About the opportunity
The East African Community (EAC) Scholarship Programme Cohort 4 is a two-year funded Master’s scholarship implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) in partnership with the EAC and Germany. The initiative aims to develop future leaders and enhance regional integration through cross-border higher education. Up to 120 scholarships are available for qualified citizens of EAC Partner States to pursue postgraduate studies at participating universities outside their country of citizenship. At Kabarak University in Kenya, eligible international EAC students can study Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics or Master of Science in Physics under the scholarship’s Science thematic area.
Funding and benefits
- Full tuition fees for two years
- Return economy-class air travel between scholar's home country and host country
- Monthly stipend of EUR 380 for accommodation, meals, local transport, and living expenses
- Arrival allowance of EUR 200
- Study materials allowance of EUR 650
- Study and research allowance of EUR 1,500
- Medical insurance for the duration of the scholarship
- Applicable visa/entry fees
- Participation in at least one extracurricular event
- Opportunities for leadership development, mentoring, networking, and regional integration activities
Who can apply?
- Be a citizen of one of the eight EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda
- Be below 35 years of age at the time of application
- Hold a Bachelor's degree with at least Second Class Upper Division, Distinction, or an equivalent qualification
- Apply to an eligible Master's programme in an EAC Partner State other than your country of citizenship
- Have applied for admission to an eligible Master's programme at a participating university (such as Kabarak University for non-Kenyan EAC applicants)
- Female applicants, persons with disabilities, and applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply
Required documents
- Admission application to an eligible Master's programme at a participating university
- Completed EAC Scholarship application submitted within the stipulated application period
When to apply
- Call for applications opens on August 20, 2026
- Virtual pre-application information session on August 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EAT
- Application deadline is September 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT)
How to apply
- Apply for admission to an eligible Master's programme at a participating university (such as Kabarak University for MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics or MSc in Physics)
- Submit a separate EAC Scholarship application between August 20, 2026 and September 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EAT
- Optionally attend the virtual pre-application information session on August 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EAT for clarifications
Additional information
- Up to 120 scholarships are available across participating universities in Cohort 4.
- Applicants are strictly required to study in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.
- Admission to a participating university alone does not constitute an application for the scholarship.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Citizens of EAC Partner States seeking to pursue a Master's degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics or Physics.
- Students who meet the high academic threshold of a Second Class Upper Division or equivalent.
- Individuals interested in regional integration and leadership development through cross-border education.
What should you think carefully about?
- You must apply to study in an EAC country other than your own, which necessitates relocation.
- Admission to the university is a separate process from the scholarship application; both must be managed.
- The scholarship provides a fixed monthly stipend, so students should carefully budget for their living expenses in Kenya.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship is ideal for high-achieving students who want to advance their academic career while gaining international experience within East Africa. It supports long-term professional growth by providing full financial coverage, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their research and studies without the burden of tuition or living costs.
Our take
Qualified students from EAC Partner States who are ready to relocate for their studies should prioritize this opportunity. Those who cannot relocate or do not meet the specific academic requirements should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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