ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme in South Africa

Applications are now open for the 2026 ARC Ltd-GSSP Scholarship Programme.

The scholarship is a partnership between ARC Ltd. and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP)*, with the goal of preparing a new generation of leaders who will drive African solutions to African challenges.

The African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) – Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP) Scholarship Program 2026 offers support for up to two years of full-time study at selected African universities.

12 scholarships are available this year, covering up to 2 years of full-time study at leading institutions across the continent — ENSEA (Côte d’Ivoire), IFAGE (Sénégal), University of Cape Town, and University of Ghana.

To be considered for the ARC Ltd–GSSP Scholarship Program, you must:

• Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.

• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as actuarial science, disaster risk management, mathematics, statistics, engineering, environmental management or a related discipline.

• 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 partner 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.

The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme provides selected scholars with comprehensive support towards their postgraduate studies.

• Comprehensive scholarship support: Full tuition coverage for up to two years of postgraduate study, together with a living stipend, travel support and other eligible expenses, subject to the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

• Mentorship and career support: Scholars receive opportunities for mentorship and career development to help them make the most of their academic and professional journey.

• Internship opportunity: Scholars have the opportunity to undertake an internship through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks

• A pathway to impact: The programme is designed not only to support academic achievement, but also to develop professionals who can apply their knowledge to strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate and disaster risks.

• 8 September 2026: Applications open

• End of September 2026: Information session for candidates

• 7 octobre 2026: Application deadline

• Mid-November 2026: End of Interviews with the Scholarship Selection Committee

• End of November 2026: Scholarship offers

• December 2026: Visa and travel arrangements

To apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the green button below to go to the scholarship webpage.

• 2

  Check your eligibility
  Review the scholarship requirements and confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.

• 3

  Choose your university and programme
  Explore the participating universities and select an eligible programme that matches your academic background and career goals.

• 4

  Apply for university admission
  Follow the admission process of your selected university and submit any required university application.

• 5

  Complete the ARC–GSSP Scholarship application
  Complete the scholarship application form and provide all required supporting documents before the application deadline.

• 6

  Application review and selection
  Applications are assessed against the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria. Eligible and shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stages of the selection process.

• 7

  University review and interviews
  Shortlisted candidates are reviewed by the relevant university and may be invited to participate in scholarship panel interviews.

• 8

  Scholarship offer
  Successful candidates receive an official scholarship offer and information about the next steps.

Important Notice

Your university application and scholarship application are separate. Applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme does not replace your application for admission to the university. Applicants must follow the admission requirements and application procedures of their selected university.