EU LASOMA Scholarship: Fully Funded Masters & PhD for African Scholars in Solar Tech

European Union LASOMA Scholarship: A Gateway for African Scholars

The European Union, in partnership with the African Union, offers the LASOMA Scholarship, a significant opportunity for African students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. This fully funded program aims to build capacity in sustainable solar systems component manufacturing, integrating advanced technologies like laser-based manufacturing, AI, and machine learning. The scholarship covers tuition fees, health insurance, research support, and provides a generous annual stipend, making advanced studies in Europe accessible to talented individuals from across the African continent.

Understanding the LASOMA Scholarship

The LASOMA (Lasers for Net-Zero Solar Systems Manufacture) Scholarship is part of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, funded by the European Union. Its core mission is to advance research and development in solar energy technologies through innovative manufacturing processes. The program is a collaborative effort involving six institutions across four countries: Spain, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. It offers a pathway to a fully funded two-year Master’s degree or a three-year PhD program, focusing on areas critical for a sustainable future.

Key Details of the LASOMA Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to attract and support promising African students. It is categorized under postgraduate, Master’s, and PhD scholarships, with a clear focus on eligible African countries. The rewards are substantial, including full tuition coverage, a yearly stipend of €14,760, and health insurance. Notably, the scholarship does not require an IELTS exam for application, potentially opening doors for more candidates. The application deadline for the 2026 intake is June 22, 2026.

Academic Focus and Program Structure

The LASOMA program is at the forefront of technological advancement, concentrating on laser manufacturing for solar system components, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data science. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that scholars gain cutting-edge skills relevant to global challenges in renewable energy and climate change. The program is structured to provide a robust academic and research experience, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry, and policy-making.

Eligibility Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the LASOMA Masters and PhD Scholarships, candidates must meet several criteria. Firstly, they must be a national and resident of an African country at the time of application. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant Engineering discipline is essential, along with a demonstrated strong academic and research potential. Applicants must also meet the specific academic and language requirements of the host university they wish to attend.

Furthermore, candidates should not have previously received a scholarship under any Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme project between 2022 and 2027. The program actively encourages applications from under-represented groups, with targets of 30% women and 10% individuals with special needs. Crucially, research interests must align with LaSoMa’s focus areas, which include laser manufacturing, solar systems, and climate change mitigation.

Benefits and Financial Support

The LASOMA Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to its recipients. The European Commission funding covers 100% of tuition fees. In addition to tuition, scholars receive a monthly stipend for living expenses, with €1230 allocated for PhD students and €890 for Master’s students. Medical insurance coverage is also provided.

The scholarship extends beyond basic living costs, offering access to research consumables and equipment at partner universities. Travel support is available for preparatory schooling, research visits, and conference attendance, facilitating professional development and networking. Scholars also gain access to industry partners, such as BStars and DWA, and state-of-the-art laser manufacturing facilities. The program includes a LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School, offering both soft skills and technical training to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Required Documents for Application

Prospective applicants must prepare a specific set of documents for their LASOMA scholarship application. These typically include a completed application form, a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), and academic transcripts and certificates. A well-defined research proposal is a critical component, outlining the applicant’s intended area of study and its relevance to the scholarship’s objectives.

Two recommendation forms are also required, providing external validation of the applicant’s academic and personal capabilities. For PhD applicants, an additional requirement is a 2-minute elevator pitch video, allowing them to present their research ideas and motivation in a concise and engaging manner. All documents should be prepared in the specified format, usually PDF, for online submission.

Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the European Union LASOMA Scholarship involves several key steps to ensure a successful submission. Interested and qualified candidates should first visit the official scholarship webpage, often accessible via a green button or direct link provided in scholarship announcements. It is advisable to contact the host institution directly to confirm admission criteria and seek guidance on preparing the research proposal.

Carefully review all eligibility criteria to ensure your nationality, academic background, and research interests align with the LaSoMa requirements. Complete the comprehensive online application form accurately, uploading all required documents in PDF format as prompted. After submission, you will receive a unique application reference number and a confirmation email. Eligible applications are evaluated, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview. Decisions are typically communicated within four to six weeks after the application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions