The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST) PhD Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year is out.
This call presents an opportunity for qualified candidates to apply for a THREE (3)-year PhD research scholarship at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. The scholarship supports FULL-TIME doctoral research in FIVE PRIORITY AREARS – Sustainable Food Systems, Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, Nutrition and Nutrigenomics, Entrepreneurship and Packaging Science.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must
- Hold a Master’s degree (MSc or MPhil) with a significant research component (thesis or dissertation).
- Have obtained their first Master’s degree within the last 15 years.
- Be willing and available to work full-time on the funded research project.
- Secure admission to pursue a PhD at KNUST starting January 2027.
RESEARCH AREAS, DESCRIPTIONS AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
1. Sustainable Food Systems
Focuses on improving food production, processing, distribution and consumption systems to enhance sustainability, resilience, food & nutrition security and climate adaptation.
Eligible qualifications: Hold a master’s degree (MPhil/MSc) in a relevant field such as food science, nutrition, agriculture, public health, environmental science, development studies, or related discipline from a reputable institution of higher learning. The master’s programme must include a significant research component (e.g., a thesis or dissertation).
2. Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture
Examines how agricultural systems, policies and value chains can be intentionally designed to improve nutrition and health outcomes.
Eligible qualifications: Hold Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Human Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science, Environmental Science, Development Studies, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, Sociology, Geography and Regional planning, Economics, Psychology, or any other related discipline from an accredited university or Institution of Higher Learning.
3. Nutrition and Nutrigenomics
Explores interactions between diet, genes and health, including how genetic differences influence nutritional needs and disease risk.
Eligible qualifications: Hold MSc or MPhil degree in the field of nutrition, dietetics, food science, biochemistry, biological sciences or related fields from a recognized university.
4. Entrepreneurship
Focuses on innovation, enterprise development, and translating research and ideas into scalable and impactful agri-food business solutions.
Eligible qualifications: Hold an Honours Degree with a minimum of Second-Class Upper Division from a recognized University or institution of higher learning. In addition to (a) above, applicants must have obtained Master’s degree in relevant subject areas (e.g. MSc/MA/MBA etc. in Business Administration or MPhil degree qualifications in the relevant areas related to business management) from a recognized University or institution of higher learning.
5. Packaging Systems and Innovation
Investigates innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to improve food safety, quality, shelf life and environmental sustainability.
Eligible qualifications: Hold a Master’s degree in Packaging Technology, Food Science, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science or a related field from a recognized institution. Demonstrated research aptitude (through a Master’s thesis or published work).
ADDITIONAL (DESIRABLE) QUALIFICATIONS
The following are not mandatory but considered a strong advantage:
- Scientific publications
- Conference presentations
- Prior experience in a research environment
EXPECTATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES
- Willingness to relocate to KNUST for the full duration of the scholarship.
- Full participation in research and project activities starting January 2027.
FOR ENQUIRIES
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +233 (0) 50 935 9546
Kindly note that AI generated proposals and motivation statements will not be considered.
