EAC Scholarship Programme Cohort 4 2026: Funded Master’s Scholarships
The EAC Scholarship Programme Cohort 4 offers two-year funded Master’s scholarships for eligible nationals of East African Community Partner States. Implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the programme offers up to 120 scholarships for approved Master’s programmes in another EAC Partner State. Applications close on 10 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT.
Quick Overview
Programme: EAC Scholarship Programme (EACSP) – Cohort 4
Opportunity Type: Master’s Scholarship
Implementing Organization: Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)
Scholarship Duration: 2 Years
Available Awards: Up to 120 Scholarships
Application Period: 20 August–10 September 2026
Deadline: 10 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT
Eligibility: EAC nationals below 35 years of age
About the EAC Scholarship Programme Cohort 4
The EAC Scholarship Programme is a regional initiative of the East African Community and the Federal Republic of Germany. IUCEA implements the programme.
Cohort 4 supports students pursuing eligible Master’s programmes in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.
The programme covers approved study areas in:
• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Informatics
• Science
• Technology
• Business Science
Applicants may apply to more than one eligible Master’s programme or university. However, every programme choice requires a separate scholarship application and a separate supporting-document submission.
Also read: Knight-Hennessy Scholars 2027 Cohort at Stanford University
Benefits and Financial Coverage
The scholarship package provides substantial academic, travel, and living support for selected scholars.
Confirmed benefits include:
✓ Full tuition fees paid directly to the host university
✓ One return economy-class air ticket between the scholar’s home and host countries
✓ EUR 200 arrival allowance
✓ EUR 380 monthly stipend for accommodation, meals, local transport, and other living expenses
✓ EUR 650 lump-sum allowance for study materials
✓ EUR 1,500 one-time study and research allowance
✓ Medical insurance for the scholarship period
✓ Visa or entry fee where payment is required
✓ Participation in at least one extracurricular event
Scholarship recipients also benefit from leadership development, mentoring, networking opportunities, and regional integration activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all stated eligibility requirements.
• Be a citizen of one of the eight EAC Partner States.
• Be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
• Apply to study in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Upper Division, Distinction, or an equivalent qualification.
• Have applied for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at a participating university.
• Submit a complete scholarship application during the stated application period.
Eligible nationalities are:
• Burundi
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• United Republic of Tanzania
• Uganda
Applications must be submitted in English.
Female applicants, persons with disabilities, and applicants from other disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The programme aims for at least 50% female participation among scholarship beneficiaries.
Check: Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships 2027 at University of Toronto
Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit all mandatory documents identified in the official supporting-document checklist.
The checklist includes:
• National ID or passport
• Recent colour passport photograph
• Proof of university admission application, such as an admission letter, acknowledgement email, receipt, or portal screenshot
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic reference letter
• Professional reference letter
• Bank statements for the last six months, where applicable
Applicants whose academic qualifications were obtained outside the host country must ensure that the qualifications are equated by the relevant authority in the host country before admission.
Bachelor’s degree certificates and academic transcripts must be certified true copies. Documents issued in languages other than English must also include English translations prepared by an accredited language translation provider.
The official checklist also lists additional evidence that may apply depending on the applicant’s circumstances, including financial, leadership, disability, refugee, displacement, and other supporting documentation.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Applicants must choose from approved Master’s programmes offered by participating universities.
The published programme list includes universities and institutions in:
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• Uganda
• United Republic of Tanzania
Eligible programmes cover the programme’s designated thematic areas, including mathematics, engineering, informatics, science, technology, and business science.
Applicants must study outside their country of citizenship within the EAC region.
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Application Process
The application process has two separate parts.
Part A: Apply for University Admission
Applicants should:
• Review the official call and select an eligible Master’s programme and university.
• Visit the selected university’s website and review its admission process.
• Apply for admission to the university.
• Indicate the intention to apply for the EAC Scholarship Programme.
• Pay the university application fee where applicable.
Applying for university admission alone does not constitute an EAC Scholarship application.
Part B: Apply for the EAC Scholarship
Applicants should:
• Complete the online EAC Scholarship Application Form.
• Review the supporting-document checklist.
• Prepare all required documents.
• Name files according to the prescribed document codes.
• Compile the documents in PDF format into one zipped folder.
• Submit the supporting-document package according to the official email instructions.
Candidates applying for more than one programme must submit a separate online scholarship form and a separate complete supporting-document package for every programme.
Only complete applications for eligible programmes submitted before the deadline and in accordance with the application guidelines will be considered.
Important Dates
• Opening of applications: 20 August 2026
• Application period: 20 August–10 September 2026
• Virtual pre-application information session: 28 August 2026 at 11:00 AM East Africa Time
• Closing date: 10 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT
• Communication of successful students and host universities: December 2026
• Acceptance of scholarship offers and signing of scholarship agreements: December 2026
Successful applicants may begin their studies at the earliest available intake according to the admission schedules and academic calendars of their host universities.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Submission of an application does not guarantee a scholarship award.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
