Imagine a chance for young African researchers to spend up to three months working with top European universities. The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 offers exactly that. This program opens doors for academics from African universities to build research ties across Europe.
Program Overview
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme supports short research visits lasting one to three months. It targets early-career researchers from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal is to help them advance projects linked to their home institutions while starting collaborations with European scientists.
Participating universities from the Coimbra Group fund these scholarships. The Coimbra Group Office handles all applications. This setup makes the process smooth for applicants.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must meet clear requirements. First, they need to be born on or after January 1, 1981. They must be nationals and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country. People already living or studying in Europe do not qualify.
Applicants should work as academic staff at a university or similar institution in Sub-Saharan Africa. A doctoral degree, postdoctoral status, or equivalent is preferred. Some host universities limit spots to researchers from certain Sub-Saharan countries. Check the “Remarks” section on each university’s page for details.
List of Participating Universities
Several top universities join this program for 2026. Each offers specific conditions for their scholarships. 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 to learn about their exact offers and country restrictions.
Application Process
Start by reviewing the scholarship details on the official site. Prepare your documents based on the chosen host university’s rules. Submit everything through the Coimbra Group portal.
The application link is available here. For full details, check the Coimbra Group Scholarship page.
Key Deadline
Mark your calendar: applications close on May 10, 2026. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues. This program provides a real boost for African researchers aiming to grow their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme?
You can apply if you were born on or after January 1, 1981, are a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country, and work as academic staff at an African university or similar institution.
How long do the scholarship visits last?
The short research visits last from one to three months at a host European university.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applications close on May 10, 2026, so submit early to avoid issues.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
Check the details on each university’s page, prepare your documents based on their rules, and submit through the Coimbra Group online portal.
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