SHE-CREEDS Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded MSc and PhD Opportunities for African Students in Climate-Responsive Agriculture, Energy-Efficient Technologies, and Digital Innovation

African students seeking world-class postgraduate education, international academic exposure, and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable development now have an exceptional opportunity through the SHE-CREEDS Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarships 2026.

Co-funded by the European Union under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme (NDICI-2024-MOBAF), the SHE-CREEDS project is offering fully supported Master’s and PhD scholarship opportunities for qualified students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative is designed to strengthen higher education systems, promote academic mobility, foster regional integration, and equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change, food security, renewable energy challenges, and digital transformation across Africa.

The scholarship programme is coordinated by the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Tanzania and implemented through a consortium of leading universities across Eastern, Central, Southern, and Western Africa, with technical support from Ghent University in Belgium and collaboration from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Ghana.

About the SHE-CREEDS Project

SHE-CREEDS stands for:

Strengthening Higher Education for Climate-Responsive Agriculture, Energy-Efficient Technologies, and Digital Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The project is a four-year initiative running from 2025 to 2028 under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) on behalf of the European Union.

The programme seeks to strengthen the capacity of African higher education institutions to respond effectively to climate change and sustainable development challenges through postgraduate education, research, innovation, and cross-border academic mobility.

The project focuses on:

• Mainstreaming climate change into postgraduate education.
• Improving the quality of training in Climate-Responsive Agriculture.
• Advancing Energy-Efficient Technologies.
• Accelerating digitalisation in higher education.
• Promoting regional integration among African universities.
• Strengthening food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Supporting renewable energy development.
• Enhancing graduate employability and green skills.
• Building a resilient and environmentally sustainable Africa.

Through academic mobility and knowledge exchange, SHE-CREEDS aims to create a new generation of African researchers, innovators, and professionals capable of driving the continent’s green transition.

Why the SHE-CREEDS Scholarship Matters

Africa faces growing challenges related to climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, energy access, and technological advancement. Addressing these challenges requires highly trained professionals, researchers, and innovators equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills.

The SHE-CREEDS programme responds directly to these needs by investing in advanced postgraduate education and supporting mobility between African institutions. Scholars gain access to diverse academic environments, international networks, advanced research facilities, and opportunities to collaborate across borders.

The programme aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway priorities and supports long-term capacity building across African higher education institutions.

Scholarship Opportunities Available

PhD Scholarships

The programme offers six PhD scholarship opportunities.

Available PhD Programmes

1. NM-AIST, Tanzania
   • PhD in Sustainable Agriculture
   • Focus: Agro-Ecological Farming Systems and Sustainable Land Management
   • Credit-Seeking Mobility (6 Months)
2. Jimma University, Ethiopia
   • PhD in Natural Resources Management
   • Specialisation: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
   • Focus: Smart Irrigation, Water-Energy-Food Nexus, and Precision Agriculture Technologies
   • Degree-Seeking
3. Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB), Democratic Republic of Congo
   • PhD in Environmental Science – Natural Resource Management
   • Focus:
     • Agro-Industrial Waste Valorisation
     • Biodiversity-Positive Farming
     • Sustainable Mining for Land Rehabilitation in the Albertine Rift
   • Degree-Seeking
4. Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Côte d’Ivoire
   • PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity
   • Focus: Climate-Smart Cocoa Landscapes
   • Degree-Seeking
5. NM-AIST, Tanzania
   • PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering
   • Focus:
     • Smart Irrigation
     • Water-Energy-Food Nexus
     • Precision Agriculture Technologies
   • Credit-Seeking Mobility (6 Months)
6. NM-AIST, Tanzania
   • PhD in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering
   • Focus:
     • Renewable Energy Systems
     • Green Manufacturing
     • Solar-Driven Technologies
   • Degree-Seeking
7. University of Zambia (UNZA), Zambia
   • PhD in Integrated Water Resources Management
   • Focus:
     • Energy Efficiency in Transport
     • Water Infrastructure
     • Urban Systems
     • Energy-Efficient Water Systems
   • Degree-Seeking

MSc Scholarships

The programme offers Master’s scholarship opportunities in multiple specialised fields.

