African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Bursaries 2026 – Fully Funded STEM Scholarships

Applications for AIMS South Africa’s AI for Science Master’s Scholarship are open until 21 March 2025, 23:59 SAST. 

Additionally, Research Centre bursaries (Master’s/PhD) are available year-round but require early application. 

Only 40 scholars are accepted for the AI for Science program each year. Act quickly to secure your application.

About the Organisation

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), established in 2003 in Cape Town, is Africa’s premier network of postgraduate centres of excellence in mathematical sciences. 

It offers world-class training in STEM fields, partnering with institutions like Cambridge, UCT, Oxford, Stellenbosch, and the Western Cape. 

AIMS trains future leaders in science, AI, research, and education.

Fields of Study Funded

AI for Science Master’s Programme

A 10‑month fully residential Master’s in Mathematical Sciences, in partnership with Google DeepMind, focusing on AI applications in scientific research. 

Eligible fields include mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, engineering, and related computational disciplines.

Research Centre Postgraduate Bursaries

These support AIMS alumni pursuing Master’s or PhD research at South African universities, especially in areas like Mathematical Biology, Finance, Astrophysics, and Industrial Mathematics. 

Funding is granted as a half-bursary matched by the university or supervisor.

Benefits for Recipients

AI for Science Scholarship includes:

• Tuition fees, full living expenses, and accommodation
  
• Medical insurance, travel support (including international flights where applicable)
  
• Research funding and access to mentorship from DeepMind researchers

Research Centre Bursaries offer up to R45,000 in AIMS bursary matched by university/supervisor funds. 

Recipients are exempt from the international fee differential and may tutor up to 10 hours per week.

Eligibility Criteria 

AI for Science Scholarship

• Must be an African citizen residing in Africa during the application
  
• Hold a four-year degree or a three-year degree plus Honours by August (or December) 2025
  
• Academic background in AI-relevant fields (e.g. mathematics, physics, computer science)
  
• Have not previously held an AIMS scholarship
  
• Strong passion for AI, science applications, and mathematical problem solving

Research Centre Bursaries

• AIMS alumni applying for a research Master’s or PhD at a South African university
  
• Must secure matching funding from the university or research supervisor
  
• Submit a research proposal and a supervisor support letter
  
• Will begin studies by February of the year following AIMS programme completion

How to Apply

AI for Science Scholarship

1. Register online at apply.aims.ac.za.
   
2. Complete application before 21 March 2025, 23:59 SAST.
   
3. Provide: CV, motivation letter (500 words), transcripts, answers to written mathematics questions and coding problems.
   
4. Shortlisted applicants are invited to online interviews in May 2025.

Research Centre Bursary

• Complete the application form and email it to [email protected]
  
• Include: research proposal, university supervisor letter confirming match funding, CV, transcripts.
  
• Applications are considered on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged.

Note: When asked where you heard about bursaries, you may enter “www.bursariesafrica.co.za”.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
  
• Academic transcripts and degree certificate
  
• Motivation letter and research proposal (if applicable)
  
• Written mathematics problem solutions and coding responses (AI for Science applicants)
  
• Supervisor endorsement letter and proof of matching funding (for Research Centre bursary)
  Incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Closing Date

AI for Science applications close on 21 March 2025 at 23:59 SAST. Late or incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.

Research Centre bursaries have no fixed deadline, but early application is encouraged.

Contact Details

For official information and support:

• AI Programme enquiries: ai‑[email protected]
  
• Research bursary enquiries: academic‑[email protected]