Pan African University (PAU) Master’s & PhD Scholarships 2026–2027 | Fully Funded by the African Union
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
If you are an ambitious African youth eager to pursue postgraduate studies at one of Africa’s top continental institutions, applications are now open for the Pan African University (PAU) Master’s and PhD Scholarships 2026–2027. The Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), aimed at nurturing transformative leaders, researchers, innovators, and professionals who will drive Africa’s integration and sustainable development.
Since its inception, PAU has awarded over 2,500 certificates to students from 50 African countries, building a network of talented graduates contributing to the continent’s progress. Successful applicants receive full scholarships funded by the African Union Commission, covering tuition, living expenses, and research support.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Across Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Algeria)
Host Institution: Pan African University (PAU), under the African Union Commission
Study Levels: Master’s and PhD (Doctoral) degree programs
Target Group: Talented, qualified African citizens and members of the African diaspora
Fields of Study: Science, Engineering, Health, Agriculture, Governance, Social Sciences, Water, Energy, and Climate Change
Value and Coverage: Fully funded — covers tuition, accommodation, stipends, and travel costs
Award Duration:
Master’s: 2 years
PhD: 3 years (extendable under academic conditions)
Applications Open: 15 November 2025
Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
ℹ️ Scholarship Overview
The Pan African University (PAU) is a continental initiative designed to provide high-quality postgraduate education aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It operates through four thematic institutes, each hosted by a leading African university and focusing on priority development areas for the continent:
PAUSTI – Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (Kenya)
PAULESI – Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (including Health and Agriculture) (Nigeria)
PAUGHSS – Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities, and Social Sciences (Cameroon)
PAUWES – Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (including Climate Change) (Algeria)
Each institute fosters a multicultural learning environment and promotes continental integration through advanced academic and research programs.
The African Union Commission (AUC) provides full scholarships to all successful candidates, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all qualified African youths.
📚 Eligible Study Programs and Study Levels
1. Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI) – University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Master’s Programs:
Geosciences (Mineral Exploration option)
Geosciences (Petroleum Geosciences option)
Health Sciences (Reproductive Health option)
Plant Breeding
Environmental Management
Medicinal Plant Research and Drug Development
Sports Management and Policy Development
Avian Medicine
Veterinary Vaccine Production & Quality Control
2. Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) – Universities of Yaoundé II and Buea, Cameroon
Master’s Programs:
Governance and Regional Integration
Conference Interpreting
Translation
Transborder Languages and Intercultural Communication
3. Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES) – University of Tlemcen, Algeria
Master’s Programs:
Water (Engineering Option)
Water (Policy Option)
Energy (Engineering Option)
Energy (Policy Option)
Climate Change (Engineering Option)
Climate Change (Policy Option)
PhD Program:
Water, Energy, and Climate Change Nexus
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Successful PAU scholars will receive:
Full tuition fee coverage by the African Union Commission
Monthly living stipend to cover accommodation and subsistence expenses
Medical insurance during the study period
Travel expenses (round-trip flight for non-resident scholars)
Access to research facilities and mentorship at PAU’s partner universities
Continental exposure through conferences, leadership seminars, and networking opportunities
✅ Eligibility Criteria
For Master’s Degree Applicants:
Must be not older than 25 years (male) and 28 years (female).
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (second-class upper division or equivalent) in a relevant field from a recognized university.
Submit certified copies of certificates and transcripts (university and high school).
Provide a valid passport or national ID, a recent passport-size photo, and a detailed CV.
Submit a recommendation letter from a former university lecturer and three referees’ contact details (including emails and WhatsApp numbers).
Candidates for Conference Interpreting or Translation programs must demonstrate proficiency in at least two African Union official languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili, or Spanish).
May be required to undergo a written or oral examination as part of pre-selection.
For Doctoral (PhD) Applicants:
Maximum 28 years old (male) and 30 years old (female).
Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field from PAU or any internationally recognized university.
Submit certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts.
Provide a research concept note (3–4 pages) outlining research title, objectives, significance, and questions.
Include two recommendation letters from professors and three referees’ contacts.
Provide a passport or ID, a passport-size photo, and a comprehensive CV.
📝 Application Procedure
Online Submission: Complete your application through the official PAU platform: https://www.au-pau.org/submission/
Application Period: Open from 15 November 2025 to 15 December 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Required Documents:
Certified degree certificates and transcripts
National ID or passport (biometric page)
Passport-size photo
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Recommendation letters (1 for Master’s, 2 for PhD)
Research concept note (PhD only)
Proof of language proficiency where required
Selection Process: Applications are pre-screened by PAU and reviewed by the African Union Commission. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or tests.
Notification: Successful candidates will receive scholarship offers directly from the African Union Commission.
🗂️ Resources
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Apply early to ensure your documents are verified before the deadline.
Prepare a clear and original research concept note (for PhD applicants).
Ensure all documents are certified and translated into English or French, if applicable.
Familiarize yourself with PAU’s academic and research focus areas to tailor your application.
Candidates from underrepresented countries and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The Pan African University Scholarships 2026–2027 represent a unique, fully funded opportunity for Africa’s brightest minds to gain world-class postgraduate education while contributing to the continent’s development. With institutes spanning multiple regions and disciplines, PAU continues to shape the next generation of African scholars, innovators, and leaders.
Deadline: 15 December 2025
