Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026: Guide for Sub-Saharan African 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 2026 offers a great chance for that. This program provides funding for 1- to 3-month research