The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) has announced Cohort 4 of the KfW-funded EAC Scholarship Programme, offering up to 120 funded Master's scholarships to eligible nationals of eight East African Community (EAC) Partner States.
The opportunity is designed for talented young graduates seeking postgraduate study in another EAC country while gaining access to financial support, leadership development, mentoring and regional networking opportunities.
Applications open on 20 August 2026 and close on 10 September 2026 at 17:00 EAT. Successful applicants will study for two years at participating universities in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.
What Does the EAC Scholarship 2026/2027 Cover?
Benefit
Amount/Details
Air Travel
Return economy-class air travel between home and host countries
Tuition Fees
Full tuition fees paid directly to host university
Arrival Allowance
EUR 200
Monthly Stipend
EUR 380 (accommodation, meals, local transport, living costs)
Study Materials Allowance
EUR 650
Study & Research Allowance
EUR 1,500
Medical Insurance
For scholarship period
Visa Support
Visa/entry-fee support where applicable
Extracurricular
Participation in at least one extracurricular event
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Full Funding
Comprehensive financial support for 2 years
Monthly Stipend
EUR 380 for living expenses
Research Support
EUR 1,500 for study and research
Travel Included
Return airfare between home and host countries
Regional Exposure
Study in another EAC country
Leadership Development
Mentoring and networking opportunities
Regional Integration
Contribute to EAC development
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Countries (8 EAC Partner States)
Country
Burundi
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Kenya
Rwanda
Somalia
South Sudan
Tanzania
Uganda
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Requirement
Nationality
Citizen of an EAC Partner State
Age
Below 35 years at time of application
Study Location
Must study in an EAC Partner State other than country of citizenship
Academic Qualification
Bachelor's degree with Second Class Upper Division, Distinction, or equivalent
Admission
Must have applied for admission to an eligible Master's programme
Special Encouragement
Group
Encouragement
Women
At least 50% female participation target
Persons with Disabilities
Encouraged to apply
Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Encouraged to apply
Which Master's Programmes Are Available?
Thematic Areas
Area
Description
Mathematics
Mathematical sciences
Engineering
Various engineering disciplines
Informatics
Computer science, IT, data science
Science
Natural and physical sciences
Technology
Applied technology
Business Science
Finance, management, supply chain
Approved Programme Examples
Programme
Field
Data Science
Informatics
Artificial Intelligence
Informatics
Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Informatics
Software Engineering
Engineering/Informatics
Information Technology
Informatics
Computing and Information Systems
Informatics
Environmental Technology
Technology
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Mathematics
Science
Chemistry
Science
Agricultural and Food Sciences
Science
Development Finance
Business Science
Human Resource Management
Business Science
Supply Chain Management
Business Science
Participating Institutions
Country
Universities
Kenya
Participating universities
Rwanda
Participating universities
Uganda
Participating universities
Tanzania
Participating universities
Others
As listed in official programme catalogue
Scholarship Benefits in Detail
Benefit
Description
Air Travel
Return economy-class air travel between home and host countries
Tuition Fees
Full tuition fees paid directly to host university
Arrival Allowance
EUR 200 upon arrival
Monthly Stipend
EUR 380 for accommodation, meals, local transport, living costs
Study Materials
EUR 650 allowance
Study & Research
EUR 1,500 allowance
Medical Insurance
Coverage for scholarship period
Visa Support
Entry-fee support where applicable
Extracurricular
Participation in at least one event
Programme History
Phase
Details
Phase I (2018)
Supported 180 Master's students across EAC
Phase II (Oct 2025)
Expected to support at least 280 students across 3 cohorts
Cohort 4
Up to 120 scholarships
Application Process (2 Steps)
Step 1: Apply for University Admission
Action
Description
Review Programmes
Check eligible programmes and participating universities
Select University
Choose preferred university and programme
Follow Admission Procedure
Complete university's admission process
Indicate Intent
Indicate intention to apply for EAC Scholarship
Pay Application Fee
Pay any applicable university application fee
Step 2: Submit EAC Scholarship Application
Action
Description
Open Application
Scholarship form opens on 20 August 2026
Complete Online Form
Fill in the EAC Scholarship application
Compile Documents
Gather all required supporting documents
Name Files
Follow prescribed naming conventions
Compress Files
Compress documents into a single ZIP folder
Submit by Email
Submit as instructed in the call
Important: Applying to a university does not automatically mean you have applied for the scholarship. Both processes must be completed separately.
Tuition, EUR 380 monthly stipend, airfare, research support, medical insurance, visa support.
Q4. Who can apply?
Nationals of 8 EAC Partner States below 35 years.
Q5. What are the eligible countries?
Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.
Q6. What are the eligible fields?
Mathematics, Engineering, Informatics, Science, Technology, Business Science.
Q7. Do I need to apply for university admission separately?
Yes, both admission and scholarship applications are required.
Q8. What is the application deadline?
10 September 2026 (17:00 EAT).
Q9. Is there an application fee?
University application fees may apply.
Q10. When will successful applicants be notified?
December 2026.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The KfW EAC Master's Scholarships represent one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities for postgraduate study in East Africa. With up to 120 scholarships available, the programme provides full financial support including tuition, a substantial monthly stipend of EUR 380, travel, research funding, and medical insurance.
The programme's emphasis on regional integration and leadership development makes it particularly valuable for graduates seeking to build careers within the East African Community. The special encouragement for women, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged backgrounds reflects a commitment to inclusive development.
The two-step application process requires careful planning—applicants must secure university admission before applying for the scholarship, and both processes must be completed separately.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
EAC Nationals
Yes
Graduates Below 35
Yes
STEM Students
Yes
Business Students
Yes
Women
Encouraged
Persons with Disabilities
Encouraged
Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Encouraged
Regional Development Enthusiasts
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Scholarship Value
Excellent
Career Growth
Very High
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Strongly Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for KfW EAC Master's Scholarships 2026/2027 before 10 September 2026.
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