Closing Date: 15 November 2026
GeoAI Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Copenhagen for African Students
Applications are open for the GeoAI for Land Systems Science Scholarship 2027, offering fully funded master’s study at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The programme is a partnership involving the University of Copenhagen, the University of Rwanda and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa, with support from the Danida Knowledge and Innovation Programme.
The scholarship aims to develop expertise in geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) and its application to land-system challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and sustainable land management.
For the 2027 intake, seven full-degree scholarships are available for a 22-month master’s programme in Copenhagen.
About the GeoAI for Land Systems Science Programme
GeoAI combines artificial intelligence with geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, remote sensing and spatial data analysis. These technologies help researchers understand changes in land use, monitor environmental conditions and develop evidence-based solutions to complex land-management challenges.
The partnership seeks to strengthen research and academic collaboration between Denmark and African institutions while training specialists who can apply advanced digital technologies to sustainable development.
Selected students will pursue one of three master’s programmes at the University of Copenhagen:
- MSc in Geography and Geoinformatics
- MSc in Computer Science
- MSc in Climate Change
The full-degree programme is expected to begin in September 2027 and last 22 months.
Benefits of the GeoAI Scholarship 2027
The full-degree scholarship provides financial support for the duration of the programme, allowing selected students to concentrate on their studies and research.
The reported scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the master’s programme.
- Monthly living and housing allowance of approximately DKK 13,000–15,000.
- Return airfare, with up to two return tickets during the programme.
- Visa fees and health insurance.
- A one-time start-up allowance of approximately DKK 10,000–11,000.
- Support for required language tests, where applicable.
These benefits make the opportunity a fully funded study option for eligible candidates. Applicants should consult the official scholarship call for the definitive funding conditions and any applicable limits.
Who Can Apply?
An important point is that the full-degree scholarship is not an unrestricted scholarship for all African students. The 2027 call is connected to two partner institutions: the University of Rwanda and the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an eligible master’s programme at one of these universities and meet the relevant academic and admission requirements.
For applicants applying through UKZN, eligible candidates must be South African citizens or nationals of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) member country.
Applicants applying through the University of Rwanda must meet the eligibility conditions specified for that institution.
A relevant bachelor’s degree may be in fields such as:
- Geography and Geoinformatics
- Computer Science
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Environmental Management
- Climate Science
- Geophysics and Geology
- Photogrammetry or related disciplines involving GIS and remote sensing
Relevant professional experience may also be considered in certain circumstances. A strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in geospatial technologies and land-system research are important.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the supporting documents required by the scholarship call. These include:
- Academic transcripts or proof of completed bachelor’s studies.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A one-page outline of research interests and potential master’s thesis ideas.
- Additional academic records required by the relevant partner university.
Applicants applying through the University of Rwanda must also provide transcripts showing their grades in GIS or remote-sensing modules, where applicable.
Check the official application instructions carefully before submitting, as document requirements may differ depending on the university through which you apply.
How to Apply for the GeoAI Scholarship
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official GeoAI for Land Systems Science website.
- Read the 2027 full-degree scholarship call and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Identify the eligible master’s programme and the relevant partner-university application route.
- Complete the online scholarship application form.
- Upload the required supporting documents using the designated document-upload link.
- Follow the instructions for applying separately for admission to the selected master’s programme at the University of Copenhagen.
Shortlisted applicants are expected to participate in interviews in early December 2026.
Official scholarship information and application: https://geoai4landscience.org/
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2027 full-degree GeoAI scholarship is 15 November 2026. With the deadline approaching, eligible applicants should prepare their documents and submit their applications as soon as possible.
The programme also plans a separate five-month exchange scholarship track for students at the partner universities. That opportunity has a different application timeline, with the exchange call expected to have a deadline of 1 February 2027. It should not be confused with the current full-degree application.
The GeoAI scholarship offers an opportunity to gain advanced training in artificial intelligence, geospatial science and environmental research at a leading European university. However, prospective applicants should first confirm that they meet the partner-university enrolment and nationality requirements before beginning the application.
