The Pan-African University (PAU) Initiative: Nurturing Academic Excellence Across the Continent

The Five PAU Institutes and Host Countries

The African Union Commission supports postgraduate academic training through five specialized institutes situated across different African regions. Each institute focuses on specific thematic areas to address development challenges on the continent. The host universities collaborate with international partners to deliver high-quality instruction and research opportunities.

Scholarship Benefits and Coverage

The African Union Commission covers all costs for successful candidates admitted to the Pan-African University. This funding ensures you focus entirely on your academic and research pursuits without financial strain. Students receive regular disbursements throughout the duration of their academic programs.

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship pays full tuition directly to your host institute.
• Monthly Stipend: Master's students receive a monthly stipend of $750 to cover living expenses, housing, utilities, food, and local transportation.
• Doctoral Stipend: PhD students receive a monthly stipend of $1,100 to support their advanced research and accommodation requirements.
• Travel Costs: Students living outside the host country receive a single, economy return air ticket for the most direct route between their home country and the host university.
• Local Student Travel: Students residing within the host country receive a one-time travel allowance of $100 to assist with relocation.

Admission Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must meet strict age and academic thresholds to qualify for PAU admission. The selection committee evaluates candidates based on intellectual capability, leadership potential, and commitment to African development. The university admits students from all African Union member states.

Master's Program Eligibility

• Age Limit: Male candidates must be under 25 years old, and female candidates must be under 28 years old.
• Academic Degree: You must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
• Academic Performance: Your degree must be a Second-Class Upper Division or its international equivalent.
• Language Skills: Candidates applying for interpretation or translation programs must have professional proficiency in at least two official African Union languages.

PhD Program Eligibility

• Age Limit: Male candidates must be under 28 years old, and female candidates must be under 30 years old.
• Academic Degree: You must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field from PAU or another internationally recognized university.
• Academic Quality: Your academic record must demonstrate high research potential and strong GPA standing.

Required Documents and Application Process

You must submit your application online through the official portal during the active admission cycle. The university requires certified copies of all academic records and personal identification. Incomplete profiles do not progress to the selection stage.

1. Register an Account: Create a user profile on the PAU Submission Portal .
2. Upload Identification: Provide a clear copy of your valid national passport or biometric ID card showing your personal details.
3. Submit Academic Credentials: Upload certified copies of your university degree certificates, academic transcripts, and high school certificates.
4. Provide Recommendation Letters: Master's applicants must upload one recommendation letter from a university lecturer, while PhD applicants must submit two letters from professors.
5. Submit Research Concept Note: PhD candidates must upload a three-to-four page research proposal outlining the title, objectives, and methodology.
6. Enter Reference Contacts: Provide the names, email addresses, and active WhatsApp numbers of three university lecturers.

Real-World Student Scenario

A prospective student from Kenya wants to compare a Master's program in Water Engineering at PAUWES in Algeria with a similar program at a domestic university. The PAU scholarship provides complete financial relief compared to self-funded local programs. This comparison illustrates the financial differences for a student pursuing postgraduate studies.