Available MSc Programmes

1. NM-AIST, Tanzania
   • MSc in Sustainable Agriculture
   • Focus: Agro-Ecological Farming Systems and Sustainable Land Management
2. Jimma University, Ethiopia
   • MSc in Agronomy
   • Focus:
     • Agrifood Value Chain Development
     • Rural SME Empowerment
3. Université Officielle de Bukavu (DRC)
   • MSc in Natural Resource Management
   • Focus:
     • Agro-Industrial Waste Valorisation
     • Biodiversity-Positive Farming
     • Sustainable Mining for Land Rehabilitation
4. Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
   • MSc in Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture
   • Focus:
     • Agro-Ecological Farming Systems
     • Sustainable Land Management
5. University of Zambia
   • Master of Science in Geology
   • Focus:
     • Mineral Systems
     • Hydrogeology
     • Geological Hazard Assessment
6. NM-AIST, Tanzania
   • MSc in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering
   • Focus:
     • Renewable Energy Systems
     • Green Manufacturing
     • Solar-Driven Technologies

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates will receive comprehensive support throughout their studies.

Financial Benefits

MSc Scholars

• Monthly stipend of up to EUR 890.
• Funding duration of up to 24 months for degree-seeking programmes.

PhD Scholars

• Monthly stipend of up to EUR 1,230.
• Funding duration of up to 36 months for degree-seeking programmes.
• Funding duration of up to 6 months for credit-seeking mobility.

Additional Benefits

• International academic mobility opportunities.
• Access to leading African universities.
• Research collaboration opportunities.
• Exposure to multicultural academic environments.
• Professional networking opportunities.
• Enhanced employability and leadership development.
• Participation in research addressing real African development challenges.
• Opportunities to contribute to climate resilience, renewable energy development, and digital innovation.

Partner Universities and Institutions

The SHE-CREEDS consortium consists of distinguished institutions across Africa and Europe.

Consortium Members

• Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania – Lead Coordinator.
• Jimma University (JU), Ethiopia.
• Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB), Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Côte d’Ivoire.
• University of Zambia (UNZA), Zambia.
• Ghent University (UGent), Belgium – EU Technical Partner.
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana – Associated Partner.

Cross-Language Mobility Advantage

The programme encourages linguistic diversity and regional integration.

Applicants from Anglophone countries applying to Francophone institutions (UOB or UFHB) receive a cross-language selection advantage. Similarly, applicants from Francophone countries applying to Anglophone institutions may benefit from this initiative.

Language support services will be available upon arrival at host institutions.

Important Mobility Requirement

Applicants cannot study in their country of nationality or residence.

The scholarship is specifically designed to promote cross-border academic mobility. Therefore:

• The host institution must be located in a different African country from the applicant’s nationality.
• The host institution must also be located outside the applicant’s country of residence.
• Applications proposing in-country mobility will be automatically disqualified.

Gender Inclusion and Support

SHE-CREEDS strongly promotes gender equality.

The project aims to achieve at least 50% female scholarship recipients and offers:

• A 5-point bonus during selection.
• Dedicated mentorship programmes.
• Female peer-support networks.
• Family visit allowances for degree-seeking PhD scholars.
• Flexible arrangements for nursing mothers.

Priority Groups

Priority consideration is given to:

• Applicants from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
• Applicants from conflict-affected and fragile regions.
• Underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
• Cross-language applicants.
• Persons with disabilities requiring accessible support.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1

Review available MSc and PhD programmes and identify suitable opportunities.

Step 2

Prepare all required supporting documents in PDF format.

Step 3

Complete the official online application form.

Step 4

Submit the application before the deadline.

Step 5

Participate in a virtual interview if shortlisted.

Step 6

Await final selection results, expected by July 2026.

Required Application Documents

All Applicants

• Completed online application.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation Letter.
• Valid Passport.
• National Identity Card.
• Academic Certificates.
• Academic Transcripts.
• Language Proficiency Evidence (where applicable).
• Signed Declaration confirming no concurrent EU scholarship and no previous MOBAF scholarship.

Additional Documents for MSc Applicants

• Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters.
• Statement of Purpose.

Additional Documents for PhD Applicants

• Research Concept Note (1,000–1,500 words).
• Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters.
• Research Publications, Reports, or Conference Papers (if available).

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is:

28 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

To learn more and apply: Read the official call for application

The SHE-CREEDS scholarship programme represents one of Africa’s most significant postgraduate mobility initiatives, offering students the opportunity to study across borders, engage in transformative research, and become leaders in climate-responsive agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, and digital innovation. Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and submit before the official deadline.

For more information, visit the official website
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