The African Union (AU) has opened applications for the 2026 African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) for young Africans who are interested in contributing to the continent’s development.
The AU-YVC Program 2026 is a fully funded continental volunteer initiative that provides return flight tickets to volunteers’ deployment locations, a monthly stipend for living expenses, health insurance coverage, an AU Service Passport, and a separation allowance upon completion of service.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: African Union (AU)
- Category: Training | Volunteer Program
- Eligible Countries: African Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | Monthly Living Allowance | Settlement Allowance | Flight Costs | Health Insurance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: April 26, 2026
Scholarship Details
Applications are currently open for the 2026 African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC). The program, established in 2010 by the African Union, is a flagship continental youth leadership initiative that recruits, trains, and deploys young African professionals from all 55 AU Member States to serve as volunteers for a period of 12 months.
The AU-YVC was created to promote volunteerism across Africa and strengthen the role of young people as key contributors to the continent’s development goals. Through this initiative, participants support policies, programs, and development initiatives aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063 – “The Africa We Want.” The program also provides an opportunity for volunteers to collaborate across borders, exchange knowledge and skills, and build strong professional networks while contributing meaningfully to Africa’s growth.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC), applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an AU Member State living in Africa or in the Diaspora
- Be between 18 and 35 years old (must remain under 35 throughout the 12-month service period)
- Possess post-secondary qualifications such as TVET, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or equivalent
- Be available during the 2026/2027 cycle to dedicate 12 months to volunteer service
- Be willing to live and work in another AU Member State
- Be proficient in at least one AU working language (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, or Spanish)
- Have at least one year of verifiable volunteering experience and one year of professional work experience
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) will receive:
- Full coverage of pre-deployment training costs
- Return economy flight ticket to the place of deployment
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- AU Service Passport
- Separation allowance after successful completion of the 12-month volunteer service
- Training and mentorship opportunities
- Networking opportunities with young African leaders across the continent
- Exposure to high-level continental policy programs at the African Union
Required Skills
Applicants are expected to possess the following skills:
- Proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to use email and internet applications effectively
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in at least one AU official language (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, Kiswahili)
- Fluency in an additional AU language is an added advantage
Core Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Clear and effective communication skills
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Commitment to assigned responsibilities
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment
- High standards of integrity and moral conduct
Required Documents
To apply for this program, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Updated professional CV (maximum of 3 pages)
- Passport bio-data page or national ID
- Copy of highest academic qualification (transcripts not required)
- Letter of recommendation (not older than 2 years) confirming leadership qualities
- Cover letter answering the required questions
How to Apply
To apply for the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2026:
- Visit the African Union careers website
- Click on “Search Jobs” and select the AUYVC post
- If you already have an account, log in
- If you are new to the platform, create an account
- Fill in your personal details
- Upload the required documents
Applicants must also include a cover letter answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to become an African Union Youth Volunteer?
- What makes you the best candidate for AU-YVC?
- What skills will you contribute to the AU-YVC and the host organization?
- Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline
Application Deadline: April 26, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EAT)
To begin the application process, Click HERE
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