Applications open for the Interact-Africa PhD and Msc Scholarships For Africans

Interact-Africa PhD and Msc Scholarships For Africans is a project funded by the European Union (EU) that aims to promote academic mobility within Africa. The project focuses on Chemistry, Biology, and Information Technology, with a specific emphasis on converting organic waste into valuable bioproducts for the purpose of transitioning into environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economies.

The objectives of Interact-Africa PhD and Msc Scholarships For Africans are as follows:

1. Enhancing capacity building of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by providing inclusive learning mobility opportunities. This will be achieved through training and education in green Chemistry, Biology, and Information Technology, with the goal of developing a skilled workforce capable of implementing sustainable practices.

2. Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the establishment of green technology businesses in Africa. INTERACT-Africa will provide mentorship, access to funding, and technical support to aspiring entrepreneurs and start-ups working in the field of green Chemistry, Biology, and Information Technology.

3. Facilitating networking and knowledge sharing among businesses to promote innovation and sustainable economic growth. This will be done through internships, cooperative education programs, and hands-on learning opportunities.

INTERACT-Africa is currently offering 28 postgraduate scholarships for degree-seeking mobility. There are 5 scholarships available for PhD students and 23 scholarships available for Masters programs.

For PhD students, the maximum duration of a scholarship is 36 months. For MSc students, the maximum duration is 24 months.

Eligibility for the Interact-Africa PhD and Msc Scholarships For Africans

1. To be eligible for the scholarships, candidates must meet the minimum requirements for admission into Masters and PhD programs as stipulated by the host University Senate/regulating body.
2. They must also provide proof of being a national and resident of an eligible African country. Additionally, applicants must submit a research concept paper in their intended area of study.
3. It is important to note that applicants will not be allowed to participate in the mobility program without an admission letter from the host university.
4. Applicants are required to confirm that they have not previously received a student scholarship from any of the projects selected under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2022-2027.
5. They must also commit to not benefiting from any other EU funded scholarship scheme for the same activity during their Intra-Africa mobility period.
6. A motivation letter reflecting innovative technologies in climate change and mitigation is required. Additionally, two recommendation letters or reference letters are needed, with one coming from an academic advisor or professor/lecturer.
7. Applicants must be willing to study in a country other than their own, within the eligible countries.
8. If applicable, proof of special needs should be provided.
9. For applicants whose English level is below B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) or its equivalent, it is mandatory to study in institutions that use English as the language of instruction.
10. To study at Institut Facultaire Des Sciences Agronomiques De Yangambi (IFA-YANGAMBI), a French level B2 or its equivalent is mandatory.

Funding: Interact-Africa PhD and Msc Scholarships For Africans

1. Funding includes tuition fees and research costs for the duration of the study, comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage, and a monthly stipend/allowance of Euro 1,230 for PhD students and Euro 890 for Masters students.
2. PhD students will also receive additional benefits such as travel costs to and from the host institution, visa costs, and a settling allowance.
3. Masters students will also receive additional benefits such as travel costs to and from the host institution, visa costs, and a settling allowance.

Language of instruction

Language of instruction varies depending on the project hosting institution or country. For example, Moi University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Addis Ababa University, and Sokoine University of Agriculture use English as the language of instruction. On the other hand, Institut Facultaire Des Sciences Agronomiques De Yangambi (IFA-Yangambi) University uses French as the language of instruction.

Application: Interact-Africa PhD and Msc Scholarships For Africans

1. To apply for the scholarship, eligible candidates must fill out the online scholarship application form using the provided link: https://form.jotform.com/241243838123048. For more information, please visit the website: https://interactafrica.mu.ac.ke/.
2. It is important to note that applicants are advised to apply concurrently to the host University for admission. The scholarships will only be awarded to candidates who have received admission letters from the host university.
3. The application deadline for the programmes is 23rd June, 2024
4. Motivational letters should be addressed to the Lead Coordinator, INTERACT-Africa Project, Moi University, P.O. Box 3900, Eldoret, Kenya, or sent via email to [email protected].
5. For details visit the official webpage of the INTERACT-Africa PhD and MSc Scholarship.