OVERVIEW
The University of Ghana Collaborative on Climate Resilience and Sustainability (UG-CCReS) is committed to developing the next generation of African scholars and researchers focused on addressing climate resilience and sustainability challenges.
This initiative offers ambitious African scientists a platform to pursue advanced studies and conduct impactful research in an interdisciplinary environment that fosters leadership, innovation, and global collaboration. The UGCCReS Fellowship presents a unique opportunity for graduate students and early-career scientists to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with international partners, and contribute to sustainable solutions for climate-related challenges.
Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, UG-CCReS is offering fully funded and partially funded fellowships to outstanding African scientists at the Master’s, PhD, and Post-Doctoral levels. The programme is designed to equip early-career researchers with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to drive meaningful change in climate resilience and sustainability.
In line with its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, UG-CCReS will prioritise applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from displaced backgrounds.
Fellowship Categories
The UG-CCReS programme offers support under three distinct Fellowship categories:
Masters/Doctoral/Post-doctoral.
1.0 MASTER’S FELLOWSHIP
- Supports outstanding students pursuing a Master’s (MA/MSc/MPhil) degree in climate resilience and sustainability-related fields.
- Provides mentorship, research funding, entrepreneurship and leadership development opportunities.
1.1 Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a current student or should have submitted an application for admission to the University of Ghana.
- Be an African national committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainability.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised institution.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential.
1.2 Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive the following support:
- Full or partial tuition coverage at the University of Ghana.
- Research funding for fieldwork, data collection and publications.
- Monthly stipend to support living expenses.
- Access to international networks through UG-CCReS collaborations.
- Mentorship and career development opportunities.
- Participation in specialised training, workshops, and conferences.
1.3 Expectations from Fellows
Fellows will be expected to:
- Conduct high-quality research leading to the publication of at least one (1) paper in peerreviewed journals.
- Engage actively in academic seminars, training, and professional development activities.
- Collaborate with international and local research teams to advance climate resilience knowledge.
- Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and community engagement.
- Serve as ambassadors of UG-CCReS, inspiring future generations of African climate scientists.
- Contribute to capacity building at their host research laboratories.
2.0 PH.D. FELLOWSHIP
- Supports exceptional candidates seeking to advance their knowledge and research capabilities at the doctoral level.
- Fellows will undertake innovative research contributing to sustainable solutions for climate challenges.
2.1 Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a current student or should have submitted an application for admission to the University of Ghana.
- Be an African national committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainability.
- Possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field with proven research experience.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential.
- Have an academic background in environmental sciences, climate studies, sustainability, agriculture, water management, energy, policy, or related fields.
- Show a commitment to leadership, innovation, and problem-solving in climate-related challenges.
2.2 Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive the following support:
- • Full or partial tuition coverage at the University of Ghana.
- • Research funding for fieldwork, data collection and publications.
- • Monthly stipend to support living expenses.
- • Access to international networks through UG-CCReS collaborations.
- • Mentorship and career development opportunities.
- • Participation in specialised training, workshops, and conferences.
2.3 Expectations from Fellows
Fellows will be expected to:
- • Conduct high-quality research leading to the publication of at least two (2) papers in peerreviewed
- journals.
- • Engage actively in academic seminars, training, and professional development activities.
- • Collaborate with international and local research teams to advance climate resilience
- knowledge.
- • Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and community
- engagement.
- • Serve as ambassadors of UG-CCReS, inspiring future generations of African climate
- scientists.
- • Contribute to the training of graduate students.
- • Compete for external funding to pursue new research projects.
- • Contribute to research capacity building at their host research laboratories.
3.0 POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
- • Aimed at early-career researchers looking to establish independent research careers in
- climate resilience and sustainability.
- • Offers an opportunity for fellows to lead innovative research projects while collaborating with
- international experts
3.1 Eligibility Criteria
- • Be an African national committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainability.
- • Have completed a PhD within the last five years in a related field and shows evidence of
- research excellence.
- • Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential.
- • Have an academic background in environmental sciences, climate studies, sustainability,
- agriculture, water management, energy, policy, or related fields
- • Show a commitment to leadership, innovation, and problem-solving in climate-related
- challenges.
3.2 Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive the following support:
- • Monthly salary.
- • Research funding for fieldwork, data collection and publications.
- • Access to international networks through UG-CCReS collaborations.
- • Mentorship and career development opportunities.
- • Participation in specialised training, workshops, and conferences.
3.3 Expectations from Fellows
Fellows will be expected to:
- • Conduct high-quality research leading to publication of at least two (2) papers in peerreviewed
- journals.
- • Engage actively in academic seminars, training, and professional development activities.
- • Collaborate with international and local research teams to advance climate resilience
- knowledge.
- • Disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and community
- engagement.
- • Serve as ambassadors of UG-CCReS, inspiring future generations of African climate
- scientists.
- • Contribute to the training of graduate students.
- • Compete for external funding to pursue new research projects.
- • Contribute to research capacity building at their host research laboratories.
Key Research Areas
The UG-CCReS Fellowship focuses on the following thematic and priority research areas, where
fellows are encouraged to engage in innovative research and activities aimed at advancing climate
resilience and sustainability:
- 1. Renewable Energy Systems
- 2. Sustainable Agriculture
- 3. Urban Sustainability
- 4. Climate Policy and Local Governance
- 5. Climate Change and Health
- 6. Multi-level governance and traditional/Indigenous knowledge systems
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the UG-CCReS Fellowship Application using this link , and upload the required documents listed as a single PDF, saved with the applicant's full name in the form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – A CV highlighting academic qualifications, research experience, leadership roles, and relevant achievements.
- Statement of Purpose (Maximum 500 words) – Outlining the applicant’s motivation, research interests, and how their work aligns with climate resilience and sustainability.
- Research Proposal (PhD & Post-Doctoral Applicants Only) – A well-structured research proposal (max. 3 pages) including the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected impact.
- Research timeline and brief research budget cost with justification [Download budget template using this link].
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates – Certified copies of relevant academic records.
- Names and email addresses of three referees who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications, character and achievements.
- Proof of Citizenship of an African country– A copy of a national ID card or passport.
- Special Consideration Documents (If Applicable) – Applicants from displaced backgrounds or persons with disabilities may submit supporting documents.
** Kindly format written texts in Times New Roman, 12-point font, with single line spacing.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
For inquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
Join us in shaping Africa’s climate-resilient future!
