PhD fellowship - WMU-LRF Africa Programme

WMU is offering a PhD Fellowship within the WMU-LRF Africa Programme

The World Maritime University (WMU) invites applications for a PhD fellowship supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) within the WMU–LRF Africa Programme. The research will examine how countries in Sub-Saharan Africa can develop seafaring as a source of skilled employment and economic opportunity within the Blue Economy. It will investigate the educational, institutional and labour market conditions that shape access to seafaring careers and identify how these conditions can be improved. Applicants may focus on the preparation of seafarers through education and training, their access to employment, or the relationship between the two.

The PhD Fellowship

The fellowship will support an original doctoral project that explains how selected barriers to the development and employment of African seafarers arise and assesses ways to address them. The project should produce findings that can inform decisions by MET institutions, maritime administrations or employers.

Applicants may approach this subject primarily through MET or through the broader labour market for African seafarers. Proposals connecting these perspectives are also welcome, provided that they define a coherent and feasible doctoral project.

The research should examine the conditions that enable or constrain seafaring careers in Africa and identify how relevant institutions, policies and industry practices can improve opportunities. It should consider how increased participation can translate into decent employment, professional development and economic benefits for African countries and communities.

Applicants are expected to formulate original research questions, demonstrate their academic significance, and propose appropriate methods. A project may focus on selected countries, institutions, groups of seafarers or labour market relationships. Candidates are not expected to cover the entire African continent or all the research directions outlined below. The focus of this work is Sub-Saharan Africa.

Indicative Research Directions

1 MET and pathways into employment: Research in this area could examine how African MET systems prepare seafarers for employment and how education and training can better support the realization of Africa’s seafaring potential.

2 Labour markets and opportunities for African seafarers: Research in this area could examine the factors shaping the participation of African seafarers in regional and international labour markets and the measures that could expand sustainable employment opportunities.

Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods proposals are welcome. Methods should be appropriate to the research question and may include comparative case studies, interviews, surveys, institutional and policy analysis, labour market analysis, or the evaluation of educational and partnership initiatives. The principal academic outputs will be a doctoral thesis and peer-reviewed publications. Depending on the project, the research may also generate policy recommendations, analytical reports, datasets or practical guidance relevant to African MET institutions, maritime administrations and industry. The successful candidate will be expected to communicate findings to both academic and practitioner audiences and contribute evidence that can inform the WMU–LRF Africa Programme.

Research Setting and Programme Participation

The Fellow will conduct their research within the WMU–LRF Africa Programme and contribute to relevant programme activities. One opportunity for empirical research is provided by the Future-Ready Shipping (FRS) in Africa Project, implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and funded by the European Union. Its educational component supports maritime education and training for green and digital shipping in Sub-Saharan Africa.

WMU’s participation in this project provides opportunities to engage with partner institutions, collect data and learn from practical experience in areas such as training needs assessment, curriculum development, faculty development, digital learning and industry cooperation. The Fellow will provide research-related support to relevant activities, which may include background research, data collection and analysis, engagement with partner institutions, and the preparation and documentation of workshops or pilot activities. These contributions will be agreed in conjunction with the doctoral research plan and organized to support satisfactory academic progress.

The doctoral project may draw on FRS activities alongside other data sources, partnerships and initiatives relevant to its research question.

How to Apply

Before applying please read carefully the Terms of Reference.

Applicants must apply through WMU’s online application portal, accessible from the PhD in Maritime Affairs programme page (https://www.wmu.se/programmes/phd-in-maritime-affairs).

The following documents must be submitted:

1. Completed WMU PhD Application Form.

2. Completed WMU PhD Research Proposal.

3. A one-page motivational letter identifying the application as “WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026”

4. An updated curriculum vitae.

5. Certified copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts.

6. Evidence of English language proficiency.

7. A copy of the passport data page for internal administrative records.

8. Applicants must also arrange for two academic referees to send reference letters directly to the Doctoral Office at phd@wmu.se, using the subject line: WMU–LRF Africa Programme PhD Fellowship 2026

The research proposal should identify original research questions and explain how they relate to African seafarers and the Blue Economy, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. It should indicate whether the main emphasis is on MET, labour market issues, or a clearly defined combination of these perspectives. The proposal should set out the project’s academic contribution, proposed methods, geographical or institutional scope, potential data sources and feasibility within the fellowship period. Where relevant, applicants may indicate how activities within the Africa Programme, including FRS, could provide an empirical setting for their research. The quality of the research proposal is a central consideration in the selection process and will inform the identification of appropriate additional supervisors.

Application Review and Selection

The call will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. The first review of applications will take place four weeks after publication of this call. Applications received thereafter will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the fellowship is filled. Applicants are encouraged to submit their complete applications within the initial four-week period.

Applications will be considered by WMU’s Doctoral Admissions Board, with input from the WMU–LRF Africa Programme and LRF. Selection will take account of the research proposal, academic qualifications, relevant experience and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage, which may include an online interview.

More information about the PhD Programme here.

First review: 30 Nov 2026*

Desired Start Date: No later than 1 April 2027

*The call will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. The first review of applications will take place 30 November 2026.

Questions regarding the fellowship and its research focus may be directed to Ms Dofilia Kaloia, Africa Programme Officer (Strategic Initiatives) at dok@wmu.se. Applicants are welcome to make informal contact before applying.