2027 UKUDLA Summer School in South Africa: Applications Open for MSc Students to Explore Data Science and Sustainable Food Systems

The 2027 UKUDLA Summer School: Building Resilient Food Systems through Data Science is inviting applications from eligible Master’s students at the University of Hohenheim in Germany for an international learning programme scheduled to take place in Mpumalanga, South Africa, from 6 to 18 March 2027.

Organised by the African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA), the programme will bring together MSc students from Germany, Malawi and South Africa to examine how data science can help address food-system challenges, particularly those intensified by climate change.

The summer school is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, interdisciplinary research experience and opportunities to engage with agricultural communities. Through hands-on training, field excursions and collaborative projects, participants will explore the relationship between data science, agriculture, environmental sustainability and food security.

The programme is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered, while meals will be partially provided.

Applications are open until 15 November 2026.

About the UKUDLA Summer School 2027

The UKUDLA Summer School is part of the capacity-building activities of the African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science. The centre focuses on strengthening research, education and collaboration in sustainable food systems and the application of data science to agricultural and food-related challenges.

The 2027 summer school will focus on the theme Building Resilient Food Systems through Data Science. It will examine how data-driven approaches can support food production, agricultural planning, environmental management and food security in a changing climate.

Climate change presents significant challenges to food systems across Africa and other regions. Changing rainfall patterns, droughts, extreme weather events, environmental degradation and pressure on natural resources can affect agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farming communities. Addressing these challenges requires approaches that combine agricultural knowledge, environmental understanding, technology and reliable data.

Data science provides tools for collecting, processing, analysing and interpreting information that can help researchers, policymakers, farmers and other stakeholders make better decisions. Technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and other data-analysis approaches can contribute to monitoring agricultural landscapes, assessing environmental conditions and identifying opportunities to strengthen food-system resilience.

The summer school will bring together students from different academic and geographical backgrounds to explore these issues. Participants will have opportunities to exchange knowledge, work in international teams and examine practical challenges affecting food systems in South Africa.

Dates and Location of the Summer School

The programme will take place over approximately two weeks, with the following details:

• Programme: 2027 UKUDLA Summer School
• Theme: Building Resilient Food Systems through Data Science
• Dates: 6–18 March 2027
• Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
• Organiser: African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA)
• Funding: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office
• Application deadline: 15 November 2026

Mpumalanga provides an important setting for the programme because of its agricultural landscapes, rural communities, biodiversity and environmental resources. Participants will explore the region while examining the connections between agriculture, food security, climate-related challenges and natural-resource management.

Main Objectives of the UKUDLA Summer School

The summer school is intended to strengthen participants’ understanding of the relationship between food systems and data science. It will provide an interdisciplinary learning environment where students can connect academic knowledge with practical applications.

The programme will focus on several objectives:

1. Understanding sustainable and resilient food systems

Participants will explore the characteristics of sustainable food systems and the factors that influence their resilience. This includes examining how agricultural production, food security, environmental conditions, community livelihoods and natural resources interact.

Students will also consider how food systems can respond to challenges associated with climate change and other pressures on agricultural production.

2. Applying data science to agricultural challenges

The programme will introduce participants to practical applications of data science in food-system research. Students will explore how data can be used to understand agricultural conditions, identify patterns, monitor environmental changes and support evidence-based decision-making.

3. Strengthening interdisciplinary research skills

Food-system challenges cannot be addressed through a single academic discipline. The summer school will encourage students to work across fields such as agriculture, environmental sciences, economics and data science.

This approach will help participants appreciate how different forms of expertise can contribute to developing solutions to complex challenges.

4. Encouraging collaboration and international knowledge exchange

By bringing together MSc students from Germany, Malawi and South Africa, the programme will create opportunities for international networking, teamwork and the exchange of research experiences.

Participants will work in diverse teams, learn from different perspectives and explore challenges affecting food systems across geographical contexts.

5. Developing transferable professional skills

In addition to technical knowledge, the summer school aims to strengthen skills that can be applied in academic research and professional environments. These include systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and science communication.

Programme Highlights and Learning Activities

The UKUDLA Summer School will combine classroom-based learning, practical exercises, field experiences, excursions and collaborative group activities. The programme is designed to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world food-system challenges.

Some of the main activities include the following:

1. Exploring the Lowveld Food Landscape

Participants will explore the Lowveld food landscape in Mpumalanga and examine the region’s agricultural activities, food-security conditions and climate-related challenges.

This experience will provide an opportunity to understand how environmental conditions, agricultural practices and local economic activities influence food production and access to food.

Students will consider issues such as agricultural sustainability, climate resilience, natural-resource management and the role of data in understanding regional food systems.

