EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027 Fully Funded Study Opportunities Across East Africa
Study Abroad in East Africa with the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) has officially opened applications for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) 2026/2027, offering 197 scholarship opportunities for students from East African Community (EAC) Partner States.
The scholarship allows eligible students to pursue Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees at participating universities in another EAC Partner State while promoting regional integration, academic excellence, cultural exchange, and mobility.
If you are looking for an opportunity to study abroad within East Africa with financial support, this scholarship is an excellent opportunity.
Scholarship Summary
About the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme is a regional higher education initiative established by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
The programme aims to strengthen regional cooperation by enabling students to pursue higher education in another EAC Partner State rather than their home country.
Through academic mobility, participants gain:
- International learning experience
- Cultural exchange
- Regional networking opportunities
- High-quality education
- Career development across East Africa
Unlike many fully funded scholarships, the EAC-SMS operates under a cost-sharing model involving IUCEA, host universities, and students or their guardians.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides several important financial benefits.
Host Universities
Participating universities provide:
- Tuition fee waiver
- Examination fee waiver
IUCEA Secretariat Covers
Successful applicants receive:
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Research lump-sum support for Master's and PhD students
Student/Guardian Responsibility
Applicants are expected to cover:
- Accommodation
- Daily living expenses
- Meals
- Other university administrative fees
Available Scholarship Slots
A total of 197 scholarships are available.
Distribution by Study Level
Host Countries
Scholarships are available in universities located in:
- Burundi
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
The programme includes 28 universities offering 164 academic programmes.
Participating Universities
Some participating universities include:
Kenya
- Strathmore University
- Kenyatta University
- Moi University
- Kibabii University
- Murang'a University of Science and Technology
- Laikipia University
- KCA University
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Rwanda
- INES Ruhengeri
- University of Technology and Arts
Uganda
- Makerere University
- Busitema University
- Bugema University
- Nkumba University
- Uganda Martyrs University
- Clarke International University
Tanzania
- University of Dar es Salaam
- Open University of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College
- Moshi Cooperative University
- St John's University of Tanzania
Burundi
- Université du Burundi
- University of Ngozi
- Lake Tanganyika University
- Université Lumière de Bujumbura
South Sudan
- Catholic University of South Sudan
Available Study Programmes
Students can choose from a wide variety of programmes including:
- Computer Science
- Cyber Security
- Statistics
- Renewable Energy
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Agriculture
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Accounting
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Climate Change
- Education
- Tourism
- Social Sciences
- Development Studies
- Public Administration
- GIS and Geo-Informatics
- Food Science
- Agricultural Extension
More than 164 academic programmes are available across participating universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a national of an East African Community Partner State.
- Be a resident of an EAC Partner State.
- Apply for admission to a participating university located outside their home country.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected university.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
For postgraduate applicants:
Master's Applicants
- Upper Second-Class Honours or equivalent
- Must be below 35 years of age
PhD Applicants
- Upper Second-Class Honours or equivalent
- Must be below 45 years of age
- Relevant work experience is an added advantage
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Letter of Motivation (Here we help you)
- Updated and signed Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Here we help you)
- Certified academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- University application form (here we help you)
- Passport-size photograph
- National ID, Passport, or Birth Certificate
- Proof of residency
- Evidence of leadership, awards, or community service
- Recommendation letters (if available) (even here we help you)
- Medical reports (where applicable)
Applicants with foreign qualifications must obtain academic equivalency from their national higher education authority.
Any document not written in English must include an official certified English translation.
How to Apply
The application process consists of three steps.
- Step 1: Select an eligible programme and participating university from the official programme catalogue.
- Step 2: Prepare all required application documents in PDF format.
- Step 3: Complete the online scholarship application through the official EAC Student Mobility Scholarship portal.
Important: Applicants should not apply directly to universities. IUCEA manages admissions for qualified scholarship candidates.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 20 August 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship offers students the opportunity to:
- Study in another East African country
- Receive tuition support
- Build regional professional networks
- Experience cultural diversity
- Improve employability
- Access internationally recognized universities
- Contribute to East African regional integration
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027 is one of the most valuable regional scholarship opportunities for students across East Africa. With 197 scholarships available across 28 universities in six EAC countries, it provides a unique chance to pursue higher education while gaining international exposure within the region.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, start preparing your documents early and submit your application before 20 August 2026.
Apply Now
Official Application Portal: Click here to apply