The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 offers a great chance for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. This program provides short-term research visits of up to three months at top European universities. It helps scholars build on their work back home and create links with European scientists.
Program Overview
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 targets young African researchers from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Host universities in the Coimbra Group fund these visits. The goal is to support research that ties back to the applicant’s home institution. It also builds partnerships between African and European academics. Female applicants get priority, which makes this a strong option for women in research.
Each visit lasts from one to three months. Scholars work under the guidance of a supervisor at the host university. The program runs through the Coimbra Group Office, which handles applications.
Participating Universities
Several universities from the Coimbra Group join this 2026 edition. Each one sets its own rules, so check details for your choice. Here is the full list:
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi (Romania)
- University of Barcelona (Spain)
- University of Bergen (Norway)
- University of Coimbra (Portugal)
- University of Cologne (Germany)
- University of Granada (Spain)
- University of Graz (Austria)
- University of Groningen (The Netherlands)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany)
- Heidelberg University (Germany)
- Istanbul University (Turkey)
- Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Poland)
- University of Padova (Italy)
- University of Pavia (Italy)
- University of Poitiers (France)
- University of Salamanca (Spain)
- University of Siena (Italy)
- University of Würzburg (Germany)
Visit each university’s page for specifics like eligible countries or extra requirements.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026, you must meet all these points:
- Born on or after January 1, 1981.
- Hold nationality and live in a Sub-Saharan African country. People already in Europe do not qualify.
- Work as academic staff at a university or similar institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral status, or equal experience (preferred).
- Get an acceptance letter from a supervisor at your chosen host university.
- Apply online through the Coimbra Group system.
- Send just one application to one university.
- Write everything in English.
Some universities limit spots to certain African countries, so read the “Remarks” section for your pick.
How to Apply
Start by picking a host university and reviewing its conditions. Find a supervisor there through the university website or contact email. The Coimbra Group Office does not help with this step.
Share the supervisor’s name and contact info in your application. Get a letter or email from them that confirms they will guide your research stay. Upload this with your form. No other papers needed now, but hosts might ask later.
Apply at the official Coimbra Group site. The deadline is May 10, 2026. Multiple applications get rejected.
For full details, check the Coimbra Group scholarships page. This program opens doors for African researchers to gain new skills and connections in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026?
Eligible applicants must be born on or after January 1, 1981, hold nationality from a Sub-Saharan African country, work as academic staff at a higher education institution there, and have a doctoral degree or equivalent experience.
What universities participate in the programme?
Participating universities include the University of Coimbra (Portugal), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Bergen (Norway), and others from the Coimbra Group list.
How long does a research visit last?
Each research visit lasts from one to three months under the guidance of a supervisor at the host university.
What is the application deadline and process?
Applications must be submitted online through the Coimbra Group site by May 10, 2026, with an acceptance letter from a host supervisor; only one application per university is allowed.
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