TESIECS Intra-Africa Mobility Scholarships 2025 (Fully Funded)

Apply by 19 February 2025

The TESIECS (Towards Enhancing Sustainable and Innovative Environmental Change Solutions) project is a powerful initiative aimed at tackling environmental challenges in Africa. This collaboration unites top universities, including the University of Johannesburg, University of Zimbabwe, University of the Western Cape, University of Botswana, and the Namibia University of Science and Technology, with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam as a key technical partner. Funded by the European Union, the project focuses on fostering sustainability through innovative environmental solutions.

Enhancing Capacity Through Intra-Africa Mobility

The TESIECS Intra-Africa Mobility initiative is at the heart of this project. It supports both long-term and short-term mobility for students and staff across partner institutions. This program encourages knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and cross-cultural interactions while addressing region-specific environmental concerns. By enabling participants to study and work in different African countries, TESIECS builds a network of future sustainability leaders and environmental experts.

Through these mobilities, the project strengthens academic, technical, and administrative expertise among participating institutions. It also trains postgraduate students, equipping them with essential skills to lead sustainable initiatives across the continent.

Available Scholarship Opportunities

TESIECS provides scholarships across different categories, ensuring broad academic and professional engagement. These include Degree-Seeking Mobility, Short-Term Credit-Seeking Mobility, and Staff Capacity Development Mobilities, all of which offer comprehensive financial support.

1. Degree-Seeking Mobility Scholarships

This category supports students pursuing MA, MSc, or PhD programs at a partner university outside their home country. The scholarship covers:

• Travel costs: Flights and transportation expenses
• Accommodation: Comfortable housing for the entire study duration
• Subsistence allowance: Daily living costs
• Tuition fees (if applicable)
• Research expenses (if required)
• Health insurance: Ensuring safety throughout the program

These scholarships aim to provide students with high-quality education while preparing them to address Africa’s pressing environmental issues.

2. Short-Term Credit-Seeking Mobility Scholarships

This program benefits students currently enrolled in MA, MSc, or PhD programs in their home country. It allows them to study specific modules at a partner institution abroad and transfer credits to their degree program. The scholarship provides funding for:

• Travel, accommodation, and living costs
• Tuition fees for selected courses
• Health insurance for the mobility period

This opportunity enhances students’ academic perspectives by exposing them to diverse learning environments and global research networks.

3. Staff Capacity Development Mobilities

TESIECS also supports academic, professional, and technical staff through two-to-twelve-week mobilities at partner universities. This initiative helps improve staff skills, enabling them to contribute to institutional growth and environmental sustainability efforts.

The scholarship covers:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation costs
• Daily subsistence allowance
• Health insurance

By participating, staff members gain insights into innovative research methods, teaching techniques, and administrative improvements.

4. Traineeships and Internships

TESIECS encourages students at any level to apply for internships or traineeships at partner universities. These practical experiences strengthen academic learning by offering real-world exposure to environmental sustainability challenges.

Who Can Apply?

TESIECS welcomes applications from a diverse group, including:

• Postgraduate Students (MA, MSc, PhD): Applicants must meet entry requirements of their chosen university.
• Academic and Administrative Staff: Permanent staff at African universities can apply.
• Trainees and Interns: Students at any level seeking professional experience in environmental sustainability.

Special consideration is given to women, disadvantaged groups, differently-abled individuals, and minority applicants. Additional support is provided for physically challenged students.

Key Requirements for Applicants

• African Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an African country with a valid passport.
• Cross-Border Requirement: Scholarships require recipients to study or work in a different African country.
• University Applications: Candidates must apply separately for both the TESIECS scholarship and the relevant university program.
• SAQA Certification: Students applying to the University of Johannesburg or University of the Western Cape need a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation of foreign qualifications. This process can take up to six months, so early application is recommended.

Additional Support for Applicants

TESIECS is committed to ensuring equal access to scholarships, especially for applicants from marginalized communities. Support includes:

• Financial aid for accessibility needs
• Special resources for physically challenged applicants
• Assistance in navigating application requirements

This initiative is designed to help students, staff, and interns develop expertise, expand networks, and contribute to Africa’s environmental sustainability goals.

FAQs

1. What expenses are covered by the TESIECS scholarships? TESIECS scholarships cover travel, accommodation, subsistence, tuition fees, research costs, and insurance.

2. Who is eligible for the scholarship? Postgraduate students, academic and administrative staff, and trainees at African institutions are eligible.

3. Can students apply to any university? No, students must apply to one of the TESIECS partner universities.

4. How long do staff mobilities last? Staff mobilities range from two to twelve weeks, depending on the program.

5. Is SAQA certification required for all universities? No, SAQA certification is required only for students applying to University of Johannesburg and University of the Western Cape.

6. Can students apply for multiple scholarship categories? No, applicants must choose one category that aligns with their academic or professional goals.

7. How can applicants ensure their selection? Strong academic performance, clear research interests, and well-prepared application materials increase the chances of selection.

8. Can undergraduate students apply? No, only postgraduate students are eligible. However, undergraduate students can apply for internships or traineeships.

9. What is the deadline for applications? Deadlines vary by university, so applicants must check partner institution timelines.

10. What support is available for marginalized groups? TESIECS provides financial aid, accessibility support, and additional resources for disadvantaged applicants.

TESIECS is a life-changing opportunity for those passionate about environmental sustainability. If you meet the criteria, apply now to become a leader in Africa’s green revolution!