About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications are now open for the 2026 African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd)–Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP) Scholarship Programme, an initiative supporting talented African students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields that can strengthen the continent’s capacity to manage climate and disaster-related risks.
The programme is a partnership between ARC Ltd and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP) and aims to develop a new generation of African professionals with the knowledge and skills to contribute to stronger risk management and climate resilience across the continent.
For 2026, 12 scholarships are available, supporting up to two years of full-time postgraduate study at selected universities in Africa.
Participating institutions include ENSEA in Côte d’Ivoire, IFAGE in Senegal, the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and the University of Ghana.
About the ARC–GSSP Scholarship
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme is designed to support academically strong African students whose studies and future careers can contribute to improved management of climate, disaster, and financial risks.
The programme focuses on developing professionals who can apply advanced knowledge to address Africa’s evolving risk and resilience challenges.
Successful scholars receive financial support for their studies as well as opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and internships.
Number of Scholarships
12 scholarships are available for the 2026 intake.
The scholarships provide support for up to two years of full-time postgraduate study, subject to the terms and conditions of the programme.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applicants may pursue eligible postgraduate programmes related to areas such as:
Actuarial Science
Insurance
Agricultural Statistics
Risk management and related disciplines, where applicable to the participating university programmes
Applicants should confirm that their intended programme is eligible under the specific university and ARC–GSSP scholarship requirements.
Eligible Universities
The 2026 programme supports study at selected African institutions, including:
ENSEA – Côte d’Ivoire
IFAGE – Senegal
University of Cape Town – South Africa
University of Ghana – Ghana
Applicants should review the eligible programmes available at their preferred institution before beginning the application process.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme, applicants should meet the following requirements:
Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in a field such as actuarial science, disaster risk management, mathematics, statistics, engineering, environmental management, or another related discipline.
Be applying for an eligible full-time postgraduate programme.
Meet the admission requirements of the selected partner university.
Have secured, or be in the process of obtaining, admission to an eligible programme at a participating university.
Meet all other scholarship requirements specified by the programme.
Be willing to work in Africa for at least two years after graduation.
Complete an internship in accordance with the programme requirements.
Applicants should carefully review the detailed eligibility conditions before submitting their application.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive support to successful scholars.
1. Tuition and Study Support
The scholarship provides full tuition coverage for up to two years of eligible postgraduate study, subject to the programme's terms and conditions.
2. Living and Other Support
Selected scholars may receive support that includes a living stipend, travel assistance, and other eligible expenses, according to the applicable scholarship conditions.
3. Mentorship and Career Development
Scholars benefit from opportunities for mentorship and professional development, helping them build relevant networks and prepare for careers in risk management, insurance, actuarial science, climate resilience, and related fields.
4. Internship Opportunity
The programme provides scholars with an opportunity to undertake an internship through ARC Ltd and its partner networks, subject to programme requirements.
5. Career and Impact Pathway
The programme is designed to go beyond academic funding by developing professionals who can apply their expertise to strengthen Africa's resilience to climate and disaster risks.
Participating Areas
The scholarship is particularly relevant to students interested in developing expertise in areas such as:
Climate and disaster risk management
Insurance and risk financing
Actuarial science
Agricultural risk
Statistics and data analysis
Financial protection
Environmental and climate-related risk
Resilience planning
How to apply