The Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Scholarship 2026 has opened applications for eligible and outstanding African students seeking to pursue a fully funded Master’s by Research.
The WESAF Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity jointly delivered by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), South Africa, and the University of Edinburgh (UK), designed to equip young African researchers with the skills needed to address sustainability, climate, and social justice challenges across the continent.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) | University of Edinburgh
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | Research Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: African Countries (Including Nigeria)
- Eligible Degree: MSc by Research (Sustainable African Futures)
- Reward: Full Tuition | Travel Support | Accommodation | Stipend | Laptop & Internet Support
- Program Duration: September 2026 – August 2027
- Deadline: To Be Announced
Scholarship Details
The Wits–Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Scholarship is a collaborative initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation, created to strengthen research capacity within African higher education institutions. The programme focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing Africa’s most urgent sustainability challenges, including climate change adaptation, social justice, environmental governance, and inclusive development.
The scholarship offers a full-time, fully funded MSc by Research delivered primarily online, allowing scholars to remain in their home countries while benefiting from world-class academic supervision. As part of the programme, scholars will participate in two fully funded in-person Sustainability Schools hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, fostering collaboration, networking, and practical engagement with sustainability issues.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the WESAF Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be a citizen, resident, or recognised refugee of an African country
- Be 35 years old or younger (born on or after January 1, 1991)
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 Honours
- Have completed their most recent degree within the last 3.5 years
- Demonstrate strong interest in sustainability, climate, or development research
- Be affiliated with one of the approved African partner universities, including:
- University of Ibadan (Nigeria)
- University of Ghana
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
- Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique)
- Possess adequate English language proficiency (support available where needed)
- Show commitment to African-led research and development solutions
Women, refugees, persons with disabilities, and first-time Master’s applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the WESAF Scholarship 2026 will receive:
- Full tuition coverage for the MSc by Research programme
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, meals, and local transport for two Johannesburg Sustainability Schools
- Stipend or workload relief for early-career researchers and university staff
- Laptop and internet connectivity support (where required)
- Access to the Mastercard Foundation WESAF Fellows Network
- Research training in data collection, methodology, and African development studies
- Opportunity to graduate virtually or in person from the University of Edinburgh
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (2–3 pages, detailing education and research interests)
- Official Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
- Academic Transcripts from all completed degrees
- Certified and clearly scanned copies of all documents in PDF format
Note: Recommendation letters and motivation statements are not required at the initial application stage.
How to Apply
To apply for the WESAF Scholarship 2026:
- Review eligibility requirements on the official WESAF platform
- Prepare all required academic documents in advance
- Visit the University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme portal
- Complete the online application form for WESAF 2026/2027
- Upload all required documents and submit before the deadline
- Await confirmation and possible interview invitation
Applications are expected to open December 10, 2025, with shortlisted candidates invited for interviews around March 2026.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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