2026 Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship for African Students | Fully Funded AI Master’s Program
2026 Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship at African Institute for Mathematical Sciences. Fully funded AI for Science Master’s program for African students.
Overview of the 2026 Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship Program
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa is accepting applications for its AI for Science Master’s program, inviting students across Africa to join the September 2026 cohort as one of 40 Google DeepMind Scholars for the 2026-27 academic year.
This prestigious opportunity represents a transformative partnership between AIMS and Google DeepMind, designed to equip the next generation of African scientists with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence and mathematical sciences.
The program launched in September 2023 and has since become a beacon for talented African students passionate about using AI to accelerate scientific discovery.
The scholarship is part of a four-year commitment where Google DeepMind funds 40 scholars annually, covering full scholarships, equipment, and computation costs.
About the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
AIMS South Africa is strategically located in Muizenberg, Western Cape, and was established through a partnership involving world-renowned institutions including the University of Cambridge, University of Cape Town, University of Oxford, Université de Paris Sud XI, Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Western Cape.
The institute benefits from proximity to groundbreaking scientific facilities and research centers, including the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), and the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA).
Program Structure and Curriculum
The AI for Science program is a specialized stream within AIMS South Africa’s Master’s degree in Mathematical Science. This intensive, fully residential one-year program combines taught courses with a substantial research component.
Academic Components
The curriculum is structured into three key phases:
Skills Courses: These foundational courses provide essential introductory material and are compulsory for all students, ensuring everyone has a solid mathematical and computational foundation.
Review Courses: Students select 2 out of 3 available review courses in each time slot, totaling 12 courses. These cover a balanced range of topics including mathematics, physics, computer science, mathematical biology, and interdisciplinary applications.
Research Project: A three-month research project allows students to work with supervisors from South African universities on cutting-edge topics at the intersection of AI and science.
Focus Areas
The program emphasizes AI and machine learning applications in cosmology, epidemiology, and ecology. The curriculum explores how artificial intelligence can advance understanding across scientific disciplines and tackle fundamental challenges in modern science.
Scholarship Benefits
The Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship is fully funded and comprehensive, covering:
- Full tuition fees for the Master’s program
- Accommodation at the residential AIMS campus
- Living expenses throughout the academic year
- Medical insurance coverage
- Flight costs to and from South Africa
- Equipment and computational resources for AI experiments and research
- Mentorship opportunities with Google DeepMind researchers and engineers
Scholars become part of an exclusive community with direct access to Google DeepMind’s world-leading expertise in AI for Science, providing networking opportunities and professional development that extend far beyond the classroom.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Essential Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of any African country
- Residency: Must be residing in Africa at the time of application
- Academic Qualification: Must have completed:
- A four-year undergraduate degree, OR
- A three-year undergraduate degree plus an honours year
- By August 2026 (or December 2026 for Southern African applicants)
- Field of Study: Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or any discipline with strong computational and mathematical components
- Previous Scholarship: Must not have previously held a scholarship to study at any AIMS centre
Ideal Candidate Profile
AIMS seeks students who demonstrate genuine passion for mathematics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The ideal candidates are those who view the world with curiosity and wonder, eager to leverage their talents for scientific advancement.
Application Process and Requirements
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: December 8, 2025
- Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 (11:59 PM SAST)
- Interviews: May 2026
- Program Starts: September 2026
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following through the online portal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – comprehensive academic and professional background
- Motivation Letter – approximately 500 words explaining your interest and goals
- Academic Transcripts – official records from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Reference Letters – typically from academic supervisors or professors
- Mathematics Questions – completed on the application portal
- Coding Problem – to be solved on the application portal
Application Components
The online application includes approximately a dozen mathematics questions and one coding problem. These are not exams but rather opportunities for the selection panel to understand your problem-solving approach and analytical thinking.
Important Note: The application cannot be completed at the last minute. Prospective scholars are strongly encouraged to start early to ensure all components are thoughtfully prepared.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of multiple phases:
- Online Review: Initial assessment of applications and supporting documents
- Shortlisting: Identification of promising candidates based on academic merit and potential
- Interviews: Short online interviews conducted in May 2026 with shortlisted applicants
- Final Selection: 40 outstanding students selected for full Google DeepMind scholarships
Why Choose the AIMS AI for Science Program?
World-Class Education
The program offers exposure to world-leading scientists and educators who volunteer to teach at AIMS. Faculty from nearby universities including the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Western Cape, combined with international lecturers, ensure education of the highest international quality.
Unique Residential Experience
The fully residential nature of AIMS provides unparalleled contact time between lecturers and students. With continuous access to computing resources, internet, and electricity, plus close interaction with full-time tutors and visiting professors from around the world, students immerse themselves completely in their studies.
Career-Defining Opportunities
Graduates of the AI for Science program position themselves at the forefront of one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields. The combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and connections with Google DeepMind creates pathways to impactful careers in research, industry, and academia.
Pan-African Network
As part of a cohort of 40 scholars from across Africa, students build lasting connections with talented peers from diverse backgrounds and countries, creating a powerful professional network for future collaboration.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Register Visit https://ai.aims.ac.za/apply and create an account on the AIMS South Africa application portal.
Step 2: Prepare Documents Gather all required documents including transcripts, CV, and reference letters. Begin drafting your motivation letter.
Step 3: Complete Online Questions Work through the mathematics questions and coding problem on the application site. Take your time and demonstrate your problem-solving approach clearly.
Step 4: Submit Application Upload all required documents and ensure all sections are complete before the March 6, 2026 deadline at 11:59 PM SAST.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews If shortlisted, prepare for online interviews in May 2026 where you’ll discuss your background, interests, and goals with the selection panel.
Application Tips
- Start Early: Give yourself adequate time to complete all components thoughtfully
- Show Genuine Interest: Your motivation letter should authentically convey your passion for AI and science
- Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Focus on clearly explaining your approach to the mathematics and coding questions
- Seek Strong References: Choose referees who can speak specifically to your mathematical and computational abilities
- Proofread Everything: Ensure all submitted materials are professional and error-free
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the 2026 Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship?
All African citizens residing in Africa who have completed (or will complete by August 2026) a four-year undergraduate degree or a three-year degree plus honours year in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or related computational fields are eligible. Applicants must not have previously held a scholarship at any AIMS centre.
2. What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, accommodation at the AIMS campus, living expenses, medical insurance, flights to and from South Africa, equipment, and computational resources needed for AI research. It’s a comprehensive package that eliminates financial barriers to participation.
3. Can I apply if I’m completing my undergraduate degree in December 2026?
Yes, if you are from a Southern African country, you can apply even if you complete your degree in December 2026. However, applicants from other African regions must complete their degrees by August 2026. This accommodation recognizes different academic calendar systems across the continent.
4. Is the program only for students with AI experience?
No. While passion for mathematics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning is essential, the program accepts students from various backgrounds including physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering. The curriculum is designed to build AI expertise from a strong computational and mathematical foundation.
5. How competitive is the selection process?
The program is highly competitive, selecting only 40 scholars from applicants across the entire African continent. The selection committee looks for academic excellence, genuine passion for AI and science, strong problem-solving abilities, and potential to contribute to scientific advancement.
6. What happens after I submit my application?
After submission, the selection committee reviews all applications during an online selection phase. Shortlisted candidates are invited for online interviews in May 2026. Final selection results are communicated to successful applicants who will join the program starting in September 2026.
7. Can I work while studying in the program?
The AI for Science program is intensive and fully residential, requiring complete focus throughout the academic year. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support specifically so students can dedicate themselves entirely to their studies without needing additional employment.
8. What career opportunities are available after completing the program?
Graduates of the AI for Science program are positioned for diverse career paths including PhD studies at top universities, research positions at leading institutions, roles in tech companies developing AI solutions, positions in scientific research organizations, and opportunities to contribute to addressing Africa’s challenges using AI.
Conclusion
The 2026 Google DeepMind AIMS Scholarship represents an extraordinary opportunity for talented African students to position themselves at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence and scientific discovery.
With comprehensive funding, world-class education, mentorship from Google DeepMind experts, and a supportive residential learning environment, this program is truly transformative.
