SOLTRAIN+ Research Funding

Rolling Bursary Calls for TVET, Undergraduate & Postgraduate Studies

Up to €2,100

Application Window Open!

Submissions handed in by 28 February 2026 will be considered for evaluation. 69 days remaining!

About This Programme

We encourage TVET, undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in programmes in the SOLTRAIN+ countries to apply for bursaries in the field of renewable heating and cooling, with a particular focus on solar thermal energy.

The aim is to build capacity in renewable heating and cooling technologies, promote the opportunities solar thermal energy offers for various applications and sectors, and contribute to a sustainable energy future. Twelve topics have already been awarded in three calls.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for financial support, ALL of the following conditions must be met:

  1. You must be a registered TVET college student, undergraduate or postgraduate student
  2. Your study area must encompass solar heating/cooling, heat pumps, energy efficiency, heat recovery
  3. You must be a citizen of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe
  4. Your research work must be finalized by end of November 2026

Eligible Research Fields

  • 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

Required Documents

You will need the following documents ready in PDF format:

  1. Proof of registration at your academic institution for 2025/2026
  2. Your full and official academic transcript
  3. A support letter from your supervisor

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Building capacity in renewable heating and cooling technologies across the SADC region