The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 supports talented African students pursuing postgraduate studies in actuarial science, risk management and related fields that contribute to Africa's resilience to climate and disaster risks.
The programme is offered through a partnership between African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP) and is designed to develop the next generation of professionals working in climate risk, disaster risk management and related areas.
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support, mentorship and career development opportunities, including the possibility of undertaking an internship through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks.
At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Opportunity Type | Postgraduate Scholarship |
| Fields | Actuarial Science, Risk Management and Related Fields |
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligible Applicants | Citizens of African Union Member States |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Tuition | Full tuition coverage for up to 2 years |
| Additional Support | Living stipend, travel support and other eligible expenses |
| Internship | Available through ARC Ltd. and partner networks |
| Application Opens | 8 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 October 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 23:59 GMT |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Scholarship
The ARC-GSSP Scholarship Programme aims to strengthen Africa's capacity to understand, manage and finance climate and disaster risks by supporting students pursuing advanced studies in relevant disciplines.
The programme focuses on developing professionals who can use their academic and technical expertise to contribute to stronger risk management systems and greater resilience across Africa.
The scholarship is implemented through a partnership between ARC Ltd. and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP).
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Selected scholars receive comprehensive support towards their postgraduate studies.
The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition coverage for up to two years of postgraduate study.
- Living stipend.
- Travel support.
- Other eligible expenses, subject to the scholarship's terms and conditions.
- Mentorship and career development support.
- Opportunity to undertake an internship through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks.
The programme is designed to provide both financial support and professional development opportunities.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship is intended for talented African students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in fields related to actuarial science, risk management and climate or disaster resilience.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include:
- Actuarial science
- Disaster risk management
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Engineering
- Environmental management
- Other related disciplines
Applicants should demonstrate academic potential and an interest in contributing to Africa's resilience and risk management capacity.
Eligibility Criteria
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 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.
- Commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation.
- Complete an internship in accordance with the programme requirements.
Applicants should also ensure that their selected postgraduate programme is among the eligible programmes offered by a participating university.
Partner Universities and Eligible Programmes
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme currently lists participating universities offering postgraduate programmes in actuarial science, insurance, applied statistics and related fields.
University of Cape Town – South Africa
Eligible programme:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science
École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d'Économie Appliquée (ENSEA) - Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Eligible programmes:
- Master en Actuariat
- Master en Statistique Agricole
Institut Interafricain de Formation en Assurance et en Gestion des Entreprises (IFAGE) – Dakar, Senegal
Eligible programmes:
- Master Professionnel en Actuariat
- Master Professionnel en Assurance
University of Ghana – Accra, Ghana
Eligible programmes:
- Master of Science in Actuarial Science
- Master of Philosophy in Actuarial Science
Applicants should check the university and programme requirements before applying.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Valid identification or passport documents as required
- University admission information or evidence of application
- Scholarship application form
- Other supporting documents requested by the programme
Applicants should carefully review the official application form and scholarship requirements to ensure that all required documentation is submitted.
How to Apply
Applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme involves several stages.
- Check your eligibility
Review the scholarship requirements and confirm that you meet the academic, nationality and programme requirements.
- Choose your university and programme
Review the participating universities and select an eligible postgraduate programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
- Apply for university admission
Follow the admission process of your selected university and submit any documents required for university admission.
- Complete the ARC–GSSP Scholarship application
Complete the scholarship application form and submit all required supporting documents before the scholarship deadline.
- Application review and selection
Applications are assessed against the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria. Eligible and shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage.
- University review and interviews
Shortlisted candidates may be reviewed by the relevant university and invited to participate in scholarship panel interviews.
Scholarship offer
Successful candidates receive an official scholarship offer together with information about the next steps.
Important: University Admission and Scholarship Application
The university admission application and scholarship application are separate.
Applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship does not replace the university admission application. Applicants must follow the admission requirements and application procedures of their selected university separately.
How to Increase Your Chances
Applicants should make sure that their academic background and selected postgraduate programme are clearly connected to climate risk, disaster risk management, actuarial science, insurance, statistics or another relevant field.
A strong application should:
- Clearly demonstrate relevant academic preparation.
- Select an eligible programme that matches your background.
- Explain your interest in climate and disaster risk management.
- Demonstrate your potential to contribute to Africa after graduation.
- Provide complete and accurate supporting documents.
- Carefully follow both the university and scholarship application procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Applying for a programme that is not listed as eligible.
- Assuming that the scholarship application replaces university admission.
- Failing to check the university's separate admission requirements.
- Submitting incomplete academic documents.
- Applying without confirming your eligibility.
- Forgetting the two-year commitment to work in Africa after graduation.
- Waiting until the final day to submit the application.
Application Timeline
8 September 2026: Applications open
End of September 2026: Information session for candidates
7 October 2026: Application deadline
Mid-November 2026: Scholarship Selection Committee interviews conclude
End of November 2026: Scholarship offers
December 2026: Visa and travel arrangements
Application Deadline
7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT
Applications must be submitted before the stated deadline.
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Applicants should also review the official ARC–GSSP Scholarship information and confirm the admission requirements of their selected partner university before applying.
