Laser Enabled Manufacturing of Solar Systems (LaSoMa) has opened the 2026 scholarship application, inviting African students to apply for fully funded Master’s and PhD programmes in engineering and related fields.
The scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees and offering a paid monthly stipend of up to KSh 180,000 for PhD candidates and KSh 130,000 for MSc students, alongside additional benefits.
Master’s programmes run for 24 months, while PhD programmes have a duration of 36 months.
LaSoMa initiative aims to build advanced research capacity in areas such as robotics, smart manufacturing, and renewable energy systems, while offering successful candidates financial support and international research exposure.
The programme is being implemented through a network of partner universities across the continent, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya), Pentecost University (Ghana), Federal University Lokoja (Nigeria), and Federal University of Technology Minna (Nigeria).
LaSoMa Programmes and Participating Universities
LaSoMa offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes designed to build expertise in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy systems.
Also Read: Germany Announces Fully Funded Scholarship for Kenyans with Ksh106K Monthly Allowance; How to Apply
At Pentecost University in Ghana, applicants can pursue PhD programmes in Manufacturing Engineering, Intelligent Engineering Systems, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, as well as MSc degrees in Intelligent Engineering Systems with specialisations in robotics, smart manufacturing, and embedded systems.
In Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is offering both MSc and PhD programmes in Mechatronic Engineering.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Federal University Lokoja provides opportunities in Engineering Physics at both MSc and PhD levels, alongside Solid State Physics.
The Federal University of Technology Minna offers PhD programmes in Industrial and Production Engineering, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, and Master programmes in Mechanical Engineering with related specialisations.
| Institution | PhD Programmes | Master’s Programmes |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya) | Mechatronic Engineering | MSc Mechatronic Engineering |
| Pentecost University (Ghana) | Manufacturing Engineering; Intelligent Engineering Systems; Electrical & Electronic Engineering | MSc Intelligent Engineering Systems (Robotics & Automation, Smart Manufacturing, Embedded Systems) |
| Federal University Lokoja (Nigeria) | Engineering Physics | MSc Engineering Physics; MSc Solid State Physics |
| Federal University of Technology Minna (Nigeria) | Industrial & Production Engineering; Materials & Metallurgical Engineering | MEng Mechanical Engineering (Materials & Metallurgical; Industrial & Production) |
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The scholarship is open to nationals of African countries who hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering disciplines.
Applicants are required to demonstrate strong academic performance and clear research potential.
The programme also encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
To apply, candidates must prepare an application package that includes academic transcripts and certificates, an updated curriculum vitae (CV), motivation letter, and a research proposal.
Additionally, applicants must submit two recommendation letters and a completed application form.
PhD applicants are further required to include a two-minute elevator pitch video outlining their research interests and suitability for the programme.
Also Read: Crystal Asige Foundation Opens Intake for PWD Scholarships; How To Apply
Applicants must also meet the specific academic and language requirements set by their chosen host university.
Funding, Benefits and How to Apply
The LaSoMa scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees for the entire duration of study.
Successful candidates will also receive a monthly stipend of €1,230 (KSh 180,000) for PhD students and €890 (KSh 130,000) for MSc students.
The package also includes health insurance and access to specialised technical research workshops aimed at strengthening practical and academic skills in laser-enabled manufacturing and solar technologies.
Applications are submitted online through the official LaSoMa portal. Interested candidates can access the application form, upload required documents and select their preferred programme and institution via the application link.
