Background
The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Tourism of Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania) is coordinating a Regional Research School in Forest Sciences Programme (REFOREST Africa PhD Programme), financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The overall objective is to enhance the quality, relevance and reach of forest research for transformation of livelihoods and environment in Eastern and Southern Africa. This will be attained through strengthening capacity and quality of forestry education, producing PhD level scientists capable of solving forest management problems, facilitating networking, partnership and knowledge management.
The PhD programme is implemented in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden), Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique), National University of Rwanda (Rwanda), Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources (Hawassa University (Ethiopia)) and Makerere University (Uganda).
In the first phase (January 2020 – March 2025) of the Sida-supported Programme, 18 PhD students completed their studies, graduated and returned to their home countries, all are working in forestry and related positions. The Programme is hereby inviting qualified candidates to apply and compete for the 20 PhD Forest Science scholarships available for a maximum period of four years starting from April/May 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants must be holders of a Master’s degree in forestry or allied sciences from a reputable and recognized university. Eligible candidates are those who are citizens (including refugees) of Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Applicants are required to provide evidence of their proficiency in the English language which is the medium of instruction for the Programme.
Since its inception in 2020, this Programme has been gender sensitive, and proactively supports female candidates to excel in forestry careers. The Programme will consider special support to female candidates who have special needs. Implicitly, female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants will be admitted and registered at Sokoine University of Agriculture.
The PhD Forest Sciences
Potential applicants are informed that the structure of the PhD Forest Sciences Degree Programme comprises one year of course-work followed by three years of research, publishing papers in internationally recognized journals and thesis writing before graduation. Each applicant is required to generate and submit a concept note based on one of the following themes:
- Theme 1: Commercial forestry and bio-economy
- Theme 2: Sustainable Natural Forest Management
- Theme 3: Agroforestry
- Theme 4: Climate change
- Theme 5: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Successful applicants will be invited to register for the PhD study programme. After the one-year coursework, they will carry out research in their home countries. They will be supervised by a joint team of senior academics: one from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), one from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and one from a partner university in their home countries.
The Scholarship
The scholarship covers a maximum of four years from the commencement of the Programme. The scholarship provides for travel expenses (including economy travel tickets), tuition fees, stipend and approved research costs. While in Tanzania, health insurance will be covered.
Application Requirements
Eligible candidates must submit an application letter with the following attachments:
- Curriculum Vitae with a recent passport photo of the applicant, certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;
- A brief concept note providing background information, knowledge gaps, research objectives and brief methodology (maximum four pages, single-spaced, font size 12, maximum of 10 latest references);
- Evidence of proficiency in the English language;
- Letter of support from the applicant’s current institution/employer;
- National Identity.
Submission of Applications
Applications must be submitted electronically to: reforestafrica@sua.ac.tz
Timelines
Date of this advertisement: 5th December 2025
Deadline for receiving applications: 25th January 2026
For more information: contact REFOREST Programme Coordinator (reforestafrica@sua.ac.tz) or visit the Programme website: https://www.cfwt.sua.ac.tz/reforest/
