Open Call: East African Community Scholarship Programme

Deadline: 10-Sep-26

The East African Community Scholarship Programme (EACSP) 2026/2027 offers fully funded Master’s scholarships at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. The scholarships are designed for academically talented but financially disadvantaged citizens of EAC Partner States other than Tanzania, with study opportunities in data science, environmental technology, innovation management, and embedded systems.

About the EAC Scholarship Programme

The East African Community Scholarship Programme is a regional postgraduate scholarship initiative funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW and implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).

The programme aims to strengthen:

Regional integration within the East African Community.
Postgraduate education and research.
Leadership development.
Science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Equal access to higher education for financially disadvantaged students.

For the 2026/2027 academic intake, NM-AIST in Arusha, Tanzania, is offering scholarships for four approved Master’s degree programmes.

Master’s Programmes Covered

Eligible applicants can seek admission and scholarship support for one of the following NM-AIST programmes:

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

These programmes provide advanced training in areas relevant to digital transformation, environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and regional development.

Scholarship Benefits

The EACSP provides comprehensive financial support to successful scholars.

The scholarship package includes:

Full tuition fees, paid directly to NM-AIST.
One return economy-class air ticket between the scholar’s home country and Tanzania.
EUR 200 arrival allowance.
EUR 380 monthly stipend for accommodation, meals, and living expenses.
EUR 650 study materials allowance.
EUR 1,500 one-time study and research allowance.
Medical insurance coverage.
Visa or entry-pass fees, where applicable.
Participation in at least one leadership or regional networking event.

The combination of tuition, living support, travel assistance, research funding, and medical insurance makes this a fully funded regional postgraduate scholarship opportunity.

Who Is Eligible?

The EAC Scholarship Programme is specifically designed for academically strong students who face financial constraints.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a citizen of an EAC Partner State other than Tanzania.
Be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second-Class Upper Division or equivalent.
Apply for admission to one of the four approved Master’s programmes at NM-AIST.
Demonstrate financial need.
Meet the admission requirements of the selected NM-AIST programme.
Be willing to study in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.

Priority Groups

The programme places particular emphasis on inclusive access to postgraduate education.

Priority considerations include:

Gender balance, with an objective of at least 50% female participation among beneficiaries.
Applicants with disabilities.
Students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Applicants from other disadvantaged groups.

Eligible EAC Countries

Applicants must be citizens of an EAC Partner State other than Tanzania.

This means citizens of eligible EAC countries can apply to study at NM-AIST in Tanzania, provided they meet the scholarship and academic requirements.

The requirement to study outside the applicant’s country of citizenship is an important feature of the programme and supports regional academic mobility and East African integration.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The EACSP is more than a tuition scholarship. It is designed to develop highly skilled professionals who can contribute to regional development and cooperation.

The four supported fields are closely connected to emerging development priorities.

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Advanced data and AI skills can support digital transformation, evidence-based policymaking, research, business innovation, and technology development.

Environmental Technology and Innovation

Environmental technology can contribute to climate resilience, sustainable resource management, pollution reduction, and environmentally responsible economic development.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management

This programme supports entrepreneurial thinking, business development, innovation management, and the creation of solutions with economic and social value.

Embedded and Mobile Systems

Embedded and mobile technologies are important for digital infrastructure, smart systems, automation, communications, and technology-enabled services.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit complete documentation demonstrating their academic qualifications, identity, financial circumstances, and readiness for postgraduate study.

Required documents include:

Valid national identity card or passport.
Recent passport-size photograph.
Proof of application for admission to NM-AIST.
Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
Curriculum vitae (CV).
Academic and professional reference letters.
Evidence demonstrating financial need.
Any other documents required by the scholarship or admission process.

Applicants should ensure that academic documents are properly certified and that all required information is provided.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Applicants should approach the application process in two connected stages: applying for admission to NM-AIST and completing the scholarship application.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before applying, check that you:

Are an EAC citizen other than a Tanzanian citizen.
Are below 35 years of age.
Hold at least a Second-Class Upper Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Meet the academic requirements for your preferred Master’s programme.
Can demonstrate financial need.

Step 2: Select an Approved Master’s Programme

Choose one of the four programmes covered by the EACSP:

Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
MSc in Environmental Technology and Innovation.
MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management.
MSc in Embedded and Mobile Systems.

Select the programme that best matches your academic background and career objectives.

Step 3: Apply for NM-AIST Admission

Submit your application for admission to the relevant NM-AIST Master’s programme.

