Applications are open for global south students to apply for  the TRAJECTS Master Scholarships 2026–2028, a fully funded postgraduate opportunity designed to support research on just transitions in energy, climate, and sustainability. The initiative is coordinated by the Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability (TRAJECTS) and funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The programme aims to strengthen research capacity and leadership on climate and energy transitions, particularly in the Global South. Eight selected scholars will pursue their master’s degrees at partner universities in South Africa and Colombia, working on research that addresses urgent environmental and socio-economic transformation challenges.

The scholarship runs for two years (August 2026 – July 2028) and offers financial support to outstanding students committed to advancing sustainable and equitable energy transitions.

Host Universities

Selected candidates will study at one of the following institutions:

• University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa – 2 scholarships

• Universidad del Magdalena (UMS), Santa Marta, Colombia – 4 scholarships

• Universidad Nacional de Colombia (IDEA), Bogotá – 2 scholarships

Each scholar will be enrolled in a master’s programme at the host university and will conduct research under the guidance of academic supervisors within the TRAJECTS network.

Research Areas

Applicants are expected to design a research project aligned with the centre’s core themes. These include:

• Climate change mitigation and fossil fuel phase-out

• Sustainable integration of renewable energy systems

• Socio-ecological transitions in regions dependent on fossil fuels

Potential research topics may explore areas such as energy transition policies, renewable energy systems, circular economy approaches, labour transformation in fossil-fuel regions, agroecology, environmental conflicts related to extraction, or climate-resilient development strategies.

Applicants may also propose independent research ideas, provided they align with the objectives of sustainable and just energy transitions.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials in PDF format:

• Undergraduate degree certificate or graduation document

• Academic transcripts

• Proof of admission or enrolment in an eligible master’s programme

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)

• Academic motivation letter (maximum two pages)

• Research proposal (maximum three pages)

• Academic recommendation letter

• Optional self-declaration regarding vulnerability or minority status

Certificates should be submitted in their original language along with simple translations where necessary.

Application Timeline

• 3 April 2026: Application deadline

• 20 April 2026: Shortlisted candidates notified

• 4–5 May 2026: Virtual interviews

• 15 May 2026: Selected candidates announced

• 22 May 2026: Deadline to accept the scholarship

• 29 May 2026: Final list of scholarship recipients published

The deadline to submit applications is 3 April 2026 (11:59 PM South Africa time).

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.