The TESIECS Intra-Africa Mobility Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded program supporting postgraduate students and university staff to study, train, or conduct research across leading African universities. Funded by the European Union, the initiative focuses on environmental science, sustainability, and capacity building through academic mobility between partner institutions in Africa. It covers tuition, travel, accommodation, and living costs for eligible MA, MSc, and PhD students and staff participants, making it one of the key opportunities for intra-African higher education exchange in 2026.
WhatsApp ChannelWhat is the TESIECS Intra-Africa Mobility Scholarship 2026?
TESIECS (Towards Enhancing Sustainable and Innovative Environmental Change Solutions) is a multi-university partnership funded by the European Union. The program enables students and staff to study, train, or conduct research at partner universities across Africa, with a focus on environmental challenges and climate-related solutions.
The initiative is embedded within the broader Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, which aims to improve skills development, academic cooperation, and employability across the continent.
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Participating Universities
The program is delivered through a consortium of leading African institutions:
- University of Johannesburg (South Africa)
- University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
- University of Zimbabwe
- University of Botswana
- Namibia University of Science and Technology
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam serves as a technical partner supporting research collaboration.
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Funding Coverage
The TESIECS scholarship is fully funded and typically includes:
- Tuition fees (covered by host university)
- International travel costs
- Accommodation and living allowance
- Medical insurance
- Research-related support
These benefits are designed to remove financial barriers and enable full participation in academic mobility programs.
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Available Study and Mobility Options
The program offers multiple pathways depending on academic level and career stage:
1. Degree-Seeking Mobility
Students can enroll in full MA, MSc, or PhD programs at a partner university in another African country.
2. Short-Term Credit Mobility
Postgraduate students can complete specific modules abroad that count toward their home degree.
3. Staff Mobility
Academic, administrative, and technical staff can participate in 2 to 12-week exchanges for training or research collaboration.
4. Traineeships and Internships
Students at various levels can gain practical experience aligned with environmental and sustainability themes.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Be a citizen and resident of an African country
- Hold a valid passport
- Apply for mobility in a country different from their home country
- Meet academic requirements for the chosen program
- Be enrolled in or eligible for MA, MSc, or PhD studies (for student mobility)
The program is open to students from partner institutions as well as other recognized African universities.
Application Process and Key Requirements
Applicants are required to submit two parallel applications:
- TESIECS scholarship application
- Admission application to the host university
Failure to apply to both may result in disqualification. Some institutions, particularly in South Africa, may require credential verification through national qualification authorities, which can take several months.
Priority Groups and Inclusion
The program explicitly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Persons with disabilities
- Minority groups
Additional support mechanisms are available to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The TESIECS program aligns with Africa’s long-term education and development priorities by:
- Promoting intra-African academic mobility
- Strengthening research capacity in climate and sustainability
- Supporting the development of skilled graduates in green sectors
- Enhancing institutional collaboration across the continent
The EU’s Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme positions Africa as both a study destination and a hub for research innovation, particularly in areas linked to climate change and environmental resilience.
Application Deadline
For the 2026 cycle, applications are expected to close around June 2026, though deadlines may vary by institution.
Conclusion
TESIECS offers a structured pathway for African postgraduate students and academic staff to access fully funded mobility opportunities within the continent. Its focus on sustainability, research collaboration, and capacity building makes it one of the key EU-supported scholarship programs targeting Africa’s higher education sector.
