by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) · Selected Accredited Universities in COMESA Member States (e.g., Kenyatta University, University of Mauritius)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🔴 Periodic / Active🎓 Master’s Degree (MA/MSc)🌍 COMESA Member States (21 Countries)📌 Merit-based / Inter-governmental
Varies by host university and country of residence
Duration
24 Months (2 Years)
Deadline
Varies annually (Typically between July and August)
Level
Master’s Degree (MA/MSc)
Acceptance
Approximately 2% to 5%
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
COMESA Graduate Scholarship Program is a fully funded scholarship offered by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) for students pursuing studies in COMESA Member States (21 Countries). The award covers Covers full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, research costs, and travel to and from the host university within the COMESA region. and is open to masters degree (ma/msc) students studying regional integration, international trade, economics, law, science, technology and innovation. The scholarship runs for 24 months (2 years). Eligibility is generally based on open to nationals of the 21 COMESA member states who hold a Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Upper) and wish to research regional integration. The application deadline is Varies annually (Typically between July and August), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 2% to 5%. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for COMESA Graduate Scholarship Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
5%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by host university and country of residence
⏳
Duration
24 Months (2 Years)
📅
Deadline
Varies annually (Typically between July and August)
🔬
Fields
Regional Integration, International Trade, Economics, Law, Science, Technology and Innovation
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 10 to 20 awards per cycle
🌏
Study Country
COMESA Member States (21 Countries)
🏛️
Provider
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 2% to 5%
The COMESA Graduate Scholarship Program is a regional initiative designed to build human capital and research capacity in the area of regional integration. It supports students from the 21 member states to undertake Master's programs that produce actionable research for the COMESA Secretariat and member governments to improve trade and economic policy.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to nationals of the 21 COMESA member states who hold a Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Upper) and wish to research regional integration.
🏛️ Host University
Selected Accredited Universities in COMESA Member States (e.g., Kenyatta University, University of Mauritius)
🤝 Sponsor
COMESA Secretariat and Member State Governments
🔬 Fields of Study
Regional Integration, International Trade, Economics, Law, Science, Technology and Innovation
✨ Key Benefits
Covers full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, research costs, and travel to and from the host university within the COMESA region.
🎯 Target Students
Postgraduate students from East and Southern African member states
Monthly allowance provided based on local cost of living
Total Award
Varies by host university and country of residence
✈️ Travel: Round-trip economy airfare from home country to host institution🏠 Accommodation: Provided as a stipend or university-allocated housing💊 Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage provided🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
100%
🏠 Living Stipend
Monthly allowance provided based on local cost of living
🏡 Accommodation
Provided as a stipend or university-allocated housing
✈️ Travel Allowance
Round-trip economy airfare from home country to host institution
💊 Health Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance coverage provided
🎁 Other Benefits
Thesis research grant, participation in COMESA workshops, and networking with regional policy makers
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Continuous funding depends on maintaining a satisfactory GPA and academic progress
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a citizen of a COMESA Member State and hold a Bachelor's degree with honors
🎓 Academic Level
Master’s Degree (MA/MSc)
📊 Minimum GPA
3.0 on a 4.0 scale or Second Class Upper Division
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English, French, or Arabic (the official COMESA languages)
🍢 Age Limit
Generally under 35 years of age
💼 Work Experience
Not required but 1-2 years in relevant public or private sector is an advantage
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated potential for leadership in regional economic development
💰 Financial Need
Considered but academic merit and research relevance are primary
🎯 Target Students
Postgraduate students from East and Southern African member states
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed Research Proposal focusing on COMESA integration themes)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two academic references required)
Interview
Yes (Finalist candidates are interviewed by a selection panel)
Proficiency in English, French, or Arabic (the official COMESA languages)
Interview: Yes (Finalist candidates are interviewed by a selection panel)
Min GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or Second Class Upper Division
📋 Application Process
Align your research proposal directly with the COMESA Medium Term Strategic Plan and address specific regional trade barriers.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure all academic transcripts are officially certified and your proposal is formatted to academic standards for postgraduate research.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Usually announced in Q2 (April to June)
⏰ Deadline
Varies annually (Typically between July and August)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Finalist candidates are interviewed by a selection panel)
🎓 Study Starts
September or October
Usually announced in Q2 (April to June)
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies annually (Typically between July and August)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Finalist candidates are interviewed by a selection panel)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September or October
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, quality and relevance of the research proposal to regional integration, and geographical balance across member states.
Open to nationals of the 21 COMESA member states who hold a Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Upper) and wish to research regional integration.
This scholarship covers: Covers full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, research costs, and travel to and from the host university within the COMESA region.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies annually (Typically between July and August). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Approximately 2% to 5%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English, French, or Arabic (the official COMESA languages), Yes (Two academic references required) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.