Criteria

Description

Points

Academic Performance for student Applicants

The applicant’s previous academic performance will be evaluated based on Bachelor’s degree results.

Assessors will consider:

·         Grade Point Average (GPA).

·         Academic honours or distinctions.

·         Performance in relevant courses.

15%

Academic Publications

Degree-Seeking/credit seeking programme will receive additional consideration based on evidence of:      

·         Scientific publications related to SMECC2E thematic areas

·         Participation in research projects

·         Conference presentations

·         Patents or innovative research outputs.

These achievements demonstrate research maturity and academic potential.     

15%

Relevance to SMECC2E objectives

Applicants will be evaluated based on the alignment of their academic background and research interests with the objectives of the SMECC2E project.

Evaluation considerations include:

·         Relevance of the applicant’s academic discipline to SMECC2E thematic areas

·         Complementarity between the candidate’s expertise and host university research strengths

·         Potential contribution to the consortium’s research priorities.

20%

Research/study Plan

Applicants must submit a research proposal or work plan or academic plan as applicable outlining their intended research during mobility.

Evaluation will focus on:

·         Scientific quality and originality/feasibility of the proposal / proposed study or mobility/research plan

·         Alignment with SMECC2E project themes

·         Expected academic and societal impact, outcome and skills development.

·         Integration with the applicant’s home institution academic programme (for credit mobility).

·         Potential contribution to sustainable development in Africa.

·         For credit mobility applicants, the research plan should clearly demonstrate how the mobility period contributes to the applicant’s doctoral research.

20%

Motivation of Candidates 

The motivation letter will be evaluated based on:

·         Clarity of academic and research objectives

·         Relevance of mobility to the applicant’s career development

·         Commitment to contributing to knowledge development and innovation in Africa

·         Understanding of the SMECC2E project objectives.

10%

Recommendation Letters

Two reference letters will be assessed to verify the candidate’s:

·         Research capability

·         Academic integrity

·         Potential for graduate-level research

·         Professional conduct.

Preference will be given to references from academic supervisors or senior researchers familiar with the applicant’s research work.

5%

Language Proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate adequate language proficiency in the language of instruction at the host institution.

Evidence may include:

·         Standardized language test certificates

·         Previous academic instruction in the relevant language.

The requirement will follow the admission regulations of the host university.

5%

Institutional Impact

Potential contribution to institutional capacity building, curriculum development, or research collaboration

0%

Cross-cutting Considerations

Additional points will be awarded to support equity and diversity goals of the programme.

This includes:

·         Gender balance (encouraging female participation)

·         Inclusion of applicants from disadvantaged groups

·         Representation from underrepresented countries or regions

·         Applicants from conflict-affected or economically disadvantaged areas.

5%

1

International Passport (West African and Southern African Applicants) / National ID Document for other regions)

2

 Valid proof of application for admission to relevant graduate Programme at SMECC2E partner institution outside your country

3

Bachelor’s degree certificate

4

Bachelor’s degree transcript

5

Master’s degree certificate

6

Master’s degree transcript

7

Curriculum Vitae (maximum four pages)

8

Motivation letter

9

Two reference letters. One from current and/or previous academic supervisor.

10

SMECC2E research project proposal or work plan.

11

Previous Intra-Africa/ACP mobility award declaration

12

Letter of support from host institution (if available)

13

Evidence of publication (Maximum of three merged as one PDF)

14

Documents confirming disadvantaged group status (if applicable)

15

 Transcript of Masters/PhD coursework completed at the home institution

16

Language proficiency certificates / proof of previous study (if required by the host university)

17

Declaration of Medical Fitness