The MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded Master’s scholarship offered by Stellenbosch University in South Africa. The scholarship supports outstanding students from African countries who enrol in the one-year full-time MSc in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (MLAI) programme. The programme combines rigorous coursework with a research project and equips students with advanced knowledge in machine learning, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and computational methods. Applications for the 2027 intake are currently open.
About the MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Scholarship
The MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence is a structured one-year master’s programme offered by the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University. The programme targets students with a strong background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering and prepares them for research and professional careers in artificial intelligence.
Students complete core modules in:
- Foundations of Deep Learning
- Mathematics for Machine Learning
- Probabilistic Modelling and Reasoning
- Machine Learning Research Project
Students also choose elective modules such as:
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Reinforcement Learning
- Optimisation for Machine Learning
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence and the Brain
- Monte Carlo Methods
- Sequence Modelling
The programme concludes with a supervised research project worth 60 credits.
Why Choose The MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Scholarship?
The scholarship enables talented African students to study one of Africa’s leading AI programmes without worrying about major study expenses.
You benefit from:
- Full scholarship support for selected students
- Study at one of Africa’s leading research universities
- Advanced training in machine learning and artificial intelligence
- Research supervision by internationally recognised faculty
- Modern computing and research facilities
- Industry-relevant curriculum
- Strong preparation for PhD study and AI careers
Graduates pursue careers in:
- Machine Learning Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Research and Development
- Academia
MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: South Africa
- Host University: Stellenbosch University
- Scholarship Name: MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Scholarship
- Study Level: Master’s
- Programme: MSc in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Study Mode: Full-Time
- Programme Duration: 1 year (January–December)
- Faculty: School for Data Science and Computational Thinking
- Eligible Applicants: African students
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
- Selection Basis: Academic merit and suitability for the programme
Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support for their studies.
The scholarship generally covers:
- Tuition fees
- Study-related expenses
The programme website states that a select number of students from Africa receive full funding to pursue the MSc programme. The exact scholarship package may vary depending on the funding source and the scholarship awarded.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must complete, or expect to complete before enrolment, one of the following qualifications:
- An Honours degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Mathematical Statistics
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
- An NQF Level 8 qualification or an equivalent qualification in a closely related field
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Strong Python programming skills (or equivalent)
- Knowledge of numerical linear algebra
- Knowledge of vector calculus
- Knowledge of probability theory and statistics
The programme strongly recommends prior exposure to an introductory machine learning course, although it does not require one.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Online application
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page letter of motivation
- One-page statement of research interests
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Additional documents requested during the university admission process
Applicants do not need to identify a research supervisor before applying. The programme assigns supervisors after enrolment.
Application Process & Timeline
- Create an account on the SUNStudent application portal.
- Select:
- Faculty of Science – Stellenbosch
- Postgraduate
- MSc (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence)
- Complete the online application.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for the admission decision.
- Accepted students select research supervisors after joining the programme.
Applicants may also apply separately for available scholarship opportunities where applicable.
