✨ Should I Apply for Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Mobility and Research Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies (Approximately €500 to €1,200 per month depending on level and host country)
⏱
Duration
6 months to 24 months depending on the program
🗓
Deadline
Varies (Calls are typically issued between February and May)
🏥
Fields
Climate Change, Biodiversity, Renewable Energy, Blue Economy, Public Health, and Regional Integration
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Approximately 30-50 per cycle)
🌏
Study Country
Regional (Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, France/Réunion)
🏛️
Provider
Indian Ocean Commission (Commission de l'Océan Indien - COI)
The Indian Ocean Commission Scholarship program aims to promote academic and scientific mobility within the region. It supports students and researchers from member states to undertake studies or research in neighboring island nations, fostering regional integration and knowledge sharing in priority sectors like sustainable development and climate resilience.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to students and researchers from IOC member states with a strong academic record and a project relevant to regional development.
🏛️ Host University
Accredited universities within the IOC member states
🤝 Sponsor
Indian Ocean Commission with support from partners like AFD and the European Union
🏥 Fields of Study
Climate Change, Biodiversity, Renewable Energy, Blue Economy, Public Health, and Regional Integration
✨ Key Benefits
Comprehensive support including tuition fees, monthly living allowance, international travel, and medical insurance for the duration of the mobility.
🎯 Target Students
International students within the Indian Ocean region
🏷 Tags
Indian Ocean
Regional Mobility
Environment
Master's
Research
Blue Economy
💸 Funding Breakdown
Total Award
Varies (Approximately €500
✈️ Travel: Yes (Round-trip airfare included)
🏠 Accommodation: Often included in the monthly stipend
💊 Health Insurance: Yes
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: Free
🏡 Accommodation
Often included in the monthly stipend
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Round-trip airfare included)
🎁 Other Benefits
Research grants, visa fee reimbursement, and participation in regional seminars
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable; scholarships are for a fixed mobility period
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a national of an IOC member state (Comoros, France/Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles) and enrolled in a recognized university.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, and Post-doctoral Research
📊 Minimum GPA
Check official website (Equivalent to 2:1 or 'Mention Bien')
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in French or English depending on the host university's language of instruction
🎂 Age Limit
Generally under 35 for Master's and under 45 for PhD/Research
💼 Work Experience
Not required for students; relevant experience preferred for researchers
🏆 Leadership
Not mandatory but considered a plus in selection
💰 Financial Need
Not the primary criteria; merit and project relevance are prioritized
🎯 Target Students
International students within the Indian Ocean region
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Motivation letter and research proposal)
Rec Letters
Yes (Typically 2 letters from academic supervisors)
Interview
Sometimes (Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Typically 2 letters from academic supervisors) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency in French or English depending on the host university's language of instruction
- Interview: Sometimes (Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed)
- Min GPA: Check official website (Equivalent to 2:1 or 'Mention Bien')
📋 Application Process
Ensure your research project addresses a specific regional challenge mentioned in the IOC Strategic Plan, such as maritime security or environmental conservation.
💡 Insider Tip: Contact a host supervisor in the target IOC country before applying to secure a letter of acceptance or support.