Apply for the 2026–2027 Sustainable African Futures Scholarship

 Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Masters by Research Sustainable African Futures Scholarship, jointly offered by the University of Edinburgh and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship (WESAF) is a fully funded opportunity that covers all program-related study and research costs, including accommodation, airfare, visa costs, a laptop, and internet access.

In this article, we provide a detailed breakdown of the scholarship, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step application guide for interested African applicants.

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Summary of the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship

• Hosts: Mastercard Foundation | University of Edinburgh | University of the Witwatersrand

• Study Abroad: Study in Africa

• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships

• Eligible Countries: African Countries

• Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | Travel & Visa | Accommodation | Laptop & Internet

• No IELTS Required

• Deadline: February 2, 2026

Details of the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Program

Since its launch in 2023, the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Program has supported cohorts of MSc by Research (MScR) students and PhD applicants.

The fully funded WESAF Program aims to train emerging scholars through an interdisciplinary master’s research degree focused on sustainability in Africa. The program is delivered as a full-time, online MSc by Research, primarily managed and awarded by the University of Edinburgh.

Participants benefit from a rigorous academic experience designed to strengthen research capacity and contribute to sustainable development on the African continent.

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Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the WESAF Scholarship, applicants must:

• Hold a degree from a university that qualifies them for admission to a University of Edinburgh Master’s program (equivalent to a UK 2:1 Honours degree or overseas equivalent)

• Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to succeed academically

  • All applicants must have a foundation in English

  • Support may be provided to candidates slightly below the required IELTS band to help them meet admission criteria

• Be one of the following:

  • A recent graduate with a strong interest in academia and/or research from one of the 14 partner universities, OR

  • Actively involved in research initiatives at one of the 14 partner institutions, OR

  • A faculty member, early-career researcher, or professional services staff (including arts and humanities) at one of the partner universities

• Have typically graduated within the last 3.5 years at the time of application

• Be under 35 years of age at the start of the program

  • For the 2026–2027 academic year, applicants born before 1990 are not eligible

• Be a citizen, resident, or refugee of an African country, including North Africa

Candidates who are women, persons with disabilities, individuals from refugee or displaced backgrounds, and those without a master’s degree are especially encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the 2026 Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship

The Mastercard Foundation, as a delivery partner, fully funds the following throughout the 12-month MSc by Research program:

• Full MSc research fees

• Participation in two live sustainability schools in Johannesburg

• Coverage of South African visa applications, required vaccinations, accommodation, and meals in Johannesburg

• Return international flights and domestic travel

• Faculty workload reduction support and early-career researcher work experience stipends

• Laptop and internet connectivity stipend, where required

• Full access to University of Edinburgh online library resources

• Additional learning materials provided by instructors (courses and dissertations are free)

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Documents Required for the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship

Applicants must be prepared to submit the following documents:

• Completed Application Form

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications where applicable

• Final certified academic transcript

• Degree certificate from the awarding university

How to Apply for the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)

Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official scholarship webpage

2. Apply for the Sustainable African Futures MSc by Research program using the provided application link

3. Create an account, complete the application form, and upload all required documents

4. Validate and submit your application before the deadline

📅 Application period: December 10, 2025 – February 2, 2026