Coventry University and Stellenbosch University PhD Studentship in Advanced Electrochemical Systems 2027

This project is offered as a Stellenbosch University-Coventry University Cotutelle PhD, providing a unique international research environment that combines expertise in sustainable mining, resource recovery, electrochemical engineering, and green hydrogen technologies. The successful candidate will benefit from joint supervision, access to world-class research facilities at both institutions, and opportunities to develop an international research profile through collaborative activities and knowledge exchange.

The student will be based primarily within the Department of Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, working under the supervision of Professor Prathieka Naidoo, Chair in Green Hydrogen Integration and Transition. The research will focus on developing innovative strategies for the remediation and valorisation of acid mine drainage (AMD), one of the most significant environmental challenges associated with mining activities worldwide. AMD contains elevated concentrations of dissolved metals, sulphates, and other contaminants, but also represents an underutilised source of valuable resources.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 25, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCoventry University London
• City to studyCoventry
• School to studyCoventry University London
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Tuition fees and bursary.
• Comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
• All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

• A master's degree in a relevant subject area.The master's must have been attained with minimum overall marks at merit level (60%)*. In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the master's must also have been attained with a minimum mark of merit level (60%).
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

Additional requirements

• This studentship is suitable for candidates with a background in
  • Chemical Engineering,
  • Mechanical Engineering,
  • Materials Science,
  • Electrochemistry,
  • Energy Systems, or
  • a related discipline.
• Experience in
  • acid mine drainage treatment,
  • water remediation,
  • electrolysers,
  • electrochemical testing,
  • electrocatalysis, or
  • hydrogen technologies is desirable but training will be given.
• Applicants should be highly motivated, possess strong analytical skills, and have an interest in sustainable energy, resource recovery, and environmental technologies.

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

To find out more about the project, please contact Associate Professor Sumit Roy.

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Apply to Coventry University

For more details, visit Coventry University Scholarship webpage