Pan African University Scholarships 2026 For Master’s & PhD
Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. It is a continental university network that focuses on quality postgraduate education. The goal is to help build a rich, united and peaceful Africa through master’s and PhD training in key fields.
For the 2026 scholarships, Pan African University invites young and keen applicants from African countries and the Diaspora to apply for master’s or PhD degree programmes at the four main PAU institutes. Students who show promise, drive and clear interest in leadership, research, business and public service are strongly encouraged to send in applications.
About Pan African University
Pan African University brings together several universities across Africa under one shared system. Each PAU institute sits inside a host university and runs specialised postgraduate programmes.
The network supports students who want to gain deep knowledge, do research and serve their countries in areas such as science, health, water, energy, climate, governance, humanities and social sciences.
Pan African Universit scholarship focus for young leaders
The scholarship call targets youths with clear potential and strong motivation. The programmes are meant for those who wish to take leadership roles later as academics, professionals, industrialists, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Students will study on campuses in Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria, depending on the institute and programme they choose.
Pan African University institutes
The Pan African University has four main institutes under this call:
- Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya.
- Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences, including Health and Agriculture (PAULESI) at the University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria.
- Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) at the University of Yaoundé II and the University of Buea, Cameroon.
- Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences, including Climate Change (PAUWES) at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria.
These centres host different master’s and doctoral programmes under the Pan African University system.
Master’s (MSc) programmes
PAUSTI master’s intake
PAUSTI will not admit new students in 2026. Students who wish to study basic sciences, technology or engineering under Pan African University can plan for later calls.
Master’s (MSc) programmes at PAULESI
PAULESI, based at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, offers these master’s programmes:
- 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 and Quality Control option
These programmes focus on areas linked to health, agriculture, the environment and natural resources.
Master’s (MA) programmes at PAUGHSS
PAUGHSS, based in Cameroon, runs master’s courses in governance and language fields:
- Governance and Regional Integration
- Conference Interpreting
- Translation
- Transborder Languages and Intercultural Communication
Students here work on topics that connect public policy, regional cooperation, languages and culture.
Master’s (MSc) programmes at PAUWES
PAUWES, based at the University of Tlemcen in Algeria, offers master’s programmes that look at water, energy and climate change:
- Water (Engineering option)
- Water (Policy option)
- Energy (Engineering option)
- Energy (Policy option)
- Climate Change (Policy option)
- Climate Change (Engineering option)
These courses prepare students to study and manage key issues linked to water, energy use and climate.
PhD programme at PAUWES
PAUWES also offers a doctoral programme with focus on links among key sectors:
- PhD in Water, Energy and Climate Change Nexus
Students on this track work on research that connects these three fields.
Admission requirements for master’s programmes
Candidates for the master’s programmes must meet all of the following points:
- Male candidates should not be older than 25 years.
- Female candidates should not be older than 28 years.
- Hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised university with at least a second-class upper division or its equivalent, in a field that fits the chosen programme.
- Provide certified true copies of all relevant certificates and transcripts, both from the university and from high school.
- Provide a passport or national ID card that shows the personal details page.
- Provide a clear coloured passport size photograph (2 cm x 2 cm).
- Upload a detailed CV.
- Provide one recommendation letter from a former university lecturer.
- Provide the names of three reference university lecturers, each with email address and WhatsApp number. This part is mandatory.
Candidates may be asked to take a written or oral examination after the first round of checks.
Extra language requirements for interpreting and translation
Candidates for the Master in Conference Interpreting and the Master in Translation must have excellent knowledge of at least two official languages of the African Union. These are Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili and Spanish.
Their academic records at bachelor’s level must show strong language and academic skills that match these programmes.
Admission requirements for doctoral (PhD) programmes
Candidates for the PhD programmes must meet the following points:
- Male applicants should not be older than 28 years.
- Female applicants should not be older than 30 years.
- Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field from PAU or from another internationally recognised university.
- Provide certified copies of all relevant certificates and transcripts.
- Provide a passport or national ID card showing the biometric or personal details page.
- Upload a clear coloured passport size photograph (2 cm x 2 cm).
- Upload a detailed CV.
- Provide recommendation letters from two professors.
- Provide a three to four page Research Concept Note with a tentative title, research questions, objectives and the planned value of the research.
- Provide the names of three reference university lecturers, each with email address and WhatsApp number. This is mandatory.
The Research Concept Note helps the selection team to see how the proposed work fits the focus of the chosen PAU institute.
Scholarship support from the African Union Commission
The African Union Commission will offer full scholarships to successful candidates. These scholarships support both master’s and PhD students who are selected through this call. The support allows students to focus on their studies and research during their time at the Pan African University institutes.
How to apply for the 2026 PAU scholarships
Applications must be submitted online only. Candidates should follow these steps with care:
- Go to the Pan African University online application portal.
- Create an account or log in if they already have one.
- Select the preferred PAU institute and programme.
- Fill in all requested personal and academic details.
- Upload all required documents in clear form.
- Check that every field is correct before submission.
The call opens on 15 November and closes on 15 December 2025. Applications sent after the closing date will not be considered.
For further questions, candidates can write to:
- pau.scholarships@africa-union.org
- student.panafrican@gmail.com
Students who plan to join Pan African University through this call should read all steps slowly, gather their documents early and submit their forms before the closing date. With clear planning, they can make full use of the Pan African Universit scholarship chance and build their skills for future service across Africa.
