The CBSI (Congo Basin Science Initiative) is offering 8 fully funded Master’s scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year. These scholarships aim to build the next generation of scientific leaders in the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest rainforest, by training students in tropical forest ecology, biodiversity, and carbon monitoring.
Funded by the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) under the CongoFor1.5 project, these scholarships contribute to achieving the Paris Climate Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by strengthening research and capacity in Central Africa.
What Does the CBSI Scholarship Cover?
Selected students will receive a comprehensive funding package, which includes:
- Full tuition fees for the second year of a Master’s program.
- Living allowance to cover daily expenses.
- Research and fieldwork costs, including equipment and travel.
- One additional funded year to convert the Master’s thesis into a scientific publication.
Partner Universities
The scholarships are open to students enrolled in relevant Master’s programs at the following partner institutions:
- Cameroon: University of Yaoundé I, University of Buea, University of Dschang.
- Gabon: École Nationale des Eaux et Forêts, University of Science and Technology of Masuku.
- Republic of Congo: University Marien N’Gouabi.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: University of Kisangani.
Note: Students from University of Buea and University of Dschang must register for Master 2 at the University of Yaoundé I to be eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, or Equatorial Guinea.
- Must have completed the first year of a Master’s program in a relevant field at one of the partner universities.
- Strong academic background and commitment to forest ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable development research.
Why Apply?
- World-Class Training – Work with long-term data from AfriTRON (African Tropical Rainforest Observation Network) and gain advanced research skills.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Learn to connect science with policy to combat deforestation and support local communities.
- Inclusive Research Culture – Special encouragement for women and underrepresented groups, including traditional hunter-gatherer communities.
The last date to apply for the CBSI Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships 2025–2026 is 28 September 2025 (16:00, Kinshasa time).