EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026-27: 197 Fully Funded Spots in East Africa

The East African Community (EAC) Student Mobility Scholarship promotes intra-regional academic exchange. 197 scholarships for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD study at 28 universities across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Fully funded (tuition, travel, health insurance, research). You must study in an EAC country different from your home country.

If you’re from East Africa and want to study elsewhere in the region with full funding, this is your scholarship.

—

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	EAC Student Mobility Scholarship
Funded by	Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) + EAC Partner States
Eligibility	Citizens of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
Host Countries	Must study in a different EAC country from your home country
Universities	28 participating universities
Awards	197 total (95 undergraduate, 90 Master’s, 11 PhD, 1 Diploma)
Coverage	Fully funded
Deadline	August 20, 2026
Website	iucea.org/scholarships

—

What EAC Scholarship Covers

Full funding:

• Tuition and fees (at host EAC university)

• Travel grant (one-time — to host country at start, return home at end)

• Health insurance

• Research allowance (Master’s and PhD — for thesis, field work)

• Book allowance

What’s NOT covered:

• Living expenses / accommodation stipend (in most cases — some universities may provide, but it’s not guaranteed under EAC scholarship terms)

• Daily meals

Important: Unlike other scholarships (e.g., Mastercard Foundation, Commonwealth), EAC does NOT provide a monthly living stipend. You’ll need savings or family support for accommodation and meals, or seek additional support from the host university.
Typical total value: $5,000-$15,000 USD (primarily tuition + travel + research), depending on program and country.

—

Eligibility Requirements

1. Citizenship

You must be a citizen of an EAC Partner State:

• Burundi

• Kenya

• Rwanda

• South Sudan

• Tanzania

• Uganda

2. Intra-EAC Mobility Requirement

You must apply to study in an EAC country different from your home country.

Examples:

• Kenyan student studying in Uganda ✓

• Tanzanian student studying in Rwanda ✓

• Ugandan student studying in Uganda ✗ (not eligible)

3. Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: Must have completed secondary school (A-level or equivalent) with strong grades

• Master’s: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (at least second-class upper / 2:1)

• PhD: Must hold a Master’s degree with strong academic record

4. Admission to a Participating University

You must:

• Be admitted (or apply for admission) to one of the 28 participating EAC universities

• Meet the host university’s entry requirements

5. Age and Other Requirements

• No explicit age limit (though undergraduate programs typically target recent school leavers)

• Must be in good health

• Must not hold another full scholarship for the same program

—

Participating Universities (28 Total)

Burundi

• University of Burundi

Kenya

• University of Nairobi

• Kenyatta University

• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

• Moi University

• Egerton University

• Maseno University

Rwanda

• University of Rwanda

South Sudan

• University of Juba

Tanzania

• University of Dar es Salaam

• Sokoine University of Agriculture

• Mzumbe University

• Ardhi University

• Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

• Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology

• Moshi Cooperative University

Uganda

• Makerere University

• Mbarara University of Science and Technology

• Gulu University

• Busitema University

• Kyambogo University

• Kampala International University

• Mountains of the Moon University

• Soroti University

• Kabale University

• Lira University

• Bishop Stuart University

Full list: iucea.org

—

Scholarship Allocation (197 Total)

By level:

• Undergraduate: 95 scholarships (4-year programs)

• Master’s: 90 scholarships (2-year programs)

• PhD: 11 scholarships (3-4 year programs)

• Diploma: 1 scholarship

By field (priority areas):

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)

• Agriculture and food security

• Health sciences

• Education

• Governance and regional integration

All fields are eligible, but STEM and priority areas have higher allocation.

—

Application Process

Step 1: Secure Admission to a Participating University

You must first apply to and be admitted by one of the 28 participating universities.
Timeline:

• Most EAC universities have admission windows: January-May for programs starting August-September

• Apply early so you have an admission letter before the scholarship deadline

Admission requirements vary by university and program. Check the specific university’s website.

