AIMS Structured Master's Scholarship 2026

Overview

The AIMS Structured Master's Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded place to study for an accredited master's degree in the mathematical sciences, offered by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). AIMS is a pan-African network of centres that brings together talented students and lecturers from across Africa and beyond. Its mission is to develop the next generation of African scientific, technical, and entrepreneurial leaders through rigorous training in the mathematical sciences.

The structured master's is an intensive programme that combines foundational skills courses, a wide choice of review courses across pure and applied mathematics, and a supervised research project. Students learn in a residential, immersive setting alongside peers from many African countries, building technical depth and a strong continental network. The degree is accredited by partner universities in the country where each centre sits.

The scholarship opens this up to strong students regardless of their finances, covering the core costs of study and residence. Women are strongly encouraged to apply, in line with AIMS's work to expand women's participation in the mathematical sciences across Africa.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Provider: African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
• Study level: Structured Master's in the Mathematical Sciences
• Network: Pan-African centres of excellence
• Host countries: South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Rwanda
• Duration: Around 10 to 12 months, residential and intensive
• Funding type: Full scholarship
• Eligibility: African citizens and residents with a strong mathematics background
• Gender: Women are strongly encouraged to apply

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants generally need to meet these conditions:

• Hold, or expect to obtain before the programme begins, a four-year university degree (or a three-year degree plus an honours year) in mathematics, or in a science, engineering, or other discipline with a significant mathematics component.
• Be a citizen or resident of an African country.
• Show strong mathematical ability, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to using the mathematical sciences for Africa's development.
• Show qualities of leadership and community engagement.
• Be proficient enough in the language of instruction at the chosen centre to follow an intensive academic programme.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Requirements can vary slightly between centres, so confirm the details for your preferred campus before applying.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship removes financial barriers so students can focus on their studies. The package typically includes:

• Full coverage of tuition and academic fees for the master's programme.
• Accommodation in the residential AIMS centre for the duration of the programme.
• Meals during the study period.
• Support towards travel to and from the centre.
• A contribution towards living and personal expenses.
• Access to computing facilities, internet, and learning resources, often around the clock.
• Medical cover or support during the programme, depending on the centre.

Arrangements differ between AIMS centres, so check exactly what is covered at your chosen campus before relying on any single detail.

How to Apply

Applications are made online. The general process:

• Visit the official AIMS applications portal and create an account.
• Select the structured master's in mathematical sciences and indicate your preferred centre or centres.
• Complete the online application form, which includes questions designed to show how you approach mathematical problems.
• Upload your supporting documents, including academic records and references.
• Submit before the published deadline.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to additional assessments or interviews as part of selection.

Required Documents

Be ready to provide the following, though exact requirements may vary by centre:

• A complete academic transcript and, where available, degree certificate.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• A motivation or personal statement explaining your interest in the mathematical sciences and your goals.
• Contact details for academic referees, or letters of recommendation.
• A copy of a valid national identity document or passport.
• Any additional documents requested in the online application form.

Important Dates & Deadlines

AIMS opens applications for the structured master's on an annual cycle, with deadlines usually several months before the programme starts.

• The main application window usually opens the year before the intake.
• Specialised tracks or partner-funded streams may have their own deadlines.
• Late applications are generally not considered.

The exact dates change each year and can differ between centres, so always confirm the current deadline on the official AIMS website before applying.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Bring out the mathematical content of your previous studies, even if your degree was in a related field.
• Use your motivation statement to show genuine passion for the mathematical sciences and a clear sense of how you want to contribute to Africa's development.
• Answer the problem-solving questions thoughtfully; they count as much as your grades.
• Choose referees who can speak directly to your mathematical ability and character.
• Apply to more than one centre if you are flexible about location and the application allows it.
• Submit a complete, well-organised application ahead of the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I study? The structured master's runs at AIMS centres in South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Rwanda. You pick your preferred centre when you apply.

Is the scholarship really full? It covers the core costs of tuition, accommodation, meals, and a contribution to living expenses, so admitted students can study without financial barriers.

Do I need a degree specifically in mathematics? No. A degree in a science, engineering, or other field with a strong mathematics component can qualify, as long as you have the required mathematical background.

Can women apply? Yes, and they are strongly encouraged to, as part of AIMS's drive to increase women's participation in the mathematical sciences.

How long is the programme? Roughly 10 to 12 months, mostly residential, including a research project.

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• RUFORUM Graduate Scholarships 2026 (MSc and PhD in agriculture at African universities).
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at African institutions.
• Google DeepMind scholarships supporting study at AIMS.
• African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scholarships.
• DAAD scholarships for postgraduate study in Sub-Saharan Africa.