EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027: 197 Fully Funded Undergraduate, Master’s & PhD Scholarships Across East Africa

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="273" data-end="577">The <strong data-start="277" data-end="329">Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)</strong> has opened applications for the <strong data-start="362" data-end="450">East African Community (EAC) Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) 2026/2027</strong>, offering <strong data-start="461" data-end="481">197 scholarships</strong> for Diploma, Undergraduate, Master&#8217;s and PhD studies at <strong data-start="538" data-end="557">28 universities</strong> across East Africa.</p> <p data-start="579" data-end="868">The scholarship enables students from eligible East African Community countries to study in another EAC Partner State while receiving financial support for tuition, travel, health insurance and research costs. Applications close on <strong data-start="811" data-end="829">20 August 2026</strong>.</p> <h2 class="" data-section-id="s6t9g0" data-start="870" data-end="884">Key Details</h2> <div class="TyagGW_tableContainer"> <div class="group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="886" data-end="1627"> <thead data-start="886" data-end="967"> <tr data-start="886" data-end="967"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="886" data-end="904" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="888" data-end="903">Scholarship</strong></th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="904" data-end="967" data-col-size="md">EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) 2026/2027</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="1050" data-end="1627"> <tr data-start="1050" data-end="1126"> <td data-start="1050" data-end="1074" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1052" data-end="1073">Host Organisation</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1074" data-end="1126">Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1127" data-end="1187"> <td data-start="1127" data-end="1146" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1129" data-end="1145">Study Levels</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1146" data-end="1187">Diploma, Undergraduate, Master&#8217;s, PhD</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1188" data-end="1224"> <td data-start="1188" data-end="1217" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1190" data-end="1216">Number of Scholarships</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1217" data-end="1224">197</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1225" data-end="1277"> <td data-start="1225" data-end="1258" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1227" data-end="1257">Participating Universities</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1258" data-end="1277">28 Universities</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1278" data-end="1357"> <td data-start="1278" data-end="1299" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1280" data-end="1298">Host Countries</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1299" data-end="1357">Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania &amp; Uganda</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1358" data-end="1433"> <td data-start="1358" data-end="1384" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1360" data-end="1383">Eligible Applicants</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1384" data-end="1433">Nationals and residents of EAC Partner States</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1434" data-end="1558"> <td data-start="1434" data-end="1461" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1436" data-end="1460">Scholarship Benefits</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1461" data-end="1558">Tuition waiver, examination fees, travel, health insurance, research support (Master&#8217;s &amp; PhD)</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1559" data-end="1589"> <td data-start="1559" data-end="1581" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1561" data-end="1580">Application Fee</strong></td> <td data-col-size="md" data-start="1581" data-end="1589">None</td> </tr> <tr data-start="1590" data-end="1627"> <td data-start="1590" data-end="1605" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="1592" data-end="1604">Deadline</strong></td> <td data-start="1605" data-end="1627" data-col-size="md"><strong data-start="1607" data-end="1625">20 August 2026</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <h1 data-section-id="1hl7dy" data-start="1156" data-end="1220">What is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS)?