African Development Bank PhD Scholarship 2027

Overview

The African Development Bank funds African nationals to pursue doctoral degrees in priority development fields at partner universities across Africa, Europe, and North America. Recipients commit to working on African development challenges either through the Bank or in African public or private institutions after graduation. Around 25 to 35 PhDs per cycle. The 2027 cycle closes 31 October 2026.

Benefits

• Full tuition fees at the host university.
• Monthly living allowance set against host country cost of living.
• Return economy flights between home country and the host city per academic year.
• Research and conference travel allowance.
• Health insurance.
• Up to four years of PhD funding.
• Structured engagement with the African Development Bank’s research divisions.

Eligibility

• Citizen of an African Development Bank regional member country (every African country qualifies).
• Bachelor’s and Masters degrees completed with first-class or strong upper-second results.
• Holding, or with a credible application for, admission to a PhD programme at a recognised university.
• Research topic must align with one of the Bank’s High 5 priorities: light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialise Africa, integrate Africa, or improve quality of life for African people.
• Commitment to return to and work on the African continent for at least five years after the PhD.

How to apply

1. Open the African Development Bank’s Academy page at the source link to download the current call.
2. Identify a host university and proposed supervisor; secure a provisional offer or expression of interest before applying.
3. Complete the application: research proposal (10 to 15 pages), academic transcripts, two references, host-supervisor letter, and a return-to-Africa commitment statement.
4. Submit by 31 October 2026. Decisions are typically announced between February and April 2027.