About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Applications are now open for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027, a fully funded postgraduate scholarship opportunity designed to support talented African students pursuing advanced studies in areas critical to the continent's climate and disaster resilience.
The programme is offered by African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) in partnership with the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP). It aims to develop a new generation of African professionals with expertise in actuarial science, disaster risk management, climate resilience, insurance, applied statistics, and related fields.
Through postgraduate education, professional development, mentorship and practical experience, the programme seeks to equip scholars with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to strengthen Africa's capacity to manage climate and disaster-related risks.
The application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
About the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme represents an important investment in African talent and the continent's long-term climate resilience.
The initiative goes beyond providing financial support for postgraduate education. It combines academic training with mentorship, internship opportunities and career development, helping scholars gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The programme is jointly implemented by ARC Ltd. and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP).
The GSSP is managed by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and is supported by international partners, including:
Denmark
France
Germany
Luxembourg
Ireland
The European Commission
The Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Finance Ministers
By investing in postgraduate education and professional development, the scholarship aims to prepare professionals who can contribute to the development of innovative African solutions to Africa's growing climate challenges.
The programme focuses on building expertise that can strengthen areas such as:
Disaster risk financing
Climate adaptation
Agricultural resilience
Insurance systems
Disaster risk management
Climate resilience planning
What Does the Fully Funded Scholarship Cover?
Selected scholars will receive comprehensive support for up to two years of full-time postgraduate study.
The scholarship package includes:
Full tuition fees
Living stipend
Travel support
Eligible academic expenses
Mentorship and career development opportunities
Internship opportunities through ARC Ltd. and partner institutions
This broad support package allows scholars to concentrate on their postgraduate studies while also gaining valuable professional exposure.
Through internships and engagement with relevant institutions, scholars can develop practical experience and build professional networks within Africa's growing climate resilience and disaster risk management ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme is open to talented applicants from African Union Member States who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to Africa's resilience and risk management capacity.
To be eligible, applicants must generally:
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, admission to an eligible university
Meet all additional scholarship eligibility requirements
Commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation
Complete the required internship component
The programme is particularly relevant to students with academic backgrounds in:
Actuarial Science
Mathematics
Statistics
Engineering
Disaster Risk Management
Environmental Management
Insurance
Other closely related disciplines
Applicants are encouraged to select postgraduate programmes that align with their academic qualifications, professional interests and long-term career objectives.
Partner Universities and Eligible Programmes
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme works with selected universities across Africa to provide specialised postgraduate education in actuarial science, insurance, statistics and related fields.
University of Cape Town – South Africa
Eligible programme:
Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science
University of Ghana – Ghana
Eligible programmes:
MSc in Actuarial Science
MPhil in Actuarial Science
ENSEA – Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Eligible programmes:
Master in Actuarial Science
Master in Agricultural Statistics
IFAGE – Dakar, Senegal
Eligible programmes:
Professional Master in Actuarial Science
Professional Master in Insurance
Applicants should carefully review the available programmes and select the option that best matches their academic background, qualifications and future career plans.
How to Apply
The application process involves two separate components: applying for university admission and applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship.
It is important to understand that submitting a scholarship application does not replace the university admission process.
Applicants are generally expected to follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Carefully review the scholarship requirements and confirm that you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Choose a University and Programme
Select one of the participating universities and identify the eligible postgraduate programme that best matches your academic and professional background.
Step 3: Apply for University Admission
Submit an application for admission to your chosen university and programme.
Applicants are encouraged to begin this process as early as possible to avoid delays.
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application
Submit the ARC–GSSP Scholarship application and provide the required supporting documents.
Step 5: Scholarship Review and Shortlisting
Applications will be reviewed, and eligible candidates may be shortlisted for the next stage of the selection process.
Step 6: Assessments and Interviews
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in scholarship interviews and, where applicable, university assessments or interviews.
Step 7: Scholarship Offer
Successful candidates will receive scholarship offers and begin preparations for their postgraduate studies.
How to apply