A Rare Opportunity to Study Climate Science and Environmental Conservation at Africa's Leading Universities — Fully Funded by DAAD
For young Somali graduates and professionals passionate about environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and the conservation of Africa's fragile ecosystems, a remarkable opportunity has just opened its doors. The African Climate and Environment Centre – Future African Savannas (AFAS) has launched its 2026–2028 Master's Fellowship Programme, offering 18 fully funded scholarships for African nationals to pursue advanced studies in Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
This fellowship arrives at a critical moment. Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa continue to face devastating climate-related challenges — from recurring droughts and floods to desertification and loss of pastoral livelihoods. For Somali youth who aspire to become part of the solution, this programme represents a direct pathway to acquiring the scientific knowledge, policy expertise, and practical skills needed to address these challenges head-on.
The application deadline is 31 March 2026, and prospective applicants should begin preparing their materials immediately. This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the AFAS Master's Fellowship — from eligibility requirements and benefits to the application process and why this opportunity matters for Somali capacity building.
About AFAS: A Consortium of Leading African and German Universities
What Is AFAS?
The African Climate and Environment Centre – Future African Savannas (AFAS) is a major academic and research initiative established under the DAAD Global Centers for Climate and Environment Programme. DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, is the world's largest funding organization for international academic exchange, supporting over 100,000 scholars annually across the globe.
AFAS brings together a powerful consortium of four universities with complementary strengths in climate science, environmental research, and sustainable development:
- University of Nairobi (UoN) — Kenya's oldest and most prestigious university, with a strong Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA)
- Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) — Côte d'Ivoire's flagship university, home to the African Centre of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA-CCBAD)
- University of Cologne — A leading German research university with extensive expertise in environmental sciences
- University of Bonn — Germany's hub for international development and sustainability research, home to multiple UN institutions
The AFAS Mission
AFAS is not a conventional academic programme. It was designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, policy development, and practical implementation. The programme trains a new generation of African environmental leaders who can connect rigorous research with real-world decision-making — working alongside governments, NGOs, communities, and international organizations to develop sustainable solutions for Africa's most pressing environmental challenges.
Now entering its second phase (2026–2030), AFAS Phase 2 places even greater emphasis on stakeholder engagement, implementation science, and the practical application of Nature-Based Solutions across African savanna landscapes.
What the AFAS Master's Fellowship Offers
The AFAS fellowship is one of the most comprehensive scholarship packages available to young African graduates in the environmental sciences. Here is a detailed breakdown of what successful applicants will receive:
Full Financial Coverage
- Full tuition fees — All academic costs are covered for the duration of the two-year Master's programme
- Monthly stipend — A living allowance paid in local currency to cover accommodation, food, and personal expenses
- Health insurance — Comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of the fellowship
- Laptop computer — Each fellow receives a laptop to support their academic work and research
- Individual research budget — After their research proposal is approved, fellows receive dedicated funding to conduct their Master's thesis research
Academic and Professional Development
- Joint courses and hybrid learning modules shared between the consortium universities
- Summer schools and workshops offering specialized training in cutting-edge environmental research methods
- Exchange activities providing opportunities to collaborate with researchers and students from German partner universities
- Soft-skills training in areas such as scientific communication, policy engagement, leadership, and project management
- Mentorship from experienced researchers and practitioners across the AFAS network
Research Themes
Fellows will select one primary thematic area for their Master's thesis from the following five focus areas:
- Water — Water resource management, drought resilience, and sustainable water access
- Agriculture — Climate-smart agriculture, food security, and sustainable land management
- Energy — Renewable energy solutions, energy access, and low-carbon transitions
- One Health — The intersection of human health, animal health, and environmental wellbeing
- Biodiversity — Conservation of species and ecosystems in African savannas
All research must incorporate a focus on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) — approaches that harness the power of natural ecosystems to address societal challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity, and disaster risk.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply
The AFAS Master's Fellowship is open to nationals of African countries who meet the following criteria. Applicants must choose one host university only — either the University of Nairobi in Kenya or Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Côte d'Ivoire.
