Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships 2026-2027: Complete Application Guide for Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Programs

Apply for Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships 2026. Get a complete guide to eligibility, requirements, and application process. Boost your chances of securing a scholarship for postgraduate studies in Africa.

Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships 2026-2027: Complete Application

The Pan African University has announced its scholarship call for the 2026-2027 academic year, with applications open from November 15 to December 15, 2025.

This prestigious opportunity offers qualified African students the chance to pursue advanced degrees across the continent with complete financial support.

What is the Pan African University Scholarship Program?

The Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, serving as a premier continental university network dedicated to providing quality postgraduate education for a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa. Since its establishment in 2014, PAU has issued 2,549 certificates to students from 50 African Union Member States, including 856 females and 1,693 males.

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The scholarship program targets young, talented individuals from African countries and the African diaspora who aspire to become transformative leaders in academia, industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Scholarship Benefits

The Pan African University offers a fully funded scholarship package that removes all financial barriers to quality postgraduate education. Successful applicants receive coverage for tuition fees, accommodation, living stipends, books, visa, and travel expenses. Additionally, medical insurance is covered from disbursed stipends at each PAU institute.

Available Institutes and Programs

The 2026-2027 scholarship offers opportunities across four specialized institutes, each located at renowned African universities:

1. Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI) – Nigeria

Based at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, PAULESI offers master’s programs focused on health, agriculture, the environment, and natural resources.

Available Master’s Programs:

• Medical Laboratory Science
• Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development
• Mineral Exploration and Mining
• Food and Nutrition Security
• Biomedical and Health Informatics
• Environmental and Occupational Health

2. Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) – Cameroon

PAUGHSS, based in Cameroon, runs master’s courses in governance and language fields, working on topics that connect public policy, regional cooperation, languages, and culture.

Available Master’s Programs:

• Public and International Law
• African Studies
• Migration and Diaspora Studies
• Human Rights and Democratization
• Regional Integration and Diplomacy
• International Relations and Diplomacy
• Conference Interpreting
• Translation and Interpretation

3. Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES) – Algeria

Based at the University of Tlemcen in Algeria, PAUWES offers master’s programs examining water, energy use, and climate change.

Available Master’s Programs:

• Water Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Climate Change and Human Security
• Renewable Energy Science and Technology

4. Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) – Kenya

Please Note: PAUSTI will not admit new students in 2026. Students interested in basic sciences, technology, or engineering should plan for future application cycles.

Eligibility Requirements

For Master’s Degree Programs

To qualify for a master’s scholarship, applicants must meet these criteria:

Age Requirements:

• Male applicants: Not older than 25 years
• Female applicants: Not older than 28 years

Academic Qualifications:

• Hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with at least a second-class upper division or equivalent in a relevant field

Required Documents:

• Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts from university and high school
• Copy of passport or national ID card (personal details page)
• Clear, colored passport-size photograph (2 cm x 2 cm)
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• One recommendation letter from a former university lecturer
• List of three reference university lecturers with email addresses and WhatsApp numbers (mandatory)

Special Requirements:

• Candidates for Master in Conference Interpreting and Translation programs must have excellent knowledge of at least two of the African Union’s official languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili, and Spanish)
• Applicants may be required to take a written or oral examination after pre-selection

For Doctoral (PhD) Programs

Age Requirements:

• Male applicants: Maximum 28 years old
• Female applicants: Maximum 30 years old

Academic Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in a relevant field from PAU or any internationally recognized university

Required Documents:

• Certified copies of relevant certificates and transcripts
• Passport or National ID card (biometric/personal details page)
• Clear, colored passport-size photograph (2cm x 2cm)
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Research concept note (3-4 pages outlining tentative title, research questions, objectives, and significance)
• Names of three reference university lecturers with email addresses and WhatsApp numbers (mandatory)

Post-Scholarship Commitments

Recipients of the Pan African University scholarship should be aware of certain obligations:

• Scholarship awardees must make an undertaking to serve any African Union Member State for a period equal to at least the duration of the scholarship after successful completion of their studies
• Students must not engage in income-generating activities that interfere with their academic programs
• Student engagement in income-generating activities requires approval by the PAU Rectorate, only if such activities will not interfere with the student’s academic program

