The Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) partnership has officially opened the call for applications to the MScR Sustainable African Futures (SAF) programme for the 2026/27 academic year at University of the Witwatersrand. This research-focused master’s degree offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars, recent graduates, and emerging researchers who are committed to shaping sustainable development across the African continent.
Delivered primarily online and administered by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand, the MScR SAF equips students with rigorous research training and a deep understanding of Africa’s sustainability challenges. The scholarship programme blends advanced coursework in research design, data collection, interdisciplinary methods, and sustainability dynamics with a full-length independent dissertation supervised by leading experts from both institutions.
The MScR SAF is designed for candidates who hold at least a 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent), are African citizens or residents, and have completed their previous degree within the last few years. Strong academic potential, a commitment to research, and interest in sustainable futures are central to the selection process. Many applicants also benefit from targeted scholarship schemes linked to WESAF and the Mastercard Foundation, which in previous cycles have supported tuition, research activities, and participation in sustainability-focused workshops.
The 2026/27 round invites applications from international students preparing for careers in research, policymaking, development, and academic pathways leading to doctoral studies. As a fully research-driven degree, it provides a foundation for future PhD opportunities within the broader WESAF network.
Apply: https://www.wits.ac.za/wesaf/mscr-call-2026-27/
The last date to apply for the MScR Sustainable African Futures (SAF) Scholarship 2026 at University of the Witwatersrand is Ferbruary 2, 2026.