2. Learning About Smallholder Farming in Nkomazi

The summer school will include an opportunity to experience smallholder farming in Nkomazi and engage with local farmers and communities.

Smallholder farmers play an important role in food production and rural livelihoods across many African countries. However, they may face challenges associated with changing weather patterns, limited resources, agricultural productivity and access to relevant information.

Through engagement with farmers and local communities, participants will gain practical perspectives on the realities of agricultural production. They will also explore how research, technology and data-driven approaches can contribute to addressing challenges affecting smallholder farming.

This community-based experience will help students connect academic research with the needs and experiences of people working within local food systems.

3. Applying Data Science, GIS and Remote Sensing

A major component of the programme will focus on the application of data science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing to real-world food-system challenges.

These technologies have important applications in agriculture and environmental research.

Data science involves analysing information to identify patterns, understand relationships and support informed decisions. In agricultural contexts, it can help researchers examine production trends, environmental conditions and food-security challenges.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to collect, manage, analyse and display geographically referenced information. GIS can support agricultural mapping, land-use analysis, resource planning and the identification of environmental risks.

Remote sensing involves collecting information about the Earth’s surface using satellite imagery and other remote observation technologies. It can help monitor vegetation, land cover, agricultural landscapes and environmental changes over time.

By exploring these approaches, participants will gain insight into how digital technologies can support more informed agricultural and environmental decision-making.

4. Visiting Kruger National Park

The programme will include a visit to Kruger National Park, where participants will explore the connections between conservation, natural resources, livelihoods and food security.

The excursion will provide an opportunity to consider how biodiversity conservation and natural-resource management relate to the sustainability of surrounding communities and regional food systems.

Participants will examine the importance of balancing environmental protection with human activities and economic livelihoods.

This experience will also broaden their understanding of the relationship between ecological systems and sustainable development.

5. Discovering the Blyde River Canyon and Panorama Route

Participants will have an opportunity to discover parts of Mpumalanga, including the Blyde River Canyon and Panorama Route.

Beyond the tourism experience, these excursions will expose students to the region’s natural landscapes and environmental resources. They will provide additional context for discussions about conservation, natural-resource management and the relationship between communities and their surrounding environments.

6. Working in International and Interdisciplinary Teams

The summer school will encourage participants to think in systems and collaborate across academic disciplines.

Working in international teams will allow students to approach food-system challenges from different perspectives. Participants will have opportunities to share knowledge, exchange ideas and contribute to collaborative learning activities.

Systems thinking is particularly important when examining food systems because agricultural production, environmental conditions, economic activities, community livelihoods and food access are interconnected.

7. Developing Data-Driven Solutions for Resilient Food Systems

Participants will explore how data-driven approaches can support the development of practical solutions to food-system challenges.

This may involve examining available information, identifying challenges, discussing possible interventions and considering how evidence can inform agricultural and environmental decisions.

The emphasis will be on understanding how data science can contribute to sustainable and resilient food systems rather than treating technology as an isolated solution.

8. Strengthening Science and Data Communication

The programme will also focus on communicating scientific information and data effectively to different audiences.

Researchers and professionals need to communicate findings in ways that can be understood and used by different stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, communities, researchers and development organisations.

Participants will therefore have opportunities to strengthen their ability to explain scientific concepts, communicate research insights and present data-related information clearly.

Funding and Benefits for Selected Participants

The 2027 UKUDLA Summer School is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office.

According to the announcement, selected participants will receive support for key participation-related expenses.

The stated benefits include:

• Travel costs covered: Travel expenses associated with participation in the summer school will be covered.
• Accommodation covered: Accommodation costs during the programme will be covered.
• Partial meal provision: Meals will be partially provided throughout the summer school.

These provisions are intended to support selected students in attending the programme in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Applicants should note that the announcement specifically confirms coverage of travel and accommodation and partial provision of meals. It does not specify a separate monthly stipend, cash allowance, research grant or additional personal-expense funding.

Eligibility Requirements for the 2027 UKUDLA Summer School

The most important eligibility condition is that this particular application call is only open to MSc students at the University of Hohenheim in Germany.

Applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

1. Current MSc student at the University of Hohenheim: Applicants must be enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at the University of Hohenheim. Students from other universities are not eligible under the published call.
2. Relevant academic background: Applicants should have a background in one or more of the following fields:
   • Agriculture
   • Environmental sciences
   • Data science
   • Economics
   • Related academic disciplines
3. Academic records: Applicants must provide transcripts of records for their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. These should be issued by the examination office and show their academic progress and areas of study.