</h1> <p data-start="1222" data-end="1680">The <strong data-start="1226" data-end="1298">East African Community Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS)</strong> is a regional initiative coordinated by the <strong data-start="1343" data-end="1395">Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)</strong>. The programme supports student mobility by providing scholarships for learners to study in an <strong data-start="1491" data-end="1533">EAC Partner State other than their own</strong>, strengthening collaboration among universities and enhancing regional integration through higher education.</p> <p data-start="1682" data-end="1883">For the <strong data-start="1690" data-end="1717">2026/2027 academic year</strong>, the programme offers scholarships at <strong data-start="1756" data-end="1775">28 universities</strong> across <strong data-start="1783" data-end="1844">Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda</strong>.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1ygm3vr" data-start="1890" data-end="1933">EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Benefits</h1> <p data-start="1935" data-end="2074">The scholarship operates as a <strong data-start="1965" data-end="1991">cost-sharing programme</strong>, ensuring students receive significant financial support throughout their studies.</p> <h3 data-section-id="17rx0uh" data-start="2076" data-end="2103">Host Universities Cover</h3> <ul data-start="2105" data-end="2143"> <li data-section-id="1pwfi7x" data-start="2105" data-end="2124">100% Tuition fees</li> <li data-section-id="lb1geu" data-start="2125" data-end="2143">Examination fees</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="6rl1ab" data-start="2145" data-end="2161">IUCEA Covers</h3> <ul data-start="2163" data-end="2262"> <li data-section-id="1qlh4ll" data-start="2163" data-end="2194">International travel expenses</li> <li data-section-id="1glmb4e" data-start="2195" data-end="2213">Health insurance</li> <li data-section-id="1ya1phc" data-start="2214" data-end="2262">Research support for Master&#8217;s and PhD students</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1l65u5t" data-start="2264" data-end="2290">Students/Parents Cover</h3> <ul data-start="2292" data-end="2395"> <li data-section-id="d7gf1s" data-start="2292" data-end="2307">Accommodation</li> <li data-section-id="j2t1wh" data-start="2308" data-end="2331">Daily living expenses</li> <li data-section-id="9o3kpv" data-start="2332" data-end="2395">Other university-related costs not covered by the scholarship</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="ov11t8" data-start="2441" data-end="2475">Number of Scholarships Available</h1> <p data-start="2477" data-end="2576">A total of <strong data-start="2488" data-end="2508">197 scholarships</strong> are available for the <strong data-start="2531" data-end="2551">2026/2027 intake</strong>, distributed as follows:</p> <div class="TyagGW_tableContainer"> <div class="group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit" tabindex="-1"> <table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="2578" data-end="2733"> <thead data-start="2578" data-end="2608"> <tr data-start="2578" data-end="2608"> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="2578" data-end="2592" data-col-size="sm">Study Level</th> <th class="last:pe-10" data-start="2592" data-end="2608" data-col-size="sm">Scholarships</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody data-start="2640" data-end="2733"> <tr data-start="2640" data-end="2662"> <td data-start="2640" data-end="2656" data-col-size="sm">Undergraduate</td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2656" data-end="2662">95</td> </tr> <tr data-start="2663" data-end="2678"> <td data-start="2663" data-end="2673" data-col-size="sm">Diploma</td> <td data-start="2673" data-end="2678" data-col-size="sm">1</td> </tr> <tr data-start="2679" data-end="2696"> <td data-start="2679" data-end="2690" data-col-size="sm">Master&#8217;s</td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2690" data-end="2696">90</td> </tr> <tr data-start="2697" data-end="2709"> <td data-start="2697" data-end="2703" data-col-size="sm">PhD</td> <td data-start="2703" data-end="2709" data-col-size="sm">11</td> </tr> <tr data-start="2710" data-end="2733"> <td data-start="2710" data-end="2722" data-col-size="sm"><strong data-start="2712" data-end="2721">Total</strong></td> <td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2722" data-end="2733"><strong data-start="2724" data-end="2731">197</strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div> <p data-start="2735" data-end="2891">These opportunities span <strong data-start="2760" data-end="2787">164 academic programmes</strong> offered by <strong data-start="2799" data-end="2818">28 universities</strong> across six East African countries.