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Côte d'IvoireGhanaSenegalSouth Africa MastersPostgraduate Diploma Fully Funded

ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027: Climate Risk Leaders for Africa

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive funding for African students pursuing postgraduate studies in actuarial science, risk management and related fields at partner universities across Africa. Scholars receive full tuition, living stipends, mentorship and internship opportunities with a commitment to work in Africa for two years after graduation.

September 17, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 7, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountrySouth Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Ghana
University/OrgUniversity of Cape Town, ENSEA (Côte d'Ivoire), IFAGE (Senegal), University of Ghana
Degree LevelMasters, Postgraduate Diploma
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyActuarial Science, Disaster Risk Management, Mathematics, Risk Management, Statistics
DeadlineOctober 7, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview: Building Africa’s Climate Resilience

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme is a strategic initiative designed to develop the next generation of African leaders in climate risk management. Established through a partnership between African Risk Capacity Ltd. (ARC Ltd.) and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP), the programme addresses a critical gap in Africa’s ability to understand, manage and finance climate and disaster risks.

For students from Zimbabwe and across the SADC region, this scholarship offers a unique opportunity to gain world-class qualifications without leaving the continent, while building professional networks that can accelerate career development in high-demand fields.

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What the Scholarship Provides

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship offers comprehensive support that extends well beyond tuition fees:

  • Full tuition coverage for up to two years of postgraduate study
  • Living stipend to support accommodation and daily expenses
  • Travel support for programme-related requirements
  • Other eligible expenses as specified in scholarship terms and conditions
  • Mentorship and career development opportunities throughout the programme
  • Internship placement through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks

The programme is structured to create a clear pathway from academic training to professional impact, ensuring scholars can apply their expertise to strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate and disaster risks.

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Partner Universities and Eligible Programmes

Scholars must enrol at one of four participating African institutions. Each offers specialised programmes in actuarial science, statistics and risk management:

University of Cape Town – South Africa

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science

École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Économie Appliquée (ENSEA) – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

  • Master en Actuariat
  • Master en Statistique Agricole

Institut Interafricain de Formation en Assurance et en Gestion des Entreprises (IFAGE) – Dakar, Senegal

  • Master Professionnel en Actuariat (2 years)
  • Master Professionnel en Assurance (2 years)

University of Ghana – Accra, Ghana

  • Master of Science in Actuarial Science
  • Master of Philosophy in Actuarial Science

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

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  • Citizenship of an African Union Member State (Zimbabwe and all SADC countries qualify)
  • Relevant undergraduate degree in actuarial science, disaster risk management, mathematics, statistics, engineering, environmental management or a related discipline
  • Admission to or active application for an eligible full-time postgraduate programme at a partner university
  • Meeting of all admission requirements at the selected partner university
  • Commitment to work in Africa for two years after graduation
  • Willingness to complete a programme-required internship

Application Process: Step by Step

Applications for university admission and the scholarship are separate processes. Applicants must complete both.

  1. Check eligibility – Review all requirements and confirm you qualify
  2. Select university and programme – Explore participating institutions and choose a programme matching your background and goals
  3. Apply for university admission – Follow your selected university’s admission procedures and submit required documents
  4. Complete ARC–GSSP scholarship application – Submit the scholarship form with all supporting documents before the deadline
  5. Application review – Submissions are assessed against eligibility and selection criteria; eligible candidates proceed to shortlisting
  6. University review and interviews – Shortlisted candidates are reviewed by the university and may be invited to scholarship panel interviews
  7. Scholarship offer – Successful candidates receive official offers and next-step information

2026/2027 Application Timeline

8 September 2026 Applications open
End of September 2026 Information session for candidates
7 October 2026 Application deadline (23:59 GMT)
Mid-November 2026 End of interviews with Scholarship Selection Committee
End of November 2026 Scholarship offers issued
December 2026 Visa and travel arrangements

About the Partners

ARC Ltd. is a specialised agency of the African Union established to help member states improve their preparedness and response to extreme weather events and natural disasters.

GSSP (Global Shield Solutions Platform) is managed by Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Its contributors include Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, the EU Commission and the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Finance Ministers.

Why This Matters for Zimbabwe and SADC Applicants

Climate risk expertise is critically needed across Southern Africa. Zimbabwe’s exposure to drought, floods and cyclones—exemplified by Cyclone Idai’s devastating impact—creates urgent demand for professionals who can design risk financing solutions and disaster preparedness systems.

This scholarship enables Zimbabwean and regional students to build these capabilities at African institutions with strong regional relevance, avoiding the higher costs and visa complications of overseas study while developing networks that support future career mobility across the continent.

Funding Coverage

Full tuition for up to two years, living stipend, travel support, other eligible expenses, mentorship, career development, and internship opportunity

Eligibility Criteria

Citizens of African Union Member States with relevant undergraduate degrees in actuarial science, disaster risk management, mathematics, statistics, engineering, environmental management or related fields; must secure admission to eligible programme at partner university and commit to working in Africa for two years post-graduation

Required Documents

Not specified in source materials; applicants should prepare standard postgraduate application documents including academic transcripts, degree certificate, CV, personal statement, and proof of university admission or application

Application Process

1) Check eligibility, 2) Select university and programme, 3) Apply for university admission separately, 4) Complete ARC-GSSP scholarship application with supporting documents, 5) Application review and shortlisting, 6) University review and interviews, 7) Scholarship offer
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The research states you can apply if you have 'secured, or be in the process of obtaining, admission to an eligible programme at a partner university.' However, you must follow the university's admission requirements and procedures separately—the scholarship application does not replace your university application.
The application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications opened on 8 September 2026.
The scholarship requires a commitment to 'work in Africa for two years after graduation.' This appears to allow employment in any African country, not necessarily your country of origin, though you should confirm specific terms if offered the scholarship.
The research confirms internship opportunities are available 'through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks' but does not specify whether internships are paid or their exact locations. You should clarify these details during the application process or information session.
No. The scholarship is only for 'eligible full-time postgraduate programmes' at the partner universities. Part-time or distance learning options are not mentioned as eligible.
Selection odds are not published. The process involves eligibility screening, university review, and scholarship panel interviews. Strong candidates typically demonstrate academic excellence, clear alignment with climate risk career goals, and commitment to African development. The information session recording may provide additional guidance on competitive applications.

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