Scholarships at the University of Ghana are available to scientists working at National Agricultural Research Institutes and Universities in West Africa to pursue a Ph.D in Plant breeding.
Eight students per year will be admitted over a period of five years in the first phase of the programme.
Each student will follow a 5 year programme leading to the award of a Ph.D (Plant Breeding) upon successful completion.
The programme consists of two stages: two years of academic study at the University of Ghana and three years of field research at the student’s research station/university in his/her home country.
The course work and research will focus on the following West Africa food crops:
Cereals: maize, rice, sorghum, millet
Root and tubers: cassava and sweet potato
Legumes: cowpea and groundnut
Vegetables: tomato and pepper.
Eligibility: The WACCI programme is specifically for full-time, professional plant breeders who will make their careers breeding new cultivars of food crops.
Prospective students must have:
- an MSc/MPhil in Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Crop Science, Applied Entomology, Applied Nematology or equivalent degree.
- a position as an agricultural research scientist in a national research institute or university in the potential student’s home country is also essential, so that the student can return to his/her home country to conduct the field research for the PhD thesis.
- Applicants should be under the age of 40.
The WACCI will pay a stipend that will cover reasonable personal living expenses for the duration of the degree (5 years) including the cost of a return air ticket from the students’ home countries.
Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply for a fellowship under this programme.
Deadline: 01 August each year.
For details on how to apply and application materials, contact: PhD Plant Breeding Scholarships Website