Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST), through its Institute of Cement and Concrete, is pleased to announce a prestigious postgraduate student exchange opportunity in partnership with the University of Padova, Italy. This initiative is supported by the Erasmus+ KA107 Student and Staff Exchange Program, which fosters academic mobility, knowledge sharing, and research collaboration between institutions of higher learning.
The program provides selected postgraduate students with the chance to pursue part of their academic and research work at the University of Padova. Participants will not only strengthen their research expertise but also broaden their professional horizons in a global academic environment. This opportunity is open to eligible students registered for postgraduate studies in Cement and Concrete at MUST.
The exchange underscores MUST’s commitment to academic excellence, global networking, and enhancing the quality of its postgraduate training through exposure to international best practices.
If you are a postgraduate student with aspirations to deepen your knowledge, expand your research experience, and gain international exposure, this is the perfect platform for you.
Background
The Erasmus+ KA107 Student and Staff Exchange Program provides mobility opportunities between Meru University of Science & Technology (Kenya) and the University of Padova (Italy). Its primary aim is to create an enriching academic and cultural exchange that benefits both institutions.
Postgraduate students who successfully secure this exchange will carry out part of their research work at the University of Padova. Their academic credits and research contributions will be fully recognized in line with the signed Erasmus+ KA107 Inter-institutional agreement.
Job Description: Postgraduate Student Exchange Participant
As a postgraduate student selected for this program, you will be expected to:
Key Responsibilities
- Research Mobility: Conduct part of your Master’s-level research at the University of Padova under the Erasmus+ KA107 framework.
- Knowledge Exchange: Participate actively in specialized academic and research training sessions organized by the University of Padova.
- Dissemination of Knowledge: Upon return, share insights and outcomes from your research with the Institute of Cement and Concrete at MUST.
- Academic Contribution: Submit a technical report, research manuscript, and a dissemination plan to ensure lessons learned are applied at your home institution.
- Collaboration: Work closely with international peers and faculty members, strengthening academic collaborations between Kenya and Italy.
Skills and Competencies
To succeed in this program, candidates must demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to work independently as well as within diverse teams.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Post-Training Requirements
Upon completion of the exchange program, participants must:
- Engage in intensive training sessions at the University of Padova.
- Develop and implement a research dissemination plan for MUST.
- Submit a manuscript based on their research during the mobility.
- Provide a comprehensive technical report to MUST.
- Actively contribute to ongoing quality improvement initiatives at the Institute of Cement and Concrete.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry
- Bachelor of Education Science (with Chemistry as a major subject)
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Or any other related area.
- Be a registered student in the M.Sc. in Cement and Concrete program at the Institute of Cement and Concrete, Meru University of Science & Technology.
Duration of Scholarship
The exchange program will run for a period of five months. During this time, students will reside and study at the University of Padova, undertaking their academic and research work.
Funding
The Erasmus+ KA107 program provides full financial support to successful applicants.
Travel Costs
Scholarship covers travel costs to Italy based on the official European Commission travel distance calculator:
- 100 – 499 KM: €180
- 500 – 1999 KM: €275
- 2000 – 2999 KM: €360
- 3000 – 3999 KM: €530
- 4000 – 7999 KM: €820
- 8000 KM or more: €1,500
Monthly Stipend
Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of €850 to cover living expenses in Italy.
Additional Benefits
- Subsistence allowances
- Coverage of training registration fees
- Return economy-class flight ticket
- International networking opportunities
- Development of specialized expertise
- Enhanced professional skills and career advancement
- Contribution to global standards of quality and excellence
Benefits of Participation
This exchange is not only an academic opportunity but also a career-transforming experience. Benefits include:
- Expanding your global professional network.
- Accessing world-class academic and research resources.
- Gaining international exposure that enhances your resume and career prospects.
- Developing cross-cultural competencies.
- Returning with enhanced knowledge that contributes to institutional and national development.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Motivation letter explaining interest and suitability.
- Certified copies of undergraduate academic transcripts and degree certificate.
- Copy of national identity card.
- Copy of biometric passport (e-passport / digital passport / EAC format e-passport) OR evidence of application.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Concept note including title, abstract, introduction, problem statement, objectives, and justification (max. five pages, single-spaced, Times New Roman).
- Proof of up-to-date fees payment at MUST.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 19th September 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EAT. Late applications will not be considered.
