INTERACT-Africa PhD And MSc Scholarship 2024-2025 For African Students

About INTERACT-Africa PhD And MSc Scholarship

The Mobility in Innovative Green Technologies for Climate Change Mitigation and Sustainable Bioeconomy (INTERACT-Africa) PhD and MSc Scholarship 2024-2025 is an exciting opportunity for students interested in advancing their education in fields that directly impact environmental sustainability. Funded by the European Union (EU), INTERACT-Africa is an Intra-Africa Academic mobility project designed to foster academic collaboration and mobility among African universities.

The INTERACT-Africa project specifically targets areas of study within Chemistry, Biology, and Information Technology. The emphasis is on innovative approaches to converting organic waste into valuable bioproducts, which is crucial for developing environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economies. This scholarship aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle climate change and contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and practical applications that support the transition to green technologies. This aligns with the broader goals of mitigating climate change impacts and promoting sustainable development in Africa. Through this scholarship, the EU seeks to enhance the capacity of African higher education institutions and foster the next generation of scientists and technologists dedicated to sustainable development.

INTERACT-Africa aims at:
1. Promoting inclusive learning mobility opportunities by enhancing capacity building of HEIs by focusing on training and education in green Chemistry, Biology and Information Technology aimed at developing a skilled workforce capable of implementing sustainable practices
2. Promoting entrepreneurship and helping the development of green technology companies in Africa by giving aspiring business owners and start-ups in the fields of green biology, chemistry, and information technology access to capital, technical assistance, and mentorship.
3. Encouraging companies to network and exchange knowledge in order to foster innovation and long-term economic growth by offering internships, cooperative education programs, and opportunities for practical experience.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must fulfill the minimal requirements set forth by the host university’s senate or other regulatory body in order to be considered for admission to master’s and doctoral programs.
Verify the candidate’s nationality and place of residence in one of the qualifying nations.

The recipients of student loans must be African citizens and be living in Africa at the time of application.
A research concept paper in the intended field of study (one page, Times New Roman, single spacing) is required of all interested candidates.
Applicants will not be allowed to participate in the mobility program without an admission letter from the host university.

Applicants are to declare not to have already benefited from a previous student scholarship under the projects selected in the framework of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2022-2027.
Applicants agree not to use funds from another EU-funded scholarship program to carry out the same activity while they are in intra-African mobility.
Provide a motivation letter that highlights cutting-edge climate change and mitigation technologies.

Reference letters and/or recommendation letters (two). one from a professor, lecturer, or academic advisor.
The candidate needs to be willing to study in one of the qualifying countries rather than in their home country.
Show evidence of your special needs.

Applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds must meet the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) or its equivalent to study in institutions where English is the medium of instruction.
It is required to have a French proficiency level B2 or higher in order to study at the Institut Facultaire Des Sciences Agronomiques De Yangambi (IFA-YANGAMBI).

Target beneficiaries

The scholarship beneficiaries are divided into two target groups (TGs):

1. TG-I: This group includes students who are currently registered, admitted, or have obtained a higher education degree from one of the African universities that are part of the INTERACT-Africa project partnership. These universities are:

Moi University (Kenya)
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Uganda)

Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania)
Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia)
Institut Facultaire Des Sciences Agronomiques De Yangambi (Democratic Republic of Congo)

2. TG-II: This group includes students who are registered, admitted, or have obtained a higher education degree from an African university not included in the partnership. Priority is given to students from conflict-affected and disadvantaged countries, such as Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, and Algeria.

Note: Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits of INTERACT-Africa PhD And MSc Scholarship

The funding package includes coverage for tuition and study-related expenses throughout the project, as well as comprehensive health and accident insurance. PhD students will receive a monthly stipend of 1,230 Euros, which encompasses travel costs to and from the host institution, visa costs, and a settling allowance. MSc students will receive a monthly stipend of 890 Euros, also covering travel costs to and from the host institution, visa costs, and a settling allowance.

Scholarship Duration

For PhD students, the maximum duration of a scholarship is 36 months.
For MSc students, the maximum duration of a scholarship is 24 months.
The scholarships will be offered to regional students on a competitive basis. Female, disadvantaged, marginalized groups and
candidates with special needs are encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

The scholarship application process for the upcoming programmes is now open. Interested candidates can apply by filling out the online scholarship application form through the provided link. It is important to note that applicants are encouraged to simultaneously apply for admission to the host University. The scholarships will only be granted to candidates who have received admission letters from the host university.

The programmes are set to commence in August, September, or October 2024. The application deadline is June 23, 2024. Candidates are required to submit their motivational letters to the Lead Coordinator, INTERACT-Africa Project, Moi University, P.O Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya, interact-africa2023@mu.ac.ke.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY