SHE-CREEDS Scholarships 2026: Fund Your Master's or PhD in Africa

SHE-CREEDS Scholarships: A Gateway to Advanced Study in Africa

African students looking to pursue postgraduate studies in fields critical to the continent’s future have a significant opportunity with the SHE-CREEDS Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scholarships for 2026. This program offers fully funded Master’s and PhD positions, focusing on areas like climate-responsive agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, and digital innovation. Co-funded by the European Union, the SHE-CREEDS project aims to strengthen higher education across Africa, promote academic exchange, and prepare a new generation of leaders to tackle pressing environmental and technological challenges.

Understanding 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 project running from 2025 to 2028. It operates under the European Union’s Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. The core mission of this project is to enhance the ability of African higher education institutions to address climate change and sustainable development. This is achieved through postgraduate education, research, innovation, and by encouraging students to study in different African countries.

Why the SHE-CREEDS Scholarship is Important

Africa faces significant challenges, including the impacts of climate change, the need for sustainable environmental practices, ensuring food security, expanding access to energy, and embracing technological progress. To effectively address these issues, the continent requires highly skilled professionals, researchers, and innovators. The SHE-CREEDS program directly meets this need by investing in advanced postgraduate education and supporting student movement between African universities.

Scholars benefit from exposure to diverse academic settings, international connections, advanced research tools, and the chance to collaborate with peers and faculty across borders. This aligns with broader international development goals and builds long-term capacity within African higher education systems. The program offers a unique chance for students to contribute to solutions for real-world problems facing the continent.

Available Scholarship Opportunities

The SHE-CREEDS program offers a range of Master’s and PhD scholarships across various specialized fields. These scholarships are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and research experience in areas crucial for Africa’s development.

PhD Scholarships

There are six PhD scholarship opportunities available, with specific programs offered at different partner universities. These include studies in Sustainable Agriculture, Natural Resources Management with a focus on climate change adaptation, Environmental Science, Climate Change and Biodiversity, Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, and Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering. Some PhD positions are degree-seeking, while others offer credit-seeking mobility for a shorter duration.

PhD in Sustainable Agriculture (NM-AIST, Tanzania): Focuses on Agro-Ecological Farming Systems and Sustainable Land Management. This includes a 6-month credit-seeking mobility option.
PhD in Natural Resources Management (Jimma University, Ethiopia): Specializes in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, with an emphasis on smart irrigation, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, and precision agriculture. This is a degree-seeking opportunity.
PhD in Environmental Science – Natural Resource Management (Université Officielle de Bukavu, DRC): Covers topics such as Agro-Industrial Waste Valorisation, Biodiversity-Positive Farming, and Sustainable Mining for Land Rehabilitation. This is a degree-seeking program.
PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity (Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire): Focuses on Climate-Smart Cocoa Landscapes and is a degree-seeking opportunity.
PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering (NM-AIST, Tanzania): Concentrates on Smart Irrigation, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, and Precision Agriculture Technologies, offering a 6-month credit-seeking mobility.
PhD in Sustainable Energy Science and Engineering (NM-AIST, Tanzania): Explores Renewable Energy Systems, Green Manufacturing, and Solar-Driven Technologies. This is a degree-seeking program.
PhD in Integrated Water Resources Management (University of Zambia, UNZA, Zambia): Covers Energy Efficiency in Transport, Water Infrastructure, Urban Systems, and Energy-Efficient Water Systems, as a degree-seeking opportunity.

MSc Scholarships

Master’s scholarship opportunities are also available in several specialized fields. These programs aim to build expertise in sustainable agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable energy.

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

Scholarship Benefits

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

Financial Benefits

MSc Scholars: Receive a monthly stipend of up to EUR 890 for up to 24 months for degree-seeking programs.
PhD Scholars: Receive a monthly stipend of up to EUR 1,230 for up to 36 months for degree-seeking programs, and up to 6 months for credit-seeking mobility.

Additional Benefits

Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to international academic mobility, collaboration opportunities with leading African and European institutions, and exposure to diverse multicultural academic environments. The program also fosters professional networking, enhances employability, and develops leadership skills. Scholars will engage in research that addresses critical African development challenges, contributing to climate resilience, renewable energy, and digital innovation.