General Eligibility (Both Universities)
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, biology, ecology, climate sciences, economics, sociology, or another related discipline
- Must be no older than 26 years on 2 October 2026
- Must commit to full-time, in-person study for the entire duration of the programme — outside employment is not permitted
- Must be willing to reside on or near campus as recommended by the host university
- Must demonstrate English proficiency — applicants from non-English-medium universities must provide IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent certification
- A valid passport is required for non-citizen applicants at both universities
Additional Requirements for University of Nairobi (Kenya)
- Must hold a minimum of a second-upper class honours degree or equivalent as approved by Kenya's Commission for University Education (CUE)
- Selected candidates will be required to apply for formal admission to the UoN Master's programme in Climate Change Adaptation (application fee approximately USD 50, non-refundable)
Additional Requirements for Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Côte d'Ivoire)
- University degrees must be recognized by the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES)
- All certified documents not issued in French must include an official French translation
- Applicants from Central and Western Africa are particularly encouraged to apply
- French-language applicants must provide proof of English proficiency
Step-by-Step Application Guide
The application process requires careful preparation. Here is a detailed guide to help you submit a strong application:
Step 1: Choose Your Host University
You must apply to either the University of Nairobi or Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny — you cannot apply to both. Consider factors such as language of instruction, geographic proximity, research alignment, and degree recognition in your home country when making your choice.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents
All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file. Required documents include:
- Motivation and Reflection Statement (maximum 1,000 words, 1.5 spacing, 11pt Calibri font) addressing specific prompts about your thematic preferences, personal motivation, understanding of Nature-Based Solutions, real-world examples that inspired you, engagement with policy actors, and skills you hope to develop
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — maximum 2 pages
- University-certified diplomas and certificates (with official English or French translations if not in those languages)
- University-certified transcripts of all academic records
- Two signed letters of recommendation with full contact details of referees (at least one must be from a staff member at your most recent degree-granting institution)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Birth certificate
- Recent passport-style photograph
Step 3: Craft an Exceptional Motivation Statement
This is the most important component of your application. AFAS specifically warns that generic, scripted, or AI-generated responses will be disadvantaged. Your statement should demonstrate:
- Genuine personal connection to environmental and development challenges
- Critical and independent thinking about Nature-Based Solutions
- Concrete examples from your lived experience
- Clear understanding of how science connects to policy and practice
- Authentic reflection on your goals and motivations
Step 4: Submit Your Application Online
Applications must be submitted through the official AFAS portal at www.afas.africa/afas-application.
Step 5: Interview Process
After the initial screening and qualitative review, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews assessing their reasoning ability, motivation, and alignment with AFAS programme goals. Final selection is subject to formal admission at the chosen host university.
Important Application Notes
- You may apply to either AFAS or CABES (a closely linked programme), but not both
- You may apply to either UoN or UFHB, but not both
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews
- The application deadline is 31 March 2026
- For technical questions, contact: info@afas.africa
Why This Matters for Somali Youth and Capacity Building
The relevance of this fellowship to Somalia's development challenges cannot be overstated. Here is why Somali youth should pay close attention:
Climate Vulnerability
Somalia is consistently ranked among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. The country has experienced devastating cycles of drought and flooding in recent years, displacing millions of people and devastating pastoral and agricultural communities. The knowledge and skills gained through the AFAS programme — particularly in water management, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem conservation — are directly applicable to Somalia's most urgent needs.
Nature-Based Solutions for Somali Landscapes
Somalia's diverse landscapes — from coastal mangroves and coral reefs to semi-arid rangelands and riverine forests — offer significant potential for Nature-Based Solutions. Graduates of the AFAS programme would be equipped to design and implement community-based conservation projects, sustainable rangeland management systems, and ecosystem restoration initiatives that address both climate adaptation and biodiversity loss.
Building a Pipeline of Somali Environmental Scientists
There is a critical shortage of Somali professionals with advanced training in climate science and environmental management. Each Somali graduate of a programme like AFAS represents a significant contribution to the country's institutional capacity — someone who can work with government ministries, UN agencies, international NGOs, and local organizations to design evidence-based environmental policies and programmes.
Regional Networking
Studying at the University of Nairobi places Somali students at the heart of East Africa's academic and development ecosystem, with access to organizations such as UNEP (headquartered in Nairobi), IGAD, and numerous international research institutions. This networking advantage can open doors to future research collaborations, employment opportunities, and policy influence.
Additional Resources and Related Opportunities
If you are interested in climate and environmental opportunities for African youth, consider exploring these related programmes:
- DAAD Scholarship Database — www.daad.de/en — Comprehensive listing of German-funded scholarships for international students
- CABES Master's Programme — A closely linked programme to AFAS with additional fellowship opportunities. Visit www.cabes.online for details
- WWF Conservation Futures Fellowships — Fully funded Master's and PhD opportunities in inclusive conservation
- Australia Awards Africa Scholarships — Fully funded Master's degrees in Australia for African professionals, including environmental science tracks
Source and Official Application Link
All information in this article is based on the official AFAS call for applications published in February 2026. For the most up-to-date details and to submit your application, visit:
- Official AFAS Website: www.afas.africa
- Application Portal: www.afas.africa/afas-application
- Call for Applications Details: www.afas.africa/call-for-applications-afas-master-programme
Professional Disclaimer
SomaliFocus News is not affiliated with AFAS, DAAD, the University of Nairobi, or Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny. This article is provided for informational purposes only. Programme details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines may change without notice. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to verify all details on the official AFAS website (www.afas.africa) before submitting their applications. SomaliFocus News bears no responsibility for any changes to programme terms or application outcomes.