The Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarship is a European Union initiative supporting master’s, doctoral, and traineeship mobility for African students, trainees, and university staff across the African continent. Delivered through 27 selected academic consortia spanning disciplines such as agriculture, engineering, ICT, climate science, and health, the scheme provides a living allowance, insurance, travel and visa contributions, and full coverage of tuition and registration fees. Eligibility and specific deadlines vary by individual consortium project, and applicants must apply directly through their chosen project’s official website.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | EU-Funded Academic & Staff Mobility Scholarship |
| Organising Body | European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), European Union |
| Mode | On-Campus / Placement-Based (Offline) |
| Duration | Short-term to full academic programme duration (varies by consortium) |
| Location | African Higher Education Institutions (27 Participating Consortia) |
| Last Date to Apply | Varies by consortium |
About the Program
The European Union established the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme to strengthen international learning mobility within the African continent, actively building academic and professional capacity through structured exchange between African higher education institutions. The scheme funds 27 distinct consortia, each bringing together universities and research institutions from across Africa and partner regions to deliver mobility opportunities tailored to specific thematic priorities, including agriculture, climate resilience, engineering, digital transformation, and health sciences.
Furthermore, the scheme operates through a decentralised model: rather than applying centrally, students and staff identify the consortium project most aligned with their academic field and apply directly through that project’s own website. Consequently, the scholarship conditions, available disciplines, and application timelines vary meaningfully across the 27 funded projects, making early research into the specific consortium of interest an essential first step for any prospective applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Master’s and doctoral mobility applicants must reside in Africa and hold the nationality of an African country.
- Master’s and doctoral applicants must be registered or admitted at a Higher Education Institution established in Africa, or hold a university degree from such an institution.
- Traineeship mobility applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme at an African Higher Education Institution participating in a selected Intra-Africa consortium.
- Staff mobility is open to academic, administrative, and technical staff employed at a Higher Education Institution participating in a selected Intra-Africa consortium.
Experience & Other Conditions
- Traineeship participants undertake placement periods with private or public organisations located in a country different from their nationality and country of residence.
- Staff mobility activities may include teaching assignments, research collaboration, administrative tasks, training delivery or attendance, curriculum development, and technical support.
- Applicants affiliated with a participating institution can seek additional guidance from their university’s International Relations Office.
- Scholarship holders with disabilities are eligible for additional support under the scheme.
Stipend, Salary & Benefits
The Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarship provides financial support that varies according to the type and duration of mobility undertaken.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Living Allowance | Provided for the mobility period |
| Insurance | Included for all scholarship holders |
| Travel & Visa Contribution | Partial contribution toward travel and visa expenses |
| Tuition & Registration Fees | Participation costs covered |
| Research Expenses | Contribution provided depending on available budget |
| Disability Support | Additional support available for scholarship holders with disabilities |
Note: Projects selected in 2020 may carry different scholarship conditions; applicants should verify specific terms with their chosen consortium.
Thematic Areas
The 27 participating consortia offer mobility opportunities across a range of academic disciplines, with particular emphasis on:
- Agriculture and Climate-Smart Food Systems
- Engineering and Industrial Development
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Biodiversity, Environment, and Climate Change
- Health Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Water and Oceans
- Economic Integration and Trade
Selection Process
- Applicants identify and select the consortium/project most aligned with their academic field and mobility goals
- Applicants review the specific entry requirements, scholarship conditions, and application process on the chosen consortium’s official website
- Application submitted directly to the consortium/project, not to EACEA centrally
- Consortium-level review and selection conducted according to project-specific criteria
- Final award confirmation issued directly by the consortium/project
How to Apply
- Review the full list of selected Intra-Africa consortia and projects available through the official EACEA Intra-Africa Scholarships portal.
- Use the filter options by country, university, thematic field, and year of project selection to identify consortia relevant to your academic background and mobility goals.
- Visit the official website of your chosen consortium or project to review available academic programmes, entry requirements, and scholarship conditions in detail.
- Follow the specific application instructions provided directly on the consortium’s website, as each project manages its own application process independently.
- If affiliated with a participating institution, contact your university’s International Relations Office for additional application support and guidance.
Important Dates & Links
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | Varies by consortium |
| Project Selection Years | 2020, 2023, 2024 |
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Intra-Africa Scholarships |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarship?
African students residing in Africa who are registered, admitted, or graduated from an African Higher Education Institution can apply for master’s or doctoral mobility, while traineeship mobility is open to bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students enrolled at a participating African institution.
How many consortia participate in the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme?
The scheme funds 27 selected consortium projects across Africa, each focused on specific thematic areas such as agriculture, climate resilience, engineering, ICT, and health sciences.
What financial benefits does the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarship provide?
Scholarship holders receive a living allowance, insurance coverage, contributions toward travel and visa costs, full coverage of tuition and registration fees, and research expense contributions depending on available budget. Additional support is available for scholarship holders with disabilities.
How do I apply for the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarship?
Applicants must first identify the consortium or project most relevant to their academic field, then apply directly through that consortium’s official website, following its specific entry requirements and application process rather than applying through a central EU portal.
Is there a single deadline for the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarship?
No. Each of the 27 participating consortia sets its own application timeline and deadline. Applicants should consult the specific website of their chosen consortium or project to confirm the exact application deadline.