M-Degree
Master's Degree
Full Master's programme completed at a partner different from the home institution.
TG1 · TG2
Open Applications
Apply for the BUCABUMA Programme
Building Capacity in Circular Natural Building Materials, a fully digital, transparent, and accessible opportunity for changemakers.
BUCABUMA
Building Capacity in Circular Natural Building Materials
BUCABUMA provides all the essential information you need to successfully apply for its programme, scholarships, and related opportunities. We are committed to a fully digital and paperless process — transparent, accessible, and efficient for every applicant around the world.
6
Mobility Strands
5
Partner Institutions
4
African Countries
100%
EU-funded
Eligibility
Who can apply & target groups
Applications are open to eligible individuals from across Africa who meet the criteria of each Call for Applications. Your target group depends on your home institution and determines which mobility strands are open to you.
Who can apply
Students & early-career professionals
Researchers & academics
Sustainable construction practitioners
Innovators in the circular economy
Target groups
TG1
BUCABUMA partner institutions
Enrolled in or holding a degree from KNUST, UoN, AAU or WITS. Eligible for every mobility strand.
TG2
Other African institutions
From a recognised higher-education institution in an eligible African country outside the consortium. Eligible for degree-bearing strands.
Cross-border requirement — Your host institution must be in a different country from your home institution. Previous Intra-Africa MOBAF 2022–2027 beneficiaries are not eligible.
Programme
Six mobility strands
Each application is matched to a single strand and a single host institution aligned with the applicant's academic profile.
M-Exchange
Master's Exchange
Credit-bearing study period; the student returns home to complete the degree.
TG1 only
D-Degree
Doctoral Degree
Full PhD at a BUCABUMA partner; joint supervision with KIT available.
TG1 · TG2
D-Exchange
Doctoral Exchange
Structured research stay as part of an ongoing doctorate at the home institution.
TG1 only
Traineeship
Traineeship
Professional traineeship embedded in a research group or living-lab activity.
TG1 only
Staff
Staff Mobility
Short academic or administrative visits dedicated to teaching, supervision or capacity-building.
Partner staffHow to Apply
A fully digital, paperless application
01
Create account
Register with a valid email; all correspondence is sent there.
02
Complete form
Fill every section accurately — incomplete forms aren't reviewed.
03
Upload docs
PDF, JPEG or PNG. No physical documents are accepted.
04
Review & submit
Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.
05
Track status
Monitor progress and notifications from your dashboard.
Identity & nationality
Valid passport or national ID — page with photo and details.
Academic records
Certificates and transcripts; enrolment proof if in progress.
Motivation statement & CV
Concise motivation plus an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
Reference letters
Academic or professional referees as required by the strand.
Institutional endorsement
Proof of enrolment or employment and formal endorsement.
Files — PDF, JPEG or PNG only. Keep them legible, correctly labelled and within the size limits indicated on each upload field.
Calendar
Selection timeline at a glance
All outcomes are communicated through the applicant portal and by email at every step of the selection process.
Call opens
Account creation and form completion are enabled inside the portal.
Submission deadline
Portal closes at the published deadline. No late submissions.
Panel review
Eligibility screening followed by academic evaluation by the panel.
Outcomes
Selected and reserve-list candidates are notified individually.
Mobility starts
Acceptance, Scholarship Agreement, then start of mobility.
Benefits
A fully funded scholarship
BUCABUMA scholarships are funded by the European Union under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme. Applicants are never required to pay any fee at any stage of the application or selection process.
Monthly subsistence
A monthly allowance covering accommodation and living costs.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are covered in full for the duration of the mobility.
Travel costs
International travel between home and host countries is reimbursed.
Insurance & medical
Insurance and medical cover are provided throughout the mobility.
During Mobility
Scholar support services & facilities
A coordinated set of services accompanies every scholarship holder before departure, on arrival and throughout the mobility — delivered by the host institution under the supervision of its Local Coordination Office (LCO).
Welcoming services
On-arrival reception, induction and a structured orientation programme covering academic and administrative life on campus.
Housing assistance
Guidance on residences on or near the campus, and help securing a room before arrival.
Academic coaching
Pairing with a supervisor or mentor for the full duration, with regular check-ins on research milestones.
Pre & in-mobility
Practical support before departure and continuous follow-up for administrative and personal matters.
Visa & permits
Invitation letters, visa assistance, residence cards and research authorisations.
Linguistic support
Language preparation aligned with the host institution and field of study.
Facilities for scholars with special needs
Tailored accessibility arrangements and individualised support so that scholars with disabilities can participate fully in academic and research activities on equal terms.
Key Information
Important notices
No late submissions
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Digital only
100% paperless. Physical documents, postal submissions or walk-ins are not entertained.
Data privacy
Personal information is handled with strict confidentiality under our data protection policy.
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