The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Scholarship 2026 offers a transformative opportunity for talented African students to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences. This prestigious programme, supported by partners including Google DeepMind, provides comprehensive funding covering tuition fees, accommodation, meals, travel expenses, and living stipends at world-class research centers across Africa.
Founded in 2003 by renowned physicist Neil Turok, AIMS has grown into a Pan-African network of Centers of Excellence with over 2,500+ graduates who have gone on to pursue outstanding careers in research, data science, technology, education, and industry across Africa and worldwide. The programme emphasizes problem-solving skills, computational thinking, and independent research, all taught by faculty from leading international universities including Cambridge, Oxford, and Paris Sud XI.
AIMS Scholarship 2026: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | AIMS Scholarship / Google DeepMind AI for Science |
| Host Institution | African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences |
| Duration | 10-12 months (3 semesters) |
| Funding Coverage | 100% Tuition + Accommodation + Meals + Travel + Stipend |
| Eligible Countries | All African countries |
| IELTS/TOEFL | NOT required |
| Number of Awards | 40 Google DeepMind Scholars + additional awards |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Application Deadline | March 6, 2026 (AI for Science) / March 31, 2026 (General) |
| Programme Start | August/September 2026 |
| Official Website | apply.aims.ac.za |
About the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a Pan-African network of Centers of Excellence dedicated to postgraduate training, research, and public engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Established in 2003 in Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa, AIMS was founded with the vision of enabling Africa’s brightest students to become innovators driving the continent’s scientific, educational, and economic self-sufficiency.
AIMS has been endorsed by NEPAD, the African Union, and TED as ‘an idea big enough to change the world.’ The institute received the TED Prize in 2008, which catalyzed the AIMS Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI) with the goal of establishing 15 centers of excellence across Africa. Today, AIMS operates through five established centers with over 2,500 graduates transforming Africa and the world.
AIMS Centers Across Africa
- AIMS South Africa (2003) – Muizenberg, Cape Town – The flagship center and headquarters
- AIMS Senegal (2011) – Mbour, near Dakar – French and English instruction available
- AIMS Ghana (2012) – Accra – Home to the African Master’s in Machine Intelligence (AMMI)
- AIMS Cameroon (2013) – Limbe – Bilingual center serving Central Africa
- AIMS Rwanda (2016) – Kigali – Newest center with strong government partnership
The AIMS model is unique in its Pan-African character, bringing together students from across the continent to study alongside world-class faculty from leading universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Paris Sud XI, Cape Town, and Stellenbosch. Each year, approximately 25 faculty members, including Nobel laureates and Fields medalists, volunteer to teach at AIMS centers.
Available AIMS Scholarship Programmes
1. Structured Master’s in Mathematical Sciences
The flagship AIMS programme runs over three semesters and includes a research project. The curriculum is designed to build a comprehensive set of problem-solving skills applicable across scientific disciplines.
Programme Phases:
- Skills Phase: Builds core competencies in estimation, computation, approximation, modeling, data analysis, and statistics
- Review Phase: Application of skills to cutting-edge areas including mathematical biology, finance, physics, and computer science
- Research Phase: Individual research project under expert supervision, culminating in a scientific report and oral presentation
2. Google DeepMind AI for Science Programme
Launched in September 2023 through a partnership with Google DeepMind, this specialized stream sits at the intersection of AI and the Sciences. The programme funds 40 scholars per year with full scholarships, equipment, and computational resources.
Google DeepMind Scholars receive mentoring opportunities and connections with DeepMind’s world-leading researchers and engineers. The programme seeks students who are passionate about using artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate scientific discovery.
3. African Master’s in Machine Intelligence (AMMI)
The AMMI programme, primarily offered at AIMS Ghana, focuses on preparing well-rounded Machine Intelligence researchers. Founded by Moustapha Cisse and supported by Google AI, AMMI graduates are equipped to develop AI applications responding to Africa’s present and future needs.
4. Co-operative Education Programme
An 18-month programme that combines academic training with industrial attachment. More than 80% of students following this programme find employment within 6 months of graduation, demonstrating the strong industry connections AIMS has cultivated.
AIMS Scholarship Benefits
The AIMS Scholarship offers one of Africa’s most comprehensive funding packages for postgraduate study.
- 100% Tuition Fee Coverage – No registration or course fees for selected African students
- Free Accommodation – On-campus residential housing at AIMS centers
- Meals Provided – Full board including all meals during the programme
- Travel Expenses Covered – Return airfare and local transportation
- Living Stipend – Monthly allowance for personal expenses
- Health Insurance – Medical coverage for the duration of studies
- 24/7 Computing Access – Round-the-clock access to computer labs and high-speed internet
- World-Class Faculty – Teaching by Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and international experts
- Residential Learning Environment – Students and teachers live together on campus
- Pan-African Network – Join a diverse community with at least 30% women representation
- Career Pathways – Access to outstanding graduate programmes and professional opportunities worldwide
Eligible Fields of Study
The AIMS Scholarship welcomes applicants from a wide range of STEM disciplines with strong mathematical components:
- Mathematics – Pure and applied mathematics, statistics, mathematical analysis
- Physics – Theoretical physics, astrophysics, mathematical physics
- Computer Science – Machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, informatics
- Engineering – All engineering disciplines with strong mathematical foundations
- Mathematical Biology – Epidemiology, bioinformatics, computational biology
- Mathematical Finance – Quantitative finance, actuarial science, financial engineering
- Climate Science – Mathematical modeling for climate and environmental research
- Other Sciences – Any science discipline with significant mathematical content
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AIMS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements.
Basic Requirements
- African Citizenship – Must be a citizen of any African country
- African Residency – Must be resident in Africa at time of application (exception for students displaced by war)
- 4-Year University Degree – Hold or expect to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree by programme start date
- Alternative: 3-Year Degree + Honours – A 3-year undergraduate degree with an additional honours year is accepted
- Strong Mathematical Background – Degree in mathematics, science, or engineering with significant mathematics component
- Academic Excellence – Demonstrated strong aptitude in mathematics through academic records
- Leadership Skills – Evidence of leadership and community service activities
- New to AIMS – Must not have held a previous scholarship to study at an AIMS centre
Women Strongly Encouraged: AIMS is committed to gender equity and actively encourages applications from women. The programme maintains a target of at least 30% women in each cohort.
No IELTS/TOEFL Required: Unlike many international scholarships, AIMS does NOT require English language proficiency tests. However, students with limited English are advised to take an English course before starting the programme. AIMS Senegal offers bilingual instruction in French and English.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents for your AIMS Scholarship application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Updated academic and professional resume
- Motivation Letter – Approximately 500 words explaining your interest and goals
- Academic Transcripts – Official records from all higher education institutions attended
- Work Samples – Representative examples of work in mathematical sciences (provided on application site)
- Coding Problem – Complete the coding assessment on the application portal
- Degree Certificate – Or proof of expected completion date
- Passport/ID Copy – Valid identification document
Important Note: The online application includes problem-solving questions that give the selection panel insight into how you approach challenges. This is not an exam but requires thoughtful responses. Start your application early as it cannot be completed at the last minute!
Application Timeline 2026
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications Open | December 1, 2025 |
| AI for Science Deadline | March 6, 2026 (11:59 PM SAST) |
| Structured Master’s Deadline | March 31, 2026 (August intake) |
| Application Review | March – April 2026 |
| Acceptance Notifications | Early April 2026 |
| Online Interviews (AI for Science) | May 2026 |
| Final Decisions Communicated | End of May 2026 |
| Programme Begins | August/September 2026 |
Apply Early: AIMS strongly encourages applicants to submit early to improve their chances of acceptance. The application process is highly competitive, and complete applications receive priority consideration.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to complete your AIMS Scholarship application. Access the Application Portal to begin.
- Choose Your Programme: Decide between the Structured Master’s, AI for Science, AMMI, or Co-operative Education programme based on your interests and career goals.
- Select Your Preferred Center: Choose from AIMS South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon, or Rwanda. Consider language preferences (French available at Senegal) and programme availability.
- Create Your Account: Register at apply.aims.ac.za with a valid email address you check regularly.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal, educational, and background information accurately.
- Write Your Motivation Letter: Compose approximately 500 words explaining your passion for mathematical sciences, research interests, and career aspirations.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Submit your CV, academic transcripts, degree certificate, and identification documents.
- Complete Problem-Solving Questions: Answer the application questions thoughtfully. These are not exams but demonstrate your approach to mathematical problems.
- Submit Coding Assessment: Complete the coding problem available on the application portal (for AI for Science applicants).
- Review and Submit: Double-check all information and documents before final submission.
- Await Results: Monitor your email for application status updates and interview invitations.
Ready to Apply? Start your AIMS Scholarship application now and join Africa’s next generation of scientific innovators!
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: The application requires thoughtful responses to problem-solving questions that cannot be completed last-minute
- Highlight Mathematical Aptitude: Emphasize your strongest mathematical achievements, coursework, and projects
- Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of leadership roles and community service activities
- Show Research Interest: Express genuine curiosity about mathematical research and its applications
- Be Specific in Your Motivation: Explain why AIMS specifically and which research areas interest you most
- Proofread Carefully: Review all written responses for clarity, grammar, and coherence
- Prepare for Coding Questions: Practice programming skills before attempting the coding assessment
- Follow Instructions Exactly: Ensure all documents are uploaded in correct formats and all fields are completed
Why Choose AIMS for Your Master’s Degree?
- World-Class Education: Study with Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and faculty from Cambridge, Oxford, and leading universities
- Fully Funded Opportunity: Zero financial barriers with complete coverage of all costs
- Pan-African Network: Connect with brilliant students from across the continent and build lifelong professional relationships
- No English Test Required: Accessible to students without IELTS/TOEFL scores
- Intensive Learning Environment: Residential programme enabling 24/7 interaction with faculty and peers
- Strong Career Outcomes: 2,500+ alumni in research, technology, finance, and leadership roles worldwide
- Google DeepMind Partnership: Access to cutting-edge AI research and mentoring from DeepMind engineers
- Gender-Inclusive: Commitment to at least 30% women in each cohort
- Research Foundation: Solid preparation for PhD programmes at top universities globally
- African Development Focus: Contribute to Africa’s scientific and economic transformation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IELTS or TOEFL required for the AIMS Scholarship?
No. AIMS does not require English language proficiency tests. However, students with limited English are advised to improve their language skills before starting the programme.
Can I apply if I only have a 3-year undergraduate degree?
Yes, if you have completed an additional honours year. Some centers (AIMS Ghana and Rwanda) also accept a 3-year degree with GCE A-level or Baccalaureate qualifications.
What is the difference between the AI for Science and Structured Master’s programmes?
The AI for Science programme, supported by Google DeepMind, focuses specifically on artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in scientific discovery. The Structured Master’s offers a broader curriculum across mathematical sciences.
Can I choose which AIMS center to attend?
Yes, you can indicate your preferred center during the application. Consider language preferences (French available at AIMS Senegal), programme availability, and geographical factors when choosing.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The Google DeepMind AI for Science programme funds 40 scholars annually. Additional scholarships are available through the general AIMS programmes at each center, though exact numbers vary.
Can students from outside Africa apply?
The scholarship is primarily for African citizens and residents. A limited number of fee-paying places may be available for students from other regions.
What happens after completing the AIMS Master’s programme?
AIMS graduates pursue diverse pathways including PhD programmes at top universities worldwide, research positions, data science careers, technology industry roles, and leadership positions across Africa and internationally.
Is the online application like an exam?
No. The problem-solving questions in the application are designed to give the selection panel insight into how you approach challenges. They are not exams but require thoughtful, well-considered responses.
Need Help with Your Application?
Preparing a competitive scholarship application requires careful planning and attention to detail. ScholyHub Consultants provides expert guidance to help African students craft winning applications, develop compelling motivation letters, and navigate the scholarship process successfully. Our team has helped hundreds of students secure fully funded opportunities across Africa and globally.
For more scholarship opportunities, visit ScholyHub – your trusted resource for international education funding.