LaSoMa Laser and Solar Manufacturing offers fully funded PhD scholarships in Engineering for talented African candidates, with a mobility duration of 6-36 months, funded by the European Commission.
Application Deadline:
- 22 June 2026
Tell Me About the Scholarship:
The LaSoMa (Laser and Solar Manufacturing for Africa) Scholarship Programme, co-funded by the European Union, offers fully funded PhD scholarships in Engineering for talented African candidates.
It focuses on laser manufacturing technologies for solar systems, with emphasis on zero-defect, zero-waste production and climate change mitigation. Mobility duration ranges from 6 to 36 months, hosted in an African country different from the scholar’s nationality.
Which Fields are Eligible?
PhD programmes available at partner universities:
- Manufacturing & Electrical Engineering – Pentecost University, Ghana
- Mechatronic Engineering – JKUAT, Kenya
- Industrial & Materials Engineering – FUT Minna, Nigeria
- Engineering Physics – FU Lokoja, Nigeria
Type:
- PhD Scholarships | Africa | Engineering & Renewable Energy
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be nationals and residents of an African country.
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or related field.
- Demonstrate English proficiency.
- Align research interests with LaSoMa focus areas (laser manufacturing, solar systems, climate change).
- Not have previously received an Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2022–2027 scholarship.
- Commit not to benefit from another EU-funded scholarship (e.g., Erasmus+).
- Women (30%) and applicants with special needs (10%) are strongly encouraged.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Document Evaluation (70 points max): Academic performance, research proposal, publications, motivation letter, recommendation letters, language.
- Interview Assessment (70 points max): Technical knowledge, motivation, teamwork, communication, receptivity to new ideas.
- Minimum 35 points required at each stage.
- Final ranking out of 140 points.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria (host institutions).
- Applicants from all African countries may apply, but must study in a different African country than their nationality.
Where will the Scholarship be Taken?
- Pentecost University (Ghana)
- JKUAT (Kenya)
- FUT Minna (Nigeria)
- FU Lokoja (Nigeria)
How Many Awards?
- Multiple PhD scholarships available across partner universities.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?
- Full tuition fee waiver.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Medical insurance coverage.
- Research consumables and equipment access.
- Travel support for research visits and conferences.
- Joint academic + industry supervision.
- Publication support and conference funding.
- Participation in LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School (soft skills, technical training, practicals).
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- 6 to 36 months mobility duration depending on research programme.
Required Documents:
- Certified passport biodata page.
- Certified Bachelor’s & Master’s degree certificates and transcripts.
- CV (max 4 pages).
- 500-word motivation letter.
- Elevator pitch video (max 2 minutes).
- LaSoMa PhD research proposal (template provided).
- Two recommendation letters (dated within 3 months).
- Intra-Africa/ACP declaration form.
How to Apply:
- Contact host institution to confirm admission criteria.
- Review eligibility requirements.
- Prepare documents (PDF format, named properly).
- Request recommendation letters (sent directly to [email protected]).
- Complete online application via Apply for LaSoMa Scholarship portal.
- Receive confirmation and reference number.
- Shortlisted candidates invited for online interview.
- Successful candidates must gain admission, obtain visa, and sign scholarship agreement.
- Enrol in LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School and begin PhD research.
Note that:
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
- Call opens: 8 May 2026
- Notification: 13 July 2026
- Start date: September 2026
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
