The University of Central Asia (UCA) is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Central Asian Faculty Development Programme (CAFDP) Doctoral Scholarship. This opportunity supports exceptional scholars from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan who want to pursue PhD studies at top universities around the world. Applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will have the chance to be accepted. The priority goes to applicants from the founding states.

The CAFDP aims to strengthen academic capacity in the region by preparing future faculty members for UCA’s campuses in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. Scholars will focus on fields aligned with UCA’s strategic goals, including Earth, Environmental, and Climate Sciences, Data Science, Media, Economics, Public Policy, and Cultural Studies.

Successful applicants are expected to conduct research relevant to Central Asia and return to contribute to UCA’s teaching and research after completing their degrees.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 12 May 2025 (midnight, GMT+6)
• Online information session: 18 April 2025 at 4:00 PM (GMT+6)
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: University of Central Asia (UCA)
• Eligible Countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan (priority); also open to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Early-career academics, researchers, and professionals pursuing a PhD
• Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Degree Required: Relevant Master’s or equivalent degree
• Duration: PhD program duration
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Varies
• Fields of Study:
  • Earth, Climate, and Environmental Sciences
  • Computer and Data Sciences
  • Media and Communications
  • Development and Climate Economics
  • Public Policy
  • Cultural Studies and Heritage
  • Other relevant fields based on UCA’s academic needs

Benefits

The scholarship provides the following benefits:

• Full or partial coverage of tuition fees (paid directly to the host university)
• Annual living stipend to support the scholar during studies
• Annual research allowance
• Travel costs to and from the host country at the beginning and end of the PhD program
• Long-term employment opportunity at UCA (equal in length to the funded study period)

Note: No financial support is available for dependents or family members.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be citizens from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Tajikistan (priority); applicants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan may also apply
• Excellent academic record with a higher education degree from a recognized institution
• Official admission into a PhD program in a UCA-relevant field
• Strong interest in teaching and research careers in academia
• Commitment to work at UCA post-graduation
• Strong professional or academic background preferred
• Proficiency in English demonstrated by:
  • IELTS: At least an overall score of 7.5 (with at least 7.0 in each component)
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 110 (with 25 in each component)

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed CAFDP Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum 3 pages)
• Admission letter from a host university for a PhD program
• Personal statement (max 3 pages) outlining:
  • Career goals
  • Research interests
  • Motivation for applying
  • Fit with CAFDP
• Short research proposal (max 3 pages) – for research-based or hybrid PhD programs
• Copy of passport
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Detailed budget of program costs, funding already secured, and amount requested from CAFDP

How to Apply?

• Prepare all required documents in English.
• Complete the CAFDP Application Form.
• Email your full application package to the following submission email.
• Ensure your application is submitted by Monday, 12 May 2025 (midnight, GMT+6).

Submission Email: [email protected]

For questions or early inquiries, contact [email protected]. Further details are available on the official website.

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