CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship: $14,000 To Advance Your Research

Key Highlights

CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship is now open for applications (Round 7).
The fellowship supports PhD students from developing countries working on agriculture, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change mitigation, or carbon storage research.
Successful applicants receive a 4-6 month research stay at a top host institution, along with grant support (≈ US $14,000).
The programme offers hands-on training, global networking, access to advanced methodologies, and valuable international research exposure
Deadline: 11 January 2026.

Suppose you’re a PhD student from a developing country working in agriculture, climate science, environmental studies, or related fields. The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to boost your research credentials through world-class training, exposure to advanced science methods, and international collaboration. Whether you’re examining greenhouse gas emissions, carbon storage in soils, or sustainable farming practices — this fellowship could be the career-changing boost you need.

About the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship

The Climate, Food and Farming – Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships (CLIFF-GRADS) programme is a collaborative initiative of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), Global Methane Hub (GMH), and the CGIAR Climate Action Program.

The fellowship offers short-term (4–6 months) research stays at leading host institutions — enabling early-career scientists to engage in applied research on greenhouse gas emissions quantification, mitigation, carbon storage in agriculture, and related climate-smart farming topics.

Since its inception in 2017, CLIFF-GRADS has supported over 200 students from more than 40 developing countries. You can be the next benefactor of this great initiative.

Benefits CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship

A grant of approximately US $14,000 to support living costs, travel, and research expenses during your stay.
Access to cutting-edge equipment, methodologies, and expertise not available at many home institutions.
Collaboration with experienced researchers — building global networks and academic connections.
Cross-cultural experience and exposure to international research standards to enhance your career credentials.

Eligibility For CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship

To apply for CLIFF-GRADS Round 7, you must meet all of the following:

Be a citizen of a developing country
Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme at a university located in a developing country
Not have previously received a CLIFF-GRADS grant

Preference is given to candidates applying for research visits outside their country of study — to encourage broader international collaboration.

Research Themes & What You’ll Work On

The fellowship supports a wide range of research topics, including:

Quantification, measurement, or modelling of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural systems
Carbon storage/sequestration in soils or agroecosystems
Low-emission farming practices & mitigation strategies
Food loss and waste management and its GHG impact
Climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming, and related environmental research

How to Apply For the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship

Visit the official Round 7 call and download the full call document.
Complete the online application form (via the survey link).
Prepare the required supporting documents merged into a single PDF:
- Motivation letter (per call guidelines)
- Up-to-date academic CV/résumé
- Letter of support/recommendation from your PhD supervisor
Select up to 3 preferred research stays (from the available 77 host opportunities) in order of preference.
Submit before 11 January 2026, 11:59 p.m. GMT.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out for Developing-Country PhD Students

Direct access to advanced labs and international research environments is often unavailable in many home institutions.
Short-term stay (4–6 months) — manageable commitment with big returns, making it ideal even if you intend to return home afterward.
Financial support removes the burden of travel and living costs.
Builds a global professional network and increases your chances of future scholarships, collaborations, or academic positions.
Helps you contribute to climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture — with global relevance and local impact.

What You Should Do If You’re Interested

Check that your current PhD focus aligns with GHG emissions, climate-smart agriculture, carbon storage, or related fields.
Download the full call document and read it thoroughly.
Draft a strong motivation letter: clearly show how your research fits CLIFF-GRADS themes and how this fellowship will strengthen your skills.
Prepare your academic CV and secure a supervisor’s recommendation letter.
Submit your application before the deadline (11 Jan 2026).

The CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship offers a powerful opportunity for PhD students from developing countries to grow academically and professionally. With top-level training, international exposure, financial support, and real-world research experience, it’s one of the most valuable fellowships available in sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation science today.

Application: Apply for the CLIFF-GRADS Fellowship here

More information: Visit the CLIFF-GRADS official website

If you’re ready to take your research to the next level, this is your moment. Apply now and grab this life-changing opportunity.