The University of Johannesburg (UJ) invites highly qualified and motivated candidates from Germany to apply for a three-year doctoral scholarship in Sustainable Energy Governance, to support research activities linked to the ENERGISE project.

The ENERGISE Project is a partnership between the Technical University of Munich and four South African universities: the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Venda. It promotes interdisciplinary research combining engineering, entrepreneurship, and policy to advance a just energy transition in South Africa. The Center is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Federal Foreign Office (Line A), and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (Line B).

SARChI-Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation (TRCTI) provides research and technical support for the project, contributing expertise in transformative innovation, sustainability transitions, governance and sustainable development

The doctoral research will focus on the governance structures, institutional arrangements and policy instruments that can enable and accelerate a just energy transition. The doctoral scholar will be based at the University of Johannesburg and will work under the supervision of Professor Erika Kraemer-Mbula, Chairholder of UJ-TRCTI, with possible co-supervision by Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs from the Technical University of Munich (TUM School of Governance).

The scholarship runs for 36 months, with a possible extension of up to 6 months (subject to satisfactory academic progress and DAAD approval). It includes:

• a monthly stipend of EUR 1,825
• research mobility of EUR 2,000
• stays between South Africa and Germany
• Research mobility opportunities
• insurance support

ENERGISE doctoral scholars are expected to: 

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the work as a doctoral student.
• Participate and contribute to the activities of the ENERGISE Project
• Engage in academic exchange (i.e., visit and collaborate with partner universities)
• Present research at leading international conferences and publish in leading international academic journals (e.g. Energy Policy)

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in economics, public policy, development studies, science and technology studies, energy studies, environmental science, sustainability studies, or a related field. The highest qualification should not be more than 6 years. They must also be German citizens or permanent residents of Germany. More details about the application requirements can be found in the official announcement.

Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications must include a CV, a strong letter of motivation, a research proposal, certified copies of academic transcripts and qualifications, and one or two academic reference letters.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026 (23:59 SAST)

Applications must be submitted through the online application form (Link to the form provided in the attached announcement document).

Enquiries: Ms. Hakelo Mathebula; email: ujtrctiprojects@uj.ac.za