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MA in African Sustainable Communities

Campus
Be'er Sheva
Duration
3 Semesters
Degree Rewarded
Master of Arts

Registration is closed

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About the Program
Courses
Application Process
Additional Information

MA in African Sustainable Communities

The 21st century is an era of immense transformations throughout Africa. Economic, political, and social developments are rapidly changing local communities, providing new opportunities and creating new uncertainties.​

African Sustainable Communities is an MA program that brings together students from around the world, creating a unique learning environment to tackle the complex issue of sustainability in community development. We are preparing you for the rapid changes we are seeing across Africa, through a multidisciplinary approach. You will take part in a vibrant conversation examining the complex circumstances influencing lasting change.

Program Structure

1

Program Overview

The MA in African Sustainable Communities is a year-and-a-half-long program (three semesters), plus another semester for writing up the final submissions by the end of the fourth semester (thesis or project summary).​
2

Program Tracks

There are two tracks in the program - the Thesis Track and the Applied Track. Students in the Thesis Track are required to conduct a Research Project and to write a Thesis based on it. Students in the Applied Track are required to write a Project Report or a Policy Paper upon completion of the Applied Project.
3

Mandatory Coursework

All students take mandatory core classes on campus at BGU, including a project workshop, research methods, and electives they choose according to their interests.​ Students must finish their required and elective classes over two semesters during this first year.
4

On Site in Africa

During the third semester, students spend a minimum of three months on a local project in Africa. They draw upon the knowledge and skills they acquired in the academic setting and apply them to an initiative in a local community.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at africama@bgu.ac.il

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African Sustainable Communities MA Courses

Admission Requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. We welcome students from all disciplines.

  • Registration opening date: February ​1, 2026.
  • ​Application​​ deadline for international students: May 1, 2026. Full scholarship applicants must apply by this date. 
  • Beginning of the ​semester: October 18, 2026.​​​​​​​​

All documents should be uploaded to the registration system:

  1. An official copy of your Bachelor's degree.
  2. An official copy of your academic transcript.
    If your documents are not in English, please include an English translation that is either certified by the university or by a notary.
  3. A photocopy of your passport.
  4. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  5. Two essays as specified in the attached PDF.
  6. Two letters of recommendation, at least one written by an academic familiar with the applicant's academic work and skills.
  7. In addition to the Ben-Gurion University application form, you must also fill out and submit the program's internal application form. Your application will not be processed without it!

Please note: upon arrival to Israel, hard copies of your official academic transcript and diploma must be presented.

  1. Apply to the program via the registration system and paying initial registration fee of $25 (Israeli candidates must pay the full registration fee at this stage).
  2. Fill out our internal application form in addition to the Ben-Gurion University's registration system.
  3. Application is reviewed.
  4. Personal interview via Zoom for final stage candidates
  5. Receive notification of acceptance/rejection.
  6. If accepted – pay an additional $75 completion of registration fee.
  7. Obtain a student visa and health insurance with the support of BGU's staff

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Registration link, please contact africama@bgu.ac.il

Additional Information

Tuition is approximately $10,000 for the full program​, not including additional fees.

Scholarships (full and partial) are available for qualifying candidates, based on academic merit and financial needs.

Scholarships can cover tuition, housing, living expenses, travel, insurance and third semester in Africa.

Please note: Even with a full scholarship, candidates will have to cover registration and contribute to monthly living expenses.​

One can apply for a scholarship only after being accepted to the program.​​

An international students must obtain an A-2 visa (Student visa) from the Israeli embassy/consul​ate in the country of their residence.​

For visa information, click here​.​​​

Visas will be arranged with the assistance and under the guidance of the program's staff during the summer.​​

International students ​​must be covered by a comprehensive health insurance policy provided by an Israeli provider for the entire period of their stay in Israel. 

Having health insurance is mandatory\ to apply for a visa!

BGU works with Harel-Yedidim Health Insurance Company, which is affiliated with the Clalit Health Care Services.​

For more information, click here​​.​

For students receiving a scholarship, health insurance will be obtained with the program's staff assistance.​

For students receiving a scholarship, dormitories will be arranged with the assistance of the program's staff.​

Alternatively, you can rent an apartment in Beer Sheva:
Guide to Apartment Searching​​​​ in Beer-Sheva - by BGU's Student Union​