Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026 for African Researchers

The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 offers a great chance for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. This program provides short research visits of up to three months at top European universities. It helps scholars build on their work from home institutions and start new partnerships in Europe.

What the Scholarship Covers

The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 targets young African researchers in higher education. Host universities from the Coimbra Group fund the visits fully. The goal is to let participants work on projects tied to their home research while connecting with European experts. Women applicants get special priority, which makes this a strong option for female academics.

These stays last from one to three months. Participants must link their visit to ongoing research at their African university. The program builds bridges between African and European science communities.

Participating Universities

Several Coimbra Group universities join this 2026 edition. Each 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 notes on funding, dates, and country limits.

Eligibility Requirements

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. Some universities limit spots by country, so read the “Remarks” section.
Work as academic staff at a university or similar institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral status, or equal experience (preferred).
Secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university.
Submit just one application, in English only.

No multiple applications allowed. The Coimbra Group Office handles the process but does not find supervisors.

How to Apply Step by Step

Follow these steps to apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026:

Pick one host university and review its specific terms.
Find a supervisor there through the university website or contact email. Note their name and details.
Get an acceptance letter or email from the supervisor. It must confirm they will guide your research stay.
Fill the online form with your info and upload the letter.
Submit by the deadline.

Applications without the supervisor letter fail. No other papers needed now, but hosts may ask later. Apply at the Coimbra Group site. For full details, see the Sub-Saharan Africa grant page.

Key Dates

The deadline is May 10, 2026. Start early to contact supervisors and gather documents. This program opens doors for research growth and global ties.

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 in a Sub-Saharan African country, work as academic staff at an African university, and have a doctoral degree or equivalent experience.

What does the scholarship cover?

It funds short research visits of one to three months at Coimbra Group universities in Europe, linked to your ongoing research at home.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Choose a host university, get an acceptance letter from a supervisor there, fill the online form, and submit by the deadline on the Coimbra Group website.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is May 10, 2026, so start early to contact supervisors and prepare your documents.