The Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) is an African-led effort with the aim of advancing socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa by enhancing skills in the Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SSA).  The PASET flagship initiative is the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif). The focus of Rsif is on innovations that transform society in significant ways. It is supported by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, and is sponsored by contributions from governments in Africa, the World Bank, and the Government of Korea.

See also: Australia Awards in Africa

In order to address the shortage of highly qualified specialists in the fields of applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET) and to improve the research and innovation capacities in those areas in SSA, Rsif seeks to train top-notch PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. By offering funding through competitive grants, Rsif additionally supports the development of research and innovation ecosystems at particular African Host Universities (AHU). In five priority thematic areas—ICT, including big data and artificial intelligence; food security and agribusiness; minerals, mining, and materials engineering; energy, including renewable energy sources; and climate change—Rsif promotes education, research, and innovation.

Related: 10 Tips for Writing a Winning Research Grant Proposal

Duration

The PhD Scholarship lasts for three to four years and includes six to twelve months of “sandwich” training at a foreign partner university, research facility, or for-profit organization. Scholarships will be prioritized for women and current young academic faculty members without PhDs. In July 2023, the Rsif scholarships will be given out.

Suggested: Türkiye Scholarships and Key Considerations

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to be considered for the Rsif PhD Scholarship must:

• Be a citizen of Nigeria and Rwanda.
• Possess a master’s degree in a related field of study.
• Possess the necessary qualifications for admission to the Rsif African Host University where they wish to pursue a PhD.
• The applicants who are under 35 years old will be given preference.
• Be willing to enroll full-time in a PhD program at an Rsif AHU in the 2023-2024 academic year.
• When submitting an application for the Rsif PhD scholarship, you cannot hold any other PhD scholarships. .
• Be prepared to complete a “sandwich” training program lasting 6–12 months in a university, research center, or private business in another country.
• Establish how their research objectives support the development of Africa and are well-aligned with the Rsif Priority Thematic Areas.

Check also: University of Bonn SDG Fellowships

Deadline and How to Apply

Applications are accepted through icipe’s online application platform. Hardcopy or email-submitted applications will not be accepted. Application deadline is May 26, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (East Africa Time; UTC+3).

Further Information and Before Applying

If you are interested in knowing more about the Rsif PhD Scholarships Call for Rwandan and Nigerian Nationals, please visit the official website. You can find out more about Rsif by going to: www.rsif-paset.org

You may like: 10 Educational Opportunities Recommended in the New Year