KfW-funded Scholarships at The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)

IUCEA hereby invites suitably qualified nationals of the East African Community (EAC) to apply for cohort 4 of the KfW-funded Scholarships to pursue Master’s studies in the EAC Partner State other than their own.

Opening date: 20th August 2026
Closing date: 10th September 2026, not later than 17:00 hours, East African Time

Thematic areas:

1. Mathematics
2. Engineering
3. Informatics
4. Science
5. Technology
6. Business Science

Eligible applicants: EAC Nationals (aged below 35 years) of the EAC Partner States:

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

Duration of the Scholarship: 2 years

Applications must be submitted in English.

The students are required to apply to study in another EAC country (not their country of citizenship).

1. BACKGROUND

The EAC Scholarship Programme (EACSP) is a regional initiative of the East African Community (EAC) and the Federal Republic of Germany. Implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa, the Programme seeks to develop future leaders who will contribute to regional integration and sustainable development by supporting students to pursue Master’s studies in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.

The Programme was launched in 2018 and has already supported 180 Master’s students from across the East African Community through its first Phase. Building on the success of Phase I, Phase II commenced in October 2025 and is expected to support at least 280 students across three cohorts from all current EAC partner states: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Programme provides scholarships to academically talented but financially disadvantaged students pursuing eligible Master’s programmes in Mathematics, Engineering, Informatics, Science, Technology and Business-related disciplines.

In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients benefit from leadership development, mentoring, networking opportunities and regional integration activities designed to strengthen cooperation among future leaders in East Africa.

The vision of the Programme is: “Leadership to Foster Regional Integration.”

Female applicants, persons with disabilities and applicants from other disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The Programme aims to achieve at least 50% female participation among scholarship beneficiaries.

2. SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE

Up to 120 scholarships are available under this cohort.

The scholarship package includes:

a) One return economy-class air ticket between the scholar’s home country and the host country upon commencement and completion of studies.

b) Full tuition fees payable directly to the host university.

c) Arrival allowance EUR 200 upon arrival in the study country and opening a bank account in that country.

d) A monthly stipend of EUR 380 to cover accommodation, meals, local transport and other living expenses.

e) A lump-sum allowance of EUR 650 for study materials.

f) A one-time EUR 1,500 study and research allowance.

g) Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship.

h) Visa/Entry fee: Where payment of entry pass into the host country or student pass is required.

i) Participation in at least one extracurricular event.

3. ELIGIBLE PROGRAMMES

Applicants must apply for admission to one of the approved Master’s programmes offered by participating universities in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.

Applicants may apply for more than one eligible Master’s programme and/or university. However, each programme application shall be treated as a separate application and must be accompanied by:

• A separately filled-in online scholarship application form;
• A separate email submission clearly indicating the programme and university applied for, with supporting documents attached.

Applications that do not include a complete online application form and the required supporting documents for each programme applied for will not be considered during the evaluation process.

Kenya

Chuka University

• Master of Science in Applied Mathematics — Mathematics
• Master of Science in Biochemistry — Science
• Master of Science in Botany – Microbiology and Biotechnology — Science
• Master of Science in Botany – Plant Pathology — Technology

Daystar University

• Master of Science in Economics — Science

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

• Master of Science in Food Science and Technology — Technology
• Master of Science in Civil Engineering — Engineering

Egerton University

• Master of Science in Animal Nutrition — Science
• Master of Science in Food Science — Science

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology

• Master of Science in Agricultural Extension — Science
• Master of Science in Chemistry — Science
• Master of Science in Microbiology — Science
• Master of Science in Pure Mathematics — Science

Kabarak University

• Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics — Science
• Master of Science in Physics — Science

KCA University

• Master of Science in Data Science — Technology
• Master of Science in Development Finance — Science

Kibabii University

• Master of Business Administration — Business Science
• Master of Science in Human Resource Management — Business Science
• Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management — Business Science
• Master of Science in Physics — Science

Murang’a University of Technology

• Master of Science in Chemistry — Science
• Master of Science in Information Technology — Informatics
• Master of Science in Statistics — Mathematics
• Master of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering — Engineering

