Accra, Ghana – December 13, 2024: The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) has officially launched its call for applications for its PhD and Master’s programmes in Climate Change, for the 2025/2026 academic year. It is open to students from 12 West African countries. This marks another significant step in empowering the next generation of climate leaders across the region.
The WASCAL Climate Change Programmes, including PhD and Master’s degrees, continue to address the urgent need for climate resilience in West Africa. With the backing of the Government of Germany, through the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), along with renowned German universities, these programmes offer exceptional scholarship opportunities for qualified students. The collaboration highlights Germany’s commitment to global climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, providing both financial and academic support to future climate experts in West Africa.
Since its inception, WASCAL has transformed climate resilience strategies across West Africa. By training experts in climate science, policy, and sustainable practices, the programme has empowered individuals who are now playing critical roles in shaping climate strategies for governments, NGOs, and private sector actors. From advising national governments on climate adaptation plans to spearheading community-based initiatives, WASCAL graduates are instrumental in building climate resilience across the region.
To date, WASCAL has successfully trained over 500 students, producing highly skilled climate change experts who have gone on to become leading voices in climate resilience. These graduates have worked with key stakeholders to design policies that address the region’s vulnerability to climate impacts, particularly in areas such as agriculture, water resources, and disaster risk management. The programme has also contributed to the development of a strong network of climate professionals who collaborate across borders to share knowledge and solutions for sustainable development.
WASCAL invites young, passionate individuals from West Africa’s 12 participating countries to apply for the upcoming intake of the PhD and Master’s programmes in Climate Change. The programme provides an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on climate change, collaborate with leading global experts, and contribute to transformative projects that impact both local and international communities. Applications are open to students from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.
Applicants will benefit from the WASCAL Quality Scholarship Programme, which covers full tuition, living allowances, and research grants. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.
We urge all young and talented individuals in West Africa who are passionate about making a difference in the fight against climate change to apply for this opportunity. The world needs innovative solutions, and West Africa needs the leadership of its youth. Together, we can advance the region’s climate resilience agenda and secure a sustainable future for all.
The application process is open, and we encourage all interested applicants to visit the official WASCAL website at www.wascal.org for more details on the programmes and how to apply.
