The Pan African University (PAU) Scholarship Program 2026, an initiative of the African Union, offers fully funded Master’s and PhD opportunities to young, qualified African nationals and Diaspora members. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living stipends, travel, research, and book costs. The program’s mission is to provide quality postgraduate education geared toward a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa. Successful candidates will study at one of the four PAU Institutes located in Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Algeria. The application window runs from November 15, 2025, to December 15, 2025.
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Fully Funded African Union Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships 2026 Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution/Host | African Union (AU) / Pan African University (PAU) |
| Country | Study in Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria) |
| Degree Level | Masters & PhD Scholarships |
| Target Audience | Young, Qualified, and Enterprising Applicants from All African Countries and the African Diaspora |
| Coverage | Full Scholarship (Tuition, Stipend, Accommodation, Travel, Research) |
| Reward Value/Range | Fully Funded Opportunity |
| Deadline | December 15, 2025 |
| Application Opens | November 15, 2025 |
Pan African University (PAU) Scholarship Program 2026 Details
The African Union (AU) has officially launched the call for applications for the 2026 Pan African University Scholarship Programs. This is a chance for highly motivated and talented young Africans to pursue advanced postgraduate education and contribute to the continent’s development as transformative leaders, academics, and innovators.
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The Pan African University is a network of premier continental universities with institutes strategically located across Africa, dedicated to delivering quality, impactful education.
Key Benefits and Program Structure
The PAU Scholarship is a highly prestigious, fully funded award, structured into three tiers of financial and educational support:
Tier 1: Full Financial Coverage (Tuition, Travel, Stipend)
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Covers 100% of the cost of the entire Master’s or PhD program duration.
- Living Stipend: Provides a generous monthly living allowance to cover daily expenses.
- Travel Costs: Comprehensive coverage for travel costs, including one round-trip ticket to and from the PAU host institute.
- Accommodation: Includes full coverage of accommodation expenses throughout the study period.
Tier 2: Research and Academic Support
- Research Costs: Dedicated funding support to cover expenses related to thesis/dissertation research, fieldwork, and essential supplies.
- Book Costs: Financial provision to cover the cost of required academic books and educational materials.
- Professional Development: Access to mentorship and training geared towards developing leadership, industrial, and entrepreneurial roles in Africa.
Tier 3: Host PAU Institutes and Specialization
Successful candidates will be hosted by one of the following four specialized PAU institutes:
- PAU Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI): Hosted in Kenya.
- PAU Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI): Hosted in Nigeria.
- PAU Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS): Hosted in Cameroon.
- PAU Institute of Water and Energy Sciences (PAUWES): Hosted in Algeria.
Eligibility Requirements for PAU Scholarship 2026
The requirements differ slightly depending on the level of study (Master’s or PhD).
Master’s Scholarship Qualification
- Academic/Leadership:
- Undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
- Must have at least a Second-Class Upper Division or its equivalent in a relevant field.
- Study Status:
- Must be a citizen of an African country or the African Diaspora.
- Visa Status:
- Not applicable; program is in Africa.
- Program Admission:
- Maximum age of 25 years for male applicants.
- Maximum age of 28 years for female applicants.
PhD Scholarship Qualification
- Academic/Leadership:
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field from PAU or any internationally recognized university.
- A well-developed 3 to 4-page Research Concept Note (including tentative title, research questions, objectives, significance of the research, etc.).
- Study Status:
- Must be a citizen of an African country or the African Diaspora.
- Visa Status:
- Not applicable; program is in Africa.
- Program Admission:
- Maximum age of 28 years for male applicants.
- Maximum age of 30 years for female applicants.
Required Documents for Pan African University PAU Scholarship
All applicants must be ready to submit the following documents as part of their online application:
- Certified copies of relevant certificates and academic transcripts (from university and high school).
- Passport or National I.D. card (personal details page).
- Clear colored passport size photograph (2cm x 2cm).
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Master’s Applicants ONLY:
- Recommendation letter from ONE of their former University lecturers.
- Names of 3 Reference University lecturers (with email address and WhatsApp number) – Mandatory.
PhD Applicants ONLY:
- Recommendation letters from 2 Professors.
- A 3 to 4-page Research Concept Note.
- Names of 3 Reference University Teachers (with email address and WhatsApp number) – Mandatory.
How To Apply for Pan African University Scholarship Program 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is conducted entirely through the dedicated online portal:
- Read and Register: After reading the conditions, click on ‘Register’ on the application portal. Provide a valid username and your email address.
- Confirm Registration: Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the confirmation email and click on the confirmation link. Provide a valid password.
- Login and Access Application: Login using your new credentials (email and password). Open the ‘Application’ page.
- Complete and Submit: Provide all your data, click the Save button frequently, and after finishing, click on the FINISH button to submit your application. You can log back in later to complete an unfinished application.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for the Pan African University Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline is December 15, 2025, with the application portal opening on November 15, 2025.
2. Is the PAU Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition fees, accommodation, living stipends, travel, and the costs of research and books.
3. What are the age limits for Master’s applicants?
The maximum age is 25 years for male applicants and 28 years for female applicants for the Master’s program.
4. What is the minimum academic requirement for Master’s applications?
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with at least a Second-Class Upper Division or its equivalent in a relevant field.
5. Which four countries host the PAU Institutes?
The four host countries are Kenya (PAUSTI), Nigeria (PAULESI), Cameroon (PAUGHSS), and Algeria (PAUWES).
6. What document is mandatory for PhD applicants that is not required for Master’s applicants?
PhD applicants must submit a 3 to 4-page Research Concept Note.
7. How many recommendation letters are required for a PhD application?
PhD applicants require two recommendation letters from Professors.
8. How many reference names are mandatory for Master’s applicants?
Master’s applicants must provide the names, email addresses, and WhatsApp numbers of 3 Reference University lecturers.
9. Who is eligible to apply besides citizens of African countries?
Applicants from the African Diaspora are also invited and eligible to apply for the PAU Scholarship.
10. Who is the main initiative behind the Pan African University?
The Pan African University is an initiative launched by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