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1xaw9p5" data-start="2898" data-end="2923">Participating Countries</h1> <p data-start="2925" data-end="2971">Scholarships are available at universities in:</p> <ul data-start="2973" data-end="3033"> <li data-section-id="17m8x2z" data-start="2973" data-end="2982">Burundi</li> <li data-section-id="16rqwz4" data-start="2983" data-end="2990">Kenya</li> <li data-section-id="6n4zjb" data-start="2991" data-end="2999">Rwanda</li> <li data-section-id="1bbjgs0" data-start="3000" data-end="3013">South Sudan</li> <li data-section-id="xp4766" data-start="3014" data-end="3024">Tanzania</li> <li data-section-id="a4107k" data-start="3025" data-end="3033">Uganda</li> </ul> <p data-start="3035" data-end="3178">Students <strong data-start="3044" data-end="3105">must study in a country different from their home country</strong> within the East African Community.</p> <h1 data-section-id="14gurus" data-start="3185" data-end="3214">Available Degree Programmes</h1> <p data-start="3216" data-end="3294">Applicants can choose from a diverse range of academic disciplines, including:</p> <ul data-start="3296" data-end="3872"> <li data-section-id="n5uyxn" data-start="3296" data-end="3314">Computer Science</li> <li data-section-id="1ocmvwi" data-start="3315" data-end="3339">Information Technology</li> <li data-section-id="342mc1" data-start="3340" data-end="3356">Cyber Security</li> <li data-section-id="wt3kb1" data-start="3357" data-end="3369">Statistics</li> <li data-section-id="bkk4cs" data-start="3370" data-end="3380">Medicine</li> <li data-section-id="o1dvxu" data-start="3381" data-end="3390">Nursing</li> <li data-section-id="jifkmt" data-start="3391" data-end="3406">Public Health</li> <li data-section-id="1dra18r" data-start="3407" data-end="3425">Renewable Energy</li> <li data-section-id="13ecb4p" data-start="3426" data-end="3439">Agriculture</li> <li data-section-id="tesjl0" data-start="3440" data-end="3463">Environmental Science</li> <li data-section-id="3sduww" data-start="3464" data-end="3489">Business Administration</li> <li data-section-id="c1jzmc" data-start="3490" data-end="3501">Economics</li> <li data-section-id="14a7y0w" data-start="3502" data-end="3511">Finance</li> <li data-section-id="1p06fqp" data-start="3512" data-end="3525">Engineering</li> <li data-section-id="6zwyh6" data-start="3526" data-end="3541">Biotechnology</li> <li data-section-id="13y813p" data-start="3542" data-end="3558">Climate Change</li> <li data-section-id="n0dh7m" data-start="3559" data-end="3570">Education</li> <li data-section-id="1ps7khe" data-start="3571" data-end="3584">Social Work</li> <li data-section-id="1keue6z" data-start="3585" data-end="3608">International Studies</li> <li data-section-id="1gm73ym" data-start="3609" data-end="3637">Peace and Conflict Studies</li> <li data-section-id="13b8her" data-start="3638" data-end="3647">Tourism</li> <li data-section-id="msv04y" data-start="3648" data-end="3669">Development Studies</li> <li data-section-id="1o472q" data-start="3670" data-end="3675">Law</li> <li data-section-id="15qe4o9" data-start="3676" data-end="3694">Entrepreneurship</li> <li data-section-id="1uuxhqb" data-start="3695" data-end="3717">Regional Integration</li> <li data-section-id="iz0314" data-start="3718" data-end="3751">Project Planning and Management</li> <li data-section-id="qkeb6h" data-start="3752" data-end="3779">Monitoring and Evaluation</li> <li data-section-id="1u9apbd" data-start="3780" data-end="3800">Health Informatics</li> <li data-section-id="lrop30" data-start="3801" data-end="3816">Food Security</li> <li data-section-id="1eznul0" data-start="3817" data-end="3842">Sustainable Agriculture</li> <li data-section-id="brr9ye" data-start="3843" data-end="3854">Astronomy</li> <li data-section-id="rgeveo" data-start="3855" data-end="3872">Swahili Studies</li> </ul> <p data-start="3874" data-end="4025">In total, applicants can select from <strong data-start="3911" data-end="3929">164 programmes</strong> hosted by universities across the East African Community.