EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply
EAC Student Mobility Scholarship opens for African students
Students across East Africa now have an opportunity to pursue higher education through the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/27, a fully funded programme supporting Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD studies at participating universities across the region.
The scholarship, coordinated by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), is designed to strengthen regional integration by enabling students to study in another East African Community (EAC) Partner State while receiving comprehensive financial support. Successful applicants will have their tuition, living expenses, travel costs and other approved academic expenses covered throughout their studies.
Applications are currently open, with interested candidates expected to submit their applications before August 20, 2026.
What is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship?
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme is a regional initiative that promotes academic exchange and collaboration among universities in East Africa. It allows students to enroll in eligible programmes outside their home country while gaining international academic exposure within the East African Community.
The programme covers studies at 28 participating universities located across EAC member states and supports students pursuing Diploma, Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
By encouraging cross-border education, the initiative aims to strengthen research collaboration, improve graduate employability and deepen regional cooperation in higher education.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package to reduce the financial burden of studying abroad within East Africa.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend
- Travel support
- Accommodation and study-related assistance where applicable
- Research support for eligible postgraduate students
The funding allows beneficiaries to focus on their academic and professional development without worrying about major educational expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy several academic and residency requirements before applying.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be nationals and residents of an East African Community Partner State.
- Apply to study at a participating university located outside their home country.
- Meet the admission requirements of their selected institution.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
For postgraduate programmes, Master’s and PhD applicants are generally expected to possess an Upper Second-Class Honours degree, Distinction or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants seeking PhD admission may also benefit from having relevant work experience, although this is considered an added advantage rather than a mandatory requirement.
Age requirements also apply. Master’s applicants must be below 35 years, while PhD applicants should be below 45 years at the time of application.
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Required Application Documents
Interested candidates are expected to prepare several supporting documents before beginning the online application process.
These include:
- Completed application form
- Motivation letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified academic certificates and transcripts
- University admission application documents
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of nationality
- Proof of residency
- Evidence of leadership, community service or other achievements
- Additional supporting documents where applicable
Submitting complete and accurate documentation can improve the chances of a successful application.
How to Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026
Applications are submitted online through the official EAC Student Mobility Scheme portal.
Applicants should first identify an eligible university and programme, review the admission requirements, prepare all required documents in PDF format, and complete the online application before the closing date.
Candidates with application-related inquiries may also contact the programme administrators through the official support channels provided by IUCEA.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/27 is August 20, 2026.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to allow enough time for document preparation and university admission requirements.
Why the Scholarship Matters
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship has become one of Africa’s leading regional education initiatives because it combines financial support with international learning opportunities within the continent.
Beyond funding, participants gain access to diverse academic environments, regional networking opportunities and practical experience that can improve career prospects after graduation.
For students seeking a fully funded opportunity to study in East Africa, the programme provides an accessible pathway to quality education while promoting collaboration among the region’s universities.
FAQ
What is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship?
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship is a fully funded regional scholarship programme coordinated by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA). It supports students pursuing Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees at participating universities across East African Community (EAC) member states.
Is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, study costs, travel support and other approved academic expenses for successful applicants.
Who can apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens and residents of an EAC Partner State.
- Apply to study in another EAC member country.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected university.
- Meet academic qualifications for their chosen programme.
Which countries are eligible?
The scholarship is open to eligible applicants from East African Community member states, including:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- South Sudan
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Somalia (where applicable under EAC membership guidelines)
Can international students outside East Africa apply?
No. The scholarship is specifically designed for nationals of East African Community Partner States.
Which degree programmes are available?
The scholarship supports:
- Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD Programmes
Which universities participate?
More than 28 universities across six East African countries participate in the programme. Applicants can choose eligible institutions listed on the official EAC Student Mobility Scheme portal.
Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
Yes. The funding package includes living expenses, which may be used for accommodation and other approved costs depending on the host institution.
Does the scholarship include travel costs?
Yes. The scholarship includes travel support alongside tuition and living expenses.
Is IELTS required?
No. IELTS is not listed as a mandatory requirement for this scholarship.
What documents are required?
Applicants generally need:
- Completed application form
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- University application documents
- Passport photograph
- Proof of nationality
- Proof of residency
- Supporting documents for leadership or community service
- Other supporting documents where applicable
What is the age limit?
- Master’s applicants: Below 35 years
- PhD applicants: Below 45 years
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 20 August 2026.
How do I apply?
Applicants should:
- Visit the official EAC Student Mobility Scheme portal.
- Select an eligible programme and university.
- Upload all required documents.
- Complete the online application before the deadline.
What are the benefits of studying through the EAC Student Mobility Scheme?
Benefits include:
- Full tuition funding
- Monthly living support
- Travel assistance
- Research support
- Regional academic networking
- International learning experience
- Access to leading universities across East Africa
Is work experience required?
Work experience is not mandatory for most programmes but is considered an advantage for PhD applicants.
What academic qualifications are required?
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen institution. Master’s and PhD candidates generally require an Upper Second-Class Honours, Distinction or equivalent qualification.
Why is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship important?
The programme strengthens regional integration by allowing students to study in neighbouring EAC countries, promoting academic collaboration, cultural exchange and workforce development across East Africa.
What makes this scholarship different from other African scholarships?
Unlike many scholarships that are limited to one country or institution, the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship allows students to study across multiple East African universities while receiving comprehensive financial support. It is also designed to promote regional integration through cross-border education.