Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The LaSoMa Programme is offering fully funded PhD scholarships in Engineering for African candidates through support from the European Commission under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. The programme supports advanced research in laser manufacturing, renewable energy systems, zero-defect production, photovoltaic technologies, and climate change mitigation.
Selected scholars will receive full funding covering tuition, monthly stipends, research costs, travel, insurance, conference participation, and industrial training opportunities at partner universities and companies across Africa.
Overview of the LaSoMa Programme
LaSoMa is an international academic mobility and research programme focused on sustainable manufacturing technologies and renewable energy innovation.
The initiative supports doctoral research related to:
- Laser manufacturing
- Solar systems components
- Sustainable engineering
- Climate change mitigation
- Renewable energy technologies
- Zero-defect and zero-waste manufacturing
The programme combines academic research, industrial training, technical skills development, and international collaboration.
Key Research Areas
The scholarship supports research in:
- Laser manufacturing technologies
- Digital twins and lifecycle modelling
- AI and machine learning for manufacturing
- Solar materials and photovoltaic systems
- Renewable energy technologies
- Battery components and storage systems
- Sustainable production systems
- Climate change mitigation
- Smart manufacturing and industrial systems
Applicants should align their research interests with the programme’s sustainability and manufacturing goals.
Academic Disciplines Supported
Eligible PhD fields include:
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Industrial and Production Engineering
- Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Intelligence Engineering Systems
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Solar Energy Systems
- Energy Storage Systems
Interdisciplinary engineering research is also encouraged.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarships are fully funded through the European Commission.
Funding Coverage
Selected scholars will receive support for:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Research consumables
- Medical insurance
- Conference participation
- Training costs
- Travel expenses
- Research visits
- Preparatory Graduate School participation
The programme budget totals:
- €604,800
Industrial Training Opportunities
LaSoMa also offers:
- Industrial traineeships lasting 4–6 months
Training includes:
- Practical experience in laser manufacturing
- Industry-based supervised learning
- Access to advanced manufacturing facilities
- Hands-on renewable energy systems exposure
Travel and accommodation support are included during traineeships.
Partner Universities
The programme is hosted by partner institutions across Africa, including:
- Pentecost University, Ghana
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
- Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria
- Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria
Scholars will conduct research within these partner institutions and associated laboratories.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to African candidates interested in advanced engineering and sustainability research.
Eligible applicants include:
- African nationals
- Residents of African countries
- Candidates with engineering-related academic backgrounds
Women and applicants with special needs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be nationals and residents of an African country
- Hold a recognised Master’s degree or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
- Have research interests aligned with programme focus areas
Applicants must not:
- Have previously received funding under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2022–2027
- Receive another EU-funded scholarship during the mobility period
Why the Programme Matters
Africa faces growing challenges related to:
- Climate change
- Energy access
- Sustainable industrial development
- Renewable energy transition
- Advanced manufacturing capacity
The LaSoMa programme helps strengthen:
- African engineering research capacity
- Sustainable manufacturing innovation
- Renewable energy expertise
- Climate-focused technological development
- Industry-academia collaboration
The initiative also promotes international mobility and advanced technical training for African researchers.
How the Scholarship Programme Works
Selected scholars will undertake doctoral research combined with mobility, training, and industrial exposure.
Programme Structure
- Selection of eligible PhD candidates
- Enrollment at partner universities
- Participation in preparatory graduate training
- Conduct of doctoral research
- Industrial traineeship participation
- Conference and research collaboration activities
The programme integrates both academic and practical engineering experience.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly align research interests with LaSoMa themes
- Demonstrate strong academic and research backgrounds
- Highlight sustainability and climate relevance
- Present realistic research objectives
- Show interest in interdisciplinary engineering innovation
Strong applications usually include:
- Clear research proposals
- Renewable energy or manufacturing focus
- Technical and analytical skills
- Motivation for climate impact research
- Long-term academic or industry goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the LaSoMa Programme?
LaSoMa is a fully funded PhD mobility and research programme focused on laser manufacturing, renewable energy, and climate change mitigation.
Who funds the scholarships?
The scholarships are funded by the European Commission under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme.
What expenses are covered?
The programme covers tuition, stipends, travel, insurance, research costs, conference participation, and training expenses.
Who can apply?
African nationals and residents with a Master’s degree in Engineering or related fields can apply.
Which universities are involved?
Partner institutions are located in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Are industrial placements included?
Yes, scholars may participate in 4–6 month industrial traineeships.
Can applicants receive another EU scholarship simultaneously?
No, applicants cannot benefit from another EU-funded scholarship during the LaSoMa mobility period.
Conclusion
The LaSoMa Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2026 provide an important opportunity for African engineering graduates to pursue advanced research in sustainable manufacturing, renewable energy systems, and climate change mitigation. By combining doctoral research, technical training, industrial exposure, and international collaboration, the programme aims to strengthen Africa’s scientific and engineering capacity for a more sustainable future.
The initiative also supports innovation in laser manufacturing and clean energy technologies while promoting inclusion, mobility, and high-impact engineering research across the African continent.
For more information, visit LaSoMa.