Partner Universities and Institutions

The SHE-CREEDS project is a collaborative effort involving several distinguished institutions. The consortium is led by the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Tanzania. Other key African partners include Jimma University (JU) in Ethiopia, Université Officielle de Bukavu (UOB) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) in Côte d’Ivoire, and the University of Zambia (UNZA) in Zambia. Technical support is provided by Ghent University (UGent) in Belgium, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Ghana is an associated partner.

Cross-Language Mobility Advantage

To encourage regional integration and linguistic diversity, the program offers an advantage to applicants who pursue studies in a language different from their own. Applicants from Anglophone countries applying to Francophone institutions (UOB or UFHB) will receive a cross-language selection advantage. Similarly, applicants from Francophone countries applying to Anglophone institutions may benefit. Language support services will be available to assist scholars upon arrival at their host institutions.

Important Mobility Requirement

A key requirement for the SHE-CREEDS scholarship is that applicants cannot study in their country of nationality or residence. This rule is fundamental to the program’s goal of promoting cross-border academic mobility. Therefore, the host institution must be located in a different African country from the applicant’s nationality and also outside their country of residence. Applications proposing study within the applicant’s home country will be automatically disqualified.

Gender Inclusion and Support

SHE-CREEDS is committed to promoting gender equality within its programs. The project aims to achieve at least 50% female scholarship recipients. To support this, a 5-point bonus is awarded during the selection process for female applicants. Additionally, dedicated mentorship programs, female peer-support networks, family visit allowances for degree-seeking PhD scholars, and flexible arrangements for nursing mothers are provided to ensure a supportive environment for all.

Priority Groups

The scholarship program gives priority consideration to several groups. This includes applicants from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, those from conflict-affected and fragile regions, and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Cross-language applicants and individuals with disabilities requiring accessible support are also given priority. These considerations help ensure that the scholarship reaches those who can benefit most and contribute to a more equitable academic landscape.

Application Process

Prospective applicants should carefully follow the outlined steps to ensure their application is complete and submitted on time. The process begins with identifying a suitable program and ends with awaiting the final selection results.

Step 1: Program Identification

Review the available MSc and PhD programs and identify the opportunities that best align with your academic and career goals.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Gather all required supporting documents and ensure they are in PDF format. This includes academic certificates, transcripts, identification, and other relevant materials.

Step 3: Online Application

Complete the official online application form accurately and thoroughly.

Step 4: Submission

Submit your completed application before the specified deadline.

Step 5: Interview

If shortlisted, you will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

Step 6: Notification

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

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents. The specific requirements may vary slightly between MSc and PhD applications.

All Applicants

Completed online application form.
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Motivation Letter.
Valid Passport.
National Identity Card.
Academic Certificates.
Academic Transcripts.
Evidence of Language Proficiency (if applicable).
A signed declaration confirming that you are not currently receiving any other EU scholarship and have not previously received a MOBAF scholarship.

Additional Documents for MSc Applicants

Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters.
Statement of Purpose.

Additional Documents for PhD Applicants

Research Concept Note (1,000-1,500 words).
Two Academic or Professional Reference Letters.
Research Publications, Reports, or Conference Papers (if available).

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting all applications is 28 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT. It is crucial to submit your application well before this date, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

For detailed information and to access the application portal, interested candidates should refer to the official call for applications. This document provides comprehensive guidelines and links to the application system. The SHE-CREEDS scholarship program represents a significant opportunity for African students to pursue advanced studies and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SHE-CREEDS scholarship program?

SHE-CREEDS offers fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships for African students to study in different African countries, focusing on climate change, energy, and digital innovation.

What fields of study are covered by the SHE-CREEDS scholarship?

The scholarship covers fields such as climate-responsive agriculture, energy-efficient technologies, digital innovation, natural resources management, environmental science, hydrology, and sustainable energy.

What are the eligibility requirements for the SHE-CREEDS scholarship?

Applicants must be African nationals and cannot study in their country of nationality or residence. Specific academic qualifications are required for MSc and PhD programs.

What is the application deadline for the SHE-CREEDS scholarships?

The application deadline is June 28, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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