PAU Announces 2026 Fully Funded Scholarships for Young African Leaders
The Pan African University (PAU), a flagship initiative of the African Union, has officially opened its 2026 scholarship applications—inviting ambitious and high-achieving African youths from the continent and the Diaspora to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in top fields critical to Africa’s development.
The institution, established by African Heads of State, serves as a premier continental network of universities committed to delivering world-class postgraduate education. Its mission is clear: build a peaceful, innovative and unified Africa through advanced training, research and leadership development.
A Continental University for a New Generation of African Scholars
PAU operates through a network of specialised institutes hosted by leading universities across Africa. These centres provide rigorous training in science, governance, engineering, social sciences, climate, water, agriculture and more—equipping graduates to serve as future policymakers, experts, academics, industrial innovators and entrepreneurs.
Applicants selected for the African Union–funded scholarship will study in Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon or Algeria, depending on their chosen programme.
PAU Institutes Participating in the 2026 Scholarship Call
1. PAUSTI – Kenya
Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI)
Host: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) — No intake in 2026.
2. PAULESI – Nigeria
Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (Health & Agriculture)
Host: University of Ibadan (UI)
Master’s (MSc) Programmes at PAULESI:
- Geosciences (Mineral Exploration)
- Geosciences (Petroleum Geosciences)
- Health Sciences (Reproductive Health)
- Plant Breeding
- Environmental Management
- Medicinal Plant Research & Drug Development
- Sports Management & Policy Development
- Avian Medicine
- Veterinary Vaccine Production & Quality Control
3. PAUGHSS – Cameroon
Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences
Hosts: University of Yaoundé II & University of Buea
Master’s (MA) Programmes at PAUGHSS:
- Governance and Regional Integration
- Conference Interpreting
- Translation
- Transborder Languages & Intercultural Communication
4. PAUWES – Algeria
Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (Climate Change)
Host: University of Tlemcen
Master’s (MSc) Programmes at PAUWES:
- Water (Engineering)
- Water (Policy)
- Energy (Engineering)
- Energy (Policy)
- Climate Change (Policy)
- Climate Change (Engineering)
PhD Programme:
- PhD in Water–Energy–Climate Change Nexus
Who Can Apply? — Master’s Programme Requirements
Applicants must meet the following:
- Male applicants: not older than 25
- Female applicants: not older than 28
- A bachelor’s degree with at least Second-Class Upper or equivalent
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Passport or national ID
- Clear passport-size photo (2 cm x 2 cm)
- Updated CV
- One recommendation letter from a former lecturer
- Three referees (names, emails, WhatsApp numbers — mandatory)
- Possible written or oral examination
Extra Requirements for Interpreting & Translation Applicants
Candidates must show strong academic ability in at least two AU languages:
Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili or Spanish.
PhD Admission Requirements
- Male applicants: not older than 28
- Female applicants: not older than 30
- A relevant master’s degree from PAU or an internationally recognised university
- Certified academic records
- Passport/national ID
- Passport-size photo
- CV
- Two recommendation letters from professors
- A 3–4 page Research Concept Note (title, questions, objectives, value)
- Three referees with email and WhatsApp contacts (mandatory)
The Concept Note helps the selection team evaluate the relevance and strength of the applicant’s proposed research.
AUC Scholarship Benefits
The African Union Commission (AUC) will provide full scholarships covering tuition, research, and living support—allowing students to focus entirely on their academic work.
How to Apply for the PAU 2026 Scholarship
All applications must be submitted online only by following these steps:
- Visit Pan African University online application portal.
- Create an account or log in.
- Select preferred institute and programme.
- Fill in all academic and personal details.
- Upload all required documents.
- Review every field before submitting.
Application Timeline:
Opens: 15 November 2025
Closes: 15 December 2025
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact for Enquiries:
A Chance to Shape Africa’s Future
For thousands of young Africans, the PAU scholarship remains one of the continent’s most competitive and transformative academic opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit timely applications to maximise their chances.
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