The Right Livelihood College (RLC) at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Germany, is offering a DAAD-funded PhD research scholarship for a project focused on Land Degradation, Environmental Justice, and Socio-Cultural Dynamics in Africa.
The RLC is a transdisciplinary global initiative that collaborates with universities and the Right Livelihood Foundation, the organization behind the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” The ZEF campus at the University of Bonn hosts one of the RLC’s nine worldwide campuses. Through this initiative, the University of Bonn is supporting critical research on land degradation in Africa, an issue that affects the continent’s rural populations, particularly smallholder farmers.
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Information
Founded in 1818, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (University of Bonn) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Bonn (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), North Rhine-Westphalia. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (UNIBONN) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (UNIBONN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 201 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Offered Benefits
Research Position: Following the language course, the successful candidate will begin a 40-month Junior Researcher position at ZEF, University of Bonn, starting October 1, 2025.
Program Structure: During the first year, the candidate will participate in the ZEF Doctoral Studies Program, which includes comprehensive training and research support.
Funding: The DAAD scholarship covers the costs of the language course, travel, research, and provides a stipend for living expenses.
Application Process
Please send your completed application to Dr. Till Stellmacher, RLC Campus Bonn Programme Coordinator, via email at:
Required Documents:
- Hand-signed checklist (available on the DAAD website)
- DAAD application form for research grants and study
- Letter of motivation
- CV in EUROPASS format (including current date)
- Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts (with English translations if necessary)
- Letter of recommendation from the current employer (including official letterhead, signature, and stamp)
- Certificate(s) of employment showing a minimum of two years of relevant working experience (including official letterhead, signature, and stamp)
- Recommendation letter from the university
- Short PhD research proposal (maximum 5 pages) that narrows down the research scope, identifies a case study, and outlines a methodology.