The African Union’s Pan African University (PAU) is inviting applications for Master’s and PhD scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year across PAU institutes in Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria.
At a glance
- Who it’s for: African nationals (and diaspora) applying for Master’s or PhD in approved PAU programmes
- What it covers: Tuition, living stipend and medical insurance (per AU/PAU rules)
- Service obligation: Administered by the African Union Commission and PAU institutes
- Key dates: Deadline: 15 Dec 2025
- Other notes: Age limits and programme‑specific requirements apply (see call PDF)
Who’s offering this?
The African Union Commission – Pan African University (PAU) is a flagship continental initiative of the African Union that brings together a network of postgraduate institutes across Africa to drive high-quality teaching, research and innovation in priority areas such as science and technology, governance, water and energy, life and earth sciences, and space sciences. Established to help revitalize higher education and support Agenda 2063, PAU aims to build a pool of top African scholars and professionals who can contribute to the continent’s development.
Through the African Union Commission, PAU offers fully funded scholarships/bursaries to competitively selected African students (and the diaspora), typically covering tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, and medical insurance, with graduates encouraged to work in Africa after their studies to help address critical skills gaps across the continent.
What’s on offer
PAU develops a new generation of African leaders and scholars in strategic continental priority areas.
- Tuition fees covered for the full programme
- Living expenses stipend during study
- Medical insurance cover
- Research concept note required for PhD applicants
Institutes & programme areas (examples)
See the official call for the complete list.
- PAULESI (Nigeria): Life & Earth Sciences (e.g., Geosciences, Health Sciences, Plant Breeding)
- PAUWES (Algeria): Water & Energy; Climate Change (Engineering/Policy)
- PAUGHSS (Cameroon): Governance & Regional Integration; Interpreting & Translation
Eligibility checklist
- Master’s: under 25/28; PhD: under 28/30 (see call); relevant prior degree with strong grades
- Passport/ID, certified transcripts/certificates, CV, photo; recommendation letters
- PhD: 3–4 page research concept note
- Language competence for Interpreting/Translation programmes
- Commitment to work in Africa after graduation
Documents to prepare
- Certified certificates & transcripts
- Passport/ID (bio page) and photo
- CV and recommendation letters (as required)
- Research Concept Note for PhD applicants
Key dates
Closing date: 15 December 2025. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
How selection and placement work
Selection considers academic merit, references and alignment with institute priorities.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing age limits or skipping the required Concept Note for PhD
- Ignoring language requirements for Interpreting/Translation
- Uploading unclear or uncertified documents
- Leaving submission to the last day
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Review the call and choose your institute/programme
- Create a profile on the PAU portal and complete the form
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats
- Submit your application and monitor portal/email notifications
- Respond promptly if shortlisted
After you submit
Successful applicants receive scholarship details and next steps via the portal.