PhD Scholarships at University of Nairobi – Fully Funded Research Opportunities in France

PhD Scholarships at University of Nairobi – Fully Funded Research Opportunities in France

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

• Position: PhD Scholarship Recipient
• Location: University of Nairobi, Kenya, with Research Stays in France
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Joint PhD or Visiting PhD Program)
• Number of Scholarships: Five (5)
• Duration: Three (3) years
• Application Deadline: 19th May 2025

INTRODUCTION

The University of Nairobi’s Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) is offering five fully funded PhD scholarships aimed at fostering high-caliber research in science, engineering, and technology. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and is a collaborative effort between the Government of Kenya and the French Development Agency (AFD). The scholarship program provides an opportunity for qualified candidates to contribute to cutting-edge research while gaining international experience through academic placements in France.

These scholarships support doctoral training in five specialized Communities of Excellence (CoEs) that focus on innovation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. The program is ideal for academic staff members and MSc graduates seeking to advance their careers through international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and impactful research.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI AND ESC PROJECT

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is one of Africa’s premier institutions of higher learning, known for its academic excellence and research contributions. The Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) project is a flagship initiative designed to drive transformation in science, technology, and engineering education. Through this project, UoN aims to strengthen research ecosystems and innovation by training highly skilled professionals who will contribute to Kenya’s development.

The ESC program fosters interdisciplinary research through partnerships with leading French institutions, ensuring scholars have access to world-class facilities and mentorship. The scholarship recipients will benefit from the guidance of academic experts and gain hands-on experience in advanced research environments.

KEY RESEARCH AREAS AND COMMUNITIES OF EXCELLENCE

Successful applicants will conduct research in one of the following five specialized Communities of Excellence (CoEs):

1. Innovation Ecosystem – Maker spaces, fab labs, prototyping, PCB fabrication, precision machining, clean rooms, incubators, and technology transfer accelerators.
2. Advanced Manufacturing – Industry 4.0, digital twins, robotics and automation, industrial processes, and next-generation manufacturing technologies.
3. National Institute of Computer Science – Artificial intelligence (AI), data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and high-performance computing.
4. Agro and Food Engineering – Sustainable agriculture, food science, agro-ecology, food security, and innovative agricultural practices.
5. Biotech, Process, and Chemical Engineering – Bioprocessing, industrial biotechnology, circular economy, green chemistry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology innovations.

SCHOLARSHIP DURATION AND STRUCTURE

The PhD scholarship spans three (3) years and includes research placements at prestigious French universities. Scholars can enroll in one of two tracks:

• Joint PhD Program (18 months in France) – Leads to dual PhD degrees from the University of Nairobi and a partner university in France, with two research stays of nine months each.
• Visiting PhD Program (10 months in France) – Leads to a PhD from the University of Nairobi, with two research stays of five months each.

Partner institutions in France include Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, Chimie ParisTech PSL, AgroParisTech, Mines Paris PSL, and Ponts et Chaussées.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Kenyan citizen.
• Must be a full-time academic or research staff member at the University of Nairobi OR a Master’s graduate (with employment at UoN secured before starting the grant).
• Hold a Master’s degree in a field relevant to the chosen Community of Excellence.
• Be 40 years of age or younger at the time of application.
• Must not be holding another PhD scholarship at the time of application.
• Willing to spend two research periods (2×5 months or 2×9 months) in France.
• Have a strong background in research, innovation, and development projects, demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, or industry collaborations.
• Demonstrate how their research will contribute to knowledge creation and innovation, with potential for generating patents, start-ups, or industry partnerships.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Two letters of recommendation from senior academic staff (one must be from a prospective PhD supervisor).
2. Concept proposal (maximum four pages) outlining the roles of the institutions in Kenya and France.
3. Motivation letter detailing career goals and research interests.
4. Proof of industry collaboration (if available) or a clear strategy for industry engagement.
5. Commitment from a French academic partner (priority given to applicants with a secured research collaboration in France).
6. Applicants from underrepresented groups, including women and young academic faculty, are highly encouraged to apply.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

The scholarship covers the following expenses:

• Monthly stipend for living expenses: €1,500/month (France), KES 700/month (Kenya).
• Two return flight tickets to France (up to €1,300 each).
• Visa fees, medical insurance, and accident insurance (up to €400 per year).
• Research and laboratory expenses for work conducted in both Kenya and France.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be submitted online through the official application portal by 19th May 2025.

Important Notes:

• AI-generated or plagiarized proposals will be automatically disqualified.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENT

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CONCLUSION

This is an exceptional opportunity for Kenyan academics and researchers to gain global exposure and contribute to transformative research in science and engineering. The fully funded PhD scholarships provide financial support, world-class mentorship, and international networking opportunities that will empower scholars to make meaningful contributions to Kenya’s development. Apply now and take the next step toward an outstanding research career!