The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme supports outstanding African students pursuing advanced studies in actuarial science, risk management and related disciplines that strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate change. South African citizens may apply because the programme is open to eligible citizens of African Union Member States. Applications close on 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
At a glance
Sponsor: African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) in partnership with the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP)
Programme: ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
Study level: Full-time postgraduate study
Eligible applicants: Citizens of African Union Member States, including South Africa
Partner universities: University of Cape Town, ENSEA, IFAGE and University of Ghana
Application method: Online ARC scholarship application, with a separate university admission process
Closing date: 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT
Last verified: 16 September 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
- The university admission application and ARC–GSSP scholarship application are separate. Applying for the scholarship does not replace the university’s admission process.
- Applicants must have secured, or be in the process of obtaining, admission to an eligible programme at a participating university.
- South Africa’s participating option listed by ARC is the University of Cape Town Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science.
- Selected scholars must commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation and complete an internship in line with the programme requirements.
About the sponsor
African Risk Capacity Limited is a development-focused parametric insurer that works with African countries and organisations to strengthen resilience to climate-related risks. The scholarship is delivered with the Global Shield Solutions Platform, which is managed by Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition coverage for up to two years of postgraduate study.
- Living stipend, travel support and other eligible expenses, subject to the scholarship’s terms and conditions.
- Mentorship and career-development support.
- An internship opportunity through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks.
Supported fields of study
- Actuarial science.
- Insurance and risk management.
- Disaster risk management.
- Mathematics and statistics.
- Engineering.
- Environmental management.
- Agricultural statistics and other related disciplines approved by the programme.
Partner universities and programmes
- University of Cape Town, South Africa: Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science.
- ENSEA, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: Master in Actuarial Science and Master in Agricultural Statistics.
- IFAGE, Dakar, Senegal: Master Professionnel en Actuariat and Master Professionnel en Assurance, both two-year programmes.
- University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana: Master of Science in Actuarial Science and Master of Philosophy in Actuarial Science.
Eligibility checklist
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree.
- Apply for an eligible full-time postgraduate programme at a participating university.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected university.
- Have secured, or be in the process of obtaining, admission to the eligible programme.
- Meet all other ARC–GSSP scholarship requirements.
- Be willing to work in Africa for two years after graduation.
- Be willing to complete the required internship.
Documents and information to prepare
The official application form specifies the supporting documents required for the current intake. Applicants should prepare accurate details of their African Union citizenship, relevant undergraduate qualification and academic record, chosen university and programme, and admission status. Upload any additional supporting documents requested by the form and use clear, current files.
Key dates
- Applications open: 8 September 2026.
- Candidate information session: End of September 2026.
- Application deadline: 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
- Scholarship selection interviews: Mid-November 2026.
- Scholarship offers: End of November 2026.
- Visa and travel arrangements: December 2026.
Selection and placement
Applications are assessed against the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria. Eligible shortlisted candidates proceed to university review and may be invited to interviews. Successful applicants receive an official scholarship offer and instructions for the next steps.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the scholarship application also applies for university admission.
- Choosing a programme or university that is not listed as eligible.
- Submitting without checking the programme’s full-time requirement.
- Leaving out requested supporting documents or uploading unreadable files.
- Waiting until the deadline to resolve university admission or application-form problems.
- Missing the 7 October 2026 deadline because of the GMT time zone.
Closing date
Complete the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme application by 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Late applications may not be considered.
Official information
Read the official ARC scholarship details and check the current requirements before applying.
How to apply
- Review the eligibility requirements and participating universities on the official ARC scholarship page.
- Select an eligible university and postgraduate programme that matches your academic background.
- Apply separately for admission to the selected university, following its own instructions.
- Complete the ARC–GSSP scholarship application online.
- Upload all supporting documents requested by the application form.
- Submit the scholarship application before 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
After you submit
Keep a copy of your completed application and supporting documents. Monitor the email address used in the application for shortlisting, interview or university-review requests, and respond within the stated time. Successful candidates will receive further instructions about the scholarship offer, internship, visa and travel arrangements.