Applications are now open for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027, a fully funded postgraduate scholarship designed to develop African professionals in climate and disaster risk finance and insurance.
For the 2026/2027 cycle, 12 scholarships are available for eligible African students to undertake postgraduate studies at selected institutions in South Africa, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. The scholarship can support up to two years of full-time study and covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, return flights and medical insurance.
Applications close on 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT, making the deadline an opportunity interested candidates should consider quickly.
ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 Overview
The scholarship is offered through a partnership between African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd) and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP).
The programme focuses on developing specialists who can enhance Africa’s capacity for climate and disaster risk finance and insurance. In particular, it supports postgraduate education in fields such as actuarial science, insurance and agricultural statistics.
Successful applicants can study at one of four participating African institutions:
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Ghana, Ghana
- ENSEA, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- IFAGE, Dakar, Senegal
A total of 12 scholarships are available for the current cycle.
What Does the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Cover?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 provides substantial financial support to successful scholars.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Return flights
- Medical insurance
- Mentorship
- Career-development support
- Internship placement through ARC’s partner network
Moreover, the scholarship can support scholars for up to two years of full-time study, depending on the selected academic programme.
Because the package covers the major costs associated with postgraduate study, the programme represents a particularly strong opportunity for African students who might otherwise struggle to finance specialised postgraduate education.
Participating Universities and Eligible Programmes
Applicants do not have complete freedom to select any African university or postgraduate course. Instead, the scholarship is linked to specific programmes at participating institutions.
University of Cape Town – South Africa
Applicants can pursue the:
Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science
The programme is expected to begin in January 2027 or earlier, according to the scholarship application information.
University of Ghana – Ghana
The University of Ghana offers two eligible options:
- Master of Science in Actuarial Science – 1 year
- Master of Philosophy in Actuarial Science – 2 years
The intake is expected to begin in January 2027 or earlier.
ENSEA – Côte d’Ivoire
At the École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Économie Appliquée (ENSEA) in Abidjan, applicants can select:
- Master in Agricultural Statistics – 2 years
- Master in Actuarial Science – 2 years
The ENSEA intake is scheduled for September 2027.
IFAGE – Senegal
At the Institut Interafricain de Formation en Assurance et en Gestion des Entreprises (IFAGE) in Dakar, the eligible programmes are as follows:
- Master Professionnel en Actuariat – 2 years
- Master Professionnel en Assurance – 2 years
The intake is expected in January 2027 or earlier.
Therefore, applicants should carefully match their academic background and career objectives with the participating programme that best fits them.
Who Can Apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship?
The programme targets African students with academic backgrounds relevant to climate and disaster risk financing, actuarial science and related quantitative or technical disciplines.
Applicants must generally:
- Be a citizen of an African Union member state
- Apply for full-time study
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree
- Meet the academic requirements of the selected programme
- Meet the language requirements of the chosen university
- Apply separately for admission to the participating university
- Demonstrate an academic or professional background relevant to the scholarship’s objectives
Relevant undergraduate backgrounds can include actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, disaster risk management, engineering, environmental management and related disciplines.
Professional, volunteer or institutional experience relevant to the programme may also strengthen an application.
Can Cameroonians, Nigerians and Ghanaians Apply?
Yes.
The official application form specifically includes Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana among the available nationalities. The scholarship is generally open to citizens of African Union member states.
Therefore:
🇨🇲 Cameroonians can apply.
🇳🇬 Nigerians can apply.
🇬🇭 Ghanaians can apply.
Applicants from many other African countries are also eligible, as long as they meet the programme and university requirements.
This broad African eligibility makes the ARC–GSSP programme particularly relevant to students searching for postgraduate funding opportunities within Africa.
University Admission Is Separate from the Scholarship
This is one of the most important points applicants should understand.
Applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship does not constitute an application for university admission.
Applicants are responsible for applying separately to their chosen university and satisfying its admission requirements and deadlines.
