What Is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme?
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is offering a remarkable opportunity for African students through the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year. This fully funded programme allows qualified nationals to study across 28 partner universities spread across 6 East African Community (EAC) member countries. Whether you’re pursuing a Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or PhD, this scholarship is designed to make quality higher education accessible and to foster regional academic integration across East Africa.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
This is a fully funded scholarship, which means successful applicants don’t need to worry about the financial burden of studying abroad. The award covers:
- Full tuition fees at the host university
- Monthly stipend to support daily living expenses
- Study and research expenses, which may include books, materials, and laboratory costs
- Other living allowances to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their academic pursuits
This comprehensive coverage makes the EAC scholarship one of the most competitive and generous mobility programmes available to African students at multiple academic levels.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The scholarship targets nationals from EAC partner states. To be considered eligible, applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an EAC member state (which currently includes countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia)
- Hold the required academic qualifications for the level of study being applied for — e.g., a relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants, or a Master’s degree for PhD applicants
- Demonstrate strong academic performance in previous studies
- Apply to study at a partner university in a different EAC country than their home country — this cross-border mobility is central to the programme’s mission
- Meet any additional requirements set by the specific host university or programme
The programme is particularly valuable because it encourages students to experience academic environments beyond their own borders, building a more integrated and collaborative East African higher education space.
How to Apply for the EAC Scholarship
The application process is coordinated through the IUCEA and its network of partner universities. Here’s a general overview of how to apply:
- Identify your preferred programme and host university — Browse the list of 28 partner institutions across the 6 EAC countries and select a programme that aligns with your academic goals.
- Prepare your documents — Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, certificates, a valid national ID or passport, a motivation letter, recommendation letters, and a research proposal (for PhD applicants).
- Submit your application — Applications are typically submitted through the official IUCEA portal or directly via the host university’s admissions office as directed in the official guidelines.
- Follow up — After submission, monitor your email and the official website for updates on selection results and next steps.
It is strongly recommended that applicants visit the official scholarship page early to access the most accurate and up-to-date application instructions, since requirements and portal links can be updated as the deadline approaches.
Deadlines and Important Dates
Specific application deadlines for the 2026/27 cycle have not been publicly confirmed at this time, but given that this is an annual programme, interested students should begin preparing their applications as soon as possible. Scholarship opportunities like this tend to fill quickly, and late preparation is one of the most common reasons qualified candidates miss out. Bookmark the official page and check it regularly for deadline announcements.
Why You Should Apply
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship is more than just financial aid — it’s an investment in your future and in the future of East Africa. Studying in a different EAC country helps you build a pan-African professional network, gain cross-cultural academic experience, and contribute to the region’s development goals. Whether you’re a fresh undergraduate applicant or a seasoned researcher pursuing a PhD, this scholarship offers a life-changing pathway to world-class education at zero cost.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
