AU Youth Volunteer Corps Scholarship 2026 in Ethiopia | Fully Funded

The AU Youth Volunteer Corps Scholarship is a fully funded 12-month professional volunteer program established in 2010 that recruits, trains, and deploys young African professionals from all 55 AU Member States. It’s a flagship continental Youth Leadership program designed to enhance youth participation in policy, programs, and initiatives towards realizing AU Agenda 2063.

Applicants must be citizens of an AU Member State living on the continent or in the Diaspora, aged 18-35 years (must be under 35 upon completing service), have post-secondary qualifications (TVET, Bachelor’s, Master’s etc.), available for 12 months in 2026/27, willing to live and work in another AU Member State, proficient in at least one AU working language, and have at least one year each of verifiable volunteering and professional work experience.

Successful candidates receive full coverage of pre-deployment training and deployment costs, including: economy return ticket to place of deployment, monthly living stipend, health insurance, AU Service Passport, separation allowance after 12 months, training and mentorship opportunities, networking with young African leaders, and engagement with continental policy and programs.

Applications must be submitted no later than April 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered, and only successful applicants will be contacted. The posting date was March 26, 2026.

Apply through the AU careers website at jobs.au.int by clicking “Search Jobs” and selecting the AUYVC post. Registered users should log in, while new users must create an account. Required documents include: professional CV (max 3 pages), passport/national ID bio page, highest qualification copy, recommendation letter (not older than 2 years), and a cover letter answering specific questions about motivation and qualifications.

Required documents include: updated professional CV (no longer than 3 pages), bio page of passport or national ID, copy of highest completed qualification (no transcripts), letter of recommendation (not older than 2 years) attesting to leadership qualities, and a cover letter responding to questions about why you want to become an AU Youth Volunteer, what makes you the best candidate, and what skills you bring.

Required skills include: proficient computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), proficiency with email and internet applications, good interpersonal skills, ability to communicate orally and in writing, and proficiency in at least one AU working language. Core competencies include: clear communication, concise writing, commitment to work, ability to work in multicultural environments, and high moral conduct and integrity.

There are 50 openings available for the AU Youth Volunteer Corps program. The program deploys young professionals for a 12-month service period across AU Member States, with the African Union Commission and partners covering all costs of pre-deployment training and subsequent volunteer deployment.

Providing incomplete or incorrect information is grounds for immediate termination. The application instructions clearly state that incomplete and late applications will not be considered. Applicants must ensure all required documents are attached and information is accurate before the April 26, 2026 deadline.

No, the African Union does not charge or request facilitation fees to process applications. The disclaimer states: “Please note the African Union at no point charges or request facilitation fees to process applications.” All costs for pre-deployment training and volunteer deployment are covered by the African Union Commission and partners.