Lambda Africa Pilot FAQ

1. What's the deadline for applying, and when do classes start?

Applications close on Sunday, July 14th at 11:59 PM. A number of students began classes on April 23rd, and the remainder will begin classes on August 12th.

2. What're the eligibility requirements?

This opportunity is open to

• citizens of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa
• who're above 18 years old
• who're currently primarily physically based on the continent of Africa
• who're able to commit to a full time program

3. What's the admissions process like, and how long will it take me to find out if I've been accepted?

To apply, please click here and enter a few details about yourself. After this, you'll receive a few self-directed prompts and challenges you'll need to complete.

Since the challenges are self-directed, the entire length of the process will depend on how quickly you complete them, but most students who complete everything quickly will have a decision within a week.

4. Is there a language requirement?

Yes - the medium of instruction for Lambda School is English, and students must speak English proficiently to be accepted.

5. If I'm accepted, how much time should I expect to spend on Lambda School?

Lamdba School is an immersive full time program - attendance is required 5 days a week, 9 hours a day, for 9 months.

6. Can I attend part time?

No - selected recipients will be required to attend classes full time, 9 hours a day for 9 months.

7. What is the Lambda Income Share Agreement (ISA) for African students?

The Lambda Income Share Agreement (ISA) allows students to pay for instruction only after they get a job. Instead of paying tuition, students can agree to pay a percentage of their income after they're employed.

The ISA for African students is a little different from the ISA for students from the US and EU, in recognition of different economic conditions. As an African Lambda School student, you only pay the ISA if you're making over $15,000 a year (or the equivalent in your local currency). If you don't find a job, or don't reach that level of income, you'll never pay a cent. If you do meet the minimum requirement, you'll pay 10% of your gross income monthly (before taxes) over the course of 5 years. The amount is capped at $25k.

At the end of the program, you'll have the opportunity to be interviewed for a role at participating companies: Paystack, BuyCoins, Cowrywise, CredPal, PiggyVest, Thrive Agric, and VertoFX. If you choose to join Paystack, CredPal, or Thriv Agric after graduation, those companies will pay the ISA on your behalf, so it won't come out of your salary.

It's important to note that you're most definitely not required to work for any of these companies after graduation. You'll be able to take any job offer you want.

So, to repeat: if you join Paystack, CredPal, or Thriv Agric after graduation, those companies will cover your ISA, but you can also choose to join any company of your choice, in which case Lambda's very favourable repayment terms apply: 10% of your salary over 5 years, when you earn $15k+/year.

8. What happens if I never find a job paying me more than $15k a year?

If you don't find a job paying you $15k or more a year within 5 years after completing the program, you won't owe Lambda School anything.

9. What computer specs do I need?

• Minimum computer requirements
  • 1.6 GHz Processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 120 GB Hard Drive
  • Web Cam
  • Microphone
• Recommended computer requirements
  • 2 GHz Processor
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Hard Drive (preferably solid state)

Recommended operating systems (in descending order): macOS, Windows 10, Ubuntu

Other versions of Windows work but students should anticipate occasional environment issues. Chromebooks are  not supported, as coursework involves installing and running software locally.

10. Am I guaranteed a job at the participating companies after graduation?

While it's highly likely we'll make you a job offer after graduation, this is not 100% guaranteed. You'll still need to make it through the relevant hiring processes for each company.

11. What happens if I drop out of Lambda School?

If you drop out in the first month, you owe nothing. After that there’s a pro-rated income share agreement (which only applies when you’re making $15k). If you drop after the halfway point, you owe the full income share agreement.

12. Will African students be eligible for the Lambda Living Stipend Pilot Program?

Lambda recently announced a pilot of the Living Stipend Program, where eligible Lambda students receive a stipend of $2,000 for the 9 months of the program. This program is in its early stages and is currently only available to US students, meaning that African students are currently not eligible to be a part of the Living Stipend program at this time.