The RAMDDA mobility programme supports Master’s, PhD and staff mobility between African universities to strengthen research and training in drug discovery and related disciplines. Please read the information below carefully before submitting your application.
Read this page before you submit your application
The information below explains who can apply, what kinds of mobility are supported, what documents you will need, and important warnings about fraud and unofficial agents. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete and submitted through the official RAMDDA channels.
Who should apply
RAMDDA supports mobility for postgraduate students and staff whose study and research interests align with drug discovery and related disciplines. You should consider applying if you are:
- A Master’s or PhD student in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, natural products and phytochemistry, analytical chemistry, computational chemistry, cancer biology, or closely related fields.
- A research trainee seeking regional experience in laboratory-based or computational drug discovery.
- A teaching or technical staff member interested in short-term visits focused on research, training, laboratory skills, curriculum development or postgraduate supervision.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for a RAMDDA scholarship, applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme and the specific academic requirements of the host programme. In general, applicants must:
- Be a national of an African country.
- Be registered or admitted at one of the RAMDDA partner universities at the time of application, or meet the admission requirements of the host institution for degree-seeking mobility.
- Apply for mobility to a different partner institution. Mobility within the same institution is not permitted.
- Comply with the academic and language requirements of the selected host programme.
- Not have received a previous Intra-Africa scholarship at the same degree level.
Mobility types and duration
Student mobility
- Credit-seeking mobility: typically 6 to 12 months of study or research at a host institution, with credits recognised by the home institution.
- Degree-seeking mobility: full Master’s or PhD studies hosted at a RAMDDA partner institution, usually 18–24 months for Master’s and 24–36 months for PhD.
Exact duration depends on the structure of the host programme and the funding rules of the specific call for applications.
Staff mobility
- Short-term visits for teaching, joint research, laboratory training or supervision.
- Typical duration ranges from 1 to 3 months, as defined in the call for applications.
- Staff mobility is intended to strengthen institutional capacity, co-supervision of students and collaborative research networks.
Participating universities
RAMDDA is implemented by a consortium of African universities with the support of a European technical partner. The current partners are:
- University of Botswana (UB), Botswana
- Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Botswana
- University of Ghana (UG), Ghana
- University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa
- Addis Ababa University (AAU), Ethiopia
- Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU), Ethiopia
- University College Cork (UCC), Ireland – European technical partner
All scholarship-funded mobility takes place between African partner institutions. The European technical partner supports academic quality and project management, but does not host mobility fellows.
Documents to prepare before you apply
Applicants are strongly advised to gather and prepare their documents well before the application deadline. Typical requirements include:
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV) in academic format.
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates for completed qualifications.
- Proof of current registration or admission at the home institution, if applicable.
- A motivation letter or statement of purpose explaining your academic interests, how they relate to drug discovery, and why you wish to participate in RAMDDA.
- A brief study plan or research proposal aligned with the expertise of the host institution.
- Two academic reference letters on institutional letterhead (for most student mobilities).
- Endorsement from your supervisor or head of department for PhD mobility.
- A copy of your passport or national identity document.
- Evidence of English language proficiency if required by the host institution.
The exact list of required documents is specified in each call for applications. Always consult the call text and follow the instructions provided there.
Financial support provided
RAMDDA scholarships provide financial support in line with the rules of the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. Depending on the mobility type, support may include:
- Monthly subsistence allowance for living expenses at the host institution.
- Travel allowance for one round trip between home and host institution.
- Insurance coverage, in line with the programme requirements.
- Tuition fee contributions, where applicable and in line with the call rules.
- Support for research consumables for certain categories of mobility.
- Administrative support from home and host institutions for visa and logistics.
The exact amounts and entitlements are specified in the call for applications and in the scholarship agreement signed by successful candidates.
Important notices before you apply
No application fees
RAMDDA does not charge any fees for applications, evaluation or selection. If you are asked to pay a fee in exchange for a scholarship, admission or priority treatment, this is not an official RAMDDA communication.
Beware of scams and unofficial agents
Candidates should be cautious when receiving publicity, social media messages or unsolicited emails inviting them to apply for an Intra-Africa scholarship or requesting payment to be selected as a scholarship holder.
Before providing any personal data, always verify that the message comes from an official institutional address of one of the RAMDDA partners or from the RAMDDA Secretariat. RAMDDA does not work with commercial recruitment agents or middlemen.
Selection timeline and process
Each call for applications specifies its own detailed timeline, but the overall process typically follows the steps below:
- Publication of the call for applications on the RAMDDA website and partner channels.
- Online application submission by the advertised deadline.
- Eligibility screening by the RAMDDA Secretariat.
- Academic evaluation by home and host institutions.
- Final selection and placement of successful candidates.
- Notification, contracting and pre-departure arrangements including visa and travel.
- Start of mobility at the host institution.
Only complete applications submitted through the official RAMDDA application system within the deadline can be considered.
Questions before you apply
If you have questions about eligibility, programme structure or the application process, you may contact the RAMDDA Secretariat or the mobility coordinator at your home institution.
Institutional mobility coordinators
Each partner university has a designated contact person for RAMDDA mobility. Contact details are provided in the call for applications and on the partner pages.