About this opportunity
The Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) is offering a fully funded scholarship for the 2026 academic year, with applications opening on August 4th, 2026. This program supports graduate-level study in agricultural sciences, including crop science, livestock research, soil science, and agricultural economics. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, a monthly living stipend, and research funding for students committed to advancing agricultural development in Ethiopia. EIAR is the country's primary agricultural research body, operating under Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture. It runs 18 research centers across the country, from the highlands of Amhara to the lowlands of the Somali region, and employs over 1,500 researchers and technical staff. The institute focuses on improving crop yields, developing drought-resistant seed varieties, and supporting smallholder farmers who make up the majority of Ethiopia's agricultural workforce. Scholars accepted into this program typically work alongside EIAR scientists on active field trials and lab research. Living in Ethiopia as a graduate student means adapting to a country with a fast-growing economy and a young population. The cost of living is low by international standards, with monthly expenses for a single student ranging from $300 to $500 outside the capital. Addis Ababa, where the main research campus sits, sits at 2,355 meters above sea level, giving it a mild climate year-round with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C. The working language at EIAR is English, though basic Amharic helps with daily life. International students need a student visa, which EIAR sponsors once admission is confirmed. This scholarship is designed for students who plan to stay in Ethiopia or the wider East African region after graduation. The program prioritizes research topics that address local challenges, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and post-harvest losses. If you are interested in applied agricultural research rather than purely academic study, this program offers direct access to field stations, seed banks, and partnerships with international agricultural organizations like the CGIAR network.
Benefits
- Full tuition coverage for the entire graduate program
- Monthly stipend of $450 to cover living expenses
- Research grant of up to $2,000 per year for fieldwork and lab supplies
- Round-trip airfare from your home country to Ethiopia
- Health insurance through a local provider
- Access to EIAR's network of 18 research centers and field stations
- Laptop and basic research equipment provided at program start
Eligibility
- Open to citizens of all countries, with priority for applicants from East African nations
- Must hold a bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, environmental science, or a related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from your undergraduate degree
- Must be under 40 years old at the time of application
- Proficiency in English, demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.5
- Must submit a research proposal aligned with EIAR's priority areas, including crop improvement, livestock health, or sustainable land management
- Two academic reference letters required
- Must be available to begin the program in January 2027
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Copy of your passport
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Bachelor's degree certificate
- Research proposal of 3 to 5 pages
- Two academic reference letters
- English proficiency test scores
- Curriculum vitae
How to Apply
- Gather all required documents and prepare your research proposal.
- Submit your complete application package through the EIAR scholarship portal.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in to 's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.




