WASCAL announced 2026/27 admissions for two Master Research Programmes: Informatics for Climate Change in Burkina Faso and Climate Change and Marine Sciences in Cabo Verde. The 2026 selection process has already progressed to interviews, so this article should be used as a programme and future-cycle guide rather than as an “apply now” notice.
The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) runs graduate programmes designed to strengthen climate-related research and professional capacity across West Africa. Its Graduate Studies Programme includes doctoral and master’s programmes hosted by universities in WASCAL member countries and supported through regional and German partnerships.
For the 2026/27 academic year, WASCAL published calls for its Master Research Programme in Informatics for Climate Change (MRP-ICC) and Master Research Programme on Climate Change and Marine Sciences (MRP-CCMS). Nigerian applicants are among those eligible under WASCAL’s member-country framework.
Current WASCAL Scholarship Status for 2026/27
WASCAL published the 2026/27 calls in January 2026. By April 2026, WASCAL reported that interviews for prospective master’s students had been conducted in Nigeria and across its member countries. Applicants looking for a new application opportunity should therefore check WASCAL’s current calls rather than relying on the old 2025 application information previously published on this page.
1. Master Research Programme in Informatics for Climate Change
The MRP-ICC is hosted at Université Joseph KI-ZERBO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It is a 24-month full-time programme combining preparatory training, coursework, research preparation, internship or field research, and a final thesis.
For the 2026/27 call, applicants were required to be citizens of a WASCAL member country and hold at least a second-class upper bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an eligible field. Relevant backgrounds include areas such as computer science, physics, meteorology and climate science, geography, geoscience, economics, agriculture, mathematics, statistics and engineering.
The programme is taught in English. WASCAL’s programme page lists English-language requirements, including appropriate secondary-school English qualifications and an English proficiency test requirement.
Official programme information: WASCAL Master Research Programme on Informatics for Climate Change.
2. Master Research Programme on Climate Change and Marine Sciences
The MRP-CCMS is hosted by Atlantic Technical University in Cabo Verde. Its curriculum combines climate change, marine sciences, coastal and marine management, research and practical training.
For the 2026/27 sixth batch, applicants from WASCAL member countries could compete for scholarships. The official call states that scholarships are awarded to the top 12 students, one per WASCAL member country. Other eligible candidates may be admitted on a self-funded basis where places are available.
The scholarship package for selected MRP-CCMS students includes a monthly stipend for accommodation and living expenses, university fees, a research budget and a laptop computer on loan for the programme. The 2026/27 application deadline was 22 March 2026, so that specific call is no longer an active application opportunity.
Official programme information: WASCAL Master’s Research Programme on Climate Change and Marine Sciences.
Who Can Apply for WASCAL Programmes?
Eligibility is programme-specific. WASCAL currently lists member countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia and Togo. Applicants should use the call for their chosen programme to confirm citizenship, degree, subject and language requirements.
Do not assume that every WASCAL programme has identical eligibility rules or scholarship benefits. Some programme pages also describe opportunities for self-funded students or applicants from other ECOWAS countries, depending on availability.
Does WASCAL Require IELTS?
There is no single “no IELTS” rule covering every WASCAL programme. For example, the Informatics for Climate Change programme lists English-language requirements and refers to proficiency testing such as TOEFL. Applicants should therefore check the exact language requirement for their chosen programme rather than relying on claims that WASCAL universally requires no English test.
What Does a WASCAL Scholarship Cover?
Funding depends on the programme and call. For the 2026/27 Climate Change and Marine Sciences programme, WASCAL’s official call lists a monthly stipend, university fees, research budget and a laptop on loan. Applicants should not assume that airfare, insurance, accommodation or other benefits are automatically included unless the specific call states this.
If you are comparing funding packages, see AfricanBase’s guide to the difference between fully funded and partial scholarships.
How to Prepare for the Next WASCAL Application
- Visit the official WASCAL Graduate Studies Programme and identify the programme that matches your academic background.
- Open the current call for applications rather than relying on an old deadline.
- Check the programme-specific citizenship, degree classification, subject and language requirements.
- Prepare your academic certificates and transcripts, identification documents and any other materials required by the current call.
- Prepare carefully for the selection process, including an interview if the programme uses one.
- Submit only through the application method stated in the official call.
For application-writing preparation, you can also use our guides on scholarship essays and recommendation letters, while following WASCAL’s own instructions for each application component.
WASCAL Graduate Programmes
WASCAL’s Graduate Studies Programme extends beyond the two master’s programmes highlighted above. Its current programme directory includes doctoral programmes in areas such as West African climate systems, water resources, economics, land use, agriculture, biodiversity, disaster risk management, human habitat, education and energy, as well as master’s programmes and International Master’s Programmes in Energy and Green Hydrogen.
Because calls, host universities and scholarship arrangements can vary, use the official WASCAL Graduate Studies Programme directory as the starting point for current opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply for WASCAL scholarships?
Yes. Nigeria is one of WASCAL’s member countries, and Nigerian candidates can apply for programmes for which they meet the specific academic and other eligibility requirements.
Are the 2026/27 WASCAL master’s applications still open?
The 2026 selection process has already progressed beyond initial applications. WASCAL reported interviews for prospective master’s students in April 2026, and the Climate Change and Marine Sciences call had a 22 March 2026 deadline. Check WASCAL for a newer call before attempting to apply.
Is WASCAL only for master’s students?
No. WASCAL’s Graduate Studies Programme includes both master’s and doctoral programmes.
Final Note
WASCAL remains an important climate-science training network for West African students, but applicants should treat each admission call separately. Funding, deadlines, eligible disciplines and language requirements can differ by programme and academic year. Always verify the current call on WASCAL’s official website before applying.
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