Application Guidelines
STEP 1: Eligibility Check
Which Target Group Do You Belong To?
Target Group 1 (TG1): African nationals/residents registered or graduated from PAP2SN partner universities.
Partner Universities include: Copperbelt University (Zambia), Air Force Institute Of Technology (Nigeria), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), Namibia University Of Science And Technology (Namibia), University Of Zambia (Zambia) and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa).
Target Group 2 (TG2): African nationals/residents from non-partner institutions.
Who Can Apply?
Those with undergraduate Degree or equivalent qualification for MSc and those with Msc or equivalent qualification for PhD. Scholarships
STEP 2: Field of Study
Ensure your field aligns with PAP2SN priorities.
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Planetary Science
- Satellite Technology
- Earth Observation
- Astrobiology
- Astrochemistry
STEP 4: Read Guidelines
Review the Application Guidelines Below before applying. if you need more information Consult the PAP2SN Handbook.
Preparation
- Verify eligibility criteria before applying.
- Identify your target group and available scholarships.
- Select up to 3 host institutions.
- Read "Before You Apply", FAQs, and Application Form carefully.
- Prepare all required documents (mandatory).
- Consider language, academic background, and cost of living.
- Prepare a clear mobility project proposal.
- Prepare motivation letters (one per host institution).
Online Submission
- Use a valid email address.
- Create login in "Apply Now" section.
- Save drafts and review before submission.
- No changes allowed after submission.
- Application must be in English.
- Avoid last-minute submissions.
- Applications via email/fax will NOT be accepted.
Required Documents
- Passport or National ID
- Academic Certificates & Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages)
- Motivation Letters (1 per university)
- 2 Reference Letters
- Research Project Proposal
- Language Certificates (if required)
Note: Incomplete or unreadable applications will be automatically disqualified.
STEP 5: Documents
Mandatory Documents
- Passport or National ID
- Academic Certificates
- Transcript of Records
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
STEP 6: Selection Criteria
The selection process is designed to ensure a fair, transparent, and merit-based evaluation of all applicants. It aims to identify candidates whose academic background, professional potential, and proposed mobility plans align strongly with the objectives of the programme.
Led by the Selection Committee, the process combines eligibility screening with a rigorous quality assessment conducted in collaboration with the Admission Office and Academic Supervisors.
As an applicant, you are evaluated not only on academic performance, but also on the strength of your motivation, the relevance of your proposed mobility project, and your potential contribution to the programme. The process also ensures fairness, diversity, and balanced representation across participating countries.
Detailed Selection Procedure
1. Eligibility Check
Your application will first be reviewed by the Admission Office to confirm that you meet all programme requirements, including academic qualifications and language proficiency (if required).
2. Quality Assessment
If eligible, your application will be evaluated and ranked by Academic Supervisors based on the following:
Academic Background
- Relevance of your academic background to the selected programme
- Your academic performance in previous or current studies
Project Proposal & Motivation
- Quality and relevance of your mobility project (learning agreement, research proposal, or work plan)
- Strength and clarity of your motivation
Host Institution Evaluation
- Academic assessment and ranking provided by host universities
Programme Alignment
- Selection distribution aligned with programme objectives
Inclusion & Balance
- Consideration for disadvantaged groups
- Balanced representation across countries
3. Supporting Documents Reviewed
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters
- Language certificate (if required)
- Mobility project (depending on your programme type)
4. Final Selection Outcome
At the end of the process, candidates are ranked and placed into two lists:
- Selected Candidates – awarded the opportunity
- Reserve List – eligible candidates who may be selected if slots become available
STEP 7: Appeal Process
APPEAL PROCEDURE
● The PAP2SN Secretariat at the Central Management Unit will send out a “rejection notification” to candidates who did not meet the academic eligibility and quality criteria, with a 1-week period to appeal the decision on a well-justified basis.
The Selection Committee will support the PAP2SN General Secretariat through the appeal procedure.
● The candidates have 7 calendar days from the publication of the lists to appeal the SC decision. They can do so by sending their appeal letters to the Coordinator, who will have 14 days to present the case to the CB for a final decision.