✨ Should I Apply for Joseph Ki-Zerbo University PhD Fellowship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately 400,000 to 600,000 CFA per year depending on the specific research project and CIOSPB guidelines
⏱
Duration
3 years (36 months), extendable by one year upon justification
🗓
Deadline
September 30 (Annual)
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Fields
Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, Political Science, Science and Technology, Economic and Management Sciences
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Awards/Year
Approximately 50 to 100 awards per academic cycle
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Study Country
Burkina Faso
🏛️
Provider
Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation (MESRSI) and CIOSPB
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Acceptance
15% to 25% depending on the Doctoral School capacity
The Joseph Ki-Zerbo University PhD Fellowship is the primary funding mechanism for doctoral candidates in Burkina Faso. Named after the distinguished scholar Joseph Ki-Zerbo, the program supports research that contributes to national development across fields including health, technology, and social sciences. It is administered by the CIOSPB under the Ministry of Higher Education.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to high-achieving Master's graduates with a validated research project and a confirmed supervisor at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University.
🏛️ Host University
Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UJKZ)
🤝 Sponsor
Centre National de l'Information, de l'Orientation Scolaire et Professionnelle et des Bourses (CIOSPB)
🔬 Fields of Study
Humanities, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Law, Political Science, Science and Technology, Economic and Management Sciences
✨ Key Benefits
Includes full tuition waiver, a regular living allowance, subsidized housing options, and financial assistance for laboratory research and final thesis publication.
🎯 Target Students
National students of Burkina Faso and international students from the ECOWAS region
🏷 Tags
PhD
Burkina Faso
Research
West Africa
Higher Education
Doctoral School
UJKZ
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes, fully covered through the university registration fee waiver program
Living Stipend
Yes, provided as a monthly or quarterly allowance through the CIOSPB system
Total Award
Approximately 400,000 to 600
✈️ Travel: Available for specific international research stays or conferences sanctioned by the doctoral school
🏠 Accommodation: Access to university residence halls (Cités Universitaires) at a subsidized rate
💊 Health Insurance: Provided through the University Health Service (Service de Santé Universitaire)
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: 15,000 CFA (subject to annual adjustment)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes, fully covered through the university registration fee waiver program
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes, provided as a monthly or quarterly allowance through the CIOSPB system
🏡 Accommodation
Access to university residence halls (Cités Universitaires) at a subsidized rate
✈️ Travel Allowance
Available for specific international research stays or conferences sanctioned by the doctoral school
💊 Health Insurance
Provided through the University Health Service (Service de Santé Universitaire)
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to digital libraries, research laboratory facilities, and thesis defense cost coverage
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to satisfactory progress reports submitted annually by the thesis supervisor to the Doctoral School
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must hold a Master II or DEA degree with a minimum mention of 'Bien' (Good); Burkinabe nationality preferred; international students via specific bilateral agreements
🎓 Academic Level
PhD / Doctoral
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent of 14/20 or 'Bien' in the Master's degree program
🗣️ English Requirement
Not mandatory (French is the language of instruction), though proficiency is required for STEM research
🎂 Age Limit
Generally 35 years or younger at the time of first registration
💼 Work Experience
Not required, but professional experience in the field of research is an asset
🏆 Leadership
Not required, focus is on academic and research potential
💰 Financial Need
Considered for certain auxiliary grants, though primary selection is merit-based
🎯 Target Students
National students of Burkina Faso and international students from the ECOWAS region
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes, a detailed Research Protocol and Motivation Letter
Rec Letters
Yes, minimum of two letters including one from the prospective PhD supervisor
Interview
Yes, an oral defense of the research proposal before the Doctoral School Scientific Committee
Application Fee
15,000 CFA (subject to annual adjustment)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes, minimum of two letters including one from the prospective PhD supervisor Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Not mandatory (French is the language of instruction), though proficiency is required for STEM research
- Interview: Yes, an oral defense of the research proposal before the Doctoral School Scientific Committee
- Min GPA: Equivalent of 14/20 or 'Bien' in the Master's degree program
📋 Application Process
Begin contacting potential supervisors at UJKZ at least six months before the application window. Ensure your research topic aligns with the strategic axes of the host Doctoral School.
💡 Insider Tip: Pay close attention to the methodology section of your proposal; the scientific committee prioritizes feasible and locally relevant research projects.