European Union LaSoMa Scholarship 2026 in Africa — Fully Funded
The EU LaSoMa Scholarship 2026 is open now, and the deadline is 22 June 2026. If you hold a Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field and are a national of an African country, this scholarship funds your PhD at a participating university in Ghana, Kenya, or Nigeria — covering full tuition, a monthly living stipend, medical insurance, research consumables, travel support, conference funding, and publication support. Mobility periods run between 6 and 36 months at a host institution in an African country different from your own. The programme start date is September 2026, with results announced on 13 July 2026.
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LaSoMa Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | European Union LaSoMa Scholarship 2026 |
| Host Countries | Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria |
| Degree Level | Phd |
| Benefits | Fully Funded — Full tuition, monthly living stipend, medical insurance, research consumables and lab access, travel support, conference funding, publication support |
| Funded by | European Commission — Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Programme |
| Eligible Countries | African countries (nationals and residents) |
| Deadline | 22 June 2026 |
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About the LaSoMa Scholarship
LaSoMa — Laser Manufacturing for Solar Systems Components — is a doctoral mobility programme funded by the European Commission under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. The programme develops researchers in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy technologies, with a specific focus on laser manufacturing, solar energy systems, battery production, and the application of AI and digital technologies in sustainable industrial processes.
Scholars undertake PhD research at one of four participating African universities, in a country different from their own nationality. The mobility period lasts between 6 and 36 months. All scholars receive joint supervision from both academic and industry experts, giving the programme a practical dimension alongside its research focus.
The programme targets at least 30% female participation and 10% participation from persons with special needs. Applications from women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
Host institutions and available PhD programmes:
Pentecost University, Ghana
- PhD in Manufacturing Engineering
- PhD in Intelligence Engineering Systems
- PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya
- PhD in Mechatronic Engineering
- Laser Manufacturing Research
- Machine Learning in Manufacturing
Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Nigeria
- PhD in Industrial and Production Engineering
- PhD in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Federal University Lokoja (FU Lokoja), Nigeria
- PhD in Engineering Physics
- Solar Energy Research, Photovoltaic Materials, and Renewable Energy Storage Systems
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What the LaSoMa Scholarship Covers
The LaSoMa Scholarship covers the following for the full duration of your doctoral mobility:
- Soft skills and technical training throughout the programme
- Full tuition fee waiver — paid to the host institution on your behalf
- Monthly living stipend — to cover accommodation and daily living costs during the mobility period
- Medical insurance — full coverage for the duration of your stay at the host institution
- Research consumables and laboratory access — including use of advanced laser manufacturing facilities
- Travel support — for research visits and conference attendance
- Conference funding — to present your research at relevant academic and industry events
- Publication support — assistance with submitting and publishing research outputs
- Joint academic and industry supervision — structured mentorship from both university researchers and industry practitioners
- Participation in the LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School — held before the start of your research programme
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Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following to be considered:
- You are a national and current resident of an African country
- You hold a recognised Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field
- You meet the specific admission requirements of your chosen host institution
- You can demonstrate English language proficiency to the standard required by the host institution
- Your research interests align with LaSoMa’s focus areas in laser manufacturing, renewable energy, AI in manufacturing, or related disciplines
- You have not previously received funding under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2022–2027
- You will not hold another EU-funded scholarship concurrently during the LaSoMa mobility period
- Your host institution must be in an African country different from your country of nationality
Research Areas
Applicants may conduct doctoral research in one or more of the following areas:
- Laser manufacturing technologies — including laser cutting, welding, cladding, and additive manufacturing
- Solar panel and battery component manufacturing
- Digital twin technologies and lifecycle sustainability modelling
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning for manufacturing
- Big data analytics, quality control, and process optimisation
- Photovoltaic materials and renewable energy storage systems
- Climate change mitigation technologies and sustainable industrial production
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Selection Process
Applications are assessed in two stages, with a combined score out of 140 points.
