Deadline: November 15, 2025
Are you a passionate PhD student seeking to make a real impact in environmental research and sustainability? The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 offer an incredible opportunity for doctoral students from developing countries to advance their research, collaborate internationally, and gain hands-on experience at leading German institutions.
This prestigious programme, hosted by the ABCD Centre, supports promising scholars dedicated to solving pressing global environmental challenges through innovative, practical research.
Application Deadline
15 November 2025
All applications must be submitted on or before this date to be considered for the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026.
About the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026
The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 provide two fully-funded research scholarships lasting nine months each. The programme is open to doctoral (PhD) students enrolled at universities in developing countries, and aims to strengthen international collaboration on sustainability and environmental innovation.
The selected scholars will undertake a research stay at one of the following world-class institutions in Germany:
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technische Universität Dresden
- UNU-FLORES (United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources), Dresden
Priority Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposals with the following thematic priorities:
- Modelling of water infrastructure, digital twins, and habitat modelling
- Innovative monitoring for ecosystem resilience and nature-based adaptation
- Climate-driven water extremes in urban environments
- Sustainable business models for unconventional water resources
- Eco-friendly materials and sustainable building solutions for climate adaptation
These themes reflect the ABCD Centre’s mission to promote practical, interdisciplinary, and sustainable environmental solutions.
Financial Support
Each successful applicant will receive:
- Monthly stipend: €1,200 for accommodation and living expenses
- Insurance allowance: Up to €105 per month
- Travel stipend: Up to €1,000 (one-time payment)
This comprehensive funding ensures participants can fully focus on their research during their stay in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a PhD programme at a university located in a developing country
- Be within the first three years of their doctoral studies
- Have a research focus relevant to one or more of the programme’s priority themes
- Demonstrate a clear capacity and willingness to work both independently and collaboratively, including online (if remote work is required)
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing the following documents:
- Personal motivation statement (2–3 pages)
- Sample of a written scientific paper (preferably related to your research)
- Updated CV
- Two letters of recommendation from the home institution, directly linked to the research project
- Statement of ability to work online (if remote participation is required)
- Enrolment certificate and current academic transcript (issued within the last six months)
- Copy of a valid passport
Applications should be emailed to: 📧 (check below)
Additional Institutional Requirements
Applicants’ supervisors and home universities must:
- Confirm the research topic and ensure it aligns with the ABCD Centre’s research clusters
- Provide a detailed timeline of the doctoral project
- Specify the planned research stay in Germany, including timetable and expected outcomes
- Outline plans for future funding support
- Describe how the candidate will contribute to ABCD Centre’s outreach activities
Tips for a Strong Application
To increase your chances of success:
- Clearly connect your research to practical, sustainable outcomes
- Choose a writing sample that best reflects your analytical and research abilities
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from supervisors familiar with your work
- Collaborate early with your supervisor to craft a well-defined timeline and research plan
- Demonstrate how your stay in Germany will advance your doctoral research and future impact
- Ensure your motivation letter tells a compelling story about your vision as a future environmental leader
How to Apply
All application materials must be submitted as a single PDF document to abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de before 15 November 2025.
Important: Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
👉 Read more about the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 programme
Final Thoughts
The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 present an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers from developing countries to advance their expertise in environmental sustainability, build international networks, and contribute meaningful solutions to the world’s ecological challenges.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic and professional journey, start preparing your application today.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