Consequently, receiving the scholarship depends on successfully securing admission to the selected academic programme.
Do not submit only the scholarship application and assume that ARC will handle the university admission process.
Documents Applicants Should Prepare
The exact university admission requirements vary between institutions. However, applicants should be prepared to provide academic and personal information required for the scholarship and university application processes.
Documents may include:
- Valid passport or national identification document
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Relevant professional certificates or qualifications
- University admission documents
- Evidence of relevant professional or volunteer experience where applicable
- Language proficiency documentation where required
Applicants should also carefully verify the requirements of their selected university because admission conditions are not identical across the four institutions.
How to Apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
The application involves two important processes.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible University and Programme
Review the programmes available at UCT, University of Ghana, ENSEA and IFAGE.
Choose the programme that best matches your previous studies and professional objectives.
Step 2: Apply for University Admission
Submit a separate application to the university offering your chosen programme.
Remember that the scholarship application itself does not guarantee or replace university admission.
Step 3: Complete the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Application
Complete the official online scholarship form with accurate personal, academic and programme information.
Applicants can indicate their preferred participating university through the scholarship application.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Review all information carefully before submitting.
The deadline is:
7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT
Late applications will not be considered.
Why ARC and GSSP Are Funding This Programme
Africa faces significant financial and economic risks from climate-related disasters. However, managing these risks requires professionals with specialised expertise in insurance, statistics, actuarial science and risk financing.
The ARC–GSSP partnership therefore aims to strengthen the pipeline of African professionals capable of developing and implementing effective climate and disaster risk financing solutions.
Beyond academic funding, scholars can also benefit from mentorship, career support and internship opportunities. Consequently, the programme combines postgraduate education with professional development.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Applicants should consider the following points.
First, there are only 12 scholarships available, so candidates should prepare strong and complete applications.
Second, university admission and scholarship selection are separate processes.
Third, the participating universities have different intake periods. UCT, University of Ghana and IFAGE have intakes beginning around January 2027 or earlier, while ENSEA’s listed intake is September 2027.
Finally, applicants should verify the language of instruction and admission requirements for their selected programme before applying.
ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 Deadline
The scholarship application deadline is:
📅 7 October 2026
⏰ 23:59 GMT
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day, particularly because they also need to consider the separate admission process at their selected institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ARC–GSSP Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The announced package includes full tuition and accommodation, a monthly stipend, return flights and medical insurance. Scholars also receive mentorship, career support and access to internship opportunities.
How many scholarships are available?
There are 12 scholarships available for the 2026/2027 cycle.
Can international students apply?
The programme is specifically designed for African applicants. Eligible candidates must be citizens of African Union member states.
Can students from Cameroon apply?
Yes. Cameroon appears among the eligible nationalities on the official application form.
Can Nigerians and Ghanaians apply?
Yes. Both Nigeria and Ghana are eligible nationalities for the official scholarship application.
Do I need university admission before applying?
Applicants must apply separately to their selected university and satisfy its admission requirements. The scholarship award is conditional on admission to an eligible programme.
Can I study at any African university?
No. The scholarship applies to designated programmes at University of Cape Town, University of Ghana, ENSEA and IFAGE.
When does the scholarship close?
Applications close on 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Final Thoughts
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a valuable opportunity for African graduates interested in actuarial science, insurance, agricultural statistics and related areas connected to climate and disaster risk financing.
With 12 scholarships, comprehensive financial support, four participating African institutions and additional mentorship and professional-development opportunities, the programme offers much more than tuition assistance.
Eligible applicants should select an appropriate programme, begin the separate university admission process and complete the scholarship application well before 7 October 2026.
Official Links
ARC–GSSP 2026/2027 Scholarship Application:
https://form.jotform.com/262284274244559
Global Shield Solutions Platform – Official Scholarship Announcement:
https://global-shield-solutions.org/2026/09/08/arc_scholarship_2026/
