resource Nexus (UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources) in Dresden, Germany. Applicants must state their preferred host in the application.
How long is the research stay and when does it take place?
The research stays are scheduled from March 1st, 2027, to November 30th, 2027, lasting nine months. Preference is given to candidates willing to spend the full nine-month period in Germany.
What financial support does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship typically includes monthly accommodation and living expenses of 1.200 €, a monthly insurance allowance up to 105 €, a one-time travel stipend up to 1.000 €, and up to 1.000 € for research project materials and equipment through the host institution.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a single PDF containing: a personal motivation (2-3 pages), a sample scientific paper, a recent CV, preferred host university, a support letter from the home institution, preferably an invitation letter by a host scientist, a statement on online work ability, enrollment certificate and transcript (not older than six months), and a passport copy.
How are applications evaluated?
Selection is based on academic merit, motivation to contribute to the field, and the quality of the research proposal. The ABCD-Centre Steering Committee reviews applications, with emphasis on candidates who plan to spend the full nine months in Germany and translate research into policy papers.
Are there language or other work requirements?
Proficiency in English, effective communication skills, and adaptability to research in Germany are stated as vital. Applicants should coordinate with their supervisor and home university on project alignment, timelines, and planned contributions to ABCD-Centre outreach activities.
How can I get more information or ask questions?
For inquiries, applicants can contact the ABCD-Centre at [email protected]. The application instructions and required documents are listed in the call, and applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from their local International Office and DAAD office for stay-related inquiries.
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