Cameroon is prioritizing youth in its recent selection of 600 candidates for doctoral (PhD) programs across the country's 11 state universities. University rectors and vice-chancellors formalized the lists on March 23, 2026, revealing a clear preference for candidates aged 23 to 38. This initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) follows presidential directives from November 2025, aiming to revitalize doctoral programs while emphasizing the quality and relevance of research for national development.
The selection favors young graduates with excellent academic records, holding averages above 12/20 at the Master's level. The majority of successful candidates are between 23 and 29 years old, with those in their thirties forming a minority. This focus aims to train a new generation of teachers and researchers capable of taking over in higher education institutions.
This decision comes after a two-year suspension of doctoral admissions, driven by concerns regarding supervision and research quality. The government used this pause to strengthen admission criteria and implement a new framework focused on quality, sustainability, and controlled expansion of doctoral programs. Candidates must hold a Research Master's degree and achieve a minimum grade of 12/20. Exceptions are possible for equity reasons, including promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities and gender balance.
The number of students per supervisor is now limited to three Cameroonian students and two foreign students. This measure aims to improve the quality of supervision and prevent overburdening thesis directors. The government has also centralized supervision through the National Commission for Doctoral Training, responsible for coordinating selections, monitoring quality, and providing research support.
While many welcome this initiative as a way to boost research and innovation in Cameroon, some regret that the suspension period penalized older candidates who could have benefited from this opportunity. Others fear that the quota of 600 places will be insufficient to meet demand, given the high number of young graduates and the aspirations of many professionals to pursue doctoral studies. Despite these concerns, the government remains committed, emphasizing the need to align doctoral research with the country's development priorities.