Strathmore University

• Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems — Technology
• Master of Science in Information Technology — Informatics
• Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Transitions — Science

United States International University -Africa

• Master of Arts in Communication Studies — Informatics
• Master of Information Systems — Technology
• Master of Science in Organisational Development & Management — Business Science

Rwanda

Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur de Ruhengeri

• Master of Arts in Microfinance — Business Science
• Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences — Science
• Master of Science in Software Engineering — Science
• Master of Science in Taxation — Business Science

University of Rwanda

• Master of Science in Electrical Power Systems Engineering
• Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance — Science
• Master of Science in Health Supply Chain Management — Science
• Master of Science in IoT – Wireless Intelligence Sensor Networks — Technology

Uganda

Busitema University

• Master of Science in Industrial Mathematics — Mathematics
• Master of Science in Materials Engineering — Engineering

Mbarara University of Science & Technology

• Master of Science in Biology (Microbiology and Parasitology) — Science
• Master of Science in Biology (Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation) — Science
• Master of Science in Mathematics — Mathematics

Nkumba University

• Master of Information Systems and Technology — Technology

United Republic of Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam University College of Education

• Master of Science in Environmental Biology — Science
• Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry — Science
• Master of Science with Education — Science

Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre

• Master of Official Statistics — Mathematics

Sokoine University of Agriculture

• Master of Science in Irrigation Engineering and Management — Engineering

The Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology

• Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence — Informatics
• Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Innovation — Technology
• Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management — Business Science
• Master of Science in Embedded and Mobile Systems (EMoS) — Science

University of Dar es Salaam

• Master of Science in Chemistry — Science
• Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering — Engineering

University of Dodoma

• Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management — Science
• Master of Science in Digital Instructional Design — Informatics
• Master of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics — Informatics
• Master of Science in Public Health — Science

4. ELIGIBILITY TO BENEFIT FROM THE EACSP

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Be a citizen of any of the 8 EAC Partner States;
2. Be below 35 years of age at the time of application;
3. Apply to study in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship;
4. Possess a Bachelor’s Degree, with a minimum of Second Class Upper Division, Distinction or equivalent qualification;
5. Have applied for admission to an eligible Master’s programme offered by partner university;
6. Submit a complete scholarship application within the stipulated application period.

Applicants must submit supporting documents to indicate their satisfaction of the eligibility criteria as indicated in the list of supporting documents in section 6.

5. APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process for Phase II of the EACSP shall be twofold.

PART A — Apply for admission

Apply for admission to a partner university in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.

Step 1: Review this call and select the programme and the University of choice from the Eligible Programmes list.

Step 2: Visit the university’s website and review its application process for the selected programme. This will be indicated along with the call for applications for the EACSP.

Step 3: Apply for admission to the university of your choice, indicating your intention to apply for the EAC Scholarship Programme. Ensure the University application fee is paid, where applicable.

PART B — Apply for the EAC Scholarship

Step 4: Complete and submit the online EAC Scholarship Application form via:

https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/J4W9xHf7

The link will be open on 20th August 2026.

Step 5: Review the Supporting Documents Checklist to identify all required attachments for submission.

Step 6: Compile all required supporting documents into a single folder and name files according to the prescribed document codes.

Step 7: Compress all required supporting documents in PDF format into a single zipped folder and submit it by email to:

eacsp@iucea.org

and

scholarships@adroitconsultinternational.com

Email subject format

The email subject line shall follow the prescribed format:

[Applicant Name] – Application for [Master’s Programme] at [University] – Phase II EACSP

Example:

Tsavo Simba – Application for MBA at Adroit University – Phase II EACSP

Applicants may apply to more than one eligible Master’s programme and/or university.

However, each programme application shall be treated as a separate application and must be accompanied by:

• A separately completed online scholarship application form;
• A separate email submission for each programme applied for, with a complete set of supporting documents.

Applicants are strongly advised to submit all required supporting documents for each programme in a single email.

Where multiple submissions are made for the same programme, only the first submission shall be considered unless the applicant sends an email indicating that they disregard the previous submission before the application deadline.

