Apply for the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Scholarship 2027 - 2028 - officially Cohort 4 of the East African Community (EAC) Scholarship Programme Phase II. Up to 120 fully funded two-year Master's scholarships are open for EAC nationals to study in a partner EAC country other than their own. Applications close 10 September 2026 at 17:00 East African Time (EAT).
The programme is a regional initiative of the EAC and the Federal Republic of Germany, implemented by IUCEA. It targets academically strong but financially disadvantaged students in Mathematics, Engineering, Informatics, Science, Technology, and Business Science. Beyond tuition and living costs, scholars join leadership, mentoring, and regional integration activities built around the vision: "Leadership to Foster Regional Integration."
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on IUCEA's official call. It explains eligibility, the two-step application process, what the package covers, and how to submit documents correctly.
Quick Facts - IUCEA EAC Scholarship 2027 - 2028 (Cohort 4)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | EAC Scholarship Programme Phase II - Cohort 4 |
| Implementer | Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) |
| Funders | East African Community (EAC) and Federal Republic of Germany (KfW) |
| Level | Master's degree (2 years) |
| Places | Up to 120 scholarships in this cohort |
| Host region | EAC Partner State other than your country of citizenship |
| Thematic areas | Mathematics, Engineering, Informatics, Science, Technology, Business Science |
| Eligible nationals | Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda (under 35) |
| Opens | 20 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 10 September 2026, 17:00 EAT |
| Info session | 28 August 2026, 11:00 EAT (virtual) |
| Official page | iucea.org - Cohort 4 call |
| Online form | EAC Scholarship Application (KoboToolbox) |
What Makes This Scholarship Different
Unlike a single-university award, this is a regional mobility programme. You must apply for admission to an approved Master's programme at a participating university in another EAC country, then submit a separate scholarship application with supporting documents. Phase I already supported 180 students; Phase II aims to support at least 280 scholars across three cohorts.
Participating host countries in Cohort 4 include Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, with programmes at universities such as Strathmore, Egerton, University of Rwanda, Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), University of Dar es Salaam, and many others listed on the official page.
Female applicants, persons with disabilities, and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged. The programme targets at least 50% female participation.
Scholarship Package
Successful scholars receive a comprehensive package that typically includes:
- Return economy air ticket between home country and host country (start and end of studies)
- Full tuition fees paid directly to the host university
- Arrival allowance of EUR 200 upon opening a bank account in the host country
- Monthly stipend of EUR 380 for accommodation, meals, local transport, and living costs
- Lump-sum EUR 650 for study materials
- One-time EUR 1,500 study and research allowance
- Medical insurance for the scholarship duration
- Visa or entry/student pass fees where required
- Participation in at least one extracurricular regional integration event
Who Can Apply
You must meet all of the following:
- Citizen of an EAC Partner State: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda
- Below 35 years at the time of application
- Apply to study in an EAC country other than your country of citizenship
- Hold a Bachelor's degree with at least Second Class Upper Division, Distinction, or equivalent
- Have applied (or secured admission) to an eligible Master's programme at a partner university
- Submit a complete scholarship application within the application window
- Apply in English
Two-Step Application Process
Part A - University admission
- Review the eligible programmes table on the official IUCEA page and pick your programme and university.
- Visit the university website and follow its Master's admission process.
- Apply for admission and state that you intend to apply for the EAC Scholarship Programme. Pay any university application fee where required.
Part B - EAC Scholarship application
- Complete the online form at ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/J4W9xHf7 (opens 20 August 2026).
- Review the Supporting Documents Checklist on the official page.
- Name each PDF file using the prescribed codes (e.g. E01 National ID).
- Compress all required documents into one zipped PDF folder.
- Email the zip to eacsp@iucea.org and scholarships@adroitconsultinternational.com.
- Use this subject line: [Your Name] - Application for [Master's Programme] at [University] - Phase II EACSP
Important: University admission alone does not count as a scholarship application. You must complete both steps. You may apply to more than one programme, but each needs its own online form, email, and full document set.
Required Documents (Key Items)
Mandatory documents include:
- E01 - National ID or passport
- E02 - Recent passport photograph
- E03 - Proof of university admission (letter, acknowledgement, receipt, or portal screenshot)
- E04 - Bachelor's degree certificate and certified transcript (equated if obtained outside host country; translated to English if needed)
- E05 - CV
- E06 - Bank statements (last six months, where applicable)
- E07 - Academic reference letter
- E08 - Professional reference letter
Additional optional documents (E09 - E24) support financial need, leadership, disability, displacement, or other hardship claims. See the full checklist on the official page.
Important Dates
- 20 August 2026 - Call opens; online form live
- 28 August 2026, 11:00 EAT - Virtual pre-application information session (register on Zoom)
- 10 September 2026, 17:00 EAT - Application deadline
- December 2026 - Communication to successful students and host universities
Official Links
Apply - EAC Scholarship online form
Register - Pre-application info session (28 Aug 2026)
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FAQs - IUCEA Scholarship 2027 - 2028
Can I study in my home country?
No. You must study in an EAC Partner State other than your country of citizenship.
Is this fully funded?
Yes - tuition, stipend, travel, insurance, and listed allowances are covered for successful scholars under the published package.
When is the deadline?
10 September 2026 at 17:00 East African Time. Incomplete or late files are not considered.
Can I apply to multiple universities?
Yes, but each programme requires a separate online form, email submission, and complete document set.
Do I need admission before applying?
You must show proof of application or admission (E03). Check your chosen university's timeline and apply for admission first.
Who should I email for help?
IUCEA: eacsp@iucea.org · Adroit Consult International: scholarships@adroitconsultinternational.com
