ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027 in Germany

Applications are now open for the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2027, offered by the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre). This international initiative, jointly led by RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden, UNU-FLORES, Asian Institute of Technology, and IIT Madras, focuses on advancing research in water security, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation through collaboration between Europe and Asia.

The scholarships support doctoral students from developing countries who aim to translate environmental research into practical solutions for sustainable water and climate management. Two fully funded nine-month research stays in Germany are available at RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden, or UNU-FLORES, running from March 1 to November 30, 2027.

Applicants are encouraged to propose research aligned with the ABCD-Centre’s thematic clusters, including water management, ecosystem resilience, climate-driven water challenges, sustainable business models, and eco-friendly building solutions. The program provides monthly living support, insurance, travel allowance, and research funding to help scholars advance innovative, impactful research within an international network of experts.

Applicants must compile the following documents into a single PDF file and send it via email to [email protected] before deadline:

Personal motivation statement for the research stay (2–3 pages)

Sample of a written scientific paper

Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Two recent letters of recommendation from the home institution

Statement confirming ability to work online (if required)

Enrollment certificate and current transcript of records (not older than 6 months)

Passport copy

Additionally, the home supervisor and university must agree on

A research topic matching the ABCD-Centre clusters

A detailed doctoral project timeline

A clear plan for research activities in Germany

Planned contributions to ABCD-Centre outreach activities

Applicants must meet the following criteria

Be enrolled as a full-time doctoral student at a university in a developing country

Have commenced PhD studies within the last three years

Propose a research topic aligned with one or more of the ABCD-Centre’s research clusters

Demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to environmental and climate research

Be proficient in English and capable of conducting research independently

Be willing to spend the whole nine months in Germany

The Steering Committee of the ABCD-Centre will evaluate applications based on

Academic excellence and research potential

Quality, originality, and feasibility of the research proposal

Motivation and commitment to advancing climate adaptation solutions

Communication skills and the ability to collaborate internationally

Preference for candidates willing to stay the whole nine months, and those translating research into policy impact

The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship offers comprehensive funding to support doctoral research stays in Germany, including:

Monthly living and accommodation allowance: €1,200

Monthly insurance allowance: Up to €105

One-time travel stipend: Up to €1,000

Research support fund: Up to €1,000 for project materials and equipment

Full institutional and academic supervision through the host university

Integration into the international research community and ABCD-Centre networks

Prepare all required documents into a single PDF file.

Email the complete application to: [email protected]

Submit before the deadline.

For questions or support, contact: [email protected]

Applicants are encouraged to seek guidance from their local DAAD or International Office for visa and stay-related matters.

Further details and information are available on the official website of the ABCD Center.