Submission of an application for admission to a university does not constitute an application for the EAC Scholarship Programme. Applicants must complete and submit the scholarship application separately, along with all required supporting documents.

Virtual pre-application information session

A virtual pre-application information session will be held on 28 August 2026 at 11:00 AM East Africa Time (Nairobi time) to provide interested applicants with an opportunity to seek clarification on the Call for Applications and the application requirements.

Registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xV6Th4PfTJSUw3JFg0ioMQ

6. LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Only applications with all mandatory documents submitted shall be considered.

Submit documents in PDF format and in a single zipped folder.

Name each file using the format:

[Document Code] [Document Name]

Example:

E01 National ID

Mandatory/supporting documents

E01 — National ID or Passport

E02 — Passport Photograph

Note: Provide a recent passport photograph in colour of your full head and upper shoulders.

E03 — Proof of University admission Application

Admission letter or acknowledgement email, receipt, portal screenshot etc.

E04 — Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Transcript

Applicants whose academic qualifications were obtained outside the host country must ensure that the qualifications are equated by the relevant National Council/Commission for Higher Education or other competent authority in the host country before admission.

Applicants with supporting documents such as transcripts and certificates in languages other than English are required to submit both the originals and copies translated into English by an accredited language translation provider.

Note: All copies of the Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcript must be certified true copies.

E05 — Curriculum Vitae (CV)

E06 — Bank Statements (last six months)
Note: Where applicable.

E07 — Academic Reference Letter

E08 — Professional Reference Letter

E09 — Recent Payslip
Optional, where applicable, but required for evaluating information in these sections.

E10 — Professional Membership Certificate

E11 — Payslips (last six months, where applicable)

E12 — Scholarship Award Letter
If undergraduate studies were funded through a scholarship.

E13 — Photograph of Primary Residence

E14 — Publication, Research Paper, Award, Fellowship, Certification or Other Achievement Evidence

E15 — Leadership Certificate

E16 — Volunteer Certificate

E17 — Evidence of dependents
Marriage or Birth Certificates, Guardianship Documents, School Fee Receipts, etc.

E18 — Medical Report for Applicant with Disability or Chronic Illness

E19 — Refugee Identification or Registration Documents

E20 — Displacement, Disaster or Social Welfare Documentation

E21 — Evidence of Loss of Livelihood
Termination letter, closure notice, etc.

E22 — Tuition Arrears Statements, Fee Balance Statements or Financial Aid Applications

E23 — University Correspondence Demonstrating Financial Hardship

E24 — Other relevant documents

List any other relevant documents provided such as English Language Proficiency Certificate, e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, where applicable.

7. IMPORTANT NOTES

a) Only complete applications for eligible programmes, submitted before the deadline, in English and in accordance with the application guidelines, shall be considered.

b) Applicants must complete both stages of the application process: Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s programme at a participating university, and submit a separate application for the EAC Scholarship Programme.

c) Applicants must submit all mandatory supporting documents as specified in the Supporting Documents Checklist. Failure to do so will result in the application being deemed incomplete and ineligible for further consideration.

d) Applicants applying for more than one programme must submit a separate complete application for each programme applied for.

e) Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

f) Providing false, misleading or incomplete information may result in automatic disqualification from the selection process or withdrawal of a scholarship award.

g) IUCEA reserves the right to verify any information and supporting documentation submitted as part of the application process.

h) Successful applicants may commence their studies at the earliest available intake, depending on the admission schedules and academic calendars of the respective host universities.

i) Submission of an application does not guarantee the award of a scholarship.

j) The scholarship opportunity cannot be deferred to a later time or transferred to another person. Failure to take up the opportunity at the time of the award will result in its termination.

8. CONDITIONS FOR APPLICATION

By applying, the applicant agrees to comply with all conditions for participating in this call.

IUCEA and KFW reserve the right to reject applications that fail to meet the eligibility and selection requirements.

9. CONTACT & SUPPORT

For any assistance or clarification regarding this call, contact:

IUCEA: eacsp@iucea.org

ACI: scholarships@adroitconsultinternational.com

10. IMPORTANT DATES