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Côte d'IvoireGhanaSenegalSouth Africa MastersPostgraduate Diploma Fully Funded

ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027: Climate Risk Leadership for African Students

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 offers comprehensive funding for African students pursuing postgraduate studies in actuarial science, risk management and related fields at leading African universities. Scholars receive full tuition, living stipends, travel support, mentorship and internship opportunities with a commitment to work in Africa for two years after graduation.

September 25, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Oct 7, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryMultiple African countries
University/OrgMultiple: University 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

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Overview

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme is a flagship initiative designed to build Africa’s next generation of climate risk leaders. Established through a partnership between ARC Ltd. and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP), the programme targets outstanding African students who want to strengthen the continent’s resilience to climate change through advanced education in actuarial science, risk management and related disciplines.

For students from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region, this scholarship offers a rare opportunity to study at prestigious African institutions without the financial burden of international tuition fees or the need to travel overseas. The programme specifically prepares professionals who can develop African solutions to African challenges in climate and disaster risk management.

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What the Scholarship Covers

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship provides 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 relocation to the host university
  • Other eligible expenses as determined by programme terms and conditions
  • Mentorship and career development opportunities throughout the programme
  • Internship placement through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks

The scholarship is structured as a pathway to impact—designed not only to support academic achievement but to develop professionals who can apply their knowledge directly to strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate and disaster risks.

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Eligible Programmes and Partner Universities

Scholars must pursue full-time postgraduate study at one of four partner universities offering specialised programmes:

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

For Zimbabwean and SADC applicants, the University of Cape Town offers geographic proximity and strong regional recognition, while ENSEA, IFAGE and University of Ghana provide opportunities to build pan-African professional networks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Citizen of an African Union Member State (all SADC countries including Zimbabwe qualify)
  • Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in actuarial science, disaster risk management, mathematics, statistics, engineering, environmental management or a related discipline
  • Apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate programme at a partner university
  • Meet the admission requirements of the selected partner university
  • Have secured, or be in the process of obtaining, admission to an eligible programme
  • Commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation
  • Complete an internship in accordance with programme requirements

Application Process

The scholarship application runs parallel to university admission—applicants must complete both processes separately. Follow these steps:

  1. Check your eligibility – Review all requirements and confirm you qualify
  2. Choose your university and programme – Explore participating universities and select a programme matching your background and goals
  3. Apply for university admission – Follow your selected university’s admission process and submit required documents
  4. Complete the ARC–GSSP Scholarship application – Submit the scholarship form with all supporting documents before the deadline
  5. Application review and selection – Applications are assessed against eligibility and selection criteria
  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 an official offer and next steps

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
December 2026 Visa and travel arrangements

An information session was held on 11 September 2026 with key partners presenting programme objectives and featuring experiences from ongoing programmes. A recording is available for applicants who missed the live session.

About the Partners

ARC Ltd. (African Risk Capacity) is a specialised agency of the African Union established to help member states improve their capacity to plan, prepare and respond to climate and disaster risks.

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.

Important Notes for Applicants

University admission is separate: Applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship does not replace your university application. You must follow each institution’s admission requirements independently.

Language options: The application is available in both English and French, reflecting the programme’s pan-African scope.

Post-graduation commitment: The two-year work-in-Africa requirement is binding and reflects the programme’s mission to retain talent on the continent.

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Official scholarship page: https://arcltd.org/scholarship/

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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 degree; must secure admission to eligible programme at partner university; commit to working in Africa for two years post-graduation; complete required internship

Required Documents

Not specified in source materials; applicants should prepare standard scholarship documents including academic transcripts, degree certificate, proof of citizenship, admission letter or proof of application, CV/resume, and personal statement

Application Process

1) Check eligibility, 2) Choose university and programme, 3) Apply for university admission, 4) Complete ARC–GSSP scholarship application with supporting documents, 5) Application review and selection, 6) University review and interviews, 7) Scholarship offer
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The eligibility criteria state you must have secured admission OR be in the process of obtaining admission to an eligible programme at a partner university. However, you will likely need to show proof of your university application or pending admission status when submitting your scholarship application.
The source materials do not specify an age limit. The programme focuses on academic background, potential to contribute to Africa's risk management capacity, and meeting university admission requirements rather than age restrictions.
The source materials do not specify penalties for breaking the commitment. However, the two-year work-in-Africa requirement is listed as a mandatory eligibility criterion and programme requirement. Applicants should treat this as a binding condition of accepting the scholarship.
The source materials do not provide acceptance rates or number of awards. The multi-stage process (eligibility screening, application review, university review, and panel interviews) suggests a competitive selection focused on academic merit, programme fit, and demonstrated potential to contribute to African climate resilience.
The source materials do not address part-time work. The scholarship requires full-time study and includes a living stipend designed to cover accommodation and daily expenses. The programme also includes a mandatory internship component, which may limit availability for additional work.
No. While the application is available in both English and French, you only need proficiency in the language of instruction at your chosen university. University of Cape Town and University of Ghana programmes are English-medium; ENSEA and IFAGE programmes are French-medium. Choose the university and language that matches your abilities.

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