Applications for the GAIN 2026/27 cohort are now open. The GAIN Program provides information sharing, mentoring, and financial support to high-potential African students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in economics and related social science fields at top institutions worldwide.
GAIN is designed to strengthen access to graduate education by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and guidance needed to successfully apply to competitive Master’s and PhD programs.
Description Details of the GAIN Program
The GAIN Program supports African students who aim to build careers in academic research, policy, and development economics. The program is structured in phases, beginning with an open webinar series and progressing to an intensive mentoring stage for selected participants.
GAIN will host an online information session open to all interested applicants. During the session:
- The GAIN team will introduce the organization and program structure.
- Successful GAIN alumni will share their experiences.
- Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.
GAIN looks forward to receiving applications from ambitious African students ready to take the next step toward graduate studies in economics and related fields.
Benefits of the GAIN Scholarship
- Graduate school admissions guidance.
- Exposure to research and policy career pathways.
- One-on-one mentoring by experienced economists.
- GRE preparation support for selected participants.
Who Can Apply for the GAIN Scholarship?
The program is open to motivated students from all African countries who are preparing to apply for graduate programs in economics or closely related fields.
Strong candidates typically include:
- Final-year undergraduate students or recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field.
- Final-year students or graduates with a Master’s degree in economics or a related discipline.
Applicants aiming to pursue:
- A PhD in economics or related social sciences, or
- A Master’s degree in economics with the intention of pursuing a PhD afterward
- GAIN strongly encourages applications from top-performing African students with a demonstrated interest in research, policy, or academic careers.
GAIN Scholarship Program Structure and Phases
Webinar Series (Mandatory First Stage)
Accepted participants will take part in a free, biweekly webinar series beginning in January. These sessions feature guest speakers who cover:
- Graduate school application strategies.
- Writing strong statements of purpose.
- Research careers in academia, policy, and international institutions.
- Funding opportunities and fellowships.
- Participation in the webinar series is mandatory for anyone who wishes to apply to the mentoring program.
Typical time commitment:
- 3–5 hours per week from January onwards.
- Mentoring Program (Second Stage).
- After completing the webinar series, participants may apply for the mentoring phase. Entry into this stage is competitive.
Selected candidates will:
- Participate in a GRE bootcamp
- Sit for the GRE examination
- Be assessed based on performance and commitment
Applicants who achieve a sufficient GRE score will be:
- Officially admitted to the mentoring program.
- Matched with an experienced mentor.
- Guided through the full graduate school application process.
- Additional requirements for the mentoring phase will be communicated during the webinars.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements for the GAIN Scholarship
To apply, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be in the final year of study or have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics or a related field.
- Intend to pursue a PhD in economics or related fields, or a Master’s degree leading to a PhD.
- Be willing to study abroad.
- Commit sufficient time to attend and actively participate in the GAIN Webinar Series.
How to Apply for the GAIN Scholarship?
Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications using the GAIN Program Application Form.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Accepted participants will be notified by the end of February at the latest.
- All communication will be sent via webinars@gain-network.net.
- Additional eligibility information is available on the GAIN website and in the FAQ section.
For more information, Visit Official Website HERE