Welcome to IUCEA

Vision:  IUCEA becomes an exemplary common higher education area for a prosperous and sustainable East African Community by 2030.

Mission: To encourage and develop mutually beneficial collaboration between Member Universities and between them and Governments and other organizations, both public and private

IUCEA Core Values:  Accountability, Transparency, Unity, Diversity, Integrity, Professionalism and Teamwork

IUCEA executive members visiting IUCEA premise

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY STUDENT MOBILITY SCHOLARSHIPS SCHEME (EAC-SMS)

Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs

2025/2026

Background

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) invites suitably qualified students who are nationals of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States to apply for the EAC Student Mobility Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) for the academic year 2025/2026.

What is the EAC-SMS?

The EAC-SMS is a regional scholarship programme designed to promote student exchange across the EAC Partner States. It supports students to pursue undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies at universities in a Partner State other than their own.

 Scholarship Coverage

This is a cost-sharing programme supported by:

  • Host universities: Waive tuition and examination fees for students from other Partner States.
  • IUCEA Secretariat: Covers travel expenses, health insurance, and research costs.
  • Parents/Guardians/Students: Cover remaining costs such as accommodation and daily living expenses through personal means or other available support schemes. 

Scholarships Available for 2025/2026

A total of 177 scholarships are available in various disciplines:

  • 91 Undergraduate
  • 76 Master’s
  • 10 PhD 

Where to Study?

Participating universities from across the EAC Partner States are offering the scholarships for specific programmes. The full list of programmes, institutions, number of slots, and intakes is available in Table 1 of the official call document which can be accessed through this link:  https://iucea.org/call-for-applications/ 

The deadline is 30th June 2025.

Table 1: Programmes offered under EAC-SMS, 2025/26

BACHELORS (Undergraduate) PROGRAMMES.

SN Country University Programmes Duration Slots Intake    
1 Uganda  Uganda Martyrs University  Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 3 Years 1 Aug            Sept    
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 1    
Bachelor of Business Administration and Management 1    
2 Kenya Strathmore University Bachelor of Arts in International Studies 4 Years 1 Apr              Jul    
BSc. Computer Networks and Cyber Security 1    
Bachelor  of Hospitality Management 1    
Supply Chain Management and Operations Management 1    
3 Kenya Laikipia University Bachelor’s in Education (Art) 4 Years 2 Sept    
Bachelor’s in Education (Science) 2    
Bachelor’s in Criminology and Security Studies 2    
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 2    
4 Kenya South Eastern Kenya University Bachelor of Education (Arts) 4 Years 1 Aug            Sept    
Bachelor of Education Science 1    
Bachelor of Commerce 1    
Bachelor of Project Planning and Management 1    
Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies 1    
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 1    
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science. 1    
5 Burundi Universite Lumiere de Bujumbura Bachelor’s in Marketing and Management 3 Years 1 Jan    
Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting 1    
Bachelor’s in the Faculty of Political Science and International Relations 1    
6 Burundi University of Ngozi Bachelor’s in Agriculture  3 Years 1 Jan    
Bachelor’s in Economic Sciences 1    
7 Burundi Lake Tanganyika University Bachelor’s in Statistics 3 Years 2 Feb             Mar    
Bachelor’s in `Computer Sciences 1    
Bachelor’s in Management Sciences and Applied Economics 3    
8 Burundi Universite du Burundi Baccalauréat en Actuariat    3 Years 1 Oct    
Baccalauréat en Génie Statistique 1    
Baccalauréat en Journalisme et Communication 1    
   
