Cameroon state universities open 815 PhD positions for 2026-2027

The Cameroonian Ministry of Higher Education has authorized the opening of 815 doctoral program positions across the country's eleven state universities for the 2026-2027 academic year. According to a communiqué signed by Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo, the allocation includes 700 places for Cameroonian candidates and 115 for international students.

This year's figure represents a 100-place increase for Cameroonian applicants compared to the previous academic year. This growth is specifically allocated to two special quotas: 45 places for salaried medical professionals (including doctors, odontostomatologists, and pharmacists) and 55 places for researchers from the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI).

University of Yaoundé I has been allocated the largest share with 97 positions, distributed across four research centers: Sciences, Technology and Geosciences (30); Arts, Languages and Cultures (14); Human, Social and Educational Sciences (14); and Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (12). Other major allocations include Douala with 93 places, and Dschang and Yaoundé II with 85 places each.

The distribution was determined by the National Commission for Doctoral Training (CNFD), an entity established in July 2026 to regulate admissions and monitor training quality based on institutional capacity and funding.