The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) has opened applications for the East African Community (EAC) Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) 2026/2027, offering 197 scholarships for Diploma, Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD studies at 28 universities across East Africa.
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 20 August 2026.
Key Details
| Scholarship | EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) 2026/2027 |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) |
| Study Levels | Diploma, Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD |
| Number of Scholarships | 197 |
| Participating Universities | 28 Universities |
| Host Countries | Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania & Uganda |
| Eligible Applicants | Nationals and residents of EAC Partner States |
| Scholarship Benefits | Tuition waiver, examination fees, travel, health insurance, research support (Master’s & PhD) |
| Application Fee | None |
| Deadline | 20 August 2026 |
What is the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS)?
The East African Community Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) is a regional initiative coordinated by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA). The programme supports student mobility by providing scholarships for learners to study in an EAC Partner State other than their own, strengthening collaboration among universities and enhancing regional integration through higher education.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, the programme offers scholarships at 28 universities across Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship operates as a cost-sharing programme, ensuring students receive significant financial support throughout their studies.
Host Universities Cover
- 100% Tuition fees
- Examination fees
IUCEA Covers
- International travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Research support for Master’s and PhD students
Students/Parents Cover
- Accommodation
- Daily living expenses
- Other university-related costs not covered by the scholarship
Number of Scholarships Available
A total of 197 scholarships are available for the 2026/2027 intake, distributed as follows:
| Study Level | Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 95 |
| Diploma | 1 |
| Master’s | 90 |
| PhD | 11 |
| Total | 197 |
These opportunities span 164 academic programmes offered by 28 universities across six East African countries.
Participating Countries
Scholarships are available at universities in:
- Burundi
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Students must study in a country different from their home country within the East African Community.
Available Degree Programmes
Applicants can choose from a diverse range of academic disciplines, including:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Cyber Security
- Statistics
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Renewable Energy
- Agriculture
- Environmental Science
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Climate Change
- Education
- Social Work
- International Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Tourism
- Development Studies
- Law
- Entrepreneurship
- Regional Integration
- Project Planning and Management
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Health Informatics
- Food Security
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Astronomy
- Swahili Studies
In total, applicants can select from 164 programmes hosted by universities across the East African Community.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027, applicants must:
- Be a national and resident of an EAC Partner State.
- Apply to study in another EAC Partner State (not their own).
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen university.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
- Hold at least an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or equivalent) for Master’s and PhD programmes.
- Be below 35 years of age for Master’s programmes.
- Be below 45 years of age for PhD programmes.
- Relevant work experience is an added advantage for PhD applicants.
Eligible countries include:
- Burundi
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- Updated and signed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified academic certificates and transcripts
- University application form and supporting attachments
- Passport-size photograph
- Proof of nationality
- Proof of residency
- Evidence of leadership, awards, or community service (where applicable)
- Letters of reference or other supporting documents (if available)
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.
How to Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship
The application process consists of two key stages:
Step 1: Select Your Programme
Browse the official list of eligible universities and programmes and choose your preferred course of study. APPLY NOW
Step 2: Submit Your Scholarship Application
Complete the online IUCEA scholarship application and upload all required documents. APPLY NOW
Important: Applicants should not apply directly to universities or pay university application fees. IUCEA coordinates university admissions for successful scholarship applicants.
Important Information
- No university application fee is required.
- Applicants may apply to more than one participating university.
- Only one scholarship will ultimately be awarded to each successful applicant.
- Students already admitted to a participating university remain eligible to apply for the scholarship.
EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Deadline
Application Deadline: 20 August 2026
Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents well before the deadline.
Why Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship?
The EAC Student Mobility Scholarship offers much more than financial support. Scholars benefit from:
- Studying at leading universities across East Africa.
- Building regional and international professional networks.
- Gaining cross-cultural academic experiences.
- Enhancing career prospects through internationally recognized qualifications.
- Contributing to regional integration and sustainable development.
Apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027 Today
If you are an ambitious student from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda, this is an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully supported undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD degree at a top university in another East African Community country.
With 197 scholarships available across 28 universities and 164 academic programmes, the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship 2026/2027 is one of the region’s most competitive and impactful higher education opportunities.
Application Deadline: 20 August 2026. Don’t miss your chance to advance your education while becoming part of a stronger, more integrated East African Community.