Stage 1 — Document Evaluation (70 points)
Your submitted documents are assessed across six areas: academic performance, research proposal quality, publications, motivation letter, recommendation letters, and English language proficiency. You must score at least 35 points to advance to Stage 2.
Stage 2 — Interview Assessment (70 points)
Shortlisted applicants attend an online interview evaluated on technical knowledge, research understanding, motivation, communication skills, teamwork ability, adaptability, and research potential. You must score at least 35 points at this stage.
Final scholarship awards are made based on the combined score from both stages.
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Required Documents
Prepare all of the following before you open your application:
- Certified copy of your international passport biodata page
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
- Master’s degree certificate and transcript
- Curriculum vitae — maximum four pages
- Motivation letter — maximum 500 words
- Elevator pitch video link — maximum two minutes, submitted as a URL
- LaSoMa PhD Research Proposal
- Two recommendation letters — must be issued within three months of the application deadline and sent directly by your referees
- Completed Intra-Africa/ACP Declaration Form
- Any additional admission documents required by your chosen host institution
Practical note: Contact your preferred host institution before you submit your application. You must confirm that you meet their admission requirements and discuss your research proposal with a potential supervisor before the portal submission. Recommendation letters must come directly from your referees — letters submitted by the applicant will not be accepted. Begin requesting references early; the deadline is 22 June 2026 and referees need sufficient lead time.
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How to Apply — Step by Step
- Identify your preferred host institution and PhD programme from the four participating universities
- Contact the institution directly to confirm admission requirements and discuss your proposed research area with a potential supervisor
- Prepare all required documents — allow enough time for certified translations, referee letters, and your research proposal
- Request your two recommendation letters from qualified referees and ensure they submit them directly before the deadline
- Record and upload your elevator pitch video — maximum two minutes — and have the link ready before opening the application form
- Complete the online LaSoMa Scholarship application form at pums.pentvars.edu.gh/lasoma/apply
- Upload all documents in PDF format as instructed
- Submit your application before 22 June 2026
- If shortlisted, attend the online interview in the selection period leading to 13 July 2026
- If selected, obtain formal admission from the host institution — the scholarship cannot be activated without it
- Complete visa and enrolment requirements for your host country
- Attend the LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School before your research programme begins in September 2026
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Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the European Union LaSoMa Scholarship 2026 is June 22, 2026.
Key dates:
- Application Opens: May 8, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 22, 2026
- Notification of Results: July 13, 2026
- Programme Start Date: September 2026
Interested applicants are encouraged to begin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EU LaSoMa Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, medical insurance, research consumables and laboratory access, travel support, conference funding, and publication support for the full duration of the doctoral mobility period. There is nothing to repay.
Who is eligible for the LaSoMa Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to nationals and current residents of African countries who hold a recognised Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field. You must apply to a host institution in an African country different from your own nationality. Applicants who have previously received funding under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2022–2027 are not eligible.
Do I need to contact the host university before applying?
Yes. This is a firm requirement, not a suggestion. You must contact your preferred host institution before submitting your application to confirm you meet their admission requirements and to discuss your research proposal. Applications submitted without this prior contact risk being incomplete at the institutional admission stage, which would prevent the scholarship from being activated even if you are selected.
How long is the LaSoMa doctoral mobility period?
The mobility period lasts between 6 and 36 months at the host institution. The exact duration depends on your PhD programme, your research plan, and the agreement with your supervisor at the host institution.
Can Nigerian students apply for the LaSoMa Scholarship?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible to apply. However, they must apply to a host institution in a country different from Nigeria — meaning Nigerian applicants must choose Pentecost University in Ghana or JKUAT in Kenya as their host institution. The same country-of-nationality rule applies to Ghanaian and Kenyan applicants.
What is the LaSoMa Preparatory Graduate School?
The Preparatory Graduate School is a structured induction programme that all LaSoMa scholars attend before beginning their doctoral research in September 2026. It covers both technical and soft skills relevant to the programme’s research areas and prepares scholars for the academic and professional environment at their host institution.
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Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, requirements, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official scholarship website. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.
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