Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026: Guide for Sub-Saharan African Researchers
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 offers a key chance for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. This program provides short-term research visits to top European universities. It helps scholars build ties with Europe while advancing their work back home.
These visits last up to three months. They focus on research linked to the applicant’s home institution. The goal is to spark new collaborations between African and European academics.
Program Overview
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme targets young researchers from higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Participating universities from the Coimbra Group fund the scholarships. The Coimbra Group Office handles applications.
This edition runs for 2026. It prioritizes female candidates. Scholars can choose from several host universities across Europe.
Each university sets its own conditions, like funding details or focus areas. Applicants must check these before applying. The program supports research stays that align with the host’s strengths.
Participating Universities
Eighteen universities join this program. Each offers unique opportunities. Review their pages for specifics on grants, research fields, and country restrictions.
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)
Some universities limit spots to researchers from certain Sub-Saharan African countries. Always read the “Remarks” section on each university’s offer page.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet every eligibility rule. First, be born on or after January 1, 1981. You must be a national and current resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
Candidates already living or studying in Europe do not qualify. You need to work as academic staff at a university or similar institution in Sub-Saharan Africa. A doctoral degree or postdoctoral status is preferred.
A key requirement is an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university. This letter must confirm their willingness to guide your research stay. All applications go through the Coimbra Group’s online system.
Submit just one application to one university. Use English for everything. Multiple submissions get rejected.
Application Steps
Start by picking a host university and reviewing its conditions. Find a potential supervisor through the university’s website or contact email. The Coimbra Group Office does not help with this step.
Contact the supervisor early. Share your research plans. Ask for a formal acceptance letter or email.
The letter should name you, state the research topic, and confirm supervision during your stay. Include the supervisor’s name and contact in your application form. Upload the letter with the form.
No other documents are needed now. Host universities might ask for more later. Apply online at the Coimbra Group site.
The deadline is May 10, 2026. Act soon to secure a supervisor and prepare your materials.
Benefits and Expectations
Scholars gain access to advanced labs, libraries, and networks in Europe. They continue research tied to their home duties. This builds long-term partnerships.
Hosts expect active involvement, like seminars or joint papers. Stays run 1 to 3 months, based on the university’s rules. Funding covers travel, living costs, and research expenses, per each offer.
Female applicants get priority. This helps address gaps in research leadership. Past participants often return with new projects and grants.
For full details, check the official Coimbra Group page on Sub-Saharan Africa grants. This program opens doors for African academics to grow their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026?
You must be born on or after January 1, 1981, a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country, and work as academic staff at a university there, preferably with a doctoral degree.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 10, 2026, so start early to contact a supervisor and prepare your materials.
How do I apply to the program?
Pick a host university, get an acceptance letter from a supervisor there, and submit one application online through the Coimbra Group website in English.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
It covers travel, living costs, and research expenses for 1-3 month stays at top European universities, helping build collaborations and access advanced resources.