- Fully FundedFunding Type
- 2 positionsNumber of Awards
- PhD in Electric Energy SystemsDegree Level
- Fall 2027Start Date
- SDSU and UC San DiegoJoint Program
- Founded 1897SDSU Founding Year
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
SDSU
Provider
The Fully Funded PhD Positions in Electric Energy Systems are offered by the San Diego State University (SDSU) and University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) Joint Doctoral Program (JDP). These positions provide full financial support for students pursuing doctoral studies in electric energy systems, with a focus on improving the resilience, reliability, and security of electricity infrastructure. Successful candidates will be based in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at SDSU, supervised by Dr. Tong Huang, and co-advised by a faculty member at UC San Diego. The PhD diploma will be jointly issued by both universities. The research focuses on key areas such as domain-tailored artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-physical security, and the modeling and control of inverter-based resource (IBR)-dominated power grids. Students will engage in a research environment that integrates data-driven and model-based approaches, addressing complex challenges in modern electric power systems. This program, starting in Fall 2027, offers access to extensive expertise and research networks across both institutions, including potential collaborations with U.S. national laboratories and industry partners. The positions are fully funded, covering tuition and salary, and represent an opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in advanced energy systems. San Diego State University, an R1 research institution founded in 1897, provides a strategic location in a region known for its technology and clean-energy ecosystem. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Tuition Support — Full coverage of all academic tuition fees for the duration of the PhD program, estimated at ~USD 11,000-15,000 per year (est.).
- Salary — A stipend provided as salary to cover living expenses, research-related costs, and other personal needs.
- Doctoral Research Supervision — Direct guidance and mentorship from Dr. Tong Huang at SDSU.
- Joint Mentorship — Co-advising from a faculty member at UC San Diego, offering diverse perspectives and expanded network.
- Access to Research Networks — Opportunities to engage with national laboratories, industry partners, and partner universities through internships and research visits.
How to apply
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to initiate contact with Dr. Tong Huang well in advance of the application deadline. This initial communication allows candidates to introduce themselves and their research interests before submitting a formal application.
- Contact Dr. Tong Huang Early — Email Dr. Tong Huang at [email protected] to express interest and introduce your background and research interests.
- Prepare Application Materials — Gather all necessary documents, including your CV, unofficial academic transcripts, a statement of research interests, and any representative publications.
- Email Application Documents — Send all prepared materials to [email protected] using the subject line 'Ph.D. Applicant: [Your Name]'.
- Submit English Proficiency Scores — If applicable, include your English-language proficiency scores with your application documents.
Eligibility
Academic QualificationMaster’s degree preferred in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline. Applicants with a strong Bachelor’s degree may also be considered.
Technical SkillsStrong programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink or Python.
Background KnowledgeSolid background in one or more areas such as electric power systems, power electronics, control, or signal processing.
Research PotentialDemonstrated strong research potential and a keen interest in pursuing doctoral-level research. Research publications are an advantage but not mandatory.
Applicants with a strong background in control theory or signal processing, but without direct power systems experience, are particularly encouraged to apply. The program is specifically for the Fall 2027 intake.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Fall 20272026-12-01
Selection
Recipients are selected based on their academic and technical foundation relevant to electrical and computer engineering, strong programming skills, and a solid background in areas such as electric power systems, power electronics, control, or signal processing. Demonstrated research potential and an expressed interest in doctoral-level research are key factors. Candidates are also evaluated on the alignment of their research interests with Dr. Tong Huang's group's focus areas, particularly in domain-tailored AI, cyber-physical security, and IBR-dominated power grids.
Verified sources
- Call for Applications: Two Fully Funded PhD Positions in Electric Energy Systems at SDSU–UC San Diego, USA — Fall 2027globalsouthopportunities.comofficial
About the provider
San Diego State University (SDSU) is an R1 research university founded in 1897 in San Diego, California. It is a major public research institution known for its contributions to technology and clean energy. UC San Diego is another public research university in La Jolla, California, recognized globally for its academic and research excellence.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is this scholarship?
+
This scholarship offers two fully funded PhD positions in Electric Energy Systems within a joint doctoral program between San Diego State University (SDSU) and UC San Diego for the Fall 2027 intake.
What does the scholarship cover?
+
The positions are fully funded, providing comprehensive financial support that includes both tuition fees and a salary to cover living expenses and other costs.
What is the value of the award?
+
The award covers full tuition and provides a salary, though specific monetary figures for the salary are not detailed on the page. It is a full funding package.
Who is eligible to apply?
+
Applicants should have a strong academic background, preferably a master's degree, in electrical or computer engineering or a related field, strong programming skills, and a solid foundation in relevant areas like power systems or control theory.
Which countries are eligible?
+
The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries, making it accessible to international students.
Which study levels are supported?
+
These positions are specifically for doctoral (PhD) level studies within the Electric Energy Systems program.
What is the application deadline?
+
The application deadline for these positions is December 1, 2026, for the Fall 2027 intake.
How do I apply?
+
Prospective applicants should first contact Dr. Tong Huang via email ([email protected]) with a subject line 'Ph.D. Applicant: [Your Name]' and then submit their application materials.
What documents are required?
+
Required documents include a Curriculum Vitae (CV), unofficial academic transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, representative publications (if available), and English-language proficiency scores (if applicable).
How are recipients selected?
+
Recipients are selected based on their academic and technical qualifications, programming skills, background in relevant engineering fields, demonstrated research potential, and alignment with the research group's interests.
What is the duration of the scholarship and is it renewable?
+
The scholarship supports PhD studies, which typically last ~4-5 years (est.). It is expected to cover the full duration of the doctoral program, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Where can I confirm the details?
+
You should confirm all current-cycle details, including specific requirements and deadlines, on the official San Diego State University Electrical and Computer Engineering department website or by contacting Dr. Tong Huang directly.