SHE-CREEDS Scholarships: Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Africa 2026

The SHE-CREEDS Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarships offer a significant opportunity for African students to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees. This program focuses on critical areas like climate-responsive agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, and digital innovation. By fostering academic mobility and collaboration among African universities, SHE-CREEDS aims to build a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges.

About the SHE-CREEDS Project

SHE-CREEDS, which stands for Strengthening Higher Education for Climate-Responsive Agriculture, Energy-Efficient Technologies, and Digital Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a four-year initiative. It runs from 2025 to 2028 and is funded by the European Union through the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. The project’s main goal is to improve how African higher education institutions handle climate change and sustainable development. It does this through postgraduate studies, research, innovation, and by encouraging students to study in different African countries.

The project specifically aims to:

• Integrate climate change education into postgraduate programs.
• Improve the quality of training in climate-responsive agriculture.
• Advance the development and use of energy-efficient technologies.
• Speed up the adoption of digital tools in higher education.
• Promote better connections and cooperation between African universities.
• Strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Support the growth of renewable energy sources.
• Increase job opportunities for graduates and develop green skills.
• Help build a more resilient and environmentally friendly Africa.

Through these efforts, SHE-CREEDS wants to create graduates who can lead Africa’s transition to a greener future.

Why the SHE-CREEDS Scholarship is Important

Africa faces many challenges, including climate change, environmental issues, food shortages, and the need for more energy and better technology. To solve these problems, the continent needs skilled professionals, researchers, and innovators who have broad knowledge and practical abilities. The SHE-CREEDS program directly addresses this need by investing in advanced education and supporting students to study at different universities across Africa. This allows scholars to experience various academic settings, connect with international experts, use advanced research tools, and work with others from different countries. The program also supports the European Union’s global goals for development and helps build long-term capabilities within African universities.

Scholarship Opportunities Available

The SHE-CREEDS program offers both Master’s and PhD scholarships in specialized fields.

PhD Scholarships

There are six PhD scholarship opportunities available. These scholarships are designed for in-depth research and advanced study.

Available PhD Programmes

1. NM-AIST, Tanzania: PhD in Sustainable Agriculture, focusing on Agro-Ecological Farming Systems and Sustainable Land Management. This includes a 6-month credit-seeking mobility period.
2. Jimma University, Ethiopia: PhD in Natural Resources Management, specializing in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. The focus is on Smart Irrigation, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, and Precision Agriculture Technologies. This is a degree-seeking scholarship.
3. Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB), Democratic Republic of Congo: PhD in Environmental Science – Natural Resource Management. Areas of focus include Agro-Industrial Waste Valorisation, Biodiversity-Positive Farming, and Sustainable Mining for Land Rehabilitation in the Albertine Rift. This is a degree-seeking scholarship.
4. Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Côte d’Ivoire: PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity, with a focus on Climate-Smart Cocoa Landscapes. This is a degree-seeking scholarship.
5. NM-AIST, Tanzania: PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering. The focus is on Smart Irrigation, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, and Precision Agriculture Technologies. This is a degree-seeking scholarship.
6. University of Zambia (UNZA), Zambia: PhD in Integrated Water Resources Management. This program covers Energy Efficiency in Transport, Water Infrastructure, Urban Systems, and Energy-Efficient Water Systems. This is a degree-seeking scholarship.

MSc Scholarships

The program also provides Master’s scholarship opportunities in several specialized areas. These scholarships are for advanced coursework and research at the Master’s level.

Available MSc Programmes

1. NM-AIST, Tanzania: MSc in Sustainable Agriculture, focusing on Agro-Ecological Farming Systems and Sustainable Land Management.
2. Jimma University, Ethiopia: MSc in Agronomy, with a focus on Agrifood Value Chain Development and Rural SME Empowerment.
3. Université Officielle de Bukavu (DRC): MSc in Natural Resource Management, covering Agro-Industrial Waste Valorisation, Biodiversity-Positive Farming, and Sustainable Mining for Land Rehabilitation.
4. Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire: MSc in Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture, focusing on Agro-Ecological Farming Systems and Sustainable Land Management.
5. University of Zambia: Master of Science in Geology, with a focus on Mineral Systems, Hydrogeology, and Geological Hazard Assessment.
6. NM-AIST, Tanzania: MSc in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering, focusing on Renewable Energy Systems, Green Manufacturing, and Solar-Driven Technologies.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates will receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey. This support includes financial assistance and valuable academic and professional development opportunities.

Financial Benefits

The scholarships provide monthly stipends to help cover living expenses.

