Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026/2027 for African Researchers

The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 offers a great chance for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. This program provides short research visits of one to three months at top European universities. It helps scholars build on their work from home institutions and start new partnerships in Europe.

Key Features of the Program

The scholarships come from universities in the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European schools. They cover visits for research that links back to the applicant’s job in Africa. Female researchers get special encouragement and priority in selection. Each host university funds its own spots, and the Coimbra Group Office handles applications.

Participating Universities

Check the list below to pick a host that fits your research needs. Each school has its own rules, so read the details on their pages.

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. Always review the “Remarks” section for each one.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet every rule to apply. Here they are in plain terms:

Born on or after January 1, 1981.
Hold citizenship and live in a Sub-Saharan African country right now. People already in Europe for study or work do not qualify.
Work as academic staff at a university or similar school in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral status, or equal experience (preferred but not always required).
Get an acceptance letter from a supervisor at your chosen host university.
Submit just one application to one university, all in English.

Steps to Apply

Start early because you need to connect with a supervisor first. The Coimbra Group Office does not help find them.

Visit the Coimbra Group website at www.coimbra-group.eu/activities/scholarships.
Study the conditions for your top-choice university.
Search the university’s site or contact email to find a supervisor in your field.
Email the supervisor with your research plan. Ask for a letter that confirms they will guide you during the stay.
Fill out the online form with the supervisor’s name, contact info, and upload their letter.
Submit by the deadline. No letter means no review.

Host schools might ask for more papers later, but you only need the form and letter at first.

Deadlines and Next Steps

The online deadline is May 10, 2026, at midnight Brussels time. You will get an email confirmation within two weeks. If not, check your submission and email [email protected] by May 24, 2026.

For full details, go to the official page: Coimbra Group Scholarships. This program builds real ties between African and European researchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026/2027?

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 an African university, and have a doctoral degree or equivalent experience.

What is the application deadline?

The online deadline is May 10, 2026, at midnight Brussels time. You will get a confirmation email within two weeks.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Visit the Coimbra Group website, choose a host university, contact a supervisor for an acceptance letter, and submit the online form with their details by the deadline.

Which universities participate in the program?

Participating universities include University of Würzburg (Germany), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Coimbra (Portugal), and others. Check the website for specific rules and country restrictions.