The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 is a special program made to help young people who want to make the world cleaner and safer. It is not just about studying, it is about becoming a future leader who can find real solutions to environmental and climate problems. The scholarship gives doctoral students from developing countries a big opportunity to do important research in Germany.
Through the ABCD Scholarships, students learn from experts and work on ideas that can protect water, land, and nature. The goal is to train smart young researchers who can use science to make positive changes in their home countries. This program connects brilliant minds from across the world and helps them build knowledge that supports sustainable development, climate adaptation, and environmental protection. If you love the planet and want to make a difference, this opportunity might be for you.
ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships
The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships is organized by the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre, also known as the ABCD-Centre. It stands for Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, and Dresden, the four cities that form this global partnership. The Centre was created to bring together researchers, teachers, and students who care about solving the world’s water and climate problems.
The ABCD-Centre is a joint effort between three strong institutions in Germany, RWTH Aachen University, Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), and the United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES). These institutions are known for their deep knowledge in water management, environmental science, and climate change research.
The scholarship aims to give PhD students from developing countries a chance to spend nine months in Germany doing important research that can help their communities back home.
What You Should Know About the ABCD-Centre
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre – Aachen, Bangkok, Chennai, Dresden (ABCD-Centre) is an international network that focuses on research, education, and knowledge sharing. Its main goal is to create strong solutions to the growing problems caused by climate change and poor water management.
The Centre’s work is based on global agreements such as the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It strongly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
By bringing together institutions from Europe and Asia, the ABCD-Centre helps researchers work together and share ideas that can make a real difference. Students who become part of this program will not only learn from top professors but also become members of a global network of scientists and innovators.
Aim and Objectives of the Scholarships
The ABCD Scholarships were created to help bright PhD students from developing countries grow their skills in environmental science and climate research. The main aim is to build strong leaders who can bring positive change through science and technology.
Some of the key goals of the program are:
- To help doctoral students from developing countries gain skills and experience in climate and water-related research.
- To build strong international cooperation between universities and research centers in Europe and Asia.
- To support real research that can help governments and communities manage water, land, and natural resources better.
- To encourage teamwork and knowledge sharing among young researchers and global experts.
By achieving these goals, the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships helps students grow academically while creating long-term partnerships that benefit both their home countries and the world.
Research Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to choose research topics that match the ABCD-Centre’s main research themes. The program supports a wide range of topics related to water, climate, and sustainable development. However, certain areas are given special attention. These include:
- Modelling Water Infrastructure and Digital Tools: Using modern technology like digital twins and data modeling to make water systems more efficient.
- Ecosystem Resilience and Nature-Based Adaptation: Developing ways to use nature to protect cities and farmlands from floods, droughts, and other disasters.
- Climate-Driven Water Extremes: Studying how climate change affects water supply and causes extreme weather in urban areas.
- Sustainable Business Models for Water Resources: Finding smart and eco-friendly ways to manage water and waste in businesses.
- Eco-friendly Building Materials: Creating construction materials that reduce pollution and help with climate adaptation.
Each research topic is designed to solve real-world problems and produce knowledge that can be used by both governments and communities.
Who Can Apply?
The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships is open to doctoral students from developing countries who have already started their PhD studies within the last three years. Applicants must also be registered as full-time PhD students at recognized universities in their home countries.
To qualify, candidates should:
- Have a strong background in environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related field.
- Show a clear research plan that fits with the ABCD-Centre’s themes.
- Be passionate about sustainable development and willing to apply their knowledge at home.
- Be able to communicate well in English, since it is the main language used across all partner institutions.
These requirements ensure that only motivated and well-prepared students join the program and make meaningful contributions to environmental research.
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and send several important documents. All these documents should be combined into one single PDF file and emailed to abcd-centre@rwth-aachen.de before the deadline of November 15, 2025. The application must include:
- A personal motivation letter (2–3 pages)
- A sample of written scientific work
- A recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two letters of recommendation from the applicant’s home institution
- A statement showing the ability to work online if remote work is needed
- An enrollment certificate and transcript (not older than six months)
- A copy of the applicant’s passport
Additionally, the home university and supervisor must agree on:
- A research topic related to the ABCD clusters
- A clear timeline for the PhD project
- A detailed plan for the research stay in Germany
- Plans for future projects or publications
- Ways the student will help the ABCD-Centre’s outreach activities
ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarship Benefits
The ABCD Scholarships come with several great benefits that make studying and researching in Germany easier. Selected scholars will receive full support during their nine-month stay. The scholarship covers:
- Monthly allowance for accommodation and living expenses: €1,200
- Monthly insurance allowance: Up to €105
- Travel grant: One-time stipend of up to €1,000
Apart from financial help, the scholarship provides many academic advantages. Scholars get:
- Expert supervision from leading professors and researchers
- Access to top research facilities
- Chances to join international workshops, seminars, and conferences
- Support to publish their work in scientific journals
- Opportunities to collaborate with students and professionals from other countries
This combination of funding, mentorship, and exposure makes the ABCD 2026 Scholarships truly a life-changing opportunity.
Partner Universities and Research Environment
The ABCD-Centre works with three major institutions that are known for academic excellence:
1. RWTH Aachen University – Famous for its engineering and environmental science programs, RWTH Aachen focuses on innovation in water management and technology.
2. Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) – One of Germany’s top universities, TU Dresden is well known for its sustainability research and interdisciplinary programs.
3. UNU-FLORES (United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources) – A United Nations institute that focuses on managing water, soil, and waste in a sustainable way.
Scholars can choose any of these three institutions for their nine-month research stay. Each university provides access to international research groups, modern laboratories, and a network of global experts who help scholars improve their research and develop professional skills.
Why You Should Apply
If you are a passionate researcher who dreams of making the environment better, the ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 is perfect for you. It not only offers financial support but also gives you a platform to work with international scientists and gain world-class experience.
The program helps you:
- Improve your research and analytical skills.
- Learn from top environmental experts.
- Contribute to solving global problems like water shortage, pollution, and climate change.
- Build lasting international friendships and professional connections.
By the end of your research stay, you will have the knowledge and confidence to become a true environmental leader in your country.
Conclusion
The ABCD Future Environmental Leaders Scholarships 2026 is more than just a scholarship, it is a doorway to global learning and impact. It gives doctoral students from developing countries the chance to learn, explore, and build a career that helps protect our planet. Through the ABCD Scholarships, young researchers can turn their scientific dreams into real solutions for water, climate, and sustainability problems. With strong partners like RWTH Aachen, TU Dresden, and UNU-FLORES, this program prepares the next generation of environmental leaders. If you want to be part of a global community that values innovation, knowledge, and sustainability, this scholarship is your opportunity to shine and make a difference.