Fully Funded PhD Positions 2026 in Europe & Africa

Are you planning to start your PhD in 2026? A new international doctoral call is now open, offering 15 fully funded PhD positions across leading universities in Europe and Africa. These three-year doctoral positions bring together interdisciplinary research on climate change, global health, epidemics, environmental toxicity, migration, biodiversity, mental health, and biosecurity. The PhD starting date for all selected candidates is September 1, 2026.

All 15 positions are fully funded for three years, providing an exceptional opportunity for motivated researchers seeking to engage with urgent global challenges. Candidates are welcome to apply for more than one project. However, applications must be submitted directly to the university hosting each project, and applicants must carefully follow the specific application procedures outlined by the recruiting institution.

Participating Universities and Deadlines

Six major universities are recruiting doctoral candidates under this call:

Aarhus University (Denmark) is recruiting four Doctoral Candidates for Projects 2, 6, 8, and 10. The application deadline is March 15, 2026.

The University of Oslo (Norway) is recruiting three Doctoral Candidates for Projects 1, 9, and 14. The deadline is March 16, 2026.

KU Leuven (Belgium) is recruiting two Doctoral Candidates for Projects 7 and 13. The deadline is March 11, 2026.

The University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) is recruiting two Doctoral Candidates for Projects 5 and 15. The deadline is March 16, 2026.

The University of Nairobi (Kenya) is recruiting two Doctoral Candidates for Projects 4 and 12. The deadline is March 15, 2026.

The University of Cape Town (South Africa) is recruiting two Doctoral Candidates for Projects 3 and 11. Details about these projects will be released at a later date, and adequate time will be provided for proposal preparation.

Because deadlines vary between March 11 and March 16, 2026, applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their documents early.

Research Themes and Projects

The 15 PhD projects address interconnected global challenges at the intersection of environment, society, and health.

Key research topics include agricultural intensification and health transformations; climate change, migration, and elderly care; environmental toxicity and well-being; biodiversity and zoonotic diseases; epidemics and state formation in Africa; youth migration and climate adaptation; urban toxicity in extractive landscapes; gendered cancer epidemics; infrastructures of toxic evidence; biosecurity and food-related health risks; non-communicable diseases and environmental repair; urban commons and health infrastructures; youth mental health and gambling epidemics in times of environmental crisis; epidemics and natural disasters as economic enterprises; and vector-borne disease expertise and response in Africa and Europe.

These projects are highly interdisciplinary, combining public health, anthropology, environmental studies, epidemiology, social sciences, governance research, and development studies. Successful candidates will work within international research teams and benefit from cross-continental collaboration between European and African institutions.

Funding and Benefits

All positions are fully funded for three years. Funding typically covers tuition fees and provides a competitive doctoral salary or stipend in accordance with the regulations of the recruiting university. Candidates will gain access to high-quality research training, international academic networks, mobility opportunities, and strong supervision within globally recognized institutions.

Beyond financial support, these PhD positions offer the opportunity to conduct impactful research addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, including climate crisis, epidemic preparedness, environmental justice, and global health inequalities.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply directly to the university hosting their selected project. Each university has its own application portal, required documents, and eligibility criteria. Generally, candidates are expected to hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field and demonstrate strong academic performance and research motivation.

Because you may apply for more than one project, it is important to tailor each application carefully to the specific research focus and supervisory team. Ensure that all required documents, such as your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, references, and any project-specific materials, are prepared well in advance.

The PhD starting date is September 1, 2026. With deadlines between March 11 and March 16, 2026, this is a competitive and time-sensitive opportunity. Early preparation and careful review of each university’s application instructions will significantly strengthen your chances of success.

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