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PhD Fellowships in Justice in Sustainable Transformation in Rural Areas
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Publish Date 9/1/2026 Application Deadline 11/2/2026 Opportunity Type Scholarships Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

With funding from the Hans Böckler Foundation, the University of Vechta is offering up to three PhD scholarships within its doctoral college focused on justice dimensions of sustainability-oriented transformation processes in rural areas. The program examines the social consequences of sustainability transformations, with particular attention to social, spatial, economic, and environmental justice. It uses comparative case studies and supports qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, with applications using quantitative or mixed-methods designs explicitly encouraged. The fellowships will begin between June and September 2027.
Details
  • University: University of Vechta, Germany.
  • Doctoral college: PK 060.
  • Research focus: Justice dimensions of sustainability-oriented transformations in rural areas.
  • Number of scholarships: Up to 3 PhD scholarships.
  • Start date: Between June and September 2027.
  • Duration: Up to 3 years, with possible extension in justified cases.
  • Stipend: €1,650 per month, consisting of a €1,550 basic stipend and €100 research-cost allowance.
  • A health insurance contribution of up to €100 may also be provided.
  • A family allowance may be available where applicable.
  • Fellows receive thematic and methodological workshops.
  • The doctoral college provides access to a national and international research network.
  • Partners mentioned include Leuphana University Lüneburg, the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, the Basque Centre for Climate Change, Lund University, the Copernicus Institute at Utrecht University, and the University of Vermont.
  • Applicants must submit a research exposé of no more than 10 pages.
  • Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Hans Böckler Foundation online application portal.
  • Scholarship recipients will be announced in May 2027.



Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants should come from fields relevant to the doctoral program, including:
  • Human geography.
  • Social sciences.
  • Applied ethics.
  • Economics.
  • Sustainability science.
  • Psychology.
  • Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches are accepted.
  • Quantitative and mixed-methods research proposals are explicitly encouraged.
  • Applicants must have good German and English language skills:
  • German: at least B2.
  • English: at least C1.
  • The doctoral thesis may be written in English.
  • The proposed research must fit within the doctoral college's research program.
  • A research exposé of no more than 10 pages is required.
  • Promising applicants may receive academic guidance in revising and adapting their research proposal to fit the program.



Opportunity Benefits
  • PhD funding for up to 3 years.
  • Monthly stipend of €1,650.
  • €100 per month included for research costs.
  • Health insurance contribution of up to €100, where applicable.
  • Potential family allowance.
  • Participation in academic and methodological workshops.
  • Collaboration with researchers at the University of Vechta and international partner institutions.
  • Access to an international academic network focused on sustainability, climate change, and rural transformation.
  • Academic support for promising applicants in developing and adapting their research proposals.