LASOMA Scholarship 2026 Opens Applications for Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Studies Across Africa

For many African students pursuing advanced degrees in engineering and technology, funding often remains the biggest obstacle between ambition and opportunity. The LASOMA Scholarship Programme 2026 is attempting to change that.

Applications have officially opened for the latest edition of the scholarship, offering fully funded Master’s and PhD opportunities to qualified African students seeking to build careers in engineering, solar manufacturing, artificial intelligence, materials science and related disciplines.

Backed by the African Union and co-funded by the European Union, the programme is designed to strengthen Africa’s research capacity in clean energy technologies through advanced training and innovation.

At a time when governments across the continent are accelerating investments in renewable energy, the scholarship presents a rare opportunity for students to gain world class research experience without the financial burden often associated with postgraduate education.

A Scholarship Built Around Africa’s Energy Future

LASOMA, which stands for Laser Enabled Manufacturing of Solar Systems, focuses on developing expertise in the technologies shaping the future of solar energy production.

The initiative combines engineering, artificial intelligence, laser technology and advanced manufacturing systems to prepare a new generation of African researchers and innovators capable of driving industrial growth and energy transformation across the continent.

Beyond academic training, the programme seeks to create a network of highly skilled professionals who can contribute to solving Africa’s growing energy challenges through research, innovation and technology development.

With renewable energy becoming increasingly important to economic development, programmes like LASOMA are attracting attention from students looking to position themselves at the forefront of emerging industries.

What Successful Applicants Will Receive

The LASOMA Scholarship is fully funded, covering major expenses associated with postgraduate studies.

Selected candidates will receive complete tuition coverage throughout the duration of their studies. The scholarship also provides monthly living stipends, health insurance coverage and access to specialised research workshops designed to strengthen technical and professional skills.

According to programme details, PhD candidates will receive a monthly stipend of €1,230, while Master’s students will receive €890 per month.

These financial benefits are intended to allow students focus entirely on their academic and research activities without the pressure of managing tuition fees and living expenses independently.

In addition to financial support, scholars will gain access to collaborative research environments, industry relevant training and technical workshops linked directly to solar manufacturing technologies and AI powered engineering systems.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The scholarship is open exclusively to nationals of African countries who meet the academic requirements of participating universities.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or both, depending on the level of study they are applying for. Candidates are also expected to demonstrate strong academic performance and clear research potential.

Furthermore, applicants must satisfy the academic admission criteria and language requirements established by their chosen university.

Programme organisers have also encouraged applications from women, persons living with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds as part of efforts to promote greater inclusion in advanced research and higher education.

The programme’s organisers say they are seeking applicants who not only have strong academic credentials but also show a genuine interest in contributing to technological development and scientific innovation across Africa.

Universities Participating in the Programme

Four universities across Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria have been selected as host institutions for the 2026 scholarship cycle.

In Ghana, applicants can apply through Pentecost University, which offers postgraduate programmes in Engineering Physics and Intelligent Engineering Systems.

Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is participating through its Mechatronic Engineering programmes at both Master’s and doctoral levels.

Nigeria hosts two participating institutions. Federal University Lokoja offers postgraduate opportunities in Engineering Physics and Solid State Physics, while the Federal University of Technology Minna provides advanced programmes in Industrial and Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering.

The diversity of available courses allows students from different engineering and scientific backgrounds to identify programmes that align closely with their research interests and career aspirations.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants will need to prepare several supporting documents before beginning the application process.

Required submissions include academic transcripts and certificates, an updated curriculum vitae, a motivation letter outlining educational goals, and a research proposal connected to the chosen field of study.

Candidates must also provide two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.

For PhD applicants, an additional requirement involves recording and submitting a two minute elevator pitch video explaining their research interests and academic objectives.

The research proposal is expected to play a particularly important role during evaluation, given the programme’s focus on developing expertise in laser technologies, solar manufacturing systems and artificial intelligence applications.

Applicants are therefore advised to invest considerable effort in presenting a clear, innovative and well structured research concept.

How to Apply

The application process is conducted through the official LASOMA online portal.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to first review the participating universities and available programmes before selecting the option that best matches their educational background.

After choosing a preferred programme, applicants should gather all required documents and ensure that every submission meets the institution’s specific requirements.

PhD candidates should prepare and upload their elevator pitch video alongside the rest of their application materials.

Once all documents have been completed, candidates can submit their applications through the designated portal before the deadline.

Programme administrators advise applicants to carefully review every requirement before submission to avoid disqualification due to incomplete documentation.

Important Dates Applicants Should Know

The application window officially opened on May 8, 2026.

Interested candidates have until June 22, 2026, to submit their applications.

Successful applicants are expected to receive notification of selection on July 13, 2026.

Academic programmes under the scholarship are scheduled to commence in September 2026.

Given the relatively short application period, prospective applicants are being encouraged to begin preparing their documents as early as possible.

Competition for fully funded postgraduate opportunities remains intense across Africa, making early preparation a critical advantage.

Why LASOMA Matters

The LASOMA Scholarship arrives at a significant moment for Africa’s renewable energy ambitions.

Governments across the continent are increasingly prioritising solar energy investments as they seek to expand electricity access, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen industrial development.

Yet one major challenge remains the shortage of highly specialised researchers and engineers capable of driving innovation within the sector.

LASOMA aims to address that gap by creating a pipeline of experts equipped with advanced skills in solar manufacturing, engineering systems and emerging technologies.

For students interested in building careers at the intersection of energy, technology and research, the programme offers more than financial support. It provides access to knowledge networks, international partnerships and specialised training opportunities that could shape future careers.

As Africa’s clean energy transition gathers momentum, initiatives such as LASOMA are increasingly becoming strategic investments in the continent’s scientific and technological future.

Final Thoughts

Fully funded postgraduate scholarships remain among the most competitive educational opportunities available to African students. The LASOMA Scholarship Programme 2026 stands out because of its strong focus on future facing industries, substantial financial support and collaboration between African and European institutions.

For aspiring researchers, engineers and innovators, the programme offers a pathway into advanced scientific work while removing many of the financial barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing higher education.

With the application deadline set for June 22, eligible candidates have a limited window to prepare their submissions and secure a chance to join one of Africa’s emerging research programmes focused on renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.