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 of up to three months at top European universities. It helps scholars build ties with European scientists and advance their work back home.
What the Programme Offers
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 targets young researchers from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Host universities cover the costs through their own funds, while the Coimbra Group Office handles applications. These visits last from one to three months and focus on research linked to the applicant’s home projects. The goal is to spark new collaborations between African and European academics. Women applicants receive priority in the selection process.
List of Participating Universities
Several universities from the Coimbra Group join this 2026 edition. Each one sets its own rules, so check their pages for details like eligible countries or extra requirements. Here are the hosts:
- 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)
Review the “Remarks” section on each university’s offer to see if your country qualifies.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules
To qualify for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026, meet all these points:
- Born on or after January 1, 1981.
- Hold citizenship and live in a Sub-Saharan African country. Those 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 but not always required).
- Secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university.
- Submit just one application to one university, all in English.
Some universities limit spots to researchers from certain African countries, so double-check.
Steps to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026:
- Study the rules for your chosen host university.
- Find a supervisor there through the university website or contact email. The Coimbra Group Office does not help with this.
- Get the supervisor’s name, contact info, and a letter or email from them. It must confirm they will guide your research stay.
- Fill out the online form with all details and upload the acceptance letter.
- Submit by the deadline. No other papers are needed now, but hosts might ask later.
Applications without the supervisor’s letter will get rejected. Apply online at the Coimbra Group site. For full details, check the Sub-Saharan Africa grant page.
Key Dates and Advice
The deadline for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 is May 10, 2026. Start early to contact supervisors and gather your letter. Pick a host that matches your research field for the best fit. This program builds real networks, so use it to plan future projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026?
You must be born on or after January 1, 1981, hold citizenship and live in a Sub-Saharan African country, work as academic staff at a university there, and have a doctoral degree or similar experience.
Which universities participate in the programme?
Participating universities include Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi in Romania, University of Barcelona in Spain, University of Coimbra in Portugal, and others like those in Germany, Italy, and Norway—check each for specific rules.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Choose a host university, find a supervisor and get their acceptance letter, then fill out the online form on the Coimbra Group site and submit by the deadline.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline is May 10, 2026, so start early to contact supervisors and prepare your documents.
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