Apply for CLIFF-GRADS grants for PhD students from Nigeria and other developing countries. Discover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply successfully. You should also check out other ongoing programmes like the TEF grants, NFWP grants, WASSMASS grants, FG S-VCG and the TISSF interest-free loan, etc.
Are you a PhD student from Nigeria looking to strengthen your research, expand your global network, and gain hands-on experience in climate-smart agriculture or food systems? Are you searching for an international research opportunity that aligns with your doctoral work while supporting your academic growth? If so, CLIFF-GRADS grants for PhD students may be the opportunity you have been waiting for.
The CLIFF-GRADS grants offer funded international research stays designed to empower early-career researchers working at the intersection of climate change, agriculture, and sustainability. With applications now open for Round 7, eligible PhD candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline of Sunday, 11 January 2026, at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
Now that you understand why this opportunity matters, let’s take a closer look at what CLIFF-GRADS is all about and why it has become one of the most respected research fellowships for PhD students from developing countries.
What Is CLIFF-GRADS?
The Climate and Livestock Research – Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships (CLIFF-GRADS) is a prestigious international fellowship jointly coordinated by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).
CLIFF-GRADS was established to build scientific capacity in developing countries by enabling PhD students to undertake short-term research stays at leading institutions worldwide. Since its inception in 2017, the programme has supported over 200 graduate and PhD researchers from more than 40 countries, particularly across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Understanding what CLIFF-GRADS represents naturally leads to the next important question: what kind of research does the programme actually support?
Research Areas Supported by CLIFF-GRADS
The CLIFF-GRADS grants for PhD students focus on advancing research and innovation in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems. Selected fellows conduct applied research in areas such as:
- Measurement, modelling, and mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions
- Soil carbon sequestration and sustainable land management
- Livestock emissions and sustainable ruminant production
- Greenhouse gas emissions from rice and paddy systems
- Climate-smart cropping systems and agroforestry
During their research stays, fellows receive advanced training in methodologies including remote sensing, greenhouse gas measurement, soil carbon analysis, livestock emission modelling, and data-driven field experimentation.
With these research themes in mind, the next step is to understand who can apply and whether you meet the eligibility requirements for CLIFF-GRADS.
Who Can Apply for CLIFF-GRADS Grants?
The CLIFF-GRADS programme for PhD students is open to candidates who meet specific academic and nationality requirements.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be a national of a World Bank–classified low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, or Latin America and Caribbean country (see list)
Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a university located in one of those countries, including Nigeria.
Be conducting research related to climate change, agriculture, environmental science, or food systems
Not have previously received a CLIFF-GRADS grant
Preference is given to applicants seeking research opportunities outside their home country or country of study, encouraging global collaboration and long-term professional networks.
Once eligibility is clear, the next logical question is: what exactly do successful applicants receive through the CLIFF-GRADS fellowship?
Benefits of the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship
Each selected fellow under the CLIFF-GRADS grants typically receives USD $10,000–$12,000, covering:
- International travel
- Living expenses during the research stay
- Research-related costs
Beyond funding, CLIFF-GRADS for PhD students offers invaluable non-financial benefits, including access to world-class laboratories, collaboration with leading scientists, and exposure to advanced research environments. These experiences help fellows build the skills needed to drive climate-smart agricultural solutions in their home countries.
With these benefits in mind, it is important to understand how the application process works and what is required to submit a competitive application.
Application Process and Required Documents
Applicants may submit only one application and must list up to three research opportunities (by project number only) in order of preference. There are 77 research stays advertised under CLIFF-GRADS Round 7.
All applications must include one merged PDF document containing:
- A motivation letter aligned with the official call guidelines
- A one-page research CV
- A letter of support from the PhD supervisor
Applications that do not meet these requirements exactly will not be considered. Given the competitive nature of CLIFF-GRADS, applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents carefully.
Application portal: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L53RXR3
Now that you understand the opportunity, the next step is to review the official CLIFF-GRADS Round 7 Student Call document, where all instructions, project listings, and requirements are clearly outlined.
Once applications are submitted, the next step is understanding how candidates are evaluated and selected.
Selection Criteria for CLIFF-GRADS
Applications for CLIFF-GRADS grants for PhD students are assessed based on three key criteria:
- Overall research experience
- Relevance of the PhD thesis or research background to the selected research stay
- Clarity in explaining how the CLIFF-GRADS experience will strengthen scientific capability and career development
Previous successful candidates clearly demonstrated alignment between their research goals and the selected research visits, as well as strong academic and personal competencies.
After selection, applicants naturally want to know when decisions will be announced and what comes next.
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: Sunday, 11 January 2026 (11:59 p.m. GMT)
Notification of Successful Applicants: By 21 April 2026
Applicants are advised to rely solely on the official CLIFF-GRADS call document for confirmed timelines and instructions.
With the timeline in mind, let’s conclude by looking at why applying for CLIFF-GRADS could be a defining step in your academic journey.
Why You Should Apply for CLIFF-GRADS
The CLIFF-GRADS programme for PhD students is more than a research grant—it is a gateway to international collaboration, advanced scientific training, and long-term impact in climate and agricultural research.
By applying, you position yourself to become part of a global network of researchers working toward sustainable food systems and climate-resilient agriculture, while accelerating your academic and professional growth.
For further enquiries, applicants may contact the Programme Coordinator at cliffgrads@globalresearchalliance.org.
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