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