The European Commission has officially launched the LaSoMa scholarship programme, offering fully funded PhD opportunities aimed at revolutionizing solar energy manufacturing across the African continent.
This initiative seeks to empower talented African engineers to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions.
Research will center on advanced laser manufacturing for solar components, focusing on zero-defect and zero-waste production methods.
Participants will explore cutting-edge solutions, including AI integration and lifecycle modeling, to combat climate change.
Funding and benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive financial package that covers 100% of tuition fees through European Commission funding.
Additionally, the scholarship provides a monthly stipend for living expenses and full medical insurance coverage throughout the 6 to 36-month mobility period.
Beyond financial support, participants gain access to state-of-the-art laser facilities and industry partners.
The program also includes a mandatory Preparatory Graduate School that offers specialized training in soft skills and technical foundations like digital twin frameworks and lifecycle modeling.
Application requirements and eligibility
To be eligible, candidates must be both nationals and residents of an African country at the time of their application.
Applicants are required to hold a recognized Master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline and must demonstrate proficiency in English.
Candidates must also ensure their research interests align with LaSoMa’s core focus areas, such as laser cladding or photovoltaic materials.
Importantly, applicants cannot have previously benefited from an Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme scholarship between 2022 and 2027.
The program is deeply committed to diversity and social inclusion within the engineering field.
To reflect this, the selection process aims for a cohort consisting of at least 30% women and 10% candidates with special needs.
Deadline
The call for applications is currently open, with a final submission deadline set for June 22, 2026.
Interested engineers must submit their documents online before the window closes to be considered for the September 2026 start date.
To apply, visit LaSoMa call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more than.
Summary not available at this time.
