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Masters, PhD, Postdoc, FacultyMobility allowance + travel + insurance (varies per call)

AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships

The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) offers scholarships for Masters, PhD, Postdoc, and faculty levels, including mobility allowances, travel, and insurance. Eligibility and benefits vary per call, with multiple application periods throughout the year. Applicants must check the official AUF website for current opportunities and detailed requirements.

Provider
Agence universitaire de la Francophonie
Host country
France
Deadline
Multiple calls per year — check AUF site
Region
Europe
Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in France at the Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty level, with mobility allowance + travel + insurance (varies per call) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply
Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty · applicants for France
Funding
Mobility allowance + travel + insurance (varies per call)
Study level
Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty
Deadline
Multiple calls per year — check AUF site

Key eligibility criteria

  • Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty affiliated with an AUF member institution

What the mobility allowance + travel + insurance (varies per call) award covers

  • Return airfare

About the AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships (2026)

## AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships Brief ### Overview The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) offers a range of scholarships and mobility opportunities designed to support students, researchers, and faculty within the global Francophone academic community. These opportunities are highly diverse, encompassing various academic levels and fields, and are tailored to foster international cooperation and academic excellence within French-speaking institutions. The AUF is the largest university network in the world, playing a crucial role in promoting scientific research, training, and cultural exchange across its extensive network of member institutions. ### Benefits Scholarship benefits provided by the AUF are comprehensive and aim to facilitate academic and research mobility. While the exact benefits can vary significantly depending on the specific call for applications, they generally include a mobility allowance, coverage for travel expenses, and insurance. These provisions are designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with international study or research, allowing recipients to focus on their academic and professional development. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the details of each individual call for applications on the AUF website, as the scope and specifics of financial support will be outlined therein. ### Eligibility Eligibility for AUF scholarships is broad, reflecting the organization's mission to support a wide array of academic profiles across the Francophone world. The scholarships are open to individuals pursuing Masters, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies, as well as faculty members. Given the diversity of programs and calls, specific eligibility criteria will be detailed in each application announcement. Generally, applicants must be affiliated with an institution that is a member of the AUF network and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to Francophone scientific and academic endeavors. It is essential for all potential applicants to carefully review the eligibility requirements associated with the particular scholarship opportunity they are interested in. ### Required Documents The set of documents required for an AUF scholarship application will vary depending on the specific program and the academic level of the applicant. While a universal list cannot be provided without referring to a specific call, applicants should generally prepare academic transcripts, proof of enrollment or employment at an AUF member institution, a detailed curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, a research proposal or study plan, and a motivation letter. Depending on the nature of the scholarship, additional documents such as language proficiency certificates or copies of publications might be requested. It is imperative to consult the detailed requirements specified in each individual call for applications on the AUF official website. ### How to Apply Applications for AUF scholarships are managed through specific calls for applications released periodically. Prospective applicants must regularly monitor the official AUF website, particularly the "Appels à candidatures" (Calls for Applications) section, to identify opportunities that match their academic profile and aspirations. Each call will provide detailed instructions on the application process, including submission methods, required documentation, and specific deadlines. Applicants are advised to meticulously follow these instructions, ensuring all required documents are prepared accurately and submitted within the stipulated timeframe. The application platform and any specific forms will be linked directly within each call. ### Key Dates The AUF operates on a system of multiple calls for applications throughout the year, rather than a single annual deadline. Therefore, there are no fixed, universal key dates for AUF scholarships. Applicants must actively consult the "Appels à candidatures" section on the official AUF website to stay informed about open calls and their respective deadlines. Each call for applications will clearly specify the opening and closing dates for submissions. It is crucial to note these dates for each relevant opportunity and plan the application process accordingly to avoid missing any deadlines. ### Selection Criteria While specific selection criteria can vary for each scholarship program, the AUF typically prioritizes academic excellence, the relevance of the applicant's project to the objectives of the Francophonie, and the potential impact of their work. For students, academic record and the quality of their study or research project are key. For researchers and faculty, emphasis is placed on the scientific merit of their proposed work, their publication history, and their contribution to their field. The alignment of the proposed activities with the AUF's mission of supporting higher education and research in French is also an important factor. Detailed selection criteria will be outlined in each specific call for applications. ### Tips * **Regularly Check the Website:** Since calls are issued throughout the year, make it a habit to frequently visit the "Appels à candidatures" section on the AUF official website. Set up alerts if available. * **Read Carefully:** Thoroughly review the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and instructions for each scholarship call you are interested in. Discrepancies often lead to disqualification. * **Prepare in Advance:** Gather necessary documents like transcripts, CVs, and letters of recommendation well before the application period, as these often take time to obtain. * **Craft a Strong Proposal:** For research-based scholarships, articulate a clear, concise, and compelling research proposal that aligns with the AUF's mission and priorities. * **Highlight Francophone Engagement:** Emphasize your commitment to the Francophone academic and scientific community in your application materials. ### Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding AUF scholarships, including details on current calls for applications, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, please refer to the official Agence universitaire de la Francophonie website: [https://www.auf.org/les_services/appels-a-candidatures/](https://www.auf.org/les_services/appels-a-candidatures/)

What the Mobility allowance + travel + insurance (varies per call) AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

  • Return airfare

AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships eligibility for France applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty affiliated with an AUF member institution

Documents required for the AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

  • Valid international passport (bio page scan)
  • Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
  • Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
  • Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
  • Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
  • Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
  • Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
  • Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility on the official site

    Open https://www.auf.org/les_services/appels-a-candidatures/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty affiliated with an AUF member institution". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.

  2. 2
    Secure a study place or admission offer

    Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Agence universitaire de la Francophonie awards require this before the funding application opens.

  3. 3
    Sit required tests and gather documents

    Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.

  4. 4
    Draft your essays and statements

    Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.

  5. 5
    Complete the online application

    Create an account on https://www.auf.org/les_services/appels-a-candidatures/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.

  6. 6
    Submit by Multiple calls per year — check AUF site (aim 7 days early)

    Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

  7. 7
    Prepare for shortlist interviews

    If shortlisted, Agence universitaire de la Francophonie will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

  1. 12 months out

    Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.

  2. 6 months out

    Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.

  3. 3 months out

    Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.

  4. 1 month out

    Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

  5. Application deadline

    Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, PhD, Postdoc, Faculty level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Agence universitaire de la Francophonie, and be able to relocate to France for the duration of the programme.

Is the AUF (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie) Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Mobility allowance + travel + insurance (varies per call). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Multiple calls per year — check AUF site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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