ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 | Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship for African Students

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The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a postgraduate scholarship opportunity designed for talented African students who want to pursue advanced studies in actuarial science, risk management, statistics, insurance and related disciplines.
The scholarship is offered through a partnership between African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) and the Global Shield Solutions Platform (GSSP). The programme aims to develop the next generation of African climate-risk professionals who can contribute to stronger disaster and climate resilience across the continent.
Applications for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 opened on 8 September 2026, and the application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
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ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 Overview
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
| Study Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligible Applicants | African students |
| Fields of Study | Actuarial Science, Risk Management, Statistics, Insurance and related fields |
| Tuition Coverage | Full tuition for up to two years |
| Additional Support | Living stipend, travel support and other eligible expenses |
| Internship | Opportunity through ARC Ltd. and partner networks |
| Mentorship | Yes |
| Participating Countries | African Union Member States |
| Application Opens | 8 September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 7 October 2026, 23:59 GMT |
What Is the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme supports outstanding African students pursuing postgraduate education in areas that can strengthen Africa’s capacity to understand and manage climate and disaster risks.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to students interested in actuarial science, risk management, mathematics, statistics, insurance, environmental management, disaster risk management and related disciplines.
Through the ARC–GSSP Scholarship, successful scholars receive financial and professional support while studying at participating African universities.
The programme is designed to go beyond academic funding. It seeks to develop professionals who can use their expertise to create practical African solutions to climate and disaster-risk challenges.
What Does the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Provide?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 provides comprehensive support for selected postgraduate scholars.
1. Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship provides full tuition coverage for up to two years of postgraduate study, subject to the scholarship’s terms and conditions.
This makes the ARC–GSSP Scholarship an important opportunity for African students who may otherwise face financial barriers to postgraduate education.
2. Living Stipend
Selected scholars receive a living stipend to support their living expenses during their postgraduate studies.
The information provided for the programme does not specify a fixed monthly stipend amount.
3. Travel Support
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship also provides travel support, together with other eligible expenses, subject to the applicable scholarship conditions.
4. Mentorship and Career Development
Scholars have access to mentorship and career development opportunities designed to support their academic and professional development.
5. Internship Opportunity
Successful scholars have the opportunity to undertake an internship through ARC Ltd. and its partner networks.
This provides scholars with the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside their postgraduate studies.
6. Career Pathway and Impact
The programme aims to develop professionals capable of applying their knowledge to strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate and disaster risks.
Who Can Apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 is aimed at talented African students with an academic background and potential to contribute to Africa’s resilience and risk-management capacity.
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African Union Member State.
- Hold a relevant undergraduate degree.
- Have an academic background in areas 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.
Which Fields of Study Are Covered?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship is focused on postgraduate programmes that can contribute to Africa’s capacity to manage climate and disaster risks.
Relevant fields include:
- Actuarial Science
- Risk Management
- Disaster Risk Management
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Applied Statistics
- Agricultural Statistics
- Insurance
- Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Related disciplines
Applicants should confirm that their intended programme is among the eligible programmes offered by a participating university.
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Partner Universities for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme currently partners with leading African universities offering postgraduate programmes in actuarial science, insurance, applied statistics and related fields.
University of Cape Town – South Africa
The University of Cape Town offers the following eligible programme listed under the scholarship:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Actuarial Science
Applicants should check the university’s admission requirements separately.
ENSEA – Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The École Nationale Supérieure de Statistique et d’Économie Appliquée (ENSEA) offers:
- Master en Actuariat
- Master en Statistique Agricole
IFAGE – Dakar, Senegal
The Institut Interafricain de Formation en Assurance et en Gestion des Entreprises (IFAGE) offers:
- Master Professionnel en Actuariat – 2 years
- Master Professionnel en Assurance – 2 years
University of Ghana – Accra, Ghana
The University of Ghana offers:
- Master of Science in Actuarial Science
- Master of Philosophy in Actuarial Science
Important: University Admission and Scholarship Application Are Separate
Applicants should pay close attention to this requirement.
Applying for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship does not replace the university admission application.
Applicants must:
- Apply to their selected participating university.
- Follow the university’s admission requirements.
- Apply separately for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship.
- Submit all required scholarship documents before the scholarship deadline.
Therefore, prospective applicants should not assume that completing the scholarship application automatically means they have applied for university admission.
How to Apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027
The application process involves several stages.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review the ARC–GSSP Scholarship requirements and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Pay particular attention to your nationality, undergraduate qualification, intended postgraduate programme and commitment to work in Africa after graduation.
Step 2: Choose a Partner University and Programme
Review the participating universities and eligible postgraduate programmes.
Choose a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 3: Apply for University Admission
Complete the admission process for your chosen university.
Remember that university admission and the ARC–GSSP Scholarship application are separate processes.
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application
Complete the ARC–GSSP Scholarship application form and submit the required supporting documents before the deadline.
Step 5: Application Review
Applications will be assessed according to the programme’s eligibility and selection criteria.
Eligible and shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage.
Step 6: University Review and Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may undergo further review by the relevant university and may be invited to participate in scholarship panel interviews.
Step 7: Scholarship Offer
Successful applicants receive an official scholarship offer together with information about the next steps.
ARC–GSSP Scholarship Application Deadline
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.
Important Dates
- 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 end
- End of November 2026: Scholarship offers
- December 2026: Visa and travel arrangements
Why Apply for the ARC–GSSP Scholarship?
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship 2026/2027 offers more than financial assistance.
Successful scholars can benefit from:
- Full tuition support for up to two years
- Living stipend
- Travel support
- Other eligible expenses
- Mentorship opportunities
- Career development support
- Internship opportunities
- Postgraduate education at participating African universities
- Professional exposure through ARC Ltd. and partner networks
- The opportunity to contribute to climate and disaster-risk resilience in Africa
For students interested in actuarial science, insurance, statistics and climate-risk management, the programme can provide an opportunity to combine postgraduate education with practical professional development.
Who Is the ARC–GSSP Scholarship Suitable For?
The scholarship may be particularly suitable for:
- African graduates seeking postgraduate study.
- Students interested in actuarial science.
- Students interested in insurance and risk management.
- Mathematics and statistics graduates.
- Disaster risk-management graduates.
- Engineering graduates interested in climate and disaster risk.
- Environmental management graduates.
- Students interested in climate resilience.
- Future African risk-management professionals.
- Applicants seeking postgraduate study at selected African universities.
What Happens After Graduation?
A major requirement of the programme is that successful scholars commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation.
This requirement reflects the programme’s broader objective of developing African professionals who can contribute their expertise to strengthening the continent’s climate and disaster-risk management capacity.
About African Risk Capacity Limited
African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd.) is a hybrid mutual insurer and financial affiliate of the African Risk Capacity Group.
Founded in 2014, ARC Ltd. provides parametric insurance services to African Union Member States and farmer organisations and uses innovative financing mechanisms to pool disaster-related risks across Africa.
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship builds on this broader mission by supporting the development of professionals with expertise relevant to climate and disaster-risk management.
Final Thoughts
The ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a major postgraduate scholarship opportunity for talented African students interested in actuarial science, risk management, statistics, insurance, climate resilience and disaster-risk management.
With full tuition coverage for up to two years, a living stipend, travel support, mentorship, career development and an internship opportunity, the ARC–GSSP Scholarship is designed to help develop the next generation of African climate-risk leaders.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, carefully review the participating universities and eligible programmes, complete the required university admission process, and submit your ARC–GSSP Scholarship application before 7 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT.



