CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR MSC SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE FACE-NDC PROJECT AT THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY FOR 2026 INTAKE

RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR MSC SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE FACILITY FOR ACTION FOR CLIMATE EMPOWERMENT TO ACHIEVE NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTIONS (FACE NDC) PROJECT

CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR MSC SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE FACE-NDC PROJECT AT THE COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY FOR 2026 INTAKE

Background

The Copperbelt University, through the School of Natural Resources and the School of Engineering, is one of the five consortium partners in the Facility for Action for Climate Empowerment to Achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (FACE-NDC) Project, with an implementation timeline from 2023 to 2030. Other partners include: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the University of Zambia (UNZA). FAO is the lead partner, whereas the International Climate Initiative (IKI) from Germany is the principal funder. The FACE-NDC project seeks to empower Zambian society to achieve the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through enabling them to adopt climate-friendly behaviours and to support transition to a green economy with a focus on three (3) sectors, namely: forestry, agriculture and energy.

As one of its goals, the FACE-NDC Project will provide scholarships at the Master of Science (MSc) level for candidates to undertake their studies at the Copperbelt University.

Call for Applications for Scholarships

The Copperbelt University hereby requests applications for FACE NDC scholarships to study for MSc in Sustainable Agriculture. Recipients of these scholarships will be expected to pursue studies on full-time basis for the duration of their sponsored study programmes.

The number of Scholarships for MSc in Sustainable Agriculture are six (6).

The duration of scholarship is 2 years (4 Semesters), and without extension.

Eligibility criteria

The call is open to Zambian nationals only with a valid National Registration Card (NRC), aged 35 years and below.

Females are strongly encouraged to apply, as these scholarships will be awarded to at least 50% female applicants. Priority will also be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from low-income households, underrepresented communities, and remote or rural areas.

Ineligibility

The following are not eligible to apply for the FACE NDC scholarships:

1. Public service employees, including Government Ministries or other statutory institutions.

2. Students already enrolled at the Copperbelt University.

Requirements:

1. Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from relevant fields, including agroforestry, agriculture, crop science, and agronomy.

2. Admission into the MSc Sustainable Agriculture programme. On or before the Scholarship Application Deadline, one should have been admitted unconditionally (except for funding) for the upcoming academic year to the MSc in Sustainable Agriculture programme, which is linked to the project.

3. At least two (2) recommendation letters, with one from a previous academic supervisor, highlighting the applicant's academic and research capabilities.

4. A curriculum vitae showing demonstrated research experience through publications, conference presentations, or research projects.

5. Research concept. Demonstration of research interest and potential through a well-crafted concept note of not more than 500 words that will include the research questions, objectives, and methodology.

6. Motivation letter: An articulate statement outlining the academic and career goals, and how the scholarship will contribute to your aspirations.

Scholarship value

This scholarship covers:

1. 100% tuition fees

2. Research grant (paid in the fourth semester of study, upon successful defense of the Master’s thesis proposal)

3. Minimal living allowance

Submission of Application

The application for the scholarship should be addressed to the undersigned and submitted not later than 18^th September, 2026.

Note that the shortlisting of applicants will be done within two weeks of the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel consisting of members of staff from CBU and FAO.

The Coordinator,

FACE NDC Project,

Copperbelt University,

School of Natural Resources,

P.O. Box 21692,

Kitwe

 Applications shall be made through Email only to dean.snr@cbu.ac.zm and copied to; gillian.kabwe@cbu.ac.zm; face-ndc@fao.org

If there is any clarification, technical and administrative support that is required, applicants may contact Prof. G. Kabwe on +260 974 355 949 and/or email: gillian.kabwe@cbu.ac.zm

All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application. The University will also publish the list of selected candidates on the University’s website and other official social media platforms.

NOTE: Those that had applied to the first call need not apply as their earlier applications are still valid.