Coastal Guardians Fellowship

Canadian Post-Secondary Institution(s)The University of British Columbia
International Partner Institution(s)Mkwawa University College of Education, Geography, and EconomicsSokoine University of AgricultureUniversity of Cape Coast
Partner Country(ies)GhanaTanzania
Level(s) of StudyDoctorateMasters
Field(s) of StudyCoastal Management
Key Thematic Area(s)Climate ActionGovernance and AdministrationGreen and Blue Economy

Coastal communities in Tanzania and Ghana rely on mangrove forests for their livelihoods, but climate change threatens these vital ecosystems. The Coastal Guardians Fellowship aims to train future leaders in the Blue Economy to protect and restore mangroves, helping communities adapt to climate change.

This fellowship will provide scholarships to 30 graduate students through two program models: a customized training program for master’s students and research stays for PhD students. Building on the strong foundation of the recently launched CoastMan program, this initiative enhances efforts to sustainably manage mangrove ecosystems by equipping students with interdisciplinary skills at the intersection of land and sea. Co-developed with partners and aligned with national priorities, the project addresses critical training needs in Tanzania and Ghana.

Candidate Profile:

Candidates must be graduate students (Master’s or PhD students) enrolled at one of the three partner institutions, with a strong academic record and leadership potential. The scholarship targets female students and employs a gender-sensitive approach, and the selection process will ensure that women are the majority of scholarship recipients, targeting a 60% female-to-male gender balance. Recruitment will also focus on marginalized groups, and will consider a wide range of experiences rather than solely academic accomplishments. Additional credentials include English Language fluency.

Number of scholarship positions:

30

Length of Stay in Canada:

3 months (Master’s students) or 3.5 months (PhD students)

Application period:

Plan to launch the recruitment cycle in Fall 2025 for the Summer 2026 programs. Exact dates are TBD.

Selection process:

TBC

For more info:

Interested candidates can visit Coastman at https://coastmanafrica.org/news/

for scholarship details and partner institutions’ information. Additionally, check the partner universities’ websites for relevant updates. For direct inquiries, contact Dr. Ibrahim Issifu at i.issifu@oceans.ubc.ca

Project Partners: