Last SOLTRAIN+ bursary call will close on 28th February 2026

Since the beginning of the SOLTRAIN+ project in 2022 thirteen bursaries have been awarded to students in the SOLTRAIN+ partner countries Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe who did their research work in the field of renewable heating and cooling. 54% of these bursaries have been awarded to women. The financial support is up to 2,100 Euros.

In the last call, both postgraduates's and undergraduates’ research work in the renewable heating and cooling sector is eligible. Even scientific projects on TVET level are eligible if criteria of excellence are met. 

The final call will close on 28 February 2026. The SOLTRAIN+ Steering Committee has decided to open this final call to undergraduate and TVET students as well. We look forward to receiving proposals that demonstrate excellence and relevance in the field of renewable heating and cooling.

Students from Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe may apply for financial support of up to EUR 2,100.

A special invitation is again given to women, as we would appreciate to reach a 50% women share with regards to the awarded bursaries.

Eligible fields of research for the bursary call again will be:

• Potential analysis of solar thermal systems in the health sector, at educational or social institutions and in the tourism sector
• Analysis of measurement data from selected systems from SOLTRAIN demonstration systems
• Renewable Heating and Cooling (solar thermal, solar thermal and heat pump, energy efficiency and heat recovery) in industry and commerce, buildings, health and tourism sector (including country specific opportunities and challenges)
• The use of solar thermal technologies for heating/drying/cooling in industrial applications
• Documentation and analysis of mass housing programmes with mandatory installation of solar water heaters
• Cost-effectiveness and socio-economic impact of renewable heating and cooling in off-grid communities (e.g. in the Four-O Region in Namibia)
• Women in the Renewable Heating and Cooling Sector (opportunities, barriers, policies)
• Gender and Diversity in solar thermal – expanding beyond women in diversifying work force

Please go to https://soltrain.org/student-portal/research-project-funding-information for more information on how to apply.