Fully Funded PhD in Global Development History: DEVHIST Project 2026
Are you interested in how international development really worked in places like Ghana or Indonesia? A fully funded PhD in global development history offers a chance to explore this through the DEVHIST project. This program lets you study real-life stories from Africa and Southeast Asia under top experts.
What Is the DEVHIST Project?
The DEVHIST project comes from the European Research Council. It looks at twentieth-century international development in the Global South. Led by historian Agnieszka Sobocinska, it moves past policy papers to focus on what people actually experienced. The project runs from the 1950s to the 2000s in key regions.
This work challenges old views by using archives and interviews. You will help build new knowledge about how aid and projects shaped lives. It’s a big deal for anyone who wants to understand development history.
Available PhD Positions
Two fully funded PhD spots are open right now.
Southeast Asia Track
Study development in Indonesia (top choice), Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines. Cover the years from the 1950s to the 2000s. Think about how foreign aid built schools, roads, or farms in these countries.
Africa Track
Focus on Ghana (preferred), Nigeria, or Ethiopia. Timeframe is 1950s to 1990s. Research topics could include health programs, farming changes, or city growth during that era.
Both tracks offer full funding for tuition, living costs, and travel. You work closely with Sobocinska and join a team of researchers.
Benefits of Joining This Program
You get more than just money for school. Supervision from a leading expert opens doors to conferences and networks. Hands-on work with old documents and field trips builds real skills. Your research could change how people see development in Africa and Asia.
This PhD fits into a larger project, so your work gets published and shared widely. It’s perfect for building a career in history or development studies.
Who Can Apply?
Look for candidates with a background in history, development studies, or similar fields. You need strong research skills and interest in the Global South. Motivation to do original work is key. No specific degree level is listed, but a master’s helps.
People passionate about real-world impacts of policies will fit best. Check if you match before applying.
Application Steps
Visit the official link to apply. It points to a detailed page with forms and deadlines. Prepare your CV, research proposal, and references. The post date is April 2, 2026, so act fast.
For similar chances, check sites like Opportunities for Youth. They list scholarships in Africa, Asia, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DEVHIST project?
The DEVHIST project, funded by the European Research Council, studies twentieth-century international development in the Global South, focusing on real experiences in Africa and Southeast Asia from the 1950s to the 2000s.
What PhD positions are available?
There are two fully funded PhD spots: one for Southeast Asia (Indonesia preferred) covering 1950s-2000s, and one for Africa (Ghana preferred) covering 1950s-1990s.
What benefits does the program offer?
It provides full funding for tuition, living costs, and travel, plus supervision by expert Agnieszka Sobocinska, access to conferences, archives, field trips, and publication opportunities.
Who can apply and how?
Candidates with backgrounds in history or development studies and strong research skills can apply by visiting the official link, submitting a CV, research proposal, and references before the deadline posted on April 2, 2026.