Applicants need to provide proof of application for admission as part of the scholarship documentation.

Step 4: Prepare Scholarship Documents

Collect all required supporting documents, including:

Identification documents.
Academic credentials.
CV.
References.
Passport photograph.
Proof of NM-AIST admission application.
Evidence of financial need.

Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Application

Submit the scholarship application with all required information and supporting documentation.

Ensure that the information provided in the admission and scholarship applications is consistent.

Step 6: Review Before Submission

Before submitting, verify that:

All documents are attached.
Academic documents are certified where required.
Reference letters are included.
Financial-need evidence is provided.
The selected Master’s programme is one of the four approved programmes.
The applicant meets the age and nationality requirements.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants can improve the quality and completeness of their application by preparing early.

Apply for admission early: Scholarship applicants need proof that they have applied for admission to NM-AIST.
Choose the right programme: Your academic background should support your selected Master’s programme.
Prepare certified documents: Arrange certification of academic credentials before the application deadline.
Demonstrate financial need clearly: Provide appropriate evidence rather than relying only on general statements.
Select strong referees: Academic and professional references should be able to comment meaningfully on your qualifications and potential.
Highlight relevant achievements: Your CV should clearly present academic, professional, research, leadership, and community experience.
Check nationality requirements carefully: Tanzanian citizens are not eligible for this particular scholarship because beneficiaries must study in an EAC Partner State other than their country of citizenship.
Submit a complete application: Missing documents can result in the application being excluded from consideration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following errors:

Applying despite being 35 or older at the relevant application stage.
Applying as a Tanzanian citizen.
Selecting a Master’s programme outside the four approved NM-AIST programmes.
Failing to apply for NM-AIST admission.
Submitting uncertified or incomplete academic documentation where certification is required.
Omitting evidence of financial need.
Leaving out reference letters.
Uploading an incomplete application.
Providing inconsistent information across application documents.

Key Scholarship Details

Scholarship: East African Community Scholarship Programme (EACSP)
Academic year: 2026/2027
Host institution: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
Location: Arusha, Tanzania
Study level: Master’s degree
Funding: Fully funded
Eligible nationality: Citizens of EAC Partner States other than Tanzania
Age requirement: Below 35 years
Minimum academic qualification: Second-Class Upper Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Monthly stipend: EUR 380
Arrival allowance: EUR 200
Study materials allowance: EUR 650
Study and research allowance: EUR 1,500
Tuition: Fully covered
Travel: One return economy-class ticket
Medical insurance: Covered
Visa/entry pass: Covered where applicable
Financial need: Required
Gender and inclusion: Strong emphasis on gender balance, disability inclusion, and disadvantaged applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EAC Scholarship Programme 2026/2027?

The EAC Scholarship Programme is a fully funded regional postgraduate scholarship initiative supporting talented and financially disadvantaged students from EAC Partner States to pursue Master’s studies in another EAC Partner State.

Can Tanzanian citizens apply for the EACSP scholarship at NM-AIST?

No. For this scholarship opportunity, applicants must be citizens of an EAC Partner State other than Tanzania and must study outside their country of citizenship.

What Master’s programmes are covered at NM-AIST?

The 2026/2027 scholarship covers four programmes: Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, MSc in Environmental Technology and Innovation, MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management, and MSc in Embedded and Mobile Systems.

How much is the monthly scholarship stipend?

Successful scholars receive a EUR 380 monthly stipend to support accommodation, meals, and living expenses.

Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?

Yes. Full tuition fees are covered and paid directly to NM-AIST.

What academic qualification is required?

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second-Class Upper Division or equivalent, along with meeting the admission requirements of their selected Master’s programme.

What documents are required for the scholarship application?

Applicants need to provide identification, a recent photograph, proof of NM-AIST admission application, certified academic credentials, a CV, academic and professional references, evidence of financial need, and other required supporting documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Conclusion

The EAC Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 at NM-AIST provides a comprehensive pathway for talented and financially disadvantaged East African students to pursue advanced Master’s education in Tanzania. With full tuition, living support, travel, medical insurance, study materials, and research funding, the programme is designed to develop skilled professionals and future leaders who can contribute to innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and regional integration across East Africa.

Eligible applicants should carefully review the nationality, age, academic, financial-need, programme, and documentation requirements and ensure that both the NM-AIST admission and scholarship application requirements are completed accurately and in full.

For more information, visit NM-AIST.