Step 2: Apply for the EAC Scholarship

Online application portal: iucea.org/scholarships
Deadline: August 20, 2026
Application materials:

#### 1. Completed Application Form (Online)

• Personal details

• Academic history

• Proposed university and program

• Citizenship proof (passport or national ID)

#### 2. Academic Documents

• Certified copies of degree certificates (secondary school cert for undergrad, Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD)

• Academic transcripts (all prior university study)

• English proficiency proof (if prior education wasn’t in English)

#### 3. Admission Letter

• Conditional or unconditional admission letter from one of the 28 participating universities

• If not yet admitted, proof of application (but having an admission letter is much stronger)

#### 4. Two Recommendation Letters

• Academic references (teachers, professors, thesis supervisors)

• Should address your academic ability, character, and potential

#### 5. Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)

Explain:

• Why you chose this program and university

• Why you want to study in another EAC country (regional integration, learning from another context, program strengths)

• Your career goals

• How your study contributes to EAC regional development

Strong statements show:

• Understanding of EAC integration goals (promoting unity, cross-border collaboration, regional development)

• Clear connection between your studies and regional priorities

• Commitment to working in the EAC region after graduation

#### 6. Birth Certificate or National ID

Proof of citizenship in an EAC Partner State.

—

Selection Process

August 20, 2026: Application deadline
September-October 2026: IUCEA reviews applications, shortlists candidates
November 2026: Shortlisted candidates notified (interviews may be conducted)
December 2026: Final selections announced
January-September 2027: Scholarships commence (depending on host university’s calendar)

—

Selection Criteria

IUCEA prioritizes:

1. Academic Excellence

Strong academic record at prior level.

2. Commitment to EAC Regional Integration

Show understanding of EAC’s mission (regional unity, cross-border collaboration, pan-East African development).

3. Priority Fields

Preference for STEM, agriculture, health, education, governance. (But all fields are eligible.)

4. Leadership and Community Engagement

Evidence of leadership in school, university, or community.

5. Diversity

IUCEA aims for gender balance and representation across all EAC countries and universities.

—

Living Costs (Important Consideration)

EAC scholarship does NOT provide a living stipend. You’ll need to cover:

• Accommodation (~$50-$150/month depending on city and housing type)

• Meals (~$100-$200/month)

• Transport, personal expenses

Total monthly living costs: $200-$400 USD (varies by country; Rwanda and Kenya are more expensive than Uganda or Tanzania).
Options to cover living costs:

1. Family support (most common)

2. Part-time work (if allowed by university and visa)

3. University accommodation support (some universities offer subsidized housing; inquire directly)

4. Additional scholarships/grants (some students stack EAC with smaller local grants)

Plan ahead. Winning EAC scholarship is great, but ensure you can afford living costs.

—

What Happens If You Win

If selected:

• You receive scholarship award confirmation (December 2026)

• IUCEA coordinates with host university to waive tuition

• You finalize admission and registration

• You travel to host country (one-time travel grant provided)

• Tuition covered throughout your program

• Research allowance disbursed (for Master’s/PhD) when needed

No bond/return requirement explicitly stated, but EAC’s mission is regional development, so scholars are encouraged to work in the region after graduation.

—

Strategy Tips

1. Apply to universities early (Jan-May 2026) so you have an admission letter by August 20 scholarship deadline.

2. Choose your university and country strategically:

– Makerere (Uganda), University of Nairobi (Kenya), University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), University of Rwanda are the region’s strongest universities

– Consider cost of living (Tanzania and Uganda are cheaper than Rwanda and Kenya)

3. Show EAC knowledge in your statement. Mention EAC’s vision for regional integration. Show you’ve thought about cross-border collaboration and regional development.

4. Plan for living costs. Don’t assume you’ll get a monthly stipend. Budget for $200-$400/month or secure family/other support.

5. STEM and priority fields have more slots. If you’re in these fields, emphasize alignment with EAC priorities.

—

Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You’re from an EAC country (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda)

• You want to study at a university in another EAC country

• You have strong academic record

• You can cover living costs (or have family support)

Maybe not if:

• You need a full living stipend (consider Mastercard Foundation, Mwalimu Nyerere, or Commonwealth instead)

• You prefer to study outside East Africa

• You want to stay in your home country for study (EAC requires cross-border mobility)

—

Next Steps

1. Research participating universities in your field (pick 1-2 that fit)

2. Apply for admission (Jan-May 2026 for most universities)

3. Gather academic documents (transcripts, certificates, recommendations)

4. Draft your statement of purpose (emphasize EAC regional development)

5. Submit EAC scholarship application by August 20, 2026 at iucea.org/scholarships

Mark August 20 on your calendar. No extensions.

If you’re from East Africa and want to study in the region with tuition covered, EAC scholarship is the most accessible option — 197 spots available this year.

—

Related: African Union Mwalimu Nyerere Scholarship · Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program · Commonwealth Scholarships