The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, is offering a fully funded PhD fellowship under the WMU–Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) Africa Programme. The fellow will research how Sub-Saharan African countries can turn seafaring into skilled jobs within the Blue Economy. The fellowship covers tuition fees and a monthly stipend of about SEK 22,000 for up to four years, and preference goes to applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
First review of applications: 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET (11:59 pm WAT, 00:59 am CAT/SAST and 1:59 am EAT on 1 December). WMU says the call stays open after this date and later applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the fellowship is filled, but applying before 30 November gives you the best chance. The fellow should start no later than 1 April 2027.
Key Details
- Host: World Maritime University (established by the International Maritime Organization), Malmö, Sweden
- Funder: Lloyd’s Register Foundation, through the WMU–LRF Africa Programme
- Level: PhD in Maritime Affairs (one fellowship)
- Research focus: African seafarers and the Blue Economy, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa
- Duration: up to four years, subject to annual progress
- Location: on site in Malmö; the fellowship cannot be held remotely
- First review: 30 November 2026, then rolling until filled
- Start: no later than 1 April 2027
Benefits
- Full tuition fees covered
- A monthly stipend of about SEK 22,000 for living costs, reviewed for possible increases at each progression seminar
- Possible support for research travel, conferences, open-access publication fees and research software, subject to approval
- The chance to collect data through the IMO’s EU-funded Future-Ready Shipping (FRS) in Africa project, working with maritime training institutions on green and digital shipping
Research Areas
You can focus on one of two directions, or a clear combination of both:
- Maritime education and training (MET) and pathways into jobs: how African MET systems prepare seafarers and how training can better match employment
- Labour markets for African seafarers: what shapes their access to regional and international jobs and how to expand decent, sustainable employment
You do not need to cover the whole continent. A project can focus on selected countries, institutions or groups of seafarers, using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods.
Eligibility
- Preference for applicants originating from Sub-Saharan Africa; your current country of residence does not affect eligibility
- A Master’s degree with a dissertation in maritime education and training, political or social sciences, maritime affairs, or another relevant field
- Ability to design an original doctoral project, strong academic writing, and knowledge of suitable research methods
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 96+ (paper 590+), IELTS 7.0+, Cambridge Proficiency grade A or B, or a good pass at GCE O-level or equivalent
- Experience in the maritime industry or MET is an advantage; qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply
How to Apply
- Read the Terms of Reference (PDF) and the official WMU fellowship vacancy.
- Download and complete the WMU PhD Application Form and the WMU PhD Research Proposal template from the WMU PhD in Maritime Affairs page.
- Write a one-page motivation letter that names the application as “WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026”.
- Prepare your CV, certified degree certificates and transcripts, English evidence and a copy of your passport data page.
- Submit everything through WMU’s online application portal, linked from the PhD programme page.
- Ask two academic referees to email their letters directly to [email protected] with the subject line “WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026”.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, possibly for an online interview. Questions about the research focus can go to Ms Dofilia Kaloia, Africa Programme Officer, at [email protected]; WMU welcomes informal contact before you apply.
Tips for Nigerian and African Applicants
- The research proposal is the main selection factor. Pick a sharp question, for example why Nigerian cadets struggle to get sea-time placements, or how Ghanaian or Kenyan maritime academies can match STCW training to shipping company needs.
- Use local data sources you can actually access, such as NIMASA, maritime academies, seafarers’ unions or shipping companies, and explain how you will reach them.
- If your WAEC or NECO English grade is good, check with WMU whether it is accepted as “GCE O-level or equivalent” before paying for IELTS.
- Certify your documents early, as certification and transcript requests can take weeks at many African universities.
- Apply before 30 November; once a suitable candidate is selected, the call will close.
