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Addis Ababa University Graduate Funding - The Insider Guide

Addis Ababa University (AAU) (University)  ·  Updated June 13, 2026

Addis Ababa University (AAU) is the flagship higher education institution in Ethiopia and a major research hub for East Africa. While undergrads rely on the national cost-sharing model, postgraduate students (Master's and PhD) often seek internal AAU fellowships or funding heavily subsidized by international donors (like SIDA or the World Bank).

Quick Overview

Scholarship Name
Addis Ababa University Scholarship
Host Country
Ethiopia
Eligible Countries
Ethiopia
Degree Level
Masters, PhD
Financial Coverage
Full
Application Window
May - July (Varies)

Full Requirements & Details

Academic Requirements

Min. CGPA
3.0
Offer Degrees
Masters, PhD
Subjects
Agriculture, Arts, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Psychology
Seats Available
Hundreds annually
Study Gap Allowed
No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
Research Publication
Optional
Work Experience
Yes (1 yrs)
Age Range
No Age Limit

Language Requirements

IELTS
No
TOEFL
No
GRE
Not Required
Local Language
English
Local Lang Test
No
Study Languages
English

Financial Details

Type
Full
Fund Details
See Description
Monthly Stipend
ETB 0/mo
Tuition
Full
Living Costs
Partial
Travel & Health
No / No
Application Fee
Free (No Application Fee)
Spouse Allowed
No

What Matters Most

Statement of Purpose 7/10

Motivation Letter 7/10

Recommendation Letter 7/10

Interview 6/10

Required Documents

CV Passport Transcript Certificate Research Proposal

Why You Should Apply

AAU hosts several 'Centers of Excellence' (e.g., in Water Management or Railway Engineering) funded by massive international grants. If you secure a fellowship within one of these centers, your tuition is fully waived, and you receive a competitive monthly stipend to focus entirely on your research, a rarity in the region.

Application Process

You apply for admission to the specific postgraduate program via the AAU portal. Concurrently, you must hunt the department's notice boards or website for specific donor-funded project vacancies. You are essentially applying for a research assistant job that pays your tuition.

How to Win This Scholarship

Do not apply generally. You must identify which AAU departments recently received massive grants (e.g., the College of Health Sciences or the Institute of Technology). Tailor your research proposal exactly to the objectives of that specific grant.

If you can convince a principal investigator that your PhD research will fulfill their donor's quota, your funding is secured.

Benefits After Completing Study

AAU postgraduates are heavily recruited into the massive Ethiopian civil service or go on to consult for the African Union, which is headquartered in the same city.

Internet connectivity and library access, while improving, can still be frustratingly slow or censored during political instability. You must be resourceful with your research methodologies.

Official Source

For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.

Visit Official Source