Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The AI for Science Master’s Program at AIMS South Africa invites African students to apply for the September 2026 cohort and become one of 40 Google DeepMind Scholars. This fully funded one-year residential master’s combines AI and machine learning with applications in cosmology, epidemiology, and ecology, covering tuition, living expenses, flights, research costs, and mentoring from Google DeepMind researchers.
Fully Funded One-Year Residential Master’s in AI for Scientific Discovery
The AI for Science Master’s Program is a one-year residential programme at AIMS South Africa, designed for African students passionate about mathematics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The program aims to accelerate scientific discovery by applying AI to challenges in cosmology, epidemiology, and ecology, while providing students with comprehensive mentorship and research experience.
Program Overview
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Duration: One-year residential Master’s with a research component
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Cohort Size: 40 Google DeepMind Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year
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Focus Areas: AI and machine learning applications in:
• Cosmology
• Epidemiology
• Ecology -
Academic Structure: Foundational and advanced AI courses integrated with applied sciences
Scientific and Research Partnerships
The program benefits from collaboration with leading institutions:
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Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)
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South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO)
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Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI)
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South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA)
These partnerships provide students with exposure to cutting-edge research and access to world-class facilities.
Scholarship Benefits
The Google DeepMind Scholarship covers:
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Round-trip flights to and from South Africa
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Full tuition and registration fees
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Accommodation and living expenses
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Medical insurance
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Research and AI experimentation costs
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Mentoring and support from Google DeepMind researchers and engineers
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
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Be citizens of any African country and reside in Africa at the time of application (residency requirement waived for students displaced by war)
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Not have previously received a scholarship to study at an AIMS centre
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Hold one of the following by August 2025 (or December 2025 for southern African applicants):
• Four-year undergraduate degree
• Three-year undergraduate degree with an additional honours year (equivalent to M1 in the French LMD system) -
Have an undergraduate background in physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or a related computational/mathematical discipline
Application Process
Opening Date: December 2025
Deadline: 6 March 2026, 11:59 PM
Step 1: Online Application
Applicants must register on the application portal and submit:
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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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Representative examples of work in mathematical sciences
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Completed coding problem
The online application evaluates problem-solving approaches rather than formal examinations. Early submission is encouraged.
Step 2: Selection Interviews
Shortlisted applicants will participate in online interviews in May 2026 to determine final selections.
Why This Program Matters
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Equips African scientists with advanced AI and machine learning skills
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Facilitates research that addresses pressing scientific challenges in Africa
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Provides exposure to global scientific networks and mentorship from industry leaders
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Strengthens computational and analytical skills for careers in research and academia
Tips for Applicants
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Prepare all documents early to avoid last-minute submission issues
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Focus motivation letters on interest in AI and scientific applications
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Provide clear, strong examples of mathematical or computational work
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Practice coding problems to demonstrate applied skills
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the program?
African students with a strong computational or mathematical background who have completed an eligible undergraduate degree.
2. Are scholarships fully funded?
Yes, including tuition, living expenses, flights, medical insurance, research costs, and mentorship.
3. Can displaced students apply?
Yes, residency requirements are waived for students displaced by war.
4. What is the deadline for applications?
Applications close on 6 March 2026, 11:59 PM.
5. How many scholars are selected?
40 Google DeepMind Scholars are selected annually.
6. When are interviews conducted?
Final online interviews take place in May 2026.
7. Can applicants apply from all African countries?
Yes, students from across Africa are eligible, provided they meet degree and background requirements.
Conclusion
The AI for Science Master’s Program 2026–27 offers a transformative opportunity for African students to develop advanced AI and machine learning skills while contributing to scientific discovery in cosmology, epidemiology, and ecology. Fully funded scholarships, mentorship from Google DeepMind, and exposure to leading scientific institutions make this program an unparalleled platform for aspiring African scientists.
For more information, visit AIMS.