A joint PhD training group across Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, University of Hohenheim, and University of Melbourne. Twenty-four funded positions spanning natural sciences, social sciences and economics — all focused on land use, climate, biodiversity and food systems.
C4LaNd tackles competing demands on land — food, renewable energy, materials, biodiversity, climate action. The cohort of 24 students (12 in Germany, 12 in Melbourne) starts late 2026. Topics span rethinking food supply chains, urban retrofitting, nature-based solutions, biodiversity in renewable energy transitions, forest restoration, and InSAR/remote-sensing biomass modelling. Structured training in academic skills, career development and peer-to-peer learning. Students earn a dual doctoral degree. Full project list and contact persons at c4land.earth.
Above-average Master's degree relevant to the position of interest, fluency in English, willingness to complete a 1-year research stay abroad (Germany or Australia) and comply with dual-degree formalities.
Heads up: eligibility rules and deadlines change each cycle. Always cross-check the official application portal before you submit.
Visit c4land.earth and review the 24 project descriptions across the four clusters (Food, Urban, Rural, Restoration).
Pick 1-2 projects that best match your Master's background and research interests.
Contact the named PI for your first-choice project to confirm project availability and fit — this step is recommended, not mandatory.
Prepare a Master's transcript, CV highlighting research experience, and a statement of motivation tailored to the specific project.
Arrange 2-3 reference letters from academic supervisors.
Submit the complete application through the c4land.earth portal before May 17, 2026.
If shortlisted, expect a video interview with the PI and programme committee discussing your research fit and willingness to relocate for the 1-year exchange.
Most rejected applications fail on test scores, not credentials. Get a PBridge tutor to prepare you for the exams required for this scholarship.
Yes. C4LaNd is an international programme with no citizenship restriction. Nigerian students with a relevant Master's and strong English are eligible. Visa sponsorship is handled by the host institution.
Yes. Every student completes a mandatory 1-year research placement at the partner institution. Germany-based students spend a year at Melbourne, and vice versa. The PhD culminates in a dual degree from both institutions.
Projects cover natural sciences (forest ecology, remote sensing, deep learning for wildfire risk, blue-green infrastructure), social sciences (governance, Indigenous land rights, mobility transitions) and economics (land-use decisions, restoration trade-offs).
Yes. Stipends follow the standard national PhD rates at each institution, with tuition covered and funds provided for the 1-year exchange. Full financial details are available at c4land.earth for each specific position.
You apply to a specific project number (PhD1.1 through PhD4.9) listed on c4land.earth. Each project has a named contact person. You can list a second-choice project in your application.
Deadline: May 17, 2026
Apply on Official Site →