East Africa University (EAU) is inviting applications from female postgraduate students for a Postgraduate Research Exchange Programme at Jimma University, Ethiopia, under the SHE-SIEWM project (Strengthening Higher Education for Sustainable, Innovative and Equitable Water Resource Management).

The programme provides an opportunity for eligible postgraduate students to spend part of their research period at Jimma University, where they can work alongside experienced researchers, participate in academic activities, and develop practical research skills in a different academic environment.

The exchange is part of a partnership between Jimma University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya), IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (the Netherlands), and East Africa University. The programme also supports greater participation of women in water-related education and research.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to female postgraduate students currently enrolled at East Africa University or the EAU/Lincoln Postgraduate Programme whose proposed research has a clear and credible connection to water.

Applicants may come from a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Water Resource Management
• Environmental Science
• Social Work
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Public Administration
• Agriculture
• Engineering
• Computer Science and Information Technology

The list is not exclusive, and applicants from other disciplines may also apply where their research has a clear link to water.

Suggested Research Themes

Applicants are not restricted to a fixed list of research topics. Suggested areas include:

• Access, affordability and household water security
• Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and public health
• Gender and social inclusion in water management and decision-making
• Water governance and community-based resource management
• Climate change, drought and adaptation in dryland settings
• Digital tools, GIS and low-cost technologies for water management
• Indigenous knowledge and local practices for collecting, storing and sharing water

What Does the Exchange Offer?

Selected students will have the opportunity to:

• Receive research guidance from qualified researchers at Jimma University
• Participate in research activities, academic discussions and knowledge-sharing events
• Attend practical and methodological skills workshops
• Connect with researchers across the partner institutions
• Receive accommodation in Jimma and a living stipend for the approved period
• Receive an economy two-way ticket from the home country to the host country
• Receive a Certificate of Research Exchange upon successful completion

The exchange period is expected to be approximately two to five months, depending on the approved research plan.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit two documents:

1. Letter of Expression of Interest

A short letter explaining:

• Why you are interested in the exchange
• Your academic and research interests
• How the exchange will support your studies and professional development
• Your availability for two to five months in Jimma

2. Research Proposal

A proposal of no more than two pages covering:

• Research title
• Background and justification
• Research problem
• Objectives
• Key research questions
• Brief methodology
• Expected relevance of the research to water-related challenges

Application Deadline

20 October 2026

Send both documents in one email to:

hr@eaugarowe.edu.so

Use the subject line:

“Application - SHE-SIEWM Postgraduate Research Exchange Programme”

The exchange is expected to commence between January and March 2027, with the final duration agreed between the student, EAU and Jimma University.

If you have a research question that can contribute to our understanding of water challenges, we encourage you to apply.