Call for Engineers: LaSoMa Opens Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Engineering for African Students – Apply By 22 June 2026

LaSoMa has announced applications for its fully funded PhD scholarship programme in Engineering for African students interested in advanced research in laser and solar manufacturing technologies.

The scholarship programme is funded by the European Commission under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme and supports doctoral research focused on sustainable manufacturing systems, climate change mitigation, and renewable energy technologies.

Applications for the 2026 intake opened on 8 May 2026 and will close on 22 June 2026. Successful candidates are expected to begin their studies in September 2026.

About the LaSoMa Programme

LaSoMa, which stands for Laser and Solar Manufacturing, is a collaborative academic initiative focused on advancing engineering research and innovation in Africa. The programme promotes sustainable manufacturing approaches for solar systems components with an emphasis on:

• Zero-defect production
• Zero-waste manufacturing
• Climate change mitigation
• Renewable energy technologies
• Artificial intelligence integration in manufacturing

The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and supported through partnerships with African universities and industry stakeholders.

The programme aims to strengthen Africa’s engineering research capacity while supporting sustainable industrial development across the continent.

Scholarship Benefits

The LaSoMa scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for selected doctoral candidates throughout their mobility and research period.

The scholarship package includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Medical insurance coverage
• Research consumables and equipment access
• Travel support for research visits and conferences
• Access to laser manufacturing facilities
• Industry collaboration opportunities
• Publication and conference support

Scholarship recipients will also participate in the LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School, which combines technical and soft-skills training.

Mobility Duration

The programme supports mobility periods ranging from:

• 6 months to 36 months

Students must undertake their studies in an African country different from their nationality.

Participating Universities and PhD Programmes

The scholarship is available across several partner universities in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Pentecost University

PhD Engineering Programmes include:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Intelligence Engineering Systems
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The institution provides access to advanced laser manufacturing facilities and digital engineering infrastructure.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

PhD in Mechatronic Engineering with research focus areas including:

• Laser cutting and welding
• Machine learning in manufacturing
• CNC manufacturing systems
• Smart manufacturing integration

Federal University of Technology Minna

PhD programmes available in:

• Industrial and Production Engineering
• Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

Research strengths include laser cladding and additive manufacturing technologies.

Federal University Lokoja

PhD in Engineering Physics with focus areas including:

• Solar energy systems
• Photovoltaic materials
• Renewable energy storage
• Sustainable energy technologies

Research Areas

LaSoMa scholars will undertake research aligned with several strategic priority areas.

Research themes include:

• Laser manufacturing technologies
• Additive manufacturing for solar systems
• AI and machine learning in manufacturing
• Digital twins and lifecycle modelling
• Sustainable production systems
• Solar materials and climate mitigation
• Renewable energy innovation

The programme encourages interdisciplinary engineering solutions that contribute to climate resilience and sustainable industrialisation in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy several academic and mobility requirements.

Eligible candidates must:

• Be nationals and residents of African countries
• Hold a recognised Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• Demonstrate proficiency in English
• Have research interests aligned with LaSoMa focus areas
• Not have previously benefited from another Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme scholarship
• Commit not to receive another EU-funded scholarship during the mobility period

The programme strongly encourages applications from:

• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Underrepresented groups in engineering and research

LaSoMa aims to achieve at least:

• 30 percent female participation
• 10 percent participation from persons with special needs

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:

• Certified copy of international passport biodata page
• Certified Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum four pages)
• 500-word motivation letter
• Elevator pitch video link (maximum two minutes)
• LaSoMa PhD research proposal
• Two recommendation letters
• Intra-Africa/ACP declaration form

Recommendation letters must be sent directly by referees and should not be older than three months.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of two stages with a maximum total score of 140 points.

Stage One: Document Evaluation

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Academic performance
• Research proposal quality
• Publications
• Motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• English proficiency

Applicants must score at least 35 out of 70 points to proceed.

Stage Two: Online Interview

Shortlisted candidates will participate in online interviews evaluating:

• Technical understanding
• Motivation and commitment
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration potential
• Adaptability and innovation mindset

Final scholarship awards will be based on combined scores from both stages.

LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School

All scholarship recipients are required to participate in the LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School.

The training programme includes:

Soft Skills Development

Topics include:

• Leadership
• Project management
• Sustainability
• Communication skills
• Intellectual property rights

Technical Foundations

Training areas include:

• Laser manufacturing processes
• Artificial intelligence applications
• Big data science
• Digital twin technologies
• Sustainability modelling

Practical Laboratory Training

Face-to-face practical sessions will take place at Pentecost University in Ghana.

Important Dates

Key programme dates include:

• Call Opens: 8 May 2026
• Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
• Notification of Results: 13 July 2026
• Programme Start: September 2026

Application Process

Applicants are required to contact their preferred host institution before submitting an application to confirm eligibility and receive proposal guidance.

Applications are completed online through the LaSoMa scholarship portal.

Summary

The LaSoMa scholarship programme offers an important opportunity for African engineering graduates to pursue advanced doctoral research in sustainable manufacturing and renewable energy technologies. Through fully funded mobility, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary research training, the programme seeks to strengthen Africa’s engineering innovation ecosystem while supporting climate-smart industrial development across the continent.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.