IUCEA Scholarship 2027-2028

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Scholarship 2027-2028 is a fully funded master’s scholarship opportunity for eligible nationals of the East African Community (EAC). The programme supports academically talented students who want to pursue a two-year master’s degree in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.

The scholarship is part of the EAC Scholarship Programme, a regional initiative of the East African Community and the Federal Republic of Germany. It is implemented by IUCEA and supported through KfW funding. The programme aims to develop future leaders who can contribute to regional integration, sustainable development, innovation, and economic growth across East Africa.

About IUCEA Scholarship

The EAC Scholarship Programme was created to strengthen higher education cooperation and develop skilled professionals who can contribute to the integration and sustainable development of East Africa.

The programme was launched in 2018 and its first phase supported 180 master’s students from across the EAC. Phase II began in October 2025 and is designed to support at least 280 students through three cohorts. The fourth cohort of the KfW-funded scholarship programme now offers up to 120 master’s scholarships.

Scholarship Benefits

The IUCEA Scholarship provides extensive financial support for successful applicants.

The scholarship package includes:

* Full tuition fees paid directly to the host university.
* One return economy-class air ticket between the scholar’s home country and host country.
* EUR 200 arrival allowance.
* Monthly stipend of EUR 380 for accommodation, meals, local transport and other living expenses.
* EUR 650 allowance for study materials.
* One-time EUR 1,500 study and research allowance.
* Medical insurance throughout the scholarship period.
* Visa or entry fees where applicable.
* Participation in at least one extracurricular event.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all of the programme’s eligibility conditions.

Candidates must:

* Be citizens of one of the eight eligible EAC Partner States.
* Be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
* Apply to study in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.
* Hold a bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Upper Division, Distinction, or an equivalent qualification.
* Apply for admission to an approved master’s programme at a participating university.
* Submit a complete scholarship application within the stated application period.

Available Areas Of Study

The scholarship covers approved master’s programmes in several priority areas.

The main thematic areas are:

* Mathematics
* Engineering
* Informatics
* Science
* Technology
* Business Science

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare all mandatory supporting documents before submitting their application.

Required documents include:

* National ID or passport.
* Recent passport photograph.
* Proof of application for admission to the selected university.
* Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcript.
* Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
* Academic reference letter.
* Professional reference letter.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional documents may include:

* Bank statements.
* Recent payslip.
* Professional membership certificate.
* Evidence of publications, research, awards, fellowships or certifications.
* Leadership certificate.
* Volunteer certificate.
* Evidence of dependants.
* Medical documentation where applicable.
* Refugee or displacement documentation where applicable.
* Evidence of financial hardship.
* English-language proficiency certificate where applicable.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, academic qualifications, programme suitability, and the information provided in the supporting documents.

Important factors include:

* Academic performance.
* Eligibility under the EAC Scholarship Programme.
* Admission to an approved master’s programme.
* Financial need.
* Leadership potential.
* Evidence of achievements and professional experience.
* Community or volunteer involvement.
* Potential contribution to regional integration and sustainable development.

How To Apply

Interested applicants must complete two separate stages of the application process.

1. Select an approved master’s programme and participating university.
2. Apply for admission to the university in an EAC Partner State other than your country of citizenship.
3. Indicate your intention to apply for the EAC Scholarship Programme when applying for admission.
4. Complete the online EAC Scholarship Application Form.
5. Gather all required supporting documents.
6. Convert the documents to PDF and place them in one zipped folder.
7. Send the completed supporting documents by email to the addresses specified by IUCEA.
8. Ensure that a separate scholarship application and email submission are made for each master’s programme if applying to more than one programme.
9. Submit everything before the deadline.

A virtual pre-application information session is scheduled for August 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM East Africa Time.