</p> <h1 data-section-id="vutqy9" data-start="4032" data-end="4048">Who Can Apply?</h1> <p data-start="4050" data-end="4133">To qualify for the <strong data-start="4069" data-end="4115">EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027</strong>, applicants must:</p> <ul data-start="4135" data-end="4635"> <li data-section-id="jr4u9n" data-start="4135" data-end="4188">Be a national and resident of an EAC Partner State.</li> <li data-section-id="18qjc7o" data-start="4189" data-end="4251">Apply to study in another EAC Partner State (not their own).</li> <li data-section-id="1gchxwr" data-start="4252" data-end="4311">Meet the admission requirements of the chosen university.</li> <li data-section-id="bd5tpz" data-start="4312" data-end="4357">Demonstrate excellent academic performance.</li> <li data-section-id="6yd3yo" data-start="4358" data-end="4459">Hold at least an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or equivalent) for Master&#8217;s and PhD programmes.</li> <li data-section-id="17jwjq6" data-start="4460" data-end="4515">Be below <strong data-start="4471" data-end="4483">35 years</strong> of age for Master&#8217;s programmes.</li> <li data-section-id="19xljxp" data-start="4516" data-end="4566">Be below <strong data-start="4527" data-end="4539">45 years</strong> of age for PhD programmes.</li> <li data-section-id="xamyrg" data-start="4567" data-end="4635">Relevant work experience is an added advantage for PhD applicants.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://eacsms.iucea.online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APPLY NOW</a></strong></p> <p data-start="4637" data-end="4664">Eligible countries include:</p> <ul data-start="4666" data-end="4726"> <li data-section-id="17m8x2z" data-start="4666" data-end="4675">Burundi</li> <li data-section-id="16rqwz4" data-start="4676" data-end="4683">Kenya</li> <li data-section-id="6n4zjb" data-start="4684" data-end="4692">Rwanda</li> <li data-section-id="1bbjgs0" data-start="4693" data-end="4706">South Sudan</li> <li data-section-id="xp4766" data-start="4707" data-end="4717">Tanzania</li> <li data-section-id="a4107k" data-start="4718" data-end="4726">Uganda</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="c57cg9" data-start="4772" data-end="4804">Required Application Documents</h1> <p data-start="4806" data-end="4856">Applicants should prepare the following documents:</p> <ul data-start="4858" data-end="5240"> <li data-section-id="2onv42" data-start="4858" data-end="4877">Motivation letter</li> <li data-section-id="3n6nj6" data-start="4878" data-end="4920">Updated and signed Curriculum Vitae (CV)</li> <li data-section-id="1593pde" data-start="4921" data-end="4970">Certified academic certificates and transcripts</li> <li data-section-id="1x4qf8u" data-start="4971" data-end="5027">University application form and supporting attachments</li> <li data-section-id="1lye5s8" data-start="5028" data-end="5054">Passport-size photograph</li> <li data-section-id="s7p2vz" data-start="5055" data-end="5077">Proof of nationality</li> <li data-section-id="48gtul" data-start="5078" data-end="5098">Proof of residency</li> <li data-section-id="1m840b" data-start="5099" data-end="5172">Evidence of leadership, awards, or community service (where applicable)</li> <li data-section-id="n2dkey" data-start="5173" data-end="5240">Letters of reference or other supporting documents (if available)</li> </ul> <p data-start="5242" data-end="5506">Foreign qualifications must be officially equated by the relevant national higher education authority, while documents not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.</p> <h1 data-section-id="1qtps7y" data-start="5513" data-end="5568">How to Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship</h1> <p data-start="5570" data-end="5625">The application process consists of <strong data-start="5606" data-end="5624">two key stages</strong>:</p> <h3 data-section-id="1lrfchm" data-start="5627" data-end="5660">Step 1: Select Your Programme</h3> <p data-start="5662" data-end="5769">Browse the official list of eligible universities and programmes and choose your preferred course of study. <strong><a href="https://eacsms.iucea.online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APPLY NOW</a></strong></p> <h3 data-section-id="2i4a21" data-start="5771" data-end="5818">Step 2: Submit Your Scholarship Application</h3> <p data-start="5820" data-end="5904">Complete the online IUCEA scholarship application and upload all required documents. <strong><a href="https://eacsms.iucea.online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APPLY NOW</a></strong></p> <p data-start="5906" data-end="6132"><strong data-start="5906" data-end="5920">Important:</strong> Applicants <strong data-start="5932" data-end="5977">should not apply directly to universities</strong> or pay university application fees. IUCEA coordinates university admissions for successful scholarship applicants.