CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR A PHD SCHOLARSHIP IN BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH TECHNOLOGY

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

The University of Nairobi through the Engineering and Science Complex (ESC)   invites applications from eligible University of Nairobi academic staff for one PhD scholarship in Biomedical and Health Technology, with a focus on Biomedical Engineering, Digital Health Solutions, Mobile Health Technologies, AI-driven Diagnostics, Medical Image Processing, Biomedical Measurement Technology, Biotechnology for Health, and other related fields.

CONDITIONS

The PhD scholarship is open for three years, either under a Double PhD Programme (“co-tutelle”) or a Visiting PhD programme with one of the ESC's partner institutions in France: Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, ChimieParisTech – PSL, AgroParisTech, Mines Paris – PSL, or École des Ponts ParisTech.

The Double PhD Programme is a three-year (36 months) doctoral programme that leads to the award of two PhD degrees—one from the University of Nairobi and one from the French partner institution. The programme includes two research stays in France of up to nine months each and is implemented under a co-tutelle agreement between the UoN and the host institution in France. Successful candidate will be jointly supervised by two supervisors, one from the University of Nairobi (home institution) and one from the French partner institution (host institution) and will have one defense, in Nairobi.

The visiting PhD is a program of three years (36 months) that leads to one degree from University of Nairobi with two 5-month stays in France. The programme requires applicant to have a supervisor at the University of Nairobi and a host researcher at one of the French partner institutions. The program does not require a formal agreement beyond the engagement of the French institution to receive the candidate and the engagement of University of Nairobi to recognize the stays in France.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

  1. Be Kenyan citizens.
  2. Be tutorial fellow, full-time academic or research staff at the University of Nairobi.
  3. Hold a relevant Master's degree in a discipline related to biomedical and health technology.
  4. Be no more than 40 years of age at the application deadline.
  5. Not be receiving another PhD scholarship at the time of application.
  6. Be willing to undertake research mobility in France (either two 9-month stays for the Joint PhD or up to 10 months for the Visiting PhD).
  7. Have the required supervision arrangements:
    • Double PhD: One supervisor from the University of Nairobi and one from a French partner institution.
    • Visiting PhD: One supervisor from the University of Nairobi and a host researcher at a French partner institution.
  8. Demonstrate that the proposed research will contribute to innovation and knowledge creation within the ESC Communities of Excellence (CoEs), with potential outputs such as publications, patents, technologies, or start-ups.
  9. Plan to start the PhD programme at the latest in January 2027.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should submit:

  1. A completed application form.
  2. A concept note (maximum three pages) outlining the proposed research and the expected roles of UoN and the French partner institution.
  3. A motivation letter.
  4. Two letters of recommendation from the prospective University of Nairobi supervisor and the prospective French partner supervisor/host.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Preference will be given to applicants who:

  • Are early-career academic staff who do not yet hold a PhD.
  • Have research supported by, or aligned with, a French partner institution and with strong potential to attract external funding and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the relevant Community of Excellence.
  • Demonstrate a clear plan for industry collaboration or have existing partnerships with industry.
  • Have secured the support of a co-supervisor (Double PhD) or host researcher (Visiting PhD) from one of the French partner institutions. The final award of the scholarship will be subject to confirmation of this support.
  • Are woman, in case of equal academic profile.

WHAT THE SCHOLARSHIP COVERS: 

  1. A monthly allowance to cover living expenses in France and Kenya (in France-1,800€/month; in Kenya - 400€/month).
  2. Maximum of two return tickets to France (max of 1300€ each).
  3. Visa costs and annual medical and personal accident insurance (up to 400€).
  4.  Research related expenses, if any, in France and Kenya (up to 12500€).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 

Applications to be submitted through (https://forms.gle/MJnU8aRyUsv3x3fQ8) by 31st August, 2026.

NB: 

  1. Plagiarized and AI generated proposals will not be considered.
  2. Only complete applications submitted online will be accepted. 

The Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) is a flagship initiative at the University of Nairobi established to strengthen teaching, research, innovation, and technology development in science, engineering, and information technology. The project is implemented through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the French Development Agency (AFD) in support of Kenya's Vision 2030.

As part of its commitment to developing high-level research capacity within its proposed Communities of Excellence (CoEs), the ESC is supporting doctoral training in priority research areas.

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