If you are passionate about Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, and scientific research, the AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship could be the opportunity that transforms your academic and professional future.
This fully funded postgraduate scholarship allows African students to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences with a special focus on AI for Science at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in partnership with Google DeepMind.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the scholarship, including eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and important dates.
About the Scholarship Providers
African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
AIMS South Africa is located in Muizenberg, Western Cape. It is a leading centre of excellence for postgraduate training in mathematical sciences across Africa.
The institute was founded through partnerships with global universities 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.
AIMS focuses on developing Africa’s brightest minds in mathematics, computation, and data-driven research.
Google DeepMind
Google DeepMind is a UK-based artificial intelligence research laboratory founded in 2010 and later acquired by Google in 2014.
Through its partnership with AIMS, Google DeepMind supports scholars who are interested in applying AI and machine learning to scientific challenges.
About the AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship Programme
The scholarship supports students enrolling in the AI for Science stream within the Master’s in Mathematical Sciences programme at AIMS South Africa.
This is a fully residential one-year taught Master’s programme with a research component. The programme explores how Artificial Intelligence can be used to better understand the world and accelerate scientific progress.
Each year, 40 students from across Africa are selected as Google DeepMind Scholars.
The programme blends advanced AI training with real-world scientific research mentorship.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship is open to students with backgrounds in:
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Mathematics
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Computer Science
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Engineering
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Statistics
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Physics
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Any discipline with a strong computational and mathematical component
The programme places strong emphasis on applying AI and machine learning within scientific domains.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship is fully funded and covers:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation (full residential programme)
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Living expenses / stipend
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Medical insurance
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Costs for AI experiments and research
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Return flights to South Africa (for international scholars)
In addition to financial support, scholars also benefit from:
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Mentorship and support from Google DeepMind researchers and engineers
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Networking opportunities within AI research communities
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Exposure to cutting-edge AI for Science research
This makes the programme not just a scholarship, but a career-launching opportunity.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the AIMS Google DeepMind Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of any African country
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Reside in Africa at the time of application
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Have completed:
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A 4-year undergraduate degree, OR
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A 3-year undergraduate degree plus an Honours year by August 2025 (or December 2025 for Southern African applicants)
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Hold a degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Physics, or a related quantitative field
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Be enrolling for a Master’s degree programme
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Not have previously held an AIMS scholarship
Applicants are also expected to demonstrate a strong passion for Mathematics, AI, and Machine Learning
Application Process
Applications are submitted online via the official AIMS application portal
For the 2026–27 academic year, applications opened in December 2025 and must be submitted before the deadline
Required Documents
Applicants must upload:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Academic transcripts
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A motivation letter (approximately 500 words)
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Responses to written mathematics questions
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A coding problem (provided on the application portal)
The mathematics and coding questions are not exams, but they help the selection panel understand how you approach problem-solving
Selection Process
The selection process happens in two main stages:
1. Online Selection Round
Applicants complete the online form and submit all required documents before the deadline
2. Interviews
Shortlisted candidates are invited for short online interviews, typically held in May
Only 40 students are ultimately selected for the intake
Closing Date
For the 2025 intake, the deadline was 21 March 2025 at 11:59 PM SAST
For the 2026–27 academic year, applicants are advised to check the official AIMS portal for updated deadlines, as applications typically close in early March
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted
Why You Should Apply
If you are an African student passionate about AI and scientific research, this scholarship offers:
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World-class postgraduate education
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Direct mentorship from leading AI researchers
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Fully funded study in South Africa
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Access to an elite pan-African academic network
With Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforming industries across Africa and the world, graduates of this programme are positioned to become leaders in AI-driven scientific innovation.
Final Advice for Applicants
If you plan to apply:
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Start your application early — the process is detailed and requires preparation
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Spend time crafting a strong motivation letter
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Take the mathematics and coding sections seriously
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Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly before the deadline
This is a competitive opportunity, but for the right candidate, it can be life-changing.
For official enquiries, applicants may contact AIMS directly via email at ai-admissions@aims.ac.za
If you know someone studying Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics who dreams of working in AI, share this opportunity with them — it could open doors to an extraordinary future.
