ENERGISE Scholarship supports doctoral research in Sustainable Energy Governance, funding full-time PhD bursaries to examine governance, institutions and policy instruments that enable just energy transitions. The ENERGISE Scholarship funds research mobility and provides a monthly stipend and insurance support to enable application-oriented, transdisciplinary research focused on decarbonisation and equitable access to clean energy.
The scholarship is hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) through the UJ-TRCTI and is part of the African German Center for Just Energy Transition funded via DAAD Line B and supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The doctoral scholar will be supervised by UJ faculty with possible co-supervision by a TUM School of Governance professor.
ENERGISE Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend of EUR 1,825
- EUR 2,000 in research mobility funding
- Opportunities for research stays between South Africa and Germany
- Potential research visits to German partner institutions
- International academic exchange opportunities
- Insurance support
- A possible extension of up to six months, subject to satisfactory academic progress and DAAD approval
ENERGISE Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- A master’s degree (or equivalent NQF Level 9 qualification) in economics, public policy, development studies, science and technology studies, energy studies, environmental science, sustainability studies, or a related field.
- The highest qualification should not be more than 6 years.
- A minimum average of 65% (or equivalent) in the master’s degree.
- The opportunity is specifically open to German citizens or permanent residents of Germany who meet the academic and research requirements.
- Knowledge of or interest in South African and African energy policy landscapes.
- Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- German language proficiency (advantageous given the project’s German-South African scope).
- Female candidates and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Suitable fields for ENERGISE Scholarship
- Economics
- Public policy
- Development studies
- Science and technology studies
- Energy studies
- Environmental science
- Sustainability studies
- A related field
Application Documents
- A detailed CV covering academic qualifications, research experience, publications, professional experience and relevant skills
- A motivation letter of no more than two pages
- A research proposal of no more than five pages
- Certified copies of academic qualifications and transcripts
- One or two academic reference letters
How to Apply for ENERGISE Scholarship?
- Submit a detailed CV outlining academic qualifications, research experience, publications (where applicable), professional experience, and relevant skills.
- Provide a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your motivation for pursuing doctoral research in Sustainable Energy Governance.
- Include a research proposal (maximum 5 pages) including the research problem, research objectives and questions, proposed methodology, expected outcomes, and the relevance to the ENERGISE project.
- Attach certified copies of academic transcripts and qualifications.
- Provide one or two academic reference letters from a professor or academic supervisor.
- Upload all documents through the online form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1pLC0F30ft by 30 September 2026 (23:59 SAST).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ENERGISE Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application requirements, supervision and research focus to help prospective applicants understand the opportunity and how to apply.
What is the ENERGISE Scholarship?
The ENERGISE Scholarship is a full-time, fully funded PhD bursary supporting doctoral research in Sustainable Energy Governance. It is part of the ENERGISE project within the African German Center for Just Energy Transition and is funded through DAAD Line B, aiming to support application-oriented, transdisciplinary research related to just energy transitions.
Who hosts the scholarship?
The scholarship is hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) under the UJ-TRCTI (SARChI in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable Development). Supervision will be provided by UJ faculty, notably Professor Erika Kraemer-Mbula, with possible co-supervision from Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs at TUM School of Governance.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent NQF Level 9 qualification) in a relevant field such as economics, public policy, energy studies, environmental science or related areas. The highest qualification should be not more than six years old, and applicants should have a minimum average of 65% (or equivalent) in the master’s degree.
What funding and benefits are provided?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of EUR 1,825, research mobility funds of EUR 2,000 for stays between South Africa and Germany, insurance support, and opportunities for research visits to German partner institutions. The bursary is for 36 months with a possible extension of up to six months pending progress and DAAD approval.
What research topics are supported?
PhD research must align with thematic areas in Innovation and Sustainable Development focused on Just Energy Transitions, including identification of sustainable energy solutions and environmental impacts, digital innovation and technology adoption in the energy sector, building partnerships for decarbonisation, and inclusive innovation for equitable access to clean energy.
Are there language requirements?
While the announcement emphasizes strong written and verbal communication skills in English, German language proficiency is listed as advantageous given the German-South African scope of the project. Applicants without German proficiency are not explicitly excluded but proficiency is beneficial for mobility and collaboration with German partners.
Can scholarship recipients work while funded?
Scholarship recipients may not hold the scholarship concurrently with salaried employment, whether on a part-time or full-time basis. The funding is intended to support full-time doctoral research and associated research activities and mobility.
What are the application documents required?
Applicants must submit a detailed CV, a motivation letter (maximum 2 pages), a research proposal (maximum 5 pages), certified copies of academic transcripts and qualifications, and one or two academic reference letters. The award is subject to meeting UJ’s formal doctoral admission requirements.
How and when do I apply?
Applications must be uploaded via the online form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1pLC0F30ft. All required documents must be submitted by 30 September 2026 (23:59 SAST). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; if no contact is received within four weeks of the closing date, consider the application unsuccessful.
Who can I contact for enquiries?
Enquiries regarding the ENERGISE Scholarship can be directed to Ms. Hakelo Mathebula via email at [email protected]. The final selection decision will be made by the Selection Commission of the TUM ENERGISE Center in accordance with applicable DAAD criteria.
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