PhD fellowship - WMU-LRF Africa Programme

WMU is offering two PhD fellowship within 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 online via WMU’s portal: https://wmu.se/programmes/phd-maritime-affairs. Click “Apply now” to the Maritime Affairs (PhD).

Applicants need to submit the following documents in connection with their application:

1. Completed WMU PhD Application Form

2. Completed WMU PhD Research Proposal (maximum 6 pages - see Terms of Reference)

3. A one-page motivational letter, subject line of Application: Maritime Observatory PhD Fellowship 2026: Quantitative Fellowship or Qualitative Fellowship

4. Updated curriculum vitae (CV)

5. Certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts

6. Copy of English language proficiency certification or equivalent proof

7. Copy of passport (data page, only for internal record)

In addition to completing the application, the applicant must make arrangements for two academic reference letters to be sent directly by two referees to the Doctoral Office, email phd@wmu.se with subject line: Maritime Observatory PhD Fellowship 2026: Quantitative or Qualitative Fellowship

Applications for admission will be considered by WMU’s Doctoral Admissions Board, with the participation of the Observatory and LRF. The Admissions Board will select only the best-qualified candidates taking into account their research proposal as well as all their qualifications and achievements. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps, which may include an interview through remote audio-video meetings.

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.

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.