Université Joseph KI-ZERBO & WASCAL | Burkina Faso
Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges facing West Africa today, affecting food security, water resources, health systems, land use, and economic development. Addressing these challenges requires not only strong policies, but also a new generation of highly skilled scientists and data experts capable of producing reliable climate information and translating it into actionable solutions.
In response to this need, the Université Joseph
KI-ZERBO (UJKZ) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in collaboration with the West
African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL),
has officially opened applications for the Master Research Programme in
Informatics for Climate Change (MRP-ICC) for the 2026/2027 academic
session.
This
prestigious programme is fully funded by the German Federal Ministry of
Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and is now accepting applications
for its fifth cohort of students.
About WASCAL
WASCAL
is a wholly West African international organization dedicated to
strengthening scientific capacity and supporting evidence-based policymaking in
the region. Its core mission is to provide climate and environmental
information services at local, national, and regional levels to help West
African countries adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and manage
land use sustainably.
WASCAL
operates across 12 member countries:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger,
Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, and Togo.
Through
partnerships with universities, research institutions, and government agencies,
WASCAL delivers graduate-level training, conducts transdisciplinary research,
and supports decision-makers with science-based advice. The MRP-ICC programme
is one of its flagship capacity-building initiatives.
Programme Overview: MRP-ICC
The
Master Research Programme in Informatics for Climate Change (MRP-ICC) is
implemented at the Université Joseph KI-ZERBO and is designed to train a
critical mass of experts in scientific computing, climate data management,
and high-performance computing (HPC).
The
programme focuses on the application of informatics to climate science,
preparing students to work with large climate datasets, regional
climate models, and advanced computational systems used by
operational and research institutions across West Africa.
Key Competencies Acquired
Graduates
of the MRP-ICC programme are expected to gain solid expertise in:
- Climate
and environmental data storage and management
- Climate
data analysis techniques and climate information services
- Installation,
operation, and maintenance of high-performance computing (HPC) systems
- Use of
licensed climate data analysis software
- Application
of open-source climate data analysis tools
These
skills are highly relevant to modern climate research and offer graduates a
competitive advantage in both academic and professional settings.
Career and Academic Opportunities
Upon
completion of the programme, graduates can pursue:
- Doctoral
(PhD) studies
in climate science, informatics, or related fields
- Careers
in meteorological and hydrological agencies
- Positions
in research centres and universities
- Roles
within government ministries and public administration
- Employment
in the private sector, NGOs, and international organizations
The
interdisciplinary nature of the programme ensures that graduates are well
prepared to work at the interface of science, technology, and policy.
Programme Duration and Structure
The
MRP-ICC is a 24-month full-time programme, structured as follows:
1. Preparatory Phase (4 months)
Students
undertake intensive language proficiency training:
- English
courses
for francophone and lusophone students at the University of Cape Coast,
Ghana
- French
courses
for anglophone students at the University of Lomé, Togo
2. Academic Coursework (14 months)
Three
semesters of lectures and practical training at Université Joseph KI-ZERBO,
covering informatics, climate science, and data analysis.
3. Research Proposal Development
Conducted
concurrently with coursework to prepare students for independent research.
4. Internship and Research Work (4
months)
Students
carry out fieldwork, internships, or applied research aligned with WASCAL’s
research agenda, often in collaboration with meteorological agencies,
government institutions, or research centres.
5. Thesis Writing and Defense (2
months)
Final
thesis preparation and oral defense.
Scholarship and Financial Support
WASCAL
offers full scholarships to selected candidates. The scholarship is
renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Scholarship Benefits Include:
- Monthly
stipend covering accommodation and living expenses
- Full
payment of university tuition and fees
- Dedicated
research budget
- A
personal laptop computer (on loan for the duration of the programme)
In
addition, a limited number of self-funded places are available for
high-performing candidates who can cover tuition fees of €2,290 per year,
payable to the Université Joseph KI-ZERBO before the start of each academic
year.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants
must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a minimum
of a BSc degree (Second Class Upper Division or equivalent)
- Academic
background in one of the following fields:
- Computer
Science
- Computer,
Electrical, or Electronic Engineering
- Physics,
Chemistry, Mathematics, or Statistics
- Meteorology
and Climate Science
- Geography,
Environmental Economics, Agriculture
- Biological,
Health, Geosciences, or related disciplines
- Be a citizen
of a WASCAL member country
- Demonstrate
proficiency in the English language
Application Process and Required
Documents
Applications
are submitted exclusively online and handled jointly by WASCAL and
Université Joseph KI-ZERBO.
Required Documents (Uploaded as
Separate Files):
- Copy of
BSc degree certificate
- Official
academic transcripts
- Detailed
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- WASSCE/SSCE
certificate (Anglophone countries) or Baccalaureate certificate
(Francophone countries)
- Motivation
letter
- Employer
support letter (if employed)
- Certificate
of nationality or state of origin
- English
proficiency test or self-assessment statement
- One
recommendation letter with full contact details of the referee
All
documents must be uploaded individually. Incomplete or improperly compiled
applications will be rejected.
Application Link:
👉 https://forms.gle/hDHJWNsTDVHhzLoS6
Applications
sent by email will not be considered.
Conclusion
The
MRP-ICC 2026/2027 represents a unique opportunity for talented West
African graduates to receive world-class training in climate informatics,
fully funded by international partners. By combining advanced computing,
climate science, and real-world applications, the programme is shaping future
leaders who will play a crucial role in building climate resilience across West
Africa.
For
eligible candidates passionate about climate change, data science, and
sustainable development, this programme offers both academic excellence and
meaningful regional impact.