Cameroon's Ministry of Higher Education has announced the selection of 600 candidates for doctoral programs in state universities, marking the reopening of PhD admissions after a period of suspension. This decision, effective since March 24, 2026, follows instructions from the Head of State and aims to revive doctoral studies in the country.
The selection, based on academic merit and supervisory capacities, was conducted in close collaboration with heads of university institutions. National and international applications were evaluated according to rigorous criteria, including the quality of research projects and their alignment with the development priorities defined by the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30).
In addition to the 600 Cameroonian candidates selected, the system provides for international openness, with a quota capped at 10% of the total number of students. Academic authorities have insisted on the need for quality supervision, entrusting thesis supervision exclusively to professors or those holding a research supervision accreditation (HDR). In addition, each supervisor will be limited to a maximum of three doctoral students until the first student under their supervision defends their thesis.
The final lists of admitted candidates, validated by the Minister of State, were signed by the rectors and vice-chancellors of the eleven state universities. Candidates selected for the 2025/2026 academic year are invited to contact their respective institutions to complete the registration formalities.
This reopening of PhD admissions has been welcomed by the university community, which has expressed its gratitude to the Head of State for his commitment to higher education and the training of Cameroonian youth. However, this resumption is accompanied by stricter rules, particularly with regard to admission and supervision, in order to improve the quality of doctoral training. Students must hold a research master's degree and obtain a minimum average of 12/20.
While the Cameroonian government emphasizes aligning doctoral research with national development priorities, some students fear that the quota system unfairly limits opportunities for Cameroonian candidates. Protests have taken place, particularly at the University of Douala, to denounce this system.
The Universities of Bamenda, Buea, Douala, Dschang, Ngaoundéré and Yaoundé I will each host 60 candidates, while Maroua and Yaoundé II will take 75 each. Bertoua, Ebolowa and Garoua have been allocated 30 places each. Annual tuition fees are 50,000 FCFA, and supervision and thesis defense costs will be covered by the State.
