Are you an early-career researcher from Sub-Saharan Africa looking to advance your work through a short stay in Europe? The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 offers a great chance for that. This program provides 1- to 3-month research visits at top universities for scholars from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Program Overview
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 targets early-career researchers who want to build on their home institution’s projects. It supports academic ties between African scholars and European scientists. Funded by member universities, the program is managed by the Coimbra Group Office. Women applicants get priority, making it a strong option for diverse researchers.
Participating Universities
Several Coimbra Group universities join this edition. Each has its own rules, so check details for your chosen host. The list includes:
- University of Würzburg (Germany)
- 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)
Some universities limit spots to researchers from certain Sub-Saharan African countries. Review the “Remarks” section on each university’s page.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet all these criteria to qualify:
- Born on or after January 1, 1981.
- Hold nationality and current residence in a Sub-Saharan African country. Those living or studying in Europe do not qualify.
- Work as academic staff at a university or similar institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have a doctoral, postdoctoral, or equal academic status (preferred).
- Secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university.
- Submit just one application to one university, all in English.
How to Apply
Start by visiting the Coimbra Group website at www.coimbra-group.eu/activities/scholarships. The deadline is May 10, 2026, at midnight Brussels time.
Follow these steps:
- Study the conditions for your chosen university.
- Find a supervisor there through their website or contact email. The office won’t help with this.
- Get their name, contact info, and an acceptance letter stating they will guide your research stay.
- Fill the online form and upload the letter.
No other documents are needed now, but hosts might ask for more later. You will get an email confirmation within two weeks. If not, contact [email protected] by May 24, 2026.
For full details, check the official page: Coimbra Group Scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027?
You must be born on or after January 1, 1981, hold nationality and residence in a Sub-Saharan African country, and work as academic staff at a university there with doctoral or equivalent status.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline is May 10, 2026, at midnight Brussels time.
Which universities participate in the program?
Participating universities include University of Würzburg (Germany), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Coimbra (Portugal), and others like Heidelberg University and Jagiellonian University—check the full list and specific rules.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Visit the Coimbra Group website, choose a university, get an acceptance letter from a supervisor there, and submit the online form by the deadline—no other documents are needed at first.
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