Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2026

The Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme is a European Union-supported programme that promotes academic mobility, skills development, and institutional cooperation among higher education institutions across Africa. Rather than operating as a single direct scholarship application, the scheme funds university-led consortia, and applicants usually apply through a specific project run by participating African universities.

The programme primarily supports Master's and PhD mobility, including both full-degree and short-term mobility opportunities. Some funded projects may also include traineeships and staff exchanges, and in certain cases traineeship opportunities can involve students at other levels within participating institutions. Subject areas vary by project, but reference opportunities linked to the scheme include fields such as agriculture, engineering, information and communication technologies, environment, climate change, renewable energy, water, and sustainable development.

Funding is generally fully funded and may include participation costs such as tuition and registration fees, a living allowance, travel, visa support, insurance, and sometimes research or installation costs. Extra support may also be available for participants with disabilities. Exact benefits, duration, and study destinations depend on the individual consortium and annual call.

Applicants are typically required to be nationals and residents of an African country and to be enrolled in, admitted to, or graduated from a recognised higher education institution in Africa, depending on the mobility type. A common rule in project calls is that students must take up mobility in an African country other than their own country of residence. Academic merit and fit with the project's thematic focus are usually important selection criteria.

To apply, students should look for open calls published by participating university consortia under the scheme and follow the instructions of the relevant project. Because requirements differ by consortium, applicants should check the specific host universities, study areas, language requirements, and timelines for the project they intend to join.