Applications for the Mastercard Foundation-funded Masters by Research in Sustainable African Futures are being accepted for the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Scholarship 2026–2027. Tuition, research expenses, lodging, travel, and a laptop with internet access are all covered by this fully funded fellowship.
Founded in 2023, the program offers an interdisciplinary MScR degree with an emphasis on sustainability in Africa to encourage up-and-coming researchers. It is primarily offered online and is run by the University of Edinburgh. It gives students the practical skills and research training they need to tackle Africa’s sustainability issues.
This article describes the scholarship’s specifics, requirements for qualifying, advantages, and a step-by-step application process for prospective applicants.
Eligibility Criteria :
- Academic Requirement: University degree (UK 2:1 Honours or equivalent abroad) that qualifies for a Master’s program at the University of Edinburgh
- English Proficiency: Adequate English proficiency; individuals who score marginally below the qualifying IELTS band may receive assistance.
- Affiliation: Staff member, researcher, or recent graduate from one of the fourteen partner universities
- Recency: Completed degree within 3.5 years of application
- Age: 35 or under during the program year (for 2026–2027, born after 1990)
- Residency: Living in an African nation, particularly North Africa, as a citizen, resident, or refugee
- individuals with impairments, women, individuals from refugee or displaced backgrounds, and those without a master’s degree are encouraged to apply.
Mastercard, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Witwatersrand are the hosts.
Study Abroad: Africa
Postgraduate | Master’s Scholarships
Countries in Africa are eligible.
Benefits include a laptop, internet, lodging, travel and visa coverage, full scholarship, and a living stipend.
Language Requirement: IELTS is not required.
Benefits :
- MSc by Research Fees: Full program coverage
- Sustainability Schools: Attending two live sessions in Johannesburg
- Applications for visas, required immunizations, lodging, food, return flights, and domestic travel within South Africa are all covered.
- Workload Reduction/Stipend: Assistance for academics or researchers in their early careers
- Laptop and connectivity: Where appropriate, a stipend is given
- Learning Resources: Free online access to the University of Edinburgh library and course materials
Deadline: February 2, 2026
