EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027 offers 197 scholarship places across Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes. The scheme enables eligible nationals of East African Community Partner States to study at a participating university in another Partner State. Applications close at midnight EAT on 20 August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme
Opportunity Type: Regional student mobility scholarship
Organizer: Inter-University Council for East Africa
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Study Levels: Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
Available Scholarships: 197
Host Countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Deadline: Midnight EAT, 20 August 2026
About the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme is a regional programme that promotes student exchange across the East African Community. It supports students who pursue an eligible programme in a Partner State other than their home country.
The third cohort includes 164 programmes offered through 28 partner universities in six EAC countries. The available places include one Diploma scholarship, 95 undergraduate scholarships, 90 Master’s scholarships and 11 PhD scholarships.
Available Host Countries
Scholarship places are distributed across universities in:
• Burundi
• Kenya
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda
Applicants must choose an eligible programme offered in a country other than their own. Programme duration and intake dates differ according to the selected university and degree.
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Benefits and Financial Coverage
The EAC-SMS operates through a cost-sharing arrangement involving IUCEA, participating universities and students or their guardians.
Participating host universities provide:
✓ Tuition fee waiver
✓ Examination fee waiver
IUCEA provides:
✓ Travel expenses
✓ Health insurance
✓ Research lump sum for Master’s and PhD students
Students or their guardians must cover:
• Accommodation
• Daily living expenses
• Other university fees
The programme therefore does not cover every study and living expense.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Be a national and resident of an EAC Partner State.
• Provide evidence of nationality and residence.
• Select an eligible programme in a Partner State other than their own.
• Meet the admission requirements of the selected host programme.
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• Hold Upper Second-Class Honours, Distinction or an equivalent qualification when applying for a Master’s or PhD programme.
• Be below 35 years old when applying for a Master’s programme.
• Be below 45 years old when applying for a PhD programme.
Relevant work experience is an added advantage for PhD applicants.
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Required Documents
Applicants must upload the required documents through the online application system.
The application checklist includes:
• A scholarship motivation letter
• An up-to-date and signed curriculum vitae
• Certified copies of all academic certificates and transcripts
• A copy of the university application form and its attachments
• A recent passport-size colour photograph showing the head and upper shoulders
• Evidence of nationality from an EAC Partner State
• Proof of residence issued by the local government
• Evidence of awards, leadership or community service
• Other supporting evidence, including medical reports or reference letters when applicable
Foreign qualifications must be equated by the applicant’s national council or commission for higher education. Documents issued in languages other than English must include certified English translations.
Application Process
The application covers both university admission and consideration for the EAC-SMS scholarship.
Applicants should complete the following steps:
• Review the available programmes and admission requirements.
• Choose an eligible programme and host university outside their home country.
• Prepare all required supporting documents.
• Complete the official online application form.
• Upload the required documents in the stated format.
• Submit the application before the deadline.
Applicants should submit their materials to IUCEA through the scholarship portal. IUCEA processes the university admission submission for qualified candidates, so applicants should not apply directly to the participating universities for this scheme.
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Important Application Information
There is no application fee.
Applicants may apply to more than one participating university or programme. However, each successful candidate can receive only one scholarship.
Candidates who have already received admission to a participating university may also apply for the EAC-SMS scholarship. Applicants should use the same passport or national identification number for every programme choice submitted through the portal.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027 is:
Midnight EAT, 20 August 2026
Applicants must complete the online form and upload all required documents before the deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027
