The Pan-African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences (PAULESI) Scholarship offers fully funded postgraduate training in Ibadan, Nigeria, to high-achieving African students. For candidates who want to pursue advanced research in the life and earth sciences while contributing to continental development priorities, it is one of the most direct routes available. This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, and how to build an application that survives a competitive selection process.
What Is the PAULESI Scholarship?
PAULESI is a specialized institute within the Pan-African University (PAU), a continental network established by the African Union Commission to strengthen higher education, research, and innovation across Africa. The institute is hosted by the University of Ibadan, one of the continent’s oldest and most respected universities, and it operates under the African Union Commission framework.
The institute focuses on life and earth sciences, covering disciplines such as plant breeding, reproductive biology, environmental management, and geosciences. Its research agenda is closely tied to continental priorities, including food security, public health, climate resilience, and natural resource management. The scholarship is designed to support African students who demonstrate strong academic potential and a clear commitment to research that addresses African development challenges.
Students benefit from an international learning environment with peers from across the continent, supervision by experienced academic staff, and opportunities for mobility and collaboration among African universities and research institutions. In practice, that means your cohort, your supervisors, and your fieldwork contacts will rarely come from a single country, which is part of the programme’s value.
Key Features at a Glance
- Offered through the Pan-African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences.
- Hosted by the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
- Coordinated under the African Union Commission framework.
- Supports postgraduate training at master’s and doctoral levels.
- Funding typically covers tuition, stipends, and research support.
- Open to eligible African nationals.
- Courses are taught and researched in English.
- Study fields are concentrated in life and earth sciences.
- Research emphasis is on African development challenges.
- Selection is competitive and based on academic merit and the relevance of the proposed study.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full or partial coverage of tuition and academic fees.
- A monthly stipend to support living expenses during study.
- A research allowance for fieldwork and laboratory activities.
- Access to modern laboratories and research facilities at the University of Ibadan.
- Supervision by experienced academic staff in life and earth sciences.
- Networking opportunities with researchers across Africa.
- Support for thesis and dissertation research costs.
- Exposure to continental research projects linked to African Union priorities.
- Access to academic libraries and digital research resources.
- Professional development through seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Because funding terms are set by the institute and can be revised between cohorts, treat this list as a guide rather than a contract. Confirm the exact package for your intake in the official call for applications before you plan your finances around it.
Programme Duration
Master’s Programme
The master’s programme runs for a defined number of academic sessions set by the institute. Candidates should confirm the current structure and timeline with PAULESI before applying.
Doctoral Programme
The doctoral programme runs for a longer research period determined by the institute and the supervising department. Because research timelines can vary by project, applicants should review the specific programme details published by PAULESI.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet both general eligibility conditions and the specific academic requirements of the programme they are applying to. These requirements are designed to ensure that candidates can complete rigorous postgraduate study and contribute meaningfully to research in life and earth sciences.
- Applicant must be a national of an African Union member state.
- A completed bachelor’s degree is required for master’s applicants.
- A completed master’s degree is required for doctoral applicants.
- Academic transcripts and certificates must be provided.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance.
- English language proficiency is required for study and research.
- A statement of research interest or motivation is required.
- Letters of recommendation are required.
- A valid passport or national identification is required.
- Applicants must be in good health and able to undertake full-time study.
Admission Requirements by Level
Master’s Applicants
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of life or earth sciences.
- Official academic transcripts showing performance in previous studies.
- Certificate of completion of the bachelor’s degree.
- Curriculum vitae outlining academic and professional background.
- Statement of purpose explaining research interests and career goals.
- Two or more academic or professional recommendation letters.
- Proof of English language proficiency where applicable.
- Valid identification document such as a passport.
Doctoral Applicants
- A master’s degree in a relevant field of life or earth sciences.
- Official academic transcripts for both bachelor’s and master’s studies.
- Certificates of completion for previous degrees.
- A detailed research proposal aligned with PAULESI research priorities.
- Curriculum vitae with a record of research or professional experience.
- Two or more academic recommendation letters.
- Evidence of English language proficiency where applicable.
- Valid identification document such as a passport.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Eligibility
- Confirm that you are a national of an African Union member state.
- Check that you hold the required degree for your chosen level.
- Review the specific programme requirements on the official PAULESI website.
Step 2: Choose a Programme
- Identify the master’s or doctoral programme that matches your academic background.
- Read the programme description and research areas carefully.
- Confirm that the programme is open for applications.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
- Gather academic transcripts and certificates.
- Draft a statement of purpose or research proposal.
- Request recommendation letters from referees.
- Prepare a valid identification document.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
- Create an account on the official PAULESI application portal.
- Fill in all required personal and academic information accurately.
- Upload all required documents in the accepted formats.
Step 5: Submit and Track Your Application
- Review your application for completeness before submission.
- Submit the application through the official portal.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation.
- Monitor your email and the portal for updates.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form.
- Academic transcripts.
- Degree certificates.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Statement of purpose or research proposal.
- Recommendation letters.
- Proof of English language proficiency where applicable.
- Valid passport or national identification.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
Application Tips
- Read the official PAULESI guidelines carefully before applying.
- Choose a programme that matches your academic background.
- Write a clear and focused statement of purpose.
- Align your research proposal with PAULESI research priorities.
- Request recommendation letters early from credible referees.
- Ensure all documents are legible and correctly uploaded.
- Double-check personal and academic details before submission.
- Apply well before any announced closing date to avoid technical issues.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
- Check the official website regularly for updates and announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the PAULESI Scholarship?
Eligible African nationals who meet the academic requirements for the master’s or doctoral programme can apply.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship generally covers tuition and provides a stipend, research support, and other allowances as defined by the institute.
Where is PAULESI located?
PAULESI is hosted by the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.
What fields of study are covered?
The institute focuses on life and earth sciences, including plant breeding, reproductive biology, environmental management, and geosciences.
Do I need to write a research proposal?
Doctoral applicants are generally required to submit a detailed research proposal, while master’s applicants may submit a statement of purpose.
Is English language proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency because programmes are taught and researched in English.
The PAULESI Scholarship is a strong pathway for African students who want to pursue advanced research in life and earth sciences and contribute to continental development.
Applicants should always confirm the latest requirements and procedures on the official PAULESI and Pan-African University websites before submitting an application.