Application Process

We are no longer accepting applications, and unfortunately cannot accept any late
applications or ​requests to be placed on the waiting list.

Like other machine learning schools, we’re asking everyone interested to apply. On this page you can find information on requirements, costs, financial support and important dates, as well as a link to the application form.

We encourage everyone who is interested to apply. Application is open to all, including students, post-doctoral candidates, research staff, industries, startups. And to people from across Africa and worldwide. We have capacity for around 200 attendees, and we aim to accept everyone we can fit.

Key DATEs

Applications: 17 April - 31 May 2017
Acceptance notification: 18 June 2017
Registration opens: 18 June 2017​

Applications are now CLOSED.

Eligibility:  Can  I  Attend?

You can apply either as a student or as a general attendee.

• Students should be 4th-year/honours, MSc, PhD, or postdoc level.
• General attendees include academics, research scientists at startups or industry, and engineers in data science fields. ​

You should apply if you have:

• An active interest in machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics, data science, or related computational sciences (e.g., statistical physics, computational neuroscience, etc).
• Basic programming experience in Python or Matlab (if you’ve completed an undergrad assignment that involved coding, you should be fine!).
• Basic (early undergraduate) knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, probability theory and statistics. See the description of background topics for pointers and further details.

REGISTRATION: What costs are involved?

Registration costs are:

• Student attendee:    FREE
• General attendee:    R2000

Registration covers participation in lectures and practical sessions, lunch, coffee breaks and evening events. All other costs, including travel and accommodation, are the responsibility of the attendees. We do have financial support that students may apply for.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT and AWARDS

​Applying for financial support will not affect a student’s chances of being accepted to attend the school.

We offer financial support to encourage students from all over Southern Africa to attend. The application form allows students to apply for:

• A travel award, covering the cost of a return flight to Johannesburg from any airport in Southern Africa.
• An accommodation award, which covers the cost of accommodation.​

We will not be able to fund everyone who applies for these awards, so applications are competitive. The application form asks you to provide information that will help the selection committee make this choice; be concise in your responses.