CGIAR++ Junior Scientists Program Scholarship 2026
The CGIAR++ Junior Scientists Program Scholarship 2026 supports junior researchers connected to German universities or research institutions. Selected participants complete a six-month research internship at a CGIAR++ centre or project site and receive a total scholarship of €6,000. The next evaluation deadline is 15 August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Junior Scientists Program
Opportunity Type: Research internship scholarship
Organizer: Germany-CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub
Programme Format: Research placement at a CGIAR++ centre or project site
Duration: Six months
Funding: €6,000 total scholarship
Available Scholarships: 15 scholarships annually
Deadline: 15 August 2026
About the Junior Scientists Program Scholarship
The Junior Scientists Program gives early-career researchers practical experience in research for development. Participants work on collaborative projects involving CGIAR++ centres and German research institutions.
The programme aims to attract young researchers to development-oriented agricultural research. It also supports their professional development and helps expand international research networks.
The planned research must connect to an ongoing CGIAR++ programme or project. Participants conduct research during their placement rather than using the internship period for thesis writing.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected junior scientists receive:
✓ A total scholarship of €6,000 for six months
✓ An initial payment of €5,500 at the beginning of the research stay
✓ A final payment of €500 after submitting the required final report
✓ An opportunity to collect data for completing a Master of Science degree
✓ Administrative support from the Hub
✓ Access to a networking and training platform
✓ Participation in inception training, webinars and forums
The final scholarship payment is released after the participant completes the placement and submits the required report.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the programme’s academic, professional and institutional requirements.
• Hold a BSc degree or higher.
• Be enrolled in an MSc programme at a German university; or have completed an MSc and not be enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Study agricultural sciences or a related field.
• Demonstrate a clear connection to a German university or research institution.
• Have a very good command of English.
• Be willing to undertake at least six months of research abroad.
• Have a high level of cultural sensitivity.
• Be able to work in a team and under pressure.
• Be willing to assume responsibility and work independently.
• Obtain confirmation from a CGIAR++ centre that a supervisor and research topic have been accepted.
• Obtain a recommendation and supervision confirmation from a German university or research institution.
Related academic fields may include biology, geography, sociology, veterinary medicine, marine biology, forestry, political sciences, law and economics.
Nationals of any country may apply. However, every application must demonstrate a clear connection to a German university or research centre.
Female students and students from universities in OECD-DAC partner countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Host and Supervision Requirements
Applicants must organise their proposed research cooperation before applying. The Hub does not connect applicants with university or CGIAR++ supervisors.
Each applicant must secure:
• A supervisor at an eligible CGIAR++ centre
• A supervisor connected to a German university or research institution
• A research topic accepted by the host centre
• Confirmation that the project contributes to an ongoing CGIAR++ programme or project
Any scientific field relevant to CGIAR++ activities may qualify. The host centre must also have the expertise required to supervise the proposed work.
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Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
• A signed motivation letter of no more than one page
• A tabular curriculum vitae that is signed, dated and no more than one page
• A research concept outline of approximately three to four pages
• A hosting agreement from the selected CGIAR++ centre
• A recommendation letter and supervision confirmation from the German university supervisor
The research concept must use the official template. It should identify the relevant CGIAR++ project and include the planned departure date or beginning of the research period.
The hosting agreement and recommendation documents must also use the official templates.
The German university supervisor must send the recommendation and supervision confirmation directly by email as a PDF.
Application Process
Applicants should complete the following steps:
• Identify a relevant CGIAR++ programme, project or centre.
• Contact a suitable CGIAR++ supervisor.
• Secure support from a supervisor at a German university or research institution.
• Develop the proposed research concept with the supervisory team.
• Complete the official document templates.
• Prepare the motivation letter and curriculum vitae.
• Upload the required documents as PDF files through the online application form.
• Ask the German supervisor to send the recommendation and supervision confirmation separately.
• Submit the application before the next evaluation deadline.
The application portal accepts PDF uploads. Each uploaded file may have a maximum size of 24 MB.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed according to:
• The applicant’s motivation and overall quality
• The relevance of the research objectives
• The quality of the research proposal
• The project’s connection and contribution to CGIAR++ programmes or projects
• Gender considerations where applicable
The Hub awards 15 Junior Scientists Program scholarships annually.
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Travel and Scholarship Conditions
Accepted participants must obtain international health and liability insurance covering the entire research stay. The insurance must include necessary medical repatriation and international liability coverage.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own visas. The host research centre may assist with invitation letters or other documents needed for the visa process.
The scholarship does not automatically cover:
• Accommodation
• Flights
• Visa expenses
• Health and liability insurance
• Other logistical expenses connected to the placement
Before the first scholarship payment, participants must provide the signed agreement, bank details and proof of insurance.
After completing the research stay, participants must submit a final report and complete the programme evaluation form.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Junior Scientists Program are accepted continuously and evaluated once each quarter.
The next evaluation deadline is:
15 August 2026
Applicants should submit the complete online form and ensure that the supervisor’s recommendation reaches the Hub by the applicable deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for the CGIAR++ Junior Scientists Program Scholarship 2026
