The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has opened applications for the 2026/2027 Master’s intake, alongside the East African Community Scholarship Programme (EACSP) Phase II, Cohort 4. Hosted by NM-AIST in Arusha, Tanzania, the programme offers eligible students from East African Community (EAC) Partner States the opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in priority fields including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Environmental Technology, Innovation, and Embedded Systems.
Funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW and implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the scholarship supports academically talented but financially disadvantaged students while promoting regional integration and leadership across East Africa.
About the EAC Scholarship Programme
The East African Community Scholarship Programme (EACSP) is a regional mobility initiative that enables students to study in an EAC Partner State other than their own country of citizenship. Under Phase II, the programme is expected to support at least 280 Master’s students across participating universities in East Africa.
The initiative places strong emphasis on gender equality and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme aims for at least 50% female participation among scholarship beneficiaries.
Available Master’s Programmes
Applicants may choose one of the following four approved postgraduate programmes at NM-AIST:
| Master’s Programme | Thematic Area |
|---|---|
| Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Informatics |
| MSc in Environmental Technology and Innovation | Technology |
| MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management | Business Science |
| MSc in Embedded and Mobile Systems (EMoS) | Science |
These programmes are designed to develop advanced technical and leadership skills aligned with East Africa’s innovation and sustainable development priorities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful EACSP scholars will receive a comprehensive funding package covering both academic and living expenses throughout their studies.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition fees paid directly to NM-AIST
- One return economy-class flight between the 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 grant
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Visa or entry permit fees where applicable
- Participation in regional leadership and networking events
This fully funded package enables students to focus on their academic and research development without the burden of major educational costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EACSP scholarship at NM-AIST, applicants must:
- 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 a Second Class Upper Division, Distinction, or equivalent
- Apply for admission to one of the four eligible NM-AIST Master’s programmes
- Submit a complete scholarship application before the deadline
Eligible countries include:
- Burundi
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Uganda
Tanzanian citizens are not eligible to receive the scholarship at NM-AIST because the programme operates as a regional mobility scholarship. However, Tanzanian applicants may apply for EACSP opportunities hosted by participating universities in other EAC countries.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the scholarship application:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of NM-AIST admission application
- Certified Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Certified academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic reference letter
- Professional reference letter
- Evidence of financial need where applicable
- Certified English translations for documents issued in another language
Incomplete applications will not be considered during the selection process.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete two separate applications during the application window.
Step 1: Apply for Admission to NM-AIST
Candidates must submit an online application for their chosen Master’s programme through the NM-AIST Online Admission System and indicate that they are concurrently applying for the EAC Scholarship Programme.
Step 2: Apply for the EAC Scholarship
Applicants must also complete the IUCEA online scholarship application and submit all supporting documents as a single ZIP folder via the designated scholarship email addresses.
Important: Admission to NM-AIST does not automatically constitute an EACSP scholarship application. Both processes must be completed independently.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 20 August 2026 |
| Virtual Information Session | 28 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Shortlisting | 11–25 September 2026 |
| Scholarship Evaluation | 28 Sept – 25 Nov 2026 |
| Results Announced | 4–10 December 2026 |
The virtual pre-application information session will be held on 28 August 2026 at 11:00 a.m. East Africa Time, providing guidance on eligibility, documentation, and the application process.
Why Apply to NM-AIST?
NM-AIST is one of East Africa’s leading postgraduate institutions specializing in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. Through the EAC Scholarship Programme, students gain access to world-class education while building regional networks and leadership skills that contribute to East Africa’s economic integration and sustainable development.
For eligible students from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Somalia, and South Sudan, this represents an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Tanzania with generous financial support and international exposure.
