Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – SMECC2E Intra-Africa Mobility Programme

1. General Information

Q1: What is the SMECC2E Programme?
The SMECC2E (Sustainable Energy & Materials, Energy Policy, Climate Change, Energy Economics and Environment) project is an intra-Africa academic mobility initiative designed to strengthen capacity in sustainable energy, clean energy, and digital transformation. It supports student and staff exchanges, research collaboration, and skills development across partner institutions.

Q2: Who funds the SMECC2E Programme?
The programme is funded under the European Union’s Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, which supports partnerships between African higher education institutions to enhance education quality and regional integration.

Q3: What are the main objectives of the programme?

• Promote academic mobility within Africa
• Build capacity in sustainable engineering and energy systems
• Foster international collaboration and research
• Enhance employability and innovation skills
• Support the green and digital transition

2. Eligibility and Application

Q4: Who can apply for the mobility programme?
Eligible applicants include:

• Undergraduate (final year), Master’s, and PhD students studying in any African Higher Education Institutions.
• Academic and administrative staff
• Target 1 Applicants must be registered or employed at one of the SMECC2E partner institutions.
• Target 2 Applicants must be registered in any recognized African HEI institutions.

Q5: What are the eligibility criteria?
Typical requirements include:

• Strong academic performance
• Relevance of study/research to SMECC2E thematic areas
• Language proficiency (English or host institution language)
• Publication experience (for Masters and PhD)
• Motivation and clear study/research plan

Q6: Can I apply if my institution is not a partner?
Yes. However, you would be considered as target 2 applicant as long as you are studying in an African HEI.

Q7: Can I apply if I recently benefited from a previous Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme funded by the EU?

No.

Q8: How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the SMECC2E online application portal. Applicants must:

• Complete the application form
• Upload required documents
• Submit before the deadline

Q9: What documents are required?

• Academic transcripts
• Motivation letter
• Study/Research plan
• Recommendation letters
• Proof of language proficiency maybe required.
• And etc as specified in the call for application document.

3. Mobility and Study

Q10: How long does the mobility last?

It depends on the programme you are on:

• Short-term mobility for staff: 2 Weeks – 2 months
• Trainee Mobility: 3 months
• Credit seeking mobilities: 6 months to 9 months
• Full degree mobility: duration of the programme (24 Months for Masters, 36 Months for PhD).

Q11: What can I study or research during mobility?
Participants engage in courses, research, or training aligned with:

• Sustainable energy systems
• Clean energy technologies
• Digital engineering and AI applications
• Green transition and sustainability
• Climate Change Adaption (Social Aspects)

Q12: Can I be allowed to stay in my home country during the mobility period?

No – scholarship holders must remain in the host institution’s country to be eligible for funding.

Q13: Will my credits be recognized?
Yes. Credits earned during mobility will be recognized by the sending institution through prior learning agreements and harmonized grading systems.

Q14: What is a Learning Agreement?
A Learning Agreement is a formal document signed by the student, sending institution, and host institution outlining courses or research activities to be undertaken and recognized during and after the mobility period.

4. Financial Support

Q15: What does the scholarship cover?
The SMECC2E scholarship typically includes:

• Tuition fees (if applicable)
• Monthly stipend
• Travel costs
• Insurance
• Research/training support
• Settling – in Allowance
• etc

Q16: Will I receive funding before departure?
No. the scholarship holder is expected to arrive the host institution before s/he can receive funding.

Q17: Are there any costs I must cover myself?
Participants may need to cover minor personal expenses not included in the scholarship.

5. Selection Process

Q18: How are applicants selected?
Selection is based on already published criteria:

• Academic merit
• Relevance of proposed study/research
• Motivation and impact potential
• Gender balance and inclusion considerations

Q19: Is there a quota for each institution?
Yes. Mobility slots are distributed among partner institutions to ensure balanced participation. Each call for Application would clearly state the preferred distribution.

Q20: When will I know if I am selected?
Applicants will be notified via email after the evaluation and selection process is completed.

6. Before, During, and After Mobility

Q21: What support is provided before mobility?

• Pre-departure orientation
• Visa and travel support
• Academic advising and course mapping

Q22: What support is available during mobility?

• Academic supervision
• Mentorship and integration support
• Access to laboratories and research facilities
• Health and wellbeing services

Q23: What happens after mobility?

• Credit transfer and recognition
• Submission of mobility reports
• Participation in alumni and knowledge-sharing activities

7. Research and Training Opportunities

Q24: Are there opportunities for internships/field trips or industry training?
Yes. The programme facilitates:

• Industry placements
• Laboratory-based training
• Field research and applied projects

Q25: Can staff participate in training?
Yes. Academic and administrative staff can benefit from:

• Teaching exchanges
• Capacity-building workshops
• Research collaboration

8. Policies and Compliance

Q26: Are there rules I must follow during mobility?
Yes. Participants must comply with:

• Host institution regulations
• Programme guidelines
• Academic integrity standards

Q27: What happens if I fail to meet programme requirements?
Failure to comply will result in:

• Termination of the scholarship.
• Repayment of funds.

9. Inclusivity and Special Support

Q28: Does the programme support disadvantaged groups?
Yes. SMECC2E promotes inclusion by supporting:

• Women in engineering
• Economically disadvantaged students
• Participants with special needs

10. Contact and Support

Q29: Who do I contact for more information?
 For general enquiries you can contact:

• The programme management team via the official email smecc2e@unn.edu.ng

For course specific information you can contact the focal persons from any of the African HEI you are interested in applying to:

11. Technical Issues

Q30: What should I do if I experience issues with the application portal?
Contact the technical support team via the website or email provided in the call for applications.