Baccalauréat en Administration et Cartographie Foncières    4 Years 1    
Baccalauréat en Génie Logiciel 1    
Baccalauréat en Agronomie et de Bio-ingénierie  3 Years 1    
9 Tanzania  Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College  Doctor of Medicine 5 Years 1 Sept             Oct    
 Bachelor of Science in Health Laboratory Science 4 Years 1 Sept             Oct    
 Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy 1    
 Bachelor of Science in Nursing 1    
 Bachelor of Science in Occupational 1    
10  Tanzania  The Open University of Tanzania  Bachelor’s in Kiswahili 3 Years 1 Nov    
 Bachelor’s in Marketing 1    
11 RWANDA Institut d’Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri ( INES) Bachelor’s in Land Survey 4 years 1 Sept    
Bachelor’s in Statistics Applied to Economics 1    
Bachelors in Accounting 1    
Bachelor’s in Rural Development Economics 1    
Bachelors in Land Management and Valuation 1    
Bachelors in Information Science and Library Management 1    
Bachelors in Food Biotechnology 1    
12 Rwanda University of Technology and Arts Bachelor’s in  Crop Production 4 Years 1 Sept    
Bachelor’s in  Animal Production 1    
Bachelors in Agribusiness 1    
Bachelor’s in Renewable Energy 1    
Bachelor’s in Social Work 1    
Bachelor’s in Accounting 1    
13 Uganda Busitema University Bachelor of Science in Polymer, Textile, and Industrial Engineering 3 years 2 Sept    
Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering 2    
Bachelor of Agro-Processing Engineering 2    
Bachelor of Science in Statistics 1    
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management 1    
Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Water Resources  Management 1    
Diploma in Ginning and Industrial Engineering 2 years 1    
14 Uganda  Clarke International University Bachelor’s in Public Health 3 years 2 May            Aug    
Bachelor of Business Administration 2    
15  Uganda  Uganda Technology of Management University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science  3 Years 3 Sept    
Bachelor of Information Systems & Technology 3    
16 South Sudan Catholic University of South Sudan Bachelor’s in Economics 4 Years 2 Aug               Sept    
Bachelor’s in Business Administration 2    
Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance 2    
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science 2    
Bachelor’s in Education- English 2    
Bachelor’s in Peace and Conflict Studies 2    

 MASTERS PROGRAMMES

SN Country University Programmes Duration Slots Intake
1 Uganda  Makerere University   Master’s in Renewable Energy  2 Years 1 Augt
Master’s in Public Administration  1
Master’s in Business Administration  1
Master’s in Agricultural Extension  1
Master’s in Urban Environmental Planning and Management  1
2 Uganda Bugema University Master’s in Computer and Software Engineering  2 Years 1 Aug
Master’s in Public Health 1
3 Uganda Nkumba University Master of Business Administration  2 Years 1 Feb              May
Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies 1
4 Uganda Clarke International University Master’s in Public Health 2 years 1 May              Aug
Master’s in Health Informatics 1
Master’s in Monitoring and Evaluation 1
5 Tanzania Moshi Cooperative University Master of Arts in Procurement and Supply Management 2 Years 1 Oct
Master of Business Management 1
Master’s in Development Planning 1
Master of Project Planning and Management 1
Master of Arts in Co-operative and Community Development 1
6 Tanzania University of Dar-as-salaam Masters in Swahili 2 Years 5 Sept
7  Tanzania  Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College  MMed in General Surgery 4 Years 1 Oct              Sept
 MMed in Anaesthesiology 1
 MMed in Dermatovenerology 1
 MMed in Urology 1
 MMed in Ophthalmology 1
 MMed in Internal Medicine 1
 MMed in Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1
 MMed in Paediatrics and Child Health 1
 MMed in Otorynolaryngology ( ENT) 1
 MMed in Emergency Medicine 1
 MMed in Diagnostic Radiology and Medical Imaging 1
 MMed in Anatomic Pathology 1
 Master of Science in Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics 1
Master of Science in Clinical Research 1
Master of Science in Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes 1
Master of Science in Urology 1
8 Tanzania St John’s University of Tanzania M.E with Education 2 Years 2 Sept
Master of Business Administration 2
9  Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania  Master’s in LLM ICT 2 Years 1 Nov
Master’s in MED CDD 1
Master’s in MED QM 1
10 Burundi Universite Lumiere de Bujumbura Master’s in development management 2 Years 1 Aug             Sept
Masters in Gender, Institutions and Society. 1
Master’s in leadership and management of Organizations 1
11 BURUNDI Université du Burundi Master en Droit Judiciaire    2 Years 1 Oct
Master en Sociétés, Pouvoirs, Territoires et Développement Durable 1
Master en Développement Rural et Agro-business 1
Master en Sciences et Gestion Intégrée de l’Environnement 1
Master en Biologie des Organismes et Ecologie 1
Master en Sciences de l’éducation et Formation 1
Master en Analyse Economique et Développement 1
Master en Probabilité, Statistique et Modélisation 1
12 Rwanda Institut d’Enseignment Superieur de Ruhengeri ( INES) Master of Science in Geo-Informatics 2 Years 1 Sept
Master of Science in Food Science and Technology 1
Master of Science in Bio-medical Laboratory Science 1
13  Kenya Kenyatta University Master of Science in Biotechnology  2 Year 1 Sept         
Master of Public Health (Reproductive Health)  1
Master of Science (Climate Change and Sustainability)  1
Master of Science in Crop Protection (Plant Pathology)  1
Master of Economics (International Trade)  1
Master of Economics (Corporation and Human Development)  1
Master of Science (Integrated Soil Fertility)  1
Master of Education (Educational Management)  1
Master of Science (Knowledge Management)  1
14   Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University ( JOOUST) Master’s in Urban Environmental Planning and Management  2 Years 1 Sept
15  Kenya Murang’a University of Science and Technology (MUST) Master of Technology in Electrical and Electronics Engineering 2 Years 1 Jan                    May              Sept
16 Kenya Kibabii University Master’s in Information Technology 2 Years 1 Jan               Aug 
Master’s in  Business Administration 1
17 Kenya KCA University Master of Science in Development Finance 2 Years 1 Jan              May            Sept
18 Kenya Laikipia University Master’s in Applied Linguistics 2 Years 1 Sept
Master’s in Kiswahili Communication 1
19 Kenya Moi University Master of Business Administration 2 Years 1 Aug              Sept

 DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES 

SN Country University Programmes Duration Slots Intake    
1 Uganda Makerere University Doctor of Philosophy in the discipline of choice of the candidate 3 Years 1 Aug    
2 Kenya Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ( JOOUST) Doctor of Philosophy in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture 3 Years 1 Jan      May     Sept    
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health 1    
Doctor of Philosophy in Innovation and Sustainable Development 1    
3 Kenya Moi University Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management 3 Years 1 Aug       Sept    
4 Tanzania University of Dar-as-salaam Doctor of Philosophy in Swahili 3 Years 1 Sept    
5 Burundi Université du Burundi Etudes doctorales en Sciences Sociales et Humaines 3 Years 1 Nov    
6  Tanzania  Kilimanjaro Christian  Medical University College Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 3 Years 1 Sept       Oct           
   
7  Tanzania The Open University of Tanzania Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy 3 Years 1 Nov    
Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism 1    

 Eligibility Criteria

The following are the eligibility criteria for applicants to EAC-SMS:  

  1. Be a national and resident of a partner state in the East African Community. (Provide national ID/Passport/Birth Certificate).
  2. Willing to apply to an eligible program (provided in Table 1) offered by a university in a country other than their countries of citizenship (g. applicants from the Republic of Uganda are eligible only if they apply to a participating university from other countries of the EAC other than Republic of Uganda).
  3. Excellent academic performance records as per  programs’ entry requirements provided by participating universities.
  4. Possess at least an Upper Second-Class Honours or “Distinction” or equivalent if applying for Master’s and PhD programs.
  5. Age limit (less than 35 and 45 for Master’s and PhD programs, respectively, at the time of application
  6. Work experience will be an added advantage for PhD programs.

Responsibilities

A . IUCEA– Inter-University Council for East Africa

  1. Provide medical insurance. 
  2. Provide transport facilitation by road whenever applicable at the beginning and end of the academic program.
  3. Provide Master’s and PhD students with a lump sum for research (after completion of coursework and approval of thesis proposal).

B . Member Universities

  1. Offer scholarships through tuition and examination fee waivers. 
  2. Offer admission and induction to the scholarship awardees.
  3. Provide a contact person to be a liaison between IUCEA and parents/guardians. 

Monitor and provide regular progress reports on the performance of scholarship beneficiaries

C . Students

  1. Cater for accommodation and living expenses. 
  2. Cater for other university fees except tuition and examination fees provided in the scholarship. 
  3. Provide any other material/ information as may be required. 
  4. Gather the necessary documents from the universities of their choice in the region that offer programs under the scholarship scheme. (cfr Table 2)
  5. Submit regular progress reports on their academic performance and social welfare to IUCEA, the University, and Parents as required under the Scheme.  

Application Process

The application process is two-fold, and each MUST be completed separately.:  

  1. Application for admission: An applicant shall identify the programme and university of their choice from amongst the eligible programmes as presented in Table 1. Table 2 contains the university admission links for each university that offered scholarships.

Applicants are required to consider the programme admission requirements that are provided by universities.  