Important: Applications received after the December 15, 2025 deadline will NOT be considered.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to https://www.au-pau.org/submission/
2. Create an Account: Register with your email address and create a secure password
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal, academic, and contact information
4. Upload Documents: Submit all required documents in the specified formats
5. Select Your Program: Choose your preferred institute and program of study
6. Provide References: Enter details of three university lecturers who can serve as references
7. Review and Submit: Carefully review all information before final submission

Application Tips

• Start your application early to avoid last-minute technical difficulties
• Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and properly certified
• Write a compelling personal statement highlighting your leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s development
• Select programs that align with your academic background and career aspirations
• Double-check that reference contacts are accurate and that referees are aware of your application
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records

Selection Process

The selection process is competitive and merit-based. After the application deadline:

1. Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility
2. Academic Assessment: Transcripts and qualifications are evaluated
3. Written/Oral Examination: Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo assessment
4. Final Selection: Successful candidates are notified and provided with admission details

Benefits Beyond Funding

Beyond financial support, PAU scholarship recipients gain access to:

• World-Class Faculty: Learn from leading experts across African institutions
• Research Opportunities: Engage with cutting-edge research addressing continental challenges
• Professional Networks: Build connections with peers, faculty, and partners across Africa
• Career Development: Receive guidance and support for professional advancement
• Multicultural Environment: Experience Pan-African learning with students from across the continent
• Continental Impact: Contribute to solving Africa’s most pressing development challenges

Why Choose the Pan African University?

The PAU scholarship offers unique advantages that set it apart from other opportunities:

1. Continental Perspective: Study in Africa while addressing African challenges with African solutions
2. Joint Degree Recognition: Earn degrees recognized by both PAU and prestigious host universities
3. Leadership Development: Programs emphasize transformative leadership and entrepreneurship
4. Applied Research Focus: Engage with practical problems in governance, health, technology, and sustainability
5. Complete Financial Coverage: No hidden costs or partial funding—everything is covered
6. Return-to-Africa Commitment: Join a network of scholars dedicated to Africa’s development

Contact Information

For inquiries about the scholarship program:

Email: [email protected]

PAU Rectorate Address: Rue 1777 Joseph MBALLA ELOUMDEN – Nlongkak – Bastos BP: 5383 Yaoundé, Cameroun Tel: +237 222 21 70 90

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Pan African University Scholarship?

Young, talented applicants from African countries and the African diaspora are eligible to apply. For master’s programs, male applicants must be 25 years or younger, while female applicants must be 28 years or younger. PhD applicants have slightly higher age limits of 28 for males and 30 for females.

2. Does the scholarship cover all expenses?

Yes, the PAU scholarship is fully funded. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living stipend, medical insurance, travel costs, research grants, and learning materials. There are no partial costs that students must cover themselves.

3. Can international students from outside Africa apply?

The scholarship is specifically designed for African nationals and members of the African diaspora. Priority is given to citizens of African Union Member States and individuals of African descent living abroad.

4. What is the application deadline for 2026?

Applications must be submitted between November 15 and December 15, 2025. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances, so applicants should submit well before the deadline.

5. Do I need to have a job offer in Africa after graduation?

While a job offer is not required at the time of application, scholarship recipients commit to working in any African Union Member State for a duration equal to at least their scholarship period after completing their studies.

6. Can I apply to multiple programs at different institutes?

Applicants should carefully select the program and institute that best matches their academic background and career goals. It’s advisable to focus on one strong application rather than multiple applications to different programs.

7. What happens if I don’t have a second-class upper degree?

A second-class upper division (or equivalent GPA of approximately 3.0-3.49 on a 4.0 scale) is a minimum requirement for master’s programs. Applicants with lower qualifications may not meet the eligibility criteria and should wait to strengthen their academic profile.

8. Are there any additional costs students must pay?

The scholarship covers all major expenses. However, students should note that personal expenses beyond the provided stipend, such as personal travel or entertainment, are the student’s responsibility. The living stipend is designed to cover reasonable daily living costs.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the Pan African University Scholarships. Applicants should verify all details on the official PAU website and contact the scholarship office directly for specific queries. Program offerings, requirements, and deadlines are subject to change by the African Union Commission.