The announcement does not specify a minimum GPA, age limit, English-language test score, professional experience requirement or nationality restriction. However, applicants must satisfy the central requirement of being an MSc student at the University of Hohenheim.

Important for international applicants: Although the programme brings together students from Germany, Malawi and South Africa, the published application call is not open to all students from these countries or to African students generally. Eligibility is restricted to MSc students at the University of Hohenheim. Being an African citizen or studying at another African university does not, by itself, meet the stated requirement.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare three documents and combine them into one PDF file before submitting their application.

1. One-page motivation letter

The motivation letter should be limited to one page.

It should explain why the applicant is interested in participating in the 2027 UKUDLA Summer School and how the programme relates to their academic background, research interests and professional development.

Applicants may use the letter to demonstrate their interest in sustainable food systems, agricultural and environmental research, data science, climate resilience or interdisciplinary collaboration.

A strong motivation letter should clearly explain what the applicant hopes to learn and how they could contribute to the summer school’s collaborative learning environment.

2. Short CV in tabular form

Applicants must submit a short curriculum vitae (CV) in tabular format.

The CV should include contact details and relevant academic and professional information. Applicants should ensure that their educational background, research experience, relevant skills and other relevant activities are presented clearly.

Where applicable, students may highlight experience in agriculture, environmental research, data science, GIS, remote sensing, economics or related fields.

3. Academic transcripts

Applicants must provide transcripts of records for both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes.

The transcripts must be issued by the examination office and should detail the applicant’s academic progress and study focus.

Applicants should ensure that the documents are legible and complete before combining them into the final PDF.

How to Apply for the 2027 UKUDLA Summer School

Eligible MSc students at the University of Hohenheim should follow the official application instructions.

Step 1: Prepare the application documents

Prepare the following:

• A one-page motivation letter.
• A short CV in tabular format, including contact details.
• Official transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, issued by the examination office.

Step 2: Combine all documents into one PDF

The three application documents must be merged into a single PDF file. The announcement explicitly requests that applicants submit one combined PDF rather than separate attachments.

Step 3: Submit the application by email

Send the combined PDF to:

Email: ukudla@uni-hohenheim.de

Step 4: Submit before the deadline

Applications must be submitted by 15 November 2026. Applicants should ensure that their documents reach the designated email address before the deadline.

APPLY HERE 

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2027 UKUDLA Summer School is:

15 November 2026

Applicants should submit their complete application documents before this date. The programme is scheduled to take place from 6 to 18 March 2027 in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Official Application and Further Information Links

Applicants can use the following official resources to review the programme and obtain further information:

• Official Summer School announcement and application instructions: https://ukudla.uni-hohenheim.de/en/summer-school
• University of Hohenheim: https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/
• UKUDLA African-German Centre: https://ukudla-coe.ac.za/
• UKUDLA Data Science Learning Page: https://ukudla-edu.uni-hohenheim.de/index.html
• General programme inquiries: ukudla@uwc.ac.za
• Application submission email: ukudla@uni-hohenheim.de

Applicants should rely on the official UKUDLA announcement for the latest application requirements and any updates to the programme.

About the African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA)

The African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science, known as UKUDLA, is a collaborative initiative focused on sustainable food systems and the application of data science to agricultural and food-related challenges.

The centre brings together academic institutions and partners from Africa and Germany to support research, education, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

Its consortium includes:

• University of Hohenheim (Germany)
• University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
• University of Pretoria (South Africa)
• University of Mpumalanga (South Africa)
• Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Malawi)

Through collaborative activities such as summer schools, the centre aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research and develop knowledge and skills that can contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems.

The initiative is supported by funding institutions and agencies including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Federal Foreign Office and other participating institutions.

Conclusion

The 2027 UKUDLA Summer School: Building Resilient Food Systems through Data Science offers an interdisciplinary learning opportunity for eligible Master’s students at the University of Hohenheim who are interested in agriculture, environmental sciences, data science, economics and sustainable food systems.

Taking place in Mpumalanga, South Africa, from 6 to 18 March 2027, the programme combines practical training, field excursions, community engagement and international collaboration. Participants will explore the application of data science, GIS and remote sensing to real-world agricultural and environmental challenges while developing transferable skills in systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary research and science communication.

With travel and accommodation costs covered and meals partially provided, the summer school offers valuable support for selected participants to take part in an international academic programme.

Interested and eligible MSc students should prepare their one-page motivation letter, short tabular CV and official Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts, merge them into a single PDF and submit the application to ukudla@uni-hohenheim.de no later than 15 November 2026.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility restriction before applying, as this call is exclusively open to MSc students at the University of Hohenheim.

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