Table 2: Links for Universities for admission

SN  Country  Name of the host institution  Admission Application Link 
1  Kenya  Strathmore University     https://strathmore.edu/apply/
2  South Sudan   Catholic University of South Sudan    https://cuofssd.org/applicationregcu.php
3  Kenya  Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology  ttps://jooust.ac.ke/index.php/about-jooust/jooust-downloads/3-university-downloads/35-admissions

 
4  Kenya  KCA University     https://application.kcau.ac.ke/Account/Login
5  Kenya  Kenyatta University    https://admissions.ku.ac.ke/
6  Kenya  Kibabii University     https://application.kibu.ac.ke/ 
7  Tanzania  Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College   osim.kcmuco.ac.tz
8  Kenya  Laikipia University    https://laikipia.ac.ke/Admissions
9  Uganda  Makerere University    apply.mak.ac.ug
10  Uganda Nkumba University  https://admissions.nkumbauniversity.ac.ug/
11  Uganda Bugema University  https://apply.bugemauniv.ac.ug/application.php   
12 Uganda Uganda Technology of Management University  https://utamu.ac.ug/admissions/apply-online/
  13  Kenya  Moi University    https://admissions.mu.ac.ke/
 14  Tanzania  Moshi Co-operative University    http://mocuas.mocu.ac.tz
15  Kenya  Murang’a University of Technology     admissions@mut.ac.ke
16  Kenya  South Eastern Kenya University    https://www.seku.ac.ke/how-to-apply.html
17  Uganda  Uganda Martyrs University    https://admissions.umu.ac.ug
18  Tanzania  Mzumbe University  https://admission.mzumbe.ac.tz
19  Burundi  Université Lumiere de Bujumbura    https://www.ulbu.bi
20  Rwanda  University of Technology and Arts of Byumba    www.utab.ac.rw 
21  Tanzania  St John’s University of Tanzania  https://oas.sjut.ac.tz
22  Rwanda   INES https://www.ines.ac.rw
23  Burundi  Ngozi University    www.univ-ngozi.bi/admission
24  Tanzania  University of Dar-es-salaam    https://admission.udsm.ac.tz
25 Tanzania  The Open University of Tanzania https://admission.out.ac.tz/index.php/registration 
26 Burundi  Université du Burundi https://master.ub.edu.bi/inscriptions-2, https://inscriptionbac.ub.edu.bi.
27  Uganda Clarke International University https://eadmission.ciu.ac.ug
28  Uganda  Busitema University  https://busitema.ac.ug
29 Burundi Lake Tanganyika University   info@ult.bi ( ask the admission through the email provided)
       
       

 

  1. Application for the EAC-SMS Scholarship: Application for the EAC-SMS scholarship shall be made through the IUCEA website as follows: 

a) Register online for the scholarship Click here

b) Download and complete the Scholarship Application Form here.

The following are the required documents which will support the application:

  1. A letter of motivation for applying for the scholarship.
  2. Up-to-date and signed Curriculum Vitae. 
  3. Certified copies of all academic certificates and transcripts.  
  4. A copy of the university Application Form and its attachments
  5. A recent passport photograph in the colour of your head and upper shoulders.  
  6. Evidence of Nationality of a Partner State in the East African Community, such as a copy of the national identity card/ passport/birth certificate.  
  7. Proof of Residency (provide a certificate from the local government)  
  8. Provide evidence of any awards, e.g., leadership, community service, etc.
  9. Any other evidence required in the application form, e.g., medical reports, letters of reference, etc.  

Submit the required documents in PDF format, zipped in one folder, electronically to eacsms@iucea.org.  Indicate the subject line of your submission email with YOUR NAME, EAC-SMS Application, MONTH & YEAR, e.g., Amani Africa, EAC-SMS Application, 30th June 2025. 

NOTE:

  • Applicants for EAC-SMS scholarships are not required to apply for admission directly to universities instead they  should submit  their applications for scholarship  with all documents required for admission to IUCEA.
  • IUCEA will receive and process all application documents for qualified candidate and submit  the relevant documents for admission directly to universities.
  • There is no need for applicants of EAC-SMS to pay for application fees to universities

Application Deadlines 

  • Admission deadlines shall be provided by the university admission systems
  • The deadline for applying for the EAC-SMS scholarship at IUCEA is 30th June 2025, EAT by midnight. 

Note:

  1. Applicants with academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions must be equated by the authorised national agency (National Council/ Commission for Higher Education) in their respective countries.  
  2. Applicants with supporting documents (transcripts, certificates, among others) in languages other than English must submit both the originals and copies translated into English by an accredited language translation provider.  
  3. Candidates may apply to more than one University. But only one scholarship can be offered.
  4. Candidates who meet the scholarship requirements and have already been admitted to any university offering the scholarship can still apply to EAC-SMS.
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