African institute for mathematical sciences scholarships

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarships: Application Guide

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The African Institute for Mathematics Scholarship is full funding available to beneficiaries at six centers of excellence spread across Africa – South Africa, Sénégal, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The six training centers empower post-graduate students in various fields like Mathematical Sciences, Research, and Public Engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

The scholarship targets young Africans who are exceptional in Mathematical Science and related fields. Apart from full tuition, the AIMS scholarship beneficiaries are also entitled to feeding and accommodation.

In addition to the AIMS Scholarship award for a Master’s degree, there are other financial awards provided by the African Institute for Mathematics. They are AIMS Bachelor’s Scholarships and AIMS Ph.D. scholarships, as well as AIMS Fellowship Program for Women in Climate Change Science.


Who Sponsors the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarships?

AIMS has the support of over 70 indigenous and international universities among whom are the University of Ghana; the University of Waterloo, the University of Guelph, and the University of Liverpool. AIMS also enjoys partnerships with various institutions that share similar visions. Some of them are Google; Facebook, Mastercard Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson. Industrial partners including Bank of Africa, United Bank for Africa, and Ecobank, are not left out. Canada is also a significant supporter of the institute and other African countries.

AIMS Affiliations and Partnerships

Although the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Scholarships is meant for African students, there are other institutions that offer this scholarship in collaboration with AIMS.

The University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers an AIMS award to two postgraduate students valued at $20,000 for a period of two years.

Beneficiaries of the scholarships are permanent residents or citizens of Canada and international students with study permits.

The Carnegie Corporation of New York

The AIMS-Carnegie Ph.D. Scholarships in Data Science and its Application is for a course duration of three years and awards its beneficiaries financial support of about $19 390 each year, and extra funding for conferences and international scientific outings.

Applicants can be from anywhere.

Overview of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences was first established in 2003, with the objective of shaping the future of Africa by providing full scholarships to talented Africans to earn Master’s degrees in Mathematical Sciences. Over the years, AIMS has launched various projects like the Next Einstein Forum (in 2013), African Master’s in Machine Intelligence (AMMI), and Quantum Leap Africa (QLA) both launched in 2018. 

About AIMS The Next Einstein Forum

AIMS believes that the next Einstein will be African. As a result, the institute has invested heavily in projects that will prepare young Africans for this role. One of such projects is the African Master’s in Machine Intelligence (AMMI)

The African Master’s in Machine Intelligence (AMMI)

AIMS provides a fully funded year of an intensive program for graduates who wish to train in Machine Learning. The program aims to prepare young Africans for the best education in Artificial or Machine Intelligence. Students of this one-year program will be able to develop applications that will respond to global needs, achieving important breakthroughs for the world.

About Quantum Leap Africa

Quantum Leap is an AIMS initiative that trains future generations of Information Technology (IT) specialists. Graduates in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering courses have been students of the Quantum Leap program.

Scholarship Benefits

How much is the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarships?

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarship is fully funded and covers the beneficiary’s tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel expenses.

How Many Students Receive the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarships?

There is no specific number of beneficiaries for the AIMS Scholarships, but the program accommodates about 60 graduate students and 20 researchers from Africa.


Applicable Courses

What Fields of Study is the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Scholarship Meant for?

AIMS beneficiaries are Mathematical Sciences graduates as well as graduates in related fields (STEM).

What degree does a student of the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Study for?

A student of the AIMS studies for a Master’s degree, a Ph.D., or a Post Doctorate (Fellowship).

Eligibility Criteria

Requirements for the African Initiative for Mathematical Science Scholarship

To be eligible for the AIMS scholarship, applicants must have the following requirements:

  • Must demonstrate a good academic record in Mathematics, leadership, and community service.
  • Must complete a four-year degree in Mathematics or any science or engineering program that has a component of mathematics.

For AIMS Ph.D.

  • Master’s Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or other relevant fields.
  • Proof of theoretical qualifications and academic performance 
  • Strong communication skills
  • Good coding skills
  • Academic Excellence
  • Preferably an African

For AIMS Post Doctorate (Fellowship)

  •  A Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences
  • Applicants must have graduated no later than six years before applying for a fellowship
  • Proof of success in conducting academic research
  • Strong communication skills
  • Preferably African

Fees & Funding

Who can apply for the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Scholarships?

The AIMS Scholarship is open to African students who will study in any of the network centers of the institute.

Do I need an English language test to qualify for an AIMS Scholarship?

You do not need English language tests to qualify for the AIMS scholarship. But you need strong English communication skills, so you may have to take some English and French courses when you gain admission into an AIMS center.

What do I need for an AIMS application?

Apart from having the required documents, you must complete an online application where you will answer questions about yourself and provide contact details for two referees. AIMS will contact your referees to request certain information.

Are there tuition fees at AIMS?

The AIMS scholarship is fully-funded. Therefore, there are no tuition fees required. In addition, beneficiaries will receive a travel allowance, accommodation, and a small amount for other expenses.

Can undergraduates apply for the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Scholarship?

The AIMS scholarship is for postgraduates pursuing training in Mathematical Sciences or other related courses for Master’s, Ph.D., or Post-doctorate degrees.

Application Procedure

How to Apply for the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Scholarships

To apply for the AIMS Structured Master’s Program, simply visit the AIMS application page on the official website of AIMS. If you applied for the AIMS scholarship in the previous year and were unsuccessful, you can apply again. This time, the system will display the information you previously submitted, and all you will do is update your data and submit it.

The deadline for the submission of an application for the AIMS Master’s program is 31st March of every year.

For more information, you can send an email [email protected] or visit 

AIMS-NEI Global Secretariat

District Gasabo, Secteur Kacyiru

Cellule Kamatamu

Rue KG590 ST, Kigali, Rwanda