Pan-African University Scholarship 2026-2027

Overview

The Pan-African University (PAU) is the African Union's continental higher-education initiative, set up by the Heads of State and Government to build postgraduate training and research capacity across Africa. Through a network of specialised institutes, PAU offers fully funded Master's and PhD scholarships to African citizens and members of the African diaspora.

The scholarship is meant to develop high-level talent in disciplines that matter for the continent's development: science and technology, governance, water, energy and the life sciences. Successful applicants study at one of PAU's institutes hosted by leading universities across Africa, with the African Union covering the full cost. In return, scholars commit to serving an African Union Member State after graduation. The 2026-2027 cycle carries on this pan-African aim of training the next generation of researchers and leaders.

PAU deliberately mixes students from many African countries within each institute, creating a continental learning environment. That mix of nationalities, languages and perspectives is central to the programme's goal of integration, mobility and collaboration across Africa. Scholars are expected to excel academically and to contribute research and innovation that addresses real problems facing African communities. The four institutes each specialise in different areas, so where you study depends as much on your field as on your country, and it's worth matching the institute to your subject from the start.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Funding body: The African Union (Pan-African University)
• Type: Fully funded scholarship
• Level of study: Master's and PhD
• Host institutes: PAUSTI (Kenya), PAULESI (Nigeria), PAUGHSS (Cameroon), PAUWES (Algeria)
• Eligible applicants: African citizens and members of the African diaspora
• Master's age guideline: Generally up to 25 (male) / 28 (female)
• PhD age guideline: Generally up to 28 (male) / 30 (female)
• Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel and medical insurance
• Service obligation: Serve an AU Member State after graduation

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is for African students who want to pursue postgraduate study at one of the PAU institutes. The main requirements:

• You must be an African citizen or a member of the African diaspora.
• For Master's study, you must hold a relevant undergraduate degree, generally with at least a second-class upper division or equivalent.
• For PhD study, you must hold a relevant Master's degree from PAU or another internationally recognised university.
• Master's applicants are generally no older than 25 (male) or 28 (female).
• PhD applicants are generally no older than 28 (male) or 30 (female).
• You must apply to a programme offered by one of the PAU institutes in a relevant field.

Female applicants and candidates from across all African regions are particularly encouraged to apply, in line with PAU's gender and geographic balance goals.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship covers the major costs so scholars can focus on their studies and research. Reported benefits usually include:

• Full tuition fee coverage at the host institute.
• A monthly living stipend.
• Round-trip travel between the scholar's home country and the host institute.
• Medical or health insurance for the length of the programme.
• Research support and access to PAU's academic facilities and networks.
• In some cases, accommodation support, depending on the host institute.

Stipend amounts and allowances can vary by institute and academic year, so check the current figures in the official call for applications.

How to Apply

Applications go through the official PAU online portal. The general process:

• Read the official call for applications to find the institute and programme that fit your background.
• Create an account on the PAU online submission portal.
• Complete the application form, choosing your institute, programme and field.
• Upload all required documents in the specified format.
• Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit before the deadline. Late applications aren't considered.

You can also send questions to the PAU scholarships contact addresses listed in the official call. The portal can get busy close to the deadline, so submit with a few days to spare rather than on the final evening.

Required Documents

Each call sets out the exact list, but you'll generally need:

• Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• A copy of a valid passport or national identity document.
• A detailed curriculum vitae.
• A motivation letter or statement of purpose.
• Letters of recommendation from referees.
• For PhD applicants, a research proposal or concept note in the chosen field.

Important Dates & Deadlines

The scholarship runs on an annual cycle tied to the academic year. For 2026-2027, the call launched in November and the submission window closed in December, with late applications not considered.

• Call launched: Around mid-November.
• Application deadline: Around mid-December for the stated academic year.
• Selection and notification: In the months after the deadline.
• Programme start: Aligned with the host institute's academic calendar.

Dates change each cycle, so verify the current deadline in the official African Union call for applications before applying.

Tips for a Strong Application

PAU scholarships are competitive, and selectors look for both academic strength and relevance to Africa's development priorities. To make your application stronger:

• Choose the institute and programme that genuinely match your background and goals.
• Write a clear, focused motivation letter that ties your studies to a real continental challenge.
• For PhD candidates, prepare a well-structured, feasible research proposal.
• Make sure all documents are complete, certified and in the correct format.
• Highlight any research, leadership or community work relevant to your field.
• Apply early to avoid last-minute portal issues near the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can apply for the PAU scholarship?

African citizens and members of the African diaspora who hold the right qualifications for Master's or PhD study and meet the age and academic guidelines for their level.

Q: Where would I study?

At one of the PAU institutes hosted by partner universities: PAUSTI in Kenya, PAULESI in Nigeria, PAUGHSS in Cameroon and PAUWES in Algeria.

Q: What does the scholarship cover?

Generally full tuition, a monthly stipend, round-trip travel and medical insurance, plus research support and, in some cases, accommodation depending on the institute.

Q: Is there a service obligation after graduation?

Yes. Scholars typically commit to serving an African Union Member State for a period at least as long as their scholarship after they finish.

Q: Can members of the African diaspora apply?

Yes. The programme is open to African citizens and members of the African diaspora in eligible fields.

Related Scholarships

If you're looking at postgraduate funding to study in Africa, also consider the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for study in South Africa, the DAAD In-Region scholarships for African universities, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and various African Development Bank and government-funded schemes. Each has its own rules and deadlines, so check the official sources for current information.