Deadline Date: January 25, 2026
The Regional Research School in Forest Sciences Programme is inviting qualified candidates to apply and compete for the 20 PhD Forest Science scholarships available for a maximum period of four years starting from April/May 2026.
The following themes are Commercial forestry and bio-economy, Sustainable Natural Forest Management, Agroforestry, Climate change, and Biodiversity and Ecosystems. The Regional Research School in Forest Sciences Programme (REFOREST Africa PhD Programme) is coordinated by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism of Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania and is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
The overall objective of the Programme is to enhance the quality, relevance and reach of forest research for transformation of livelihoods and environment in Eastern and Southern Africa through strengthening capacity and quality of forestry education, producing PhD level scientists capable of solving forest management problems and facilitating networking, partnership and knowledge management.
The Programme is implemented in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden, Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, the National University of Rwanda in Rwanda, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources of Hawassa University in Ethiopia, and Makerere University in Uganda.
During the first phase of the Sida-supported Programme from January 2020 to March 2025, eighteen PhD students successfully completed their studies, graduated, returned to their home countries and are currently working in forestry and related positions. For the next phase, the Programme is offering twenty PhD Forest Science scholarships for a maximum period of four years, starting from April or May 2026.
The scholarship covers travel expenses, including economy travel tickets, tuition fees, a stipend, approved research costs and health insurance while in Tanzania. Eligible applicants must hold a Master’s degree in forestry or allied sciences from a reputable and recognized university and must be citizens, including refugees, of Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania or Uganda. Applicants are also required to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language, which is the medium of instruction for the Programme.
The Programme has been gender sensitive and proactively supports female candidates to excel in forestry carriers, with special support considered for female candidates who have special needs. Female candidates are therefore highly encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be admitted and registered at Sokoine University of Agriculture.
The PhD Forest Sciences Degree Programme consists of one year of coursework followed by three years of research, including publishing papers in internationally recognized journals and completing thesis writing before graduation. Each applicant must submit a concept note aligned with one of the specified themes as part of the application process.
After completing coursework, students will conduct research in their home countries under the supervision of a joint team of three senior academics from Sokoine University of Agriculture, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and a partner university in the applicant’s home country.
Applicants are required to submit an application letter accompanied by a curriculum vitae with a recent passport photo, certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates, a brief concept note, evidence of English language proficiency, a letter of support from their current institution or employer, and a national identity document. The deadline for receiving applications is 25th January 2026.
