The TUM ENERGISE Center 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).
This call invites highly qualified and motivated candidates from South Africa to apply for the doctoral scholarship in “Sustainable Energy Governance”. The doctoral research will focus on the
governance structures and policy instruments that contribute to a just energy transition in South Africa. The selected doctoral scholar will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs from the
Technical University of Munich (TUM School of Governance).
The ENERGISE doctoral scholarship includes a monthly stipend of EUR 1300, research mobility of EUR 2000 and stay between South Africa and Germany, and insurance support. The scholarship program runs for 3 years, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029. 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 TUM ENERGISE Center
• 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)
Application requirements:
• Master’s degree in political science, sustainability or related fields (with a focus on energy or sustainability policy and politics)
• Excellent academic track record
• Extracurricular skills, social engagement, and strong motivation
• South African citizen or permanent South African resident
Qualified women and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Based on the applications, some candidates will be invited to a task assignment in sustainable energy governance research. The final candidates will be invited for an online interview with Prof. Dr. Miranda Schreurs and her team. The Selection Commission of the TUM ENERGISE Center will make the final decision in line with DAAD criteria.
To apply, please upload your CV, a strong letter of motivation highlighting the fit to the TUM ENERGISE Center, and certificates, including the transcript of records through the online form:
https://forms.gle/WDHT4uRYAigqbMBw8 by 31 August 2026.
If you have any questions regarding the announcement of the doctoral scholarship for “Sustainable Energy Governance,” feel free to contact Dr. Dörte Ohlhorst (doerte.ohlhorst@hfp.tum.de) or Prof. Miranda Schreurs (Miranda.schreurs@hfp.tum.de).
TUM ENERGISE Center, Technical University of Munich, Alte Akademie 14, 85354 Freising, Germany, www.energise.tum.de