ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027: Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarships for African Students

 

ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 

Apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027, a fully funded postgraduate opportunity launched by African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) in partnership with the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP). This prestigious scholarship develops Africa's next generation of experts in actuarial science, disaster risk management, climate resilience, insurance, and applied statistics. Selected scholars receive up to two years of comprehensive support including full tuition, living stipend, travel allowance, mentorship, and internship opportunities. The programme partners with leading African universities including University of Cape Town, University of Ghana, ENSEA Abidjan, and IFAGE Dakar. Open to citizens of African Union Member States holding relevant undergraduate degrees. Applicants commit to working in Africa for two years post-graduation. This initiative strengthens the continent's resilience to climate and disaster risks.

Overview

Criteria	Details
Programme	ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027
Organizers	ARC Ltd. & Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP)
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Level	Postgraduate (Master's/MPhil/Diploma)
Duration	Up to 2 years
Eligibility	African Union Member State citizens
Study Location	Leading African universities
Application Deadline	7 October 2026 (23:59 GMT)

 

About the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme represents a strategic investment in African talent and climate resilience. Launched by the African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) in partnership with the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP), this initiative aims to develop the continent's next generation of experts in actuarial science, disaster risk management, and climate resilience.

Rather than simply funding academic studies, the scholarship cultivates professionals capable of improving disaster risk financing, climate adaptation, agricultural resilience, and sustainable insurance systems across Africa. Through comprehensive financial support, mentorship, internships, and career development opportunities, scholars are prepared to create innovative African solutions to Africa's growing climate challenges.

The programme is jointly implemented by ARC Ltd. and the GSSP, which is managed by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management with support from international partners including Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, the European Commission, and the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Finance Ministers.

For students exploring other opportunities to study on the continent, the Nordic Africa Institute programmes also offer valuable research and academic support for African scholars.

What the Fully Funded Scholarship Covers

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support for up to two years of full-time postgraduate study:

Benefit	Description
Full Tuition Fees	Complete coverage of academic tuition
Living Stipend	Regular allowance for daily expenses
Travel Support	Assistance with travel costs
Academic Expenses	Coverage of eligible study-related costs
Mentorship	Professional guidance and career development
Internships	Opportunities through ARC Ltd. and partner institutions

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship is open to talented students from African Union Member States who demonstrate strong academic potential and commitment to Africa's resilience and risk management capacity.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State
• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree
• Apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate programme
• Meet the admission requirements of a participating university
• Have secured, or be in the process of securing, university admission
• Meet all scholarship eligibility requirements
• Commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation
• Complete the required internship component

Eligible Academic Backgrounds

Field	Related Disciplines
Actuarial Science	Core focus area
Mathematics & Statistics	Applied and theoretical
Engineering	Various specializations
Disaster Risk Management	Risk assessment and planning
Environmental Management	Climate and sustainability
Insurance	Financial risk products

Partner Universities and Eligible Programmes

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme partners with leading universities across Africa offering specialised postgraduate degrees:

University	Country	Eligible Programmes
University of Cape Town	South Africa	Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science
University of Ghana	Ghana	MSc & MPhil in Actuarial Science
ENSEA – Abidjan	Côte d'Ivoire	Master in Actuarial Science; Master in Agricultural Statistics
IFAGE – Dakar	Senegal	Professional Master in Actuarial Science; Professional Master in Insurance

Applicants should carefully select the programme that aligns with their academic background and long-term career goals.

For those interested in international study options beyond the continent, consider exploring the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program as an alternative pathway for African academics.

Students seeking fellowship opportunities in specialised fields may also find the Chevening British Library Coptic Collections Fellowship an interesting option for research-focused careers.

How to Apply

Resource	URL
Official Website	https://arcltd.org/scholarship/