European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships for International Students 2026

Dreaming of advancing your academic career with a fully funded postgraduate degree in Africa? The European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships offer a remarkable opportunity for African students to pursue Master’s and Doctoral programs across the continent. This initiative, a collaboration between the European and African Unions, aims to foster academic excellence and resilience within African Higher Education Institutions.

This scholarship is designed to support talented individuals who are passionate about contributing to Africa’s development. By providing comprehensive financial support, the PERI ACE program removes barriers to higher education, allowing scholars to focus on their studies and research. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this prestigious scholarship, from its benefits and eligibility to the application process.

The European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships are a key component of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. This scheme is funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with African Higher Education Institutions. Its primary goal is to promote cooperation and enhance academic mobility among African universities.

The PERI ACE project specifically focuses on building resilience through African Centres of Excellence. It supports consortia of these centers, offering scholarships to students at Master’s and Doctoral levels, as well as to university staff. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of academic advancement are shared widely across the continent.

Understanding the PERI ACE Scholarship

The PERI ACE (Partners Enhancing Resilience through African Centres of Excellence) Scholarship is a fully funded program designed for African nationals. It is part of a broader initiative by the European Union to strengthen higher education and research capabilities within Africa. The scholarship aims to equip future leaders and researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to address regional challenges.

This program specifically targets Master’s and Doctoral candidates who wish to undertake their studies at participating African Higher Education Institutions. By fostering intra-African mobility, it encourages students to explore academic opportunities within their own continent, promoting regional integration and knowledge exchange. The scholarship is highly competitive, attracting a large number of applicants each year.

Benefits of the PERI ACE Scholarship

The PERI ACE Scholarship offers a comprehensive package designed to cover all essential costs associated with postgraduate studies. This ensures that scholars can dedicate their full attention to their academic pursuits without financial strain. The benefits are extensive and aim to provide a supportive environment for success.

Key benefits include:

Full Tuition and Academic Expenses: All tuition fees and other mandatory academic costs are covered.
Monthly Subsistence Allowance: Scholars receive a generous monthly allowance of €1,230 to cover living expenses.
Travel and Visa Costs: The scholarship covers airfare, travel expenses, and visa fees.
Settling-in Allowance: A one-time allowance is provided to help scholars settle into their new environment.
Annual Female Allowance: An additional allowance is provided to female scholars.
Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage is included.
Research and Fieldwork Expenses: Funding is available for research activities, including fieldwork.
Printing Costs: Expenses related to printing academic materials are also covered.

Additionally, a special scholarship is available for one eligible candidate with a disability, demonstrating the program’s commitment to inclusivity.

Eligibility Criteria for PERI ACE Scholarships

To be considered for the European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements are in place to ensure that the scholarship supports individuals who are best positioned to benefit from and contribute to the program’s objectives.

You must:

Be an African National: Applicants must hold citizenship in an African country.
Be a Resident of an African Country: You should be both a national and a resident of an African country at the time of application.
Hold a University Degree from an African Institution: You must have obtained a university degree from an African Higher Education Institution or be currently registered at one.
Meet Program Entry Requirements: You need to fulfill the specific admission requirements of the chosen Master’s or Doctoral program at the host institution.
Submit Required Documents: All necessary application documents must be provided as per the guidelines.

It is important to note that this scholarship does not require an IELTS test, making it more accessible for many African students.

Eligible Programmes and Mobility Options

The PERI ACE Scholarship supports Master’s and Doctoral level studies, with distinct mobility options tailored to different academic needs. These programs are designed to align with regional priorities and enhance research capacity across Africa.

Master’s Level Scholarships

Master’s scholarships are offered through two main approaches:

Full Degree Programmes (24 months): This option allows students to pursue a complete Master’s degree program, often focusing on specialized areas such as Water Resources Engineering and Management.
Credit-Seeking Mobilities (10 months): This shorter mobility period is ideal for students who wish to undertake focused research or specific coursework at a partner institution while maintaining their enrollment at their home university.

Doctoral Level Scholarships

Doctoral scholarships support intensive research programs lasting 36 months. These research areas are strategically chosen to address pressing regional challenges, including:

Climate-resilient agriculture in West Africa.
Urban adaptation strategies in East Africa.
Renewable energy solutions in Southern Africa.

A full list of eligible programs and their specific focus areas can be found on the official PERI-ACE website.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships involves several key steps. It is crucial to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly.

Visit the PERI-ACE Website: Begin by clicking the application link to navigate to the official PERI-ACE scholarship portal.
Read the Guidelines: Thoroughly review the comprehensive application guidelines. This will help you confirm your eligibility, understand the scholarship terms, and note the timelines for your chosen mobility type (Master’s, Doctoral, or Traineeship).
Apply to Host Institutions: You must apply directly to your chosen host institution. The application guidelines and the PERI-ACE Partners page will provide links, contact details, and specific submission deadlines for each institution.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, a motivation letter, and a research proposal (for Doctoral candidates).
Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application form along with all supporting documents to the respective host institution by their stated deadline.
Contact for Queries: If you have questions not addressed in the guidelines, reach out to Ms. Norma Derby at the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (Stellenbosch University International) via email at networks@sun.ac.za.

The selection process includes shortlisting from September 16 to October 16, 2026, with a selection meeting on October 23, 2026. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified between October 26 and 28, 2026, with scholarship activities commencing from November 2, 2026.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarships is September 16, 2026. Ensure that all parts of your application, including those submitted directly to host institutions, are completed and submitted well before this date to avoid any last-minute issues. Missing this deadline will mean missing out on this excellent opportunity.

For those seeking other fully funded opportunities, consider exploring the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship in the UK 2026 | Fully Funded. Additionally, the Australia Awards Scholarships 2027 | Fully Funded offer another avenue for international postgraduate study. If Europe is your preferred destination, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships in Europe 2026 | Fully Funded are worth investigating. For those interested in Germany, the DAAD Scholarship in Germany 2027 | Fully Funded provides excellent opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the European Union Intra-Africa PERI ACE Scholarship?

It’s a fully funded scholarship for African students to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees at African universities, aiming to strengthen higher education and research across the continent.

What does the PERI ACE Scholarship cover?

It covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance of €1,230, travel and visa costs, a settling-in allowance, insurance, and research/fieldwork expenses.

Who is eligible to apply for the PERI ACE Scholarship?

African nationals and residents who have earned a degree from an African Higher Education Institution and meet the admission requirements of the chosen program are eligible.