World Maritime University PhD Fellowship for Africans in Sweden 2026/2027: SEK 22,000 Monthly Allowance for 4 Years

The World Maritime University (WMU) is inviting applications for a PhD fellowship funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) through the WMU–LRF Africa Programme. This research aims to enhance seafaring as a skilled employment avenue within Sub-Saharan Africa’s Blue Economy by analyzing various factors related to education, institutions, and the labor market. Applicants can investigate areas such as seafarer education and training, employment access, and their interrelations.

• Deadline: 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET (Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis until the fellowship is filled).
• Desired Start Date: No later than 1 April 2027.

Tell Me About The Program:

The World Maritime University (WMU) – Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) Africa Programme PhD Fellowship is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity based in Malmö, Sweden. Supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the fellowship supports an original PhD project investigating how countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can develop seafaring into a source of skilled employment and economic growth within the Blue Economy. The fellow will analyze educational, institutional, and labor market factors affecting access to seafaring careers and contribute research support to the EU-funded IMO Future-Ready Shipping (FRS) in Africa Project.

Which Fields are Eligible:

• Maritime Affairs, Maritime Education and Training (MET), Political Science, Social Sciences, Development Economics, Labor Market Economics, Public Policy, or related interdisciplinary fields connected to Blue Economy and seafaring.

Type:

Fully Funded On-Site Doctoral Fellowship & Research Assistantship

Who can Apply:

• Academic Qualifications: Must hold a completed Master’s degree (with a thesis/dissertation) in Maritime Affairs, MET, Political/Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Regional Focus & Preference: Preference is explicitly given to qualified applicants originating from Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Research Ability: Must demonstrate strong qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods analytical skills and a well-formulated research proposal.
• Language Proficiency: High level of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 96+, or Cambridge Proficiency Grade A/B).
• Residency Requirement: Must reside and conduct research on-site at WMU headquarters in Malmö, Sweden for the duration of the PhD program (remote participation is not permitted).

How Applicants Are Selected:

Applications are evaluated by WMU’s Doctoral Admissions Board in collaboration with the WMU–LRF Africa Programme and LRF. Candidates are selected based on the quality and feasibility of their research proposal, academic background, methodological rigor, and alignment with the Africa Programme’s objectives. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Which Countries Are Eligible:

Global (Strong preference given to candidates originating from Sub-Saharan African countries).

Where will the Program be Taken:

World Maritime University (WMU) Headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.

How Many Fellows / Grantees:

1 PhD Fellow selected for the Africa Programme cohort.

What is the Benefit of the Program:

• Full Tuition Coverage: 100% waiver of WMU doctoral tuition fees.
• Monthly Living Allowance: Monthly stipend of approximately SEK 22,000 per month for up to 4 years (subject to satisfactory annual progress).
• Research Expenses: Budget support for research travel, conference attendance, software, and open-access publication fees upon approval.

How Long Will it Last:

Up to 4 Years (Full-time doctoral study, starting no later than April 2027).

Required Application Documents:

1. Completed WMU PhD Application Form.
2. Completed WMU PhD Research Proposal (identifying research questions, scope, methods, and feasibility).
3. One-Page Motivation Letter clearly titled: "WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026".
4. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
5. Certified copies of Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts.
6. Evidence of English language proficiency.
7. Copy of passport data page.
8. Two Academic Reference Letters: Must be sent directly by referees to [email protected] with the email subject line "WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026".

How to Apply:

1. Review the official Terms of Reference on the WMU Portal.
2. Develop a comprehensive research proposal focused on MET, labor market access, or seafarer development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Request two academic referees to email their recommendation letters directly to [email protected] using the exact required subject line.
4. Access the online portal via the WMU PhD in Maritime Affairs Page and submit all application documents before 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
5. Direct informal inquiries or research proposal questions to Ms. Dofilia Kaloia (Africa Programme Officer) at [email protected].

Visit the Application Webpage for Details