The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) has officially issued an invitation to eligible higher education institutions to participate in Phase II of the East African Community (EAC) Scholarship Programme. This opportunity is not for individual students directly, but for universities and academic institutions to host scholarship beneficiaries under a prestigious, fully funded regional initiative.

Overview of the EAC Scholarship Programme Phase II

The EAC Scholarship Programme Phase II is a continuation of a transformative regional initiative designed to strengthen higher education, innovation, and integration across East Africa. The programme is implemented by IUCEA in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) and funded by the Government of Germany through KfW.

The core objective of this scholarship programme is to:

• Build a highly skilled workforce in priority sectors
• Promote regional integration through academic mobility
• Develop future leaders and innovators
• Strengthen collaboration among universities in East Africa

The programme focuses on strategic academic disciplines such as:

• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Science
• Technology
• Informatics
• Business-related fields

What Does This Hosting Opportunity Mean?

Under Phase II, IUCEA is inviting qualified universities and higher education institutions to apply to host students who will be funded through the EAC Scholarship Programme.

This means:

• Institutions will admit and train scholarship recipients
• Students will come from other EAC Partner States
• Universities will contribute to regional academic exchange and mobility

This aligns with the broader EAC goal of ensuring students study outside their home country within the region, fostering cultural exchange and academic collaboration.

Scholarship Benefits for Hosted Students

Although this specific call targets institutions, understanding the student benefits is essential because it defines the quality and expectations of hosted scholars.

Selected students under the programme will receive fully funded support, including:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Medical insurance
• Research and study allowances
• Return air ticket (where applicable)

This comprehensive funding ensures that host institutions attract top-tier academic talent from across the region.

Who Can Apply? (Eligible Institutions)

Category of Applicants:

• Universities
• Accredited higher education institutions
• Academic institutions within East Africa

Institutional Requirements:

To qualify as a host institution, applicants must:

• Be located within an EAC Partner State
• Offer accredited programmes in priority fields
• Demonstrate strong academic and research capacity
• Be able to support international/regional students

Institutions must also be prepared to:

• Facilitate student integration and mentorship
• Support internships and practical learning
• Collaborate with IUCEA and regional stakeholders

Eligible Countries (EAC Partner States)

Institutions must be based in any of the following East African Community countries:

• Kenya
• Uganda
• Tanzania
• Rwanda
• Burundi
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Somalia

This regional scope ensures broad participation and inclusivity across East Africa.

Target Beneficiaries (Students to Be Hosted)

Although institutions apply for hosting, the ultimate beneficiaries are students who meet the following criteria:

• Citizens of EAC Partner States
• Typically aged 35 years or below
• Strong academic background
• Interested in priority fields (STEM and business)

These students will enroll in undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programmes depending on the scholarship track.

Why Institutions Should Apply

Hosting EAC scholarship students offers numerous advantages:

1. Institutional Prestige – Participation positions your university as a regional center of excellence.

2. Internationalization – You gain exposure to diverse student populations across East Africa.

3. Research and Innovation Growth – Collaboration with top scholars enhances research output and innovation.

4. Financial and Academic Support – Scholarship funding reduces financial burden while improving programme quality.

5. Regional Networking – Institutions become part of a strong academic network across EAC.

Programme Structure and Academic Model

The EAC Scholarship Programme is designed to include:

• Academic coursework
• Research projects
• Internships and industry exposure
• Mentorship programmes
• Regional networking events

This ensures a holistic education model that goes beyond classroom learning.

Strategic Importance of the Programme

The EAC Scholarship Programme Phase II is more than just an academic initiative. It is a regional development strategy aimed at:

• Enhancing economic growth
• Promoting innovation and technology
• Strengthening regional integration
• Developing future African leaders

By hosting students, institutions actively contribute to shaping the future of East Africa’s workforce and knowledge economy.

How to Apply

Once the application window opens, institutions will be required to:

1. Submit an official application through IUCEA
2. Provide programme and accreditation details
3. Demonstrate capacity to host international students
4. Outline available courses in priority disciplines

Applicants should regularly check the official IUCEA website for updates.

Apply here

Deadline

23rd April 2026

The IUCEA invitation to host students under Phase II of the EAC Scholarship Programme represents a rare and high-impact opportunity for universities across East Africa.

It is ideal for institutions that:

• Aspire to become regional academic leaders
• Want to attract fully funded international students
• Seek to expand their research and innovation footprint

With full funding, strong institutional backing, and a clear regional vision, this programme stands out as one of the most influential higher education initiatives in East Africa today.

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