MSc Scholars

MSc scholars will receive a monthly stipend of up to EUR 890. The funding duration for degree-seeking Master’s programs is up to 24 months.

PhD Scholars

PhD scholars will receive a monthly stipend of up to EUR 1,230. Funding for degree-seeking PhD programs lasts up to 36 months, while credit-seeking mobility is funded for up to 6 months.

Additional Benefits

Beyond financial aid, scholars gain access to a range of enriching experiences. These include opportunities for international academic travel, engagement with leading African universities, and participation in collaborative research projects. Scholars will also experience diverse academic cultures, build professional networks, and improve their career prospects. The program encourages participation in research that addresses real development issues in Africa, contributing to climate resilience, renewable energy, and digital innovation.

Partner Universities and Institutions

The SHE-CREEDS project is a collaboration between several respected universities and institutions across Africa and Europe. This consortium ensures a high standard of education and research.

Consortium Members

• Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tanzania: This institution leads the project.
• Jimma University (JU), Ethiopia.
• Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB), Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB), Côte d’Ivoire.
• University of Zambia (UNZA), Zambia.
• Ghent University (UGent), Belgium: Provides technical support from the EU.
• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ghana: An associated partner.

Cross-Language Mobility Advantage

The SHE-CREEDS program values linguistic diversity and aims to promote regional integration. Applicants who are from Anglophone countries and apply to Francophone institutions (UOB or UFHB) will receive an advantage in the selection process. Similarly, applicants from Francophone countries applying to Anglophone institutions may also benefit. Language support services will be available to help scholars adjust to their host institutions.

Important Mobility Requirement

A key requirement for this scholarship is that applicants cannot study in their own country of nationality or residence. This rule is in place to encourage cross-border academic movement and collaboration. Therefore, the university where an applicant wishes to study must be in a different African country than their home country and country of residence. Applications that propose studying within the applicant’s home country will be automatically rejected.

Gender Inclusion and Support

SHE-CREEDS is committed to promoting gender equality within its programs. The project aims for at least 50% of scholarship recipients to be female. To support this goal, the program offers several benefits:

• A 5-point bonus during the selection process for female applicants.
• Dedicated mentorship programs to guide female scholars.
• Peer-support networks specifically for women.
• Allowances for family visits for PhD scholars pursuing degree-seeking programs.
• Flexible arrangements for nursing mothers to accommodate their needs.

Priority Groups

The scholarship program gives special consideration to certain groups of applicants. These groups are often underrepresented or face specific challenges.

Priority is given to:

• Applicants from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
• Applicants from regions affected by conflict or instability.
• Underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
• Applicants who benefit from the cross-language mobility advantage.
• Individuals with disabilities who require accessible support.

Application Process

Interested candidates should follow a clear set of steps to apply for the SHE-CREEDS scholarships.

Step 1

Begin by reviewing the available Master’s and PhD programs. Identify the programs that best match your academic interests and career goals.

Step 2

Gather all the necessary supporting documents. Ensure these documents are in PDF format and are complete and accurate.

Step 3

Complete the official online application form carefully. Provide all requested information truthfully and thoroughly.

Step 4

Submit your complete application before the specified deadline. Double-check that all sections are filled out and all documents are attached.

Step 5

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to participate in a virtual interview. Prepare to discuss your qualifications and motivations.

Step 6

Await the final selection results, which are expected to be announced by July 2026.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their application.

All Applicants

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation Letter, explaining your interest and suitability.
• A copy of your valid Passport.
• National Identity Card.
• Copies of your Academic Certificates.
• Academic Transcripts.
• Evidence of Language Proficiency, if required by the host institution.
• A signed Declaration confirming that you do not hold any other concurrent EU scholarship and have not previously received a MOBAF scholarship.

Additional Documents for MSc Applicants

• Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters.
• A Statement of Purpose, detailing your academic and career aspirations.

Additional Documents for PhD Applicants

• A Research Concept Note (between 1,000 and 1,500 words) outlining your proposed research.
• Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters.
• Copies of any Research Publications, Reports, or Conference Papers you may have.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting all application materials is 28 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications submitted after this time or that are incomplete will not be considered.

How to Apply

To find more details and begin your application, please read the official call for application.

The SHE-CREEDS scholarship program is a major initiative for postgraduate studies in Africa. It provides a unique chance for students to study abroad, conduct important research, and become leaders in fields like climate-responsive agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, and digital innovation. Candidates are urged to prepare their applications well in advance of the deadline. For more information, you can visit the official website.

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