The AI for Science Master’s Scholarship at AIMS South Africa (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences) is a fully funded, one‑year Master’s degree programme in Mathematical Sciences with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and scientific discovery. This scholarship is made possible through a major partnership with Google DeepMind, and it supports talented students from across Africa, including South Africans. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS+1
📍 What Is the AI for Science Master’s Scholarship?
The programme combines advanced coursework, research, and problem‑solving at the intersection of:
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Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
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Mathematics & Computational Sciences
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Scientific applications (e.g., cosmology, epidemiology, ecology) AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
It is a one‑year, fully residential master’s degree designed to empower future scientists and AI specialists on the African continent. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
🎯 Scholarship Benefits
As a Google DeepMind Scholar, you receive:
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Full tuition and academic costs
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Accommodation and living expenses
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Medical insurance
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Flights and travel support
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Equipment and computation resources for research
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Mentorship opportunities with experts from Google DeepMind
This means the scholarship covers virtually all major costs of postgraduate study — freeing you to focus on learning and research. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the AI for Science Master’s Scholarship, you must:
✅ Be a citizen of any African country and resident in Africa at the time of application (exceptions apply for applicants displaced by war).
✅ Have completed:
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A four‑year undergraduate degree, or
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A three‑year undergraduate degree plus an honours year by August 2025 (or December 2025 for Southern African students).
Your undergraduate background should be in a quantitative or computational field like mathematics, physics, computer science, statistics, or engineering.
✅ Not have held a previous AIMS scholarship. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS+1
📅 Key Dates for the 2026/2027 Scholarship
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Applications Open: 8 December 2025
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Deadline: 6 March 2026 (11:59 PM SAST)
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Shortlisted Interviews: May 2026
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Programme Starts: September 2026
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Scholars Selected: Only ~40 students annually AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS+1
🕐 Important: The deadline is 6 March 2026, so apply early and prepare documents ahead of time. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
📄 Required Application Documents
When you apply online at the official AIMS portal, you typically need:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Motivation Letter (~500 words)
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Academic Transcripts
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Examples of work in mathematical sciences
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Completed coding problem or problem‑solving tasks submitted through the application portal AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
Applicants do not need recommendation letters for the AI for Science stream — the focus is on motivation, background, and problem‑solving skills. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
🧠 Selection Process
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Online Application: Submit documents and answers via the application portal before the deadline.
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Assessment: Applications include questions to evaluate mathematical reasoning and coding skills.
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Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited to online interviews in May 2026.
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Selection: Approximately 40 scholars are chosen for the September intake. Funds for NGOs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this scholarship only for South Africans?
No — it’s open to all African citizens who meet eligibility criteria, including South Africans. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
What backgrounds are eligible?
Your undergraduate degree should be in mathematics, engineering, computer science, physics, statistics, or any discipline with strong quantitative and computational components. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
Do I need to be an expert in AI?
You don’t need expert experience, but strong mathematical and computational abilities and a passion for AI and scientific discovery are required. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
Will flights and living costs be covered?
Yes — the scholarship includes flights, accommodation, living expenses, and research costs. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
Is admission to AIMS automatic with the scholarship?
No — you must meet academic entry requirements for the Master’s programme and be selected through the scholarship process. Funds for NGOs
📍 Final Summary
The AI for Science Master’s Scholarship at AIMS South Africa, funded by Google DeepMind, is a highly competitive, fully funded postgraduate scholarship for African students with strong quantitative backgrounds. With about 40 scholarships available each year, it’s a prime opportunity for students passionate about AI, mathematics, and scientific research to receive world‑class training and support. AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
Remember — the deadline is 6 March 2026, so prepare your application now! AI FOR SCIENCE MASTERS
