Objective
The programme aims at fostering strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa with the capacity to contribute to sustainable development. To this end, scholarships are granted for development-related Master studies for individuals who plan to pursue a career in teaching and / or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
More general background information about the programme can be found here).
Who can apply?
Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree if applying for a Master’s programme who want to pursue Master’s degrees in their home country or in the country for which they have a residence permit (so called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country, outside their home country/in the country for which they do not have a residence permit (so called In-Region scholarships).
Female applicants, refugees with recognised refugee status, and candidates from marginalized regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply for funding.
What is supported?
Master studies in selected, development-related degree programmes
Duration of funding
Funding is provided for the regular duration of the Master's course – generally, up to two years.
Value
Generally:
- Monthly scholarship
- Study and research allowance
- Thesis publishing costs
- Tuition fees
Only applicable for In-Region scholarship holders:
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
Selection
The selection process differs between the individual degree programmes. Please see the respective call for applications for further information.
Please note that the application procedure may differ between the regions and host institutions. The specific application instructions regarding each host institution are listed in the respective calls for applications (linked below).
Application deadline
Application deadline is November, 12, 2026
More detailed information
Below you will find a list of the degree programmes funded under this scholarship programme with links to the corresponding calls for applications, for which the application period is currently open.
West and Central Africa
Burkina Faso
- Institut International d'Ingenierie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement (2iE):
o Master of Science in Water and Environmental Engineering
Ghana
- West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana:
o Master of Philosophy in Seed Science and Technology - West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana:
o Master of Philosophy in Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases - University for Development Studies (UDS):
o Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics
Eastern Africa
Ethiopia
- Jimma University (JU)
o Master in Environmental Health
Kenya
- Chuka University (CU):
o Master of Science in Plant Breeding
- Moi University (MU):
o Master of Education in Research
Rwanda
- University of Rwanda (UR):
o Master of Science in Electrical Power Systems
Tanzania
- Ardhi University (AU):
o Master of Science in Geomatics
Uganda
- Busitema University (BU):
o Master of Science in Climate Change and Disaster Management
Southern Africa
Malawi
- Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS):
o Master of Science in Environmental Health
- Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR):
o Master of Science in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science
o Master of Science in Irrigation Engineering
Further calls for applications that are currently not open:
Below you will find a list of the study programmes funded under this scholarship programme that will be published in spring 2027.
West and Central Africa
Nigeria
- Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria (FUNAAB):
Master of Science in Physics
Southern Africa
South Africa
- University of Cape Town (UCT):
Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies - Southern Urbanism - University of Pretoria (UP):
Master of Science in Mathematics
Funded by:
