The JKUAT SEED Centre, part of the TUM SEED Center Network funded by the DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is inviting applications for a 4-year doctoral scholarship on “Energy policy in the Global South”.

About the scholarship

The funded position supports a PhD in Electrical Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya. The doctoral research will focus on the regulatory and participatory governance of decentralized electricity systems and mini-grids, contributing to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy for All.

Co-supervision by a professor from the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology (Germany) is possible.

Who can apply?

We particularly welcome applications from:

• master’s graduates in Electrical engineering, Mechanical engineering, or related fields with an energy/climate policy focus,

and who:

• come from eligible countries in the Global South,
• have an excellent academic track record, and
• are highly motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of sustainable energies, entrepreneurship, and development.

Scholarship benefits

The SEED doctoral scholarship includes:

• A monthly stipend
• International mobility grants within the SEED network
• Integration into an international and interdisciplinary doctoral community

Expectations for SEED doctoral scholars

SEED doctoral scholars are expected to:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to their doctoral research
• Participate in and contribute to the activities of the SEED Center (e.g. annual symposia)
• Engage in academic exchange, including visits and collaborations with SEED partner universities
• Support student initiative activities at the partner university

Application requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields (with a focus on energy/climate policy)
• Excellent academic record
• Nationality from one of the eligible countries in the Global South
• Strong motivation and a high interest in scientific work and writing

Key dates

• Program start: 1 January 2026
• Application deadline: 8 December 2025

Contact and further information

For questions, please contact JKUAT SEED Centre at jkuatseed(at)jkuat.ac.ke

All details on eligibility, funding, and the application process can be found in the full call for applications.