Coimbra Group 2026 Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africa Researchers
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 for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 offers a great chance. This program provides funding for research visits lasting up to three months at top European universities.
Program Overview
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme supports young academics from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It funds short-term research stays of one to three months at host universities in Europe. The goal is to help scholars build on their current research while creating links with European scientists and schools. Participating universities from the Coimbra Group cover the costs, and the group’s office handles applications.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must meet these key requirements:
- Be born on or after January 1, 1981.
- Hold citizenship and live in a Sub-Saharan African country. People already 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 degree, postdoctoral status, or equivalent experience (this is preferred).
Some host universities limit spots to researchers from certain Sub-Saharan countries. Check the “Remarks” section on each university’s page for details on your country.
Participating Universities
Several universities in the Coimbra Group are offering spots for 2026. Each has its own conditions, so review them before applying. The list includes:
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of IaĆi (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 WĂŒrzburg (Germany)
Visit each university’s page through the Coimbra Group site to learn about their specific research focus and rules.
How to Apply
The application deadline is May 10, 2026. Start by going to the official Coimbra Group page for the Sub-Saharan Africa grant. There, you can find details for each host university and submit your materials. Prepare documents like your CV, research proposal, and proof of your home institution’s support.
For full details, check the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 page directly. This opportunity can help strengthen your career and build lasting partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme?
You can apply if you were born on or after January 1, 1981, hold citizenship in a Sub-Saharan African country, work as academic staff at a university there, and have a doctoral degree or equivalent experience.
What is the duration of the research stay?
The program funds short-term research visits lasting one to three months at host universities in Europe.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is May 10, 2026.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
Visit the official Coimbra Group page for the program, review details for each host university, and submit your CV, research proposal, and proof of support from your home institution.