2026 WESAF Scholarship for African Students

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2026 WESAF Scholarship for African Students (Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures)

Fully Funded | Online MSc by Research | Mastercard Foundation

The WESAF Scholarship Programme is one of Africa’s most prestigious opportunities for emerging researchers passionate about sustainability, development, and innovation on the African continent.

Established in 2023, WESAF has already supported multiple cohorts of MSc by Research (MScR) and PhD scholars from across Africa. For the 2026 intake, the program continues its mission: building the next generation of African academics, researchers, and sustainability leaders.

The MScR in Sustainable African Futures is delivered online, administered by the University of Edinburgh, and supported in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the University of Witwatersrand (Wits).

Summary of the 2026 WESAF Scholarship

Type: Fully Funded Online Master’s (MSc by Research)
Host Institutions: University of Edinburgh (Main Delivery) + University of Witwatersrand
Funding Partner: Mastercard Foundation
Eligible Countries: All African Countries
Study Format: Full-time, Online
Benefits: Full Scholarship, Stipend, Travel, Visa Support, Accommodation, Laptop + Internet
Deadline: 2nd February 2026
Programme Duration: 12 months

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2026 WESAF MSc by Research Programme, applicants must:

Academic Requirements

• Hold a degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 Honours (or international equivalent).
• Must have completed their last university degree within the last 3.5 years by the time of application.
• Be aged 35 or under when the programme begins (Born after 1990).

Affiliation Requirements

Applicants must be one of the following:

1. A recent graduate of one of the 14 partner universities, OR
2. Currently engaged in research at one of the partner universities, OR
3. A staff member (lecturer, researcher, admin, etc.) at a partner university.

Language Requirement

• No mandatory IELTS at application stage.
• Applicants must demonstrate competent English for postgraduate studies.
• Additional support may be provided for applicants slightly below the required band.

Citizenship Requirement

• Must be a citizen, resident, or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).

Encouraged to Apply

Special consideration is given to:

• Women
• Persons with disabilities
• Refugees and displaced persons
• Applicants without prior master’s degrees

Benefits of the WESAF Scholarship (Fully Funded)

The Mastercard Foundation fully funds all costs for selected scholars:

Academic Benefits

• Full MSc by Research tuition fees (University of Edinburgh)
• Online learning resources and full access to libraries

Travel and In-Person Training

Includes:

• Two in-person Sustainability Schools in Johannesburg
• Return flights to South Africa
• Visa fees
• Vaccinations
• Accommodation
• Internal transport
• Living allowance during training

Support & Resources

• Laptop + Connectivity stipend
• Living stipend or workload relief for employed scholars
• Access to a global community of sustainability scholars

Required Documents

Prepare the following:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — include publications (if any)
• Degree certificate (final)
• Final transcript
• Any research-related documents (if applicable)

How to Apply

Applications open 10th December 2025 and close 2nd February 2026.

Steps:

1. Create an account on the official application portal.
2. Verify your email.
3. Complete the online form.
4. Upload all required documents.
5. Submit before the deadline.

About WESAF

WESAF is an Africa-focused programme designed to:

• Strengthen sustainability research capacity
• Build next-generation African academics
• Support real-world impact across all regions of the continent

The online MScR equips scholars with advanced research skills in sustainability, climate change, governance, development, environmental science, and interdisciplinary African studies.