The Transnational Centre for Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability - TRAJECTS is one of four DAAD-Funded Global Climate and Environment Centres. TRAJECTS seeks to create and/or strengthen research and teaching capacities on Just Transitions in Energy, Climate and Sustainability, especially in the Global South. 

The University of Cape Town (UCT) – the African hub of TRAJECTS – is offering 4 scholarships for students accepted into any UCT Masters program with a just energy, climate or sustainability transition angle.

During the course of their studies, scholarship recipients will be required to answer one (or more) questions from the TRAJECTS research “pool”, acquire new skills, and benefit from exchange with other consortium partners, researchers and different stakeholders, qualifying graduates for the local and international employment market. The research topic must be relevant to TRAJECTS’ main objectives and research topics, namely climate change mitigation in the context of either:

• Fossil fuel phase-out; and/or
• Changes in land management and ecosystem protection.

See a more detailed description of TRAJECTS objectives and topics at www.trajects.org

Eligibility criteria

1. English language proficiency.
2. The last degree certificate must not be older than six years when applying for the scholarship.
3. Acceptance into a Masters programme at UCT for 2024.
4. Must be newly enrolled at the beginning of the funding period*.
5. Funding shall be granted to awardees for a maximum of 4 semesters, up to the end of the stipend period, subject to an annual review of progress and performance*.

*Exceptions to criteria 4 and 5 above may be considered in exceptional cases, at the discretion of the TRAJECTS Scholarship Committee.

Selection criteria

Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their academic ability and performance, the relevance of their studies and research interests in terms of TRAJECTS, and other relevant experience. Consideration will further be given to the student’s need and to participation of underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

To be submitted in English, upon completion of the application form:

•  2-page CV
•  Motivation letter (up to 2 pages) incl. research interests and professional plans relevant to TRAJECTS.
• Academic recommendation letter.
• Proof of acceptance or enrolment into a suitable Masters programme at UCT.
• Proof of previously completed studies (transcript or copy of certificate).

Additional documents, where applicable:

• Other certificates (e.g. relevant work experience, training, internships, etc.).
• Self-declaration as a member of an underrepresented group.
• Proof of financial need.
• Proof of English literacy skills.