RAMDDA PhD Scholarships in Drug Discovery – Call for Applications
The RAMDDA (Research and Academic Mobility for Promoting Drug Discovery in Africa) project invites applications for four (4) fully funded full-time PhD scholarships in chemistry-related fields with relevance to drug discovery. The scholarships are funded under an EU-supported Intra-Africa Academic Mobility framework and will support outstanding candidates to pursue doctoral studies at partner institutions in Africa.
Through this call, two (2) scholarships are offered at the University of Botswana (UB) and two (2) scholarships at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa. The duration of each scholarship is three years.
Fields of Study
Depending on the host institution, applicants may apply in the following areas:
- Organic Chemistry – natural products chemistry, isolation, structural elucidation, synthesis, and bioactive compound development.
- Physical Chemistry – computational and/or experimental physical chemistry with relevance to drug discovery (UB only).
Scholarship Benefits
Each scholarship offers the following benefits:
- Monthly living allowance: EUR 1,230
- Full tuition fee coverage at the host university (UB or UFS)
- Health insurance for the full duration of the PhD programme (three years)
The scholarship is awarded as a full-time study grant and does not constitute an employment contract. Recipients may not hold another EU-funded scholarship concurrently.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals and residents of an African country
- Hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related discipline
- Meet the PhD admission requirements of the chosen host university (UB or UFS)
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation for doctoral research
- Be available for full-time, on-site study for the entire three-year duration of the programme
- Comply with EACEA / Intra-Africa Action eligibility and mobility rules
To strengthen academic mobility, funder rules specify that:
- Nationals of Botswana are not eligible for the UB scholarships, but may apply for the UFS scholarships.
- Nationals of South Africa are not eligible for the UFS scholarships, but may apply for the UB scholarships.
In line with EU principles of equal opportunity and inclusion, women and candidates from under-represented or disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Selection Process
The selection process will be competitive, transparent, and merit-based. Assessment will consider:
- Academic excellence and track record
- Relevance of previous training to the selected field of study
- Quality of the motivation letter and research/study plan
- Compliance with project and EACEA eligibility requirements
Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package. The detailed checklists for each host institution are provided in the attached call documents. In general, applications will require:
- Completed application form
- Copy of passport (biodata pages)
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates (BSc and MSc or equivalent)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research/Study plan (as per the provided template)
- Motivation letter indicating preferred host institution and field
- Proof of residence (national ID or equivalent)
- Evidence of English or other relevant language proficiency (if available)
- Two recommendation letters
- Optional: proof of work experience, list of publications and conference presentations, and proof of belonging to a disadvantaged group (if applicable)
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are therefore strongly advised to follow the instructions in the attached call documents carefully.
Application Deadline and Start Date
- Application deadline: 28 February 2026
- Programme start date: As soon as possible after completion of the selection and administrative processes.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file via the link on the RAMDDA website (www.ramdda.org) or by email to ramddaorg@gmail.com, as specified in the attached call documents for each host institution.
Call Documents
Detailed information about eligibility, host-institution specific requirements, and application procedures can be found in the following attached documents, which should be read carefully before applying:
- University of Botswana (UB): Call for Applications – PhD Scholarships (RAMDDA Project)
- University of the Free State (UFS): Call for Applications – PhD Scholarships (RAMDDA Project)
About RAMDDA
RAMDDA (Research and Academic Mobility for Promoting Drug Discovery in Africa) is a collaborative academic mobility and research capacity-building project that brings together:
University of Botswana, University of the Free State, Addis Ababa University, University of Ghana, Adama Science and Technology University, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, and University College Cork.
The project aims to strengthen postgraduate training and research in drug discovery, foster sustainable scientific partnerships, and contribute to improved health outcomes across the African continent.
