African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2026 (Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Africans)

Applications are now open for the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) 2026, a prestigious fully funded program designed to empower young Africans to contribute to the continent’s development.

This flagship initiative of the African Union offers selected participants the opportunity to live and work in another African country for 12 months, gaining hands-on experience, leadership skills, and international exposure.

About the AU-YVC Program

The African Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) is a continental program that recruits, trains, and deploys young professionals across all African Union member states.

Launched to support Agenda 2063 – “The Africa We Want,” the program focuses on strengthening youth participation in development, promoting Pan-Africanism, and building the next generation of African leaders.

Selected volunteers are placed in government institutions, NGOs, and development agencies where they contribute to impactful projects while developing their careers.

Program Overview

Host: African Union
Program Type: Youth Volunteer Program
Duration: 12 Months
Location: African Union Member States
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: April 26, 2026

What the Program Covers (Financial Benefits)

The AU-YVC program provides full support to selected participants, including:

Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
Return airfare to the country of deployment
Accommodation and basic living support
Health insurance coverage
AU Service Passport
Pre-deployment training
Mentorship and professional development
Separation allowance after completing the program

Why You Should Apply

This program offers more than just volunteering. Participants will:

Gain real work experience in international development
Build a strong professional network across Africa
Develop leadership and intercultural skills
Contribute to meaningful projects across the continent
Enhance their career prospects with global exposure

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for AU-YVC 2026, applicants must:

Be a citizen of an African Union Member State (including diaspora)
Be between 18 and 35 years old
Hold at least a post-secondary qualification (Diploma, Bachelor’s, or higher)
Have at least one year of volunteering experience
Have at least one year of professional work experience
Be proficient in at least one AU working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Kiswahili, or Spanish)
Be available for 12 months of full-time service (2026–2027)
Be willing to relocate to another African country

Program Structure

Selected candidates will go through: