University of the Witwatersrand & University of Edinburgh Masters by Research: Sustainable African Futures 2026

The University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Edinburgh are offering a 12-month MSc by Research program titled Sustainable African Futures 2026. This program is designed to train early-career African researchers in sustainability and social sciences, focusing on advanced research skills such as data collection and research design, while addressing the realities of African development.

📚 About the Program

The Sustainable African Futures 2026 program is aimed at equipping early-career researchers with the tools and knowledge to contribute to sustainable development in Africa. The program is supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

🎁 Benefits

Participants in this program will receive the following benefits:

• Full tuition fees for the MSc by Research.
• Participation in two sustainability schools in Johannesburg, with the following covered:
  • Visa
  • Vaccinations
  • Accommodation
  • Subsistence
  • Flights
  • Internal travel
• Workload relief stipend for faculty/early career researchers.
• Laptop and connectivity stipend, if required.
• Reading materials provided online at no cost.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Target Group: Early-career researchers and university staff in social sciences.
• Academic Qualification: Must hold a degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 Honours.
• English Proficiency: Required, with support available for those slightly below the IELTS threshold.
• Applicant Categories:
  • Recent graduates (within 3.5 years) from one of 14 partner universities.
  • Individuals involved in research projects at those universities.
  • Staff members (lecturers, researchers, or professional services staff).
• Age Limit: Must be 35 years or younger at the start of the program (born on or after 1 January 1991 for the 2026/27 cohort).
• Residency: Must be a citizen, resident, or refugee in an African country.

📝 Application Process

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Upload the following mandatory documents:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications (if applicable).
   • Final official degree certificate.
   • Final official transcript.

📅 Application Deadline

The application deadline is 02 February 2026.

🔗 Additional Information

• For detailed information about the program, view the official call for applications document.
• To apply, visit the application portal.

This program offers a unique opportunity to advance your career in sustainability and social sciences while contributing to the development of sustainable futures in Africa. Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative initiative!

• Tuition fees for the MSc by Research.
• Participation in two sustainability schools in Johannesburg (visa, vaccinations, accommodation, subsistence, flights, internal travel included).
• Workload relief stipend for faculty/early career researchers.
• Laptop and connectivity stipend where needed.
• Reading materials provided online at no cost.