</p> <h1 data-section-id="4wqru4" data-start="6139" data-end="6162">Important Information</h1> <ul data-start="6164" data-end="6458"> <li data-section-id="13l1yto" data-start="6164" data-end="6208">No university application fee is required.</li> <li data-section-id="79e9fo" data-start="6209" data-end="6274">Applicants may apply to more than one participating university.</li> <li data-section-id="vdstkt" data-start="6275" data-end="6354">Only one scholarship will ultimately be awarded to each successful applicant.</li> <li data-section-id="7sc0dn" data-start="6355" data-end="6458">Students already admitted to a participating university remain eligible to apply for the scholarship.</li> </ul> <h1 data-section-id="131cutl" data-start="6506" data-end="6549">EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Deadline</h1> <p data-start="6551" data-end="6595"><strong data-start="6551" data-end="6576">Application Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="6577" data-end="6595">20 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="6597" data-end="6763">Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents well before the deadline.</p> <h1 data-section-id="3r4mr0" data-start="6770" data-end="6823">Why Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship?</h1> <p data-start="6825" data-end="6925">The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship offers much more than financial support. Scholars benefit from:</p> <ul data-start="6927" data-end="7237"> <li data-section-id="1j6mb9s" data-start="6927" data-end="6981">Studying at leading universities across East Africa.</li> <li data-section-id="6ifrle" data-start="6982" data-end="7042">Building regional and international professional networks.</li> <li data-section-id="gbfgvs" data-start="7043" data-end="7089">Gaining cross-cultural academic experiences.</li> <li data-section-id="n8hh82" data-start="7090" data-end="7169">Enhancing career prospects through internationally recognized qualifications.</li> <li data-section-id="cixjgt" data-start="7170" data-end="7237">Contributing to regional integration and sustainable development.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1832xof" data-start="7244" data-end="7309">Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027 Today</h2> <p data-start="7311" data-end="7578">If you are an ambitious student from <strong data-start="7348" data-end="7408">Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda</strong>, this is an outstanding opportunity to pursue a <strong data-start="7457" data-end="7515">fully supported undergraduate, Master&#8217;s, or PhD degree</strong> at a top university in another East African Community country.</p> <p data-start="7580" data-end="7812">With <strong data-start="7585" data-end="7615">197 scholarships available</strong> across <strong data-start="7623" data-end="7642">28 universities</strong> and <strong data-start="7647" data-end="7674">164 academic programmes</strong>, the <strong data-start="7680" data-end="7726">EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027</strong> is one of the region&#8217;s most competitive and impactful higher education opportunities.</p> <p data-start="7814" data-end="7983" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong data-start="7814" data-end="7839">Application Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="7840" data-end="7858">20 August 2026</strong>. Don&#8217;t miss your chance to advance your education while becoming part of a stronger, more integrated East African Community.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="7814" data-end="7983" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong><a href="https://eacsms.iucea.online/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APPLY NOW</a></strong></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/18/eac-student-mobility-scholarship-2026-2027-197-fully-funded-undergraduate-masters-phd-scholarships-across-east-africa/">EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027: 197 Fully Funded Undergraduate, Master&#8217;s &#038; PhD Scholarships Across East Africa</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>