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Study in South Africa | MScR Sustainable African Futures Scholarship 2026/2027

December 16, 2025 9:58 am

Study in South Africa | MScR Sustainable African Futures Scholarship 2026/2027

A major research opportunity has opened for future African sustainability leaders as the Wits Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures partnership begins accepting applications for the MScR Sustainable African Futures programme for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. Hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand and coordinated with the University of Edinburgh, this research-intensive master’s degree targets emerging scholars committed to addressing Africa’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

This programme attracts graduates and early career researchers who aim to build strong academic foundations for careers in policy development, research institutions, international organisations, and doctoral studies.

About the WESAF Partnership and the MScR SAF Programme

The MScR Sustainable African Futures degree operates through a collaborative framework between the University of Edinburgh and the University of the Witwatersrand. While Wits serves as the host institution, Edinburgh manages the academic delivery and research structure. As a result, students benefit from expertise, supervision, and global networks from two leading universities.

The programme runs primarily online, allowing participants from across Africa and beyond to access high-quality research training without relocating. At the same time, students engage with a vibrant scholarly community focused on sustainable development across the African continent.

What Students Will Study

The MScR SAF emphasises advanced research skills and interdisciplinary thinking. Throughout the programme, students develop the tools needed to conduct independent, high-impact research.

Key academic components include:

Advanced research design and methodology
Qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques
Interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability studies
Critical analysis of African development and sustainability systems
A full-length independent dissertation

Each student completes an original research project under joint supervision from experienced academics at both partner institutions.

Scholarship Opportunities and Financial Support

Many applicants receive financial assistance through scholarship pathways connected to the WESAF partnership and the Mastercard Foundation. While funding availability varies each year, previous cohorts have benefited from support that covered:

Tuition costs
Research and fieldwork expenses
Participation in sustainability workshops and academic events

These funding options aim to reduce financial barriers while encouraging talented African researchers to pursue advanced academic training.

Who Should Apply

The programme targets candidates with strong academic promise and a clear interest in sustainability research.

Applicants must typically:

Hold at least a second-class upper honours degree or international equivalent
Be an African citizen or resident
Have completed their most recent degree within the last few years
Demonstrate strong research potential and motivation
Show commitment to sustainable African futures

Selection panels place significant weight on academic records, research interests, and alignment with the programme’s sustainability focus.

Career Pathways After Graduation

Graduates of the MScR Sustainable African Futures programme gain a solid foundation for:

Doctoral research and PhD programmes
Careers in policy and development organisations
Research roles in think tanks and academic institutions
Sustainability-focused leadership positions

Because the degree prioritises independent research, it serves as an excellent bridge toward advanced doctoral studies within the wider WESAF research network.