AI for Science Master’s Programme at AIMS South Africa (Fully Funded)

Overview

The AI for Science Master’s Programme at African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa is a cutting-edge, fully funded postgraduate programme designed to train the next generation of African scientists at the intersection of artificial intelligence, mathematics, and scientific discovery.

Delivered as a one-year, fully residential Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences, the AI for Science stream combines advanced coursework with a strong research component. The programme launched its first cohort in September 2023 and is open to high-achieving students from across Africa who are passionate about mathematics, machine learning, and applying AI to real-world scientific challenges.

This programme is made possible through a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind, positioning AIMS South Africa as a continental hub for AI-driven scientific research.

Why Study AI for Science at AIMS South Africa?

1. Fully Funded Google DeepMind Scholarships

A major Google DeepMind donation funds 40 scholars per year over four academic years beginning in September 2023.

Scholarship coverage includes:

• Full tuition

• Accommodation and living support

• Equipment and computational resources

• Research and academic support

Students admitted under this scheme are designated Google DeepMind Scholars and gain unique opportunities to engage with Google DeepMind researchers and engineers through mentoring, seminars, and academic exchange.

Beyond funding, the programme draws directly on Google DeepMind’s world-leading expertise in AI for Science, ensuring global relevance and academic excellence.

2. World-Class Scientific Partnerships in South Africa

It is an exciting time for science in Africa. On our doorstep, the Square Kilometre Array will be the largest radio telescope ever built and will produce science that changes our understanding of the universe. The first detection of the Beta and Omicron Covid-19 variants happened close to our institute in Muizenberg.

With such stellar scientific neighbours, the program benefits from the expertise of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and its South African partner, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), and the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA).

The initial focus areas of the program is AI and machine learning in cosmology, epidemiology and ecology.

The courses of the 2023/4, 2024/5 and 2025/6 academic years are broad, from fundamental and foundational courses to courses that intersect AI and the applied sciences, and 2026/7 will be no different!

Academic Focus Areas

The AI for Science Master’s Programme focuses on applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to key scientific domains, including:

• Cosmology and Astrophysics

• Epidemiology and Public Health

• Ecology and Environmental Science

Courses offered across the 2023/24, 2024/25, and 2025/26 academic years span:

• Foundational mathematics and statistics

• Core machine learning and AI methods

• Interdisciplinary courses integrating AI with applied sciences

The 2026/27 academic year will continue this broad, interdisciplinary approach, ensuring students are equipped with both theoretical depth and applied research skills.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is ideal for ambitious African students who:

• Have a strong background in mathematics or related disciplines

• Are passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Aspire to use AI to accelerate scientific discovery

• Are motivated to contribute to Africa’s scientific and technological future

AIMS seeks students who are curious, research-driven, and inspired by the natural world—from the smallest biological systems to the vastness of the universe.

Applications: September 2026 Intake

AIMS South Africa invites applications from across Africa to join the September 2026 cohort and become one of 40 Google DeepMind Scholars for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Key Dates

• Applications open: Monday, 8 December 2025

• First-round application deadline:
  6 March 2026 at 11:59 PM (SAST)

How to Apply

Eligible candidates must apply through the official AIMS South Africa application portal under the AI for Science stream of the Master’s in Mathematical Sciences.

Early preparation is strongly encouraged due to the programme’s competitiveness.

APPLY NOW

About AIMS South Africa

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences South Africa is part of the pan-African AIMS network dedicated to developing mathematical and scientific excellence across the continent.

Address:
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
6 Melrose Road
Muizenberg 7945
Cape Town
South Africa

Final Note

The AI for Science Master’s Programme at AIMS South Africa represents a rare opportunity for African students to receive world-class AI training, full funding, and direct exposure to global scientific research—all while contributing to discoveries that shape the future of science.

Ready to take the next step? Apply and help define the future of AI-powered science in Africa.