Deadline for Applications: 15 March 2026
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the 2026/2027 academic year of its prestigious Cooperative Education Master’s Program. This fully funded opportunity offers exceptional candidates the chance to pursue a master’s degree through a unique blend of rigorous academic coursework and practical industry experience.
Designed specifically for graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science, or engineering disciplines with a substantial mathematical foundation, this program is tailored for individuals who excel in interactive learning settings and aspire to contribute to Africa’s development through innovative careers rooted in the mathematical sciences.
Program Overview
The AIMS Cooperative Education Master’s Program (AIMS CO-OP Master’s Program) represents a distinctive educational journey for talented students across Africa and beyond. It provides advanced training in mathematical sciences integrated with invaluable hands-on professional exposure. Spearheaded by AIMS, the program merges top-tier academic training with real-world industry engagements to prepare graduates for influential roles in sectors such as science, technology, finance, data science, and public policy.
This cooperative education model uniquely positions AIMS alumni at the crossroads of research innovation and industrial application, making them exceptionally competitive on the international employment stage.
What Exactly Is the AIMS Cooperative Education Master’s Program?
This program is an immersive postgraduate degree that seamlessly combines advanced mathematical sciences coursework with structured, practical work placements. Unlike conventional master’s degrees, it incorporates paid or credit-bearing internships with partner organizations, enabling students to directly apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.
The program is offered at various AIMS centres across Africa and firmly aligns with AIMS’s mission to foster scientific excellence, cultivate innovation, and develop leadership skills throughout the continent.
Structure and Learning Approach
The 2026/2027 AIMS CO-OP Master’s Program follows a blended, multi-faceted educational approach, comprising:
- Intensive Academic Instruction: Participants engage in advanced coursework covering critical fields such as:
- Mathematical sciences
- Data science and machine learning
- Computational techniques
- Mathematical modeling
- Statistics and applied mathematics
- The curriculum is delivered by distinguished faculty as well as guest lecturers from globally renowned institutions.
- Cooperative Industry Placement: A hallmark of this program is the cooperative education segment, where students undertake structured periods working with AIMS’s industry partners. These placements offer invaluable opportunities to:
- Gain practical professional experience
- Tackle real-world, industry-specific problems
- Develop both technical expertise and essential soft skills
- Expand professional networks across diverse sectors
- Partner organizations include research centres, tech companies, financial institutions, development agencies, and startups.
- Applied Research and Capstone Projects: Students complete research or capstone projects directly aligned with industry needs, ensuring that their academic work has tangible, practical impact.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The AIMS CO-OP Master’s Program is perfectly suited for:
- Graduates with strong foundations in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or related quantitative fields
- Individuals eager to apply mathematical sciences to solve real-world challenges
- Aspiring professionals targeting careers in data science, artificial intelligence, quantitative finance, research, or technology sectors
- Young innovators dedicated to problem-solving and advancing Africa’s socio-economic development
Ideal applicants will demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership promise, and a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
Admissions Criteria and Eligibility
While specific eligibility requirements may vary slightly among different AIMS centres, applicants are generally expected to:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline
- Exhibit strong quantitative reasoning and analytical abilities
- Show a dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership development
- Be fully available to engage in both the academic coursework and the industry placement components of the program
The selection process for the 2026/2027 intake is fiercely competitive, so prospective candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications thoroughly and submit them early.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
AIMS is devoted to making this transformative education accessible. Many students within the Cooperative Education Master’s Program may benefit from various forms of financial aid, including:
- Full scholarships or fellowships covering tuition and living expenses
- Partial or complete funding options based on merit and need
- Support during the cooperative education placements
While funding availability may differ, AIMS prioritizes inclusivity and the nurturing of exceptional talent from across the African continent.
Why Pursue Your Master’s Degree at AIMS?
Choosing AIMS means joining a world-class institution celebrated for:
- Excellence in mathematical sciences education
- Innovative, cooperative learning models that combine theory with practice
- Strong collaborations with industry leaders and premier research entities
- A vibrant and diverse academic community fostering collaboration and creativity
By enrolling in the AIMS Cooperative Education Master’s Program, you become part of a dynamic pan-African network of change-makers equipped to drive scientific and technological advances that transform societies.
This program is more than just an advanced degree—it serves as a powerful launchpad for dynamic careers at the cutting edge of mathematics, technology, and innovation. By uniting rigorous academic study with practical experience, it prepares graduates to thrive in a globally competitive environment while making significant contributions to Africa’s progress.