2026 WESAF Scholarship for African Students (Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures)
Job Description
2026 WESAF Scholarship for African Students (Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures)
The WESAF Doctoral Programme was established in 2023 and has so far supported a cohort of MScR students and a cohort of PhD candidates.
The WESAF Programme, a fully funded online full-time programme, aims to provide research training to emerging researchers through an interdisciplinary master’s research degree on sustainability on the African continent.
The MSc by Research (MScR) in Sustainable African Futures will be delivered predominantly online and administered by the University of Edinburgh.
Summary of the 2026 WESAF Scholarship
- Type: Masters Online Scholarships
- Sponsors: Mastercard + University of Edinburgh + University of Witwatersrand
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Benefits: Full Scholarship, Living Stipend, Travel & Visa, Accommodation, Laptop & Internet
- Deadline: 2nd February, 2026
Requirement for the 2026 WESAF Scholarship
- Have successfully completed a university degree that will qualify for entry into a Master’s programme at the University of Edinburgh (A UK 2:1 Honours degree, or its international equivalent).
- Ideally demonstrate a level of English language competency that will enable the candidate to succeed in their studies, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. Support may be offered to offer holders who are slightly below the required IELTS band to help them reach the necessary admissions requirement, but all applicants will need a foundation in English to be eligible.
- Be either:
- a recent graduates from the 14 partner universities with strong interests in pursuing a career in academia and/or research, OR
- demonstrably involved in research projects of one of the 14 partner universities OR
- a staff member at one of the 14 partner universities (including lecturers, early career researchers, professional service staff in arts and humanities, etc).
- have generally completed their last university degree not more than 3.5 years ago at the time of application
- Be 35 or under the year the programme commences. Therefore, for the 2026/27 academic year. Anyone born in 1990 or prior is not eligible.
- Be a resident and citizen or hold refugee status in an African country (including North Africa).
Women, applicants from refugee and displaced backgrounds, candidates with disabilities, and candidates who have not completed a Master’s degree are especially encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the 2026 WESAF Scholarship
The program is delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Costs covered during the 12 months of the MSc by Research program are:
- MSc by Research fees
- Participation in two sustainability schools (in person) in Johannesburg.
- Covered costs include visa applications for South Africa entry, vaccinations as necessary, accommodation and subsistence while in Johannesburg, return flights, and internal travel.
- Workload relief for faculty / work experience stipend for early career researchers
- Laptops and connectivity stipend where appropriate
- Reading material will be accessible online through the University of Edinburgh library, and other resources will be made available by course lecturers (no cost will be attached to courses or dissertation).
Documents Needed
- Application Form
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable)
- Your final official university degree certificate and final official transcript.
Application Guidelines
- You will be required to create an account, verify it, complete an application form, and upload some documents.
- Applications will open between 10th December 2025 and 2nd February 2026.