Application Deadline: 22 March 2026
The Atlantic Technical University (UTA), partnering with the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), is now accepting applications for the 2026/27 academic year of its Master’s Research Programme on Climate Change and Marine Sciences (MRP-CCMS). This marks the launch of the sixth cohort, with full scholarships available for the top 12 candidates.
About the WASCAL Master Programme on Climate Change and Marine Sciences
WASCAL is a renowned West African intergovernmental institution focused on promoting advanced academic research and fostering multidisciplinary expertise at the graduate level. It specializes in climate change adaptation and land use management, offering scientific guidance to support policymaking in the region. The program is financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research Technology and Space (BMFTR) alongside 12 member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, and Togo. WASCAL closely collaborates with regional organizations and universities to establish a premier knowledge hub dedicated to climate science and sustainable environmental management.
Program Structure and Key Components
- Language Proficiency Training (4 months):
- Francophone and Lusophone applicants undertake English courses at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
- Anglophone students receive French language training at the University of Lomé, Togo.
- Coursework (3 semesters): A multidisciplinary curriculum covering climate change, marine sciences, and coastal zone management, delivered by both national and international experts.
- Practical Training: Opportunities for shipboard training on regional or international research vessels are provided, contingent on availability and sponsorship. Additionally, students will engage in field training and research projects facilitated by the Ocean Science Centre Mindelo (OSCM).
- International Exposure: Participants may partake in a three-week scientific visit to German partner institutions, enhancing their global research perspectives (subject to applicable arrangements).
This comprehensive program prepares graduates for diverse career paths including academia, environmental consultancy, industrial roles, and positions within government agencies.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of one of the 12 WASCAL member countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, or Togo.
- Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Biological Sciences, Oceanography, Fisheries or Livestock Engineering, Geography, or Atmospheric Sciences is required.
- Language Skills: Candidates should possess at least an intermediate proficiency in English.
- Applicants from other ECOWAS nations may apply as self-financed students, contingent on seat availability.
Scholarships and Tuition Fees
- Scholarships: Full scholarships will be granted to the top 12 students, with one award allocated per WASCAL member country. These scholarships are renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic progress throughout the program.
The scholarship package includes:
- A monthly stipend to assist with accommodation and living expenses during the study period.
- Coverage of university tuition fees.
- A dedicated research budget.
- A laptop computer provided on loan for the duration of the program.
- Self-Funded Students: Up to 12 self-sponsored applicants may be admitted. Estimated costs are as follows:
- First Year: €7,500 covering travel, insurance, language training, shipboard training, and other expenses.
- Second Year: €3,960 covering travel, insurance, and ancillary costs.
- Tuition fees: €1,500 per academic year (living expenses not included).
How to Apply
All application documents must be submitted in English, except for university diplomas and transcripts, which may be provided in their original languages. Each document must be signed and individually uploaded through the online application portal. Please name files following this convention: “Lastname_Firstname_DocumentType”.
If a national ID is presented during application, submitting a passport initially is not mandatory. However, successful candidates must have a valid passport with at least three years’ validity upon acceptance into the program.
Required Application Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Identification Document (National ID or Passport)
- Letter of Motivation (maximum two pages)
- University Degree Certificate
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Professional Experience Document (if applicable)
- Two Recommendation Letters from professors or researchers
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the online form, ensuring all documents are in English (except degrees and transcripts). Applicants should also print, scan, and email their completed application form to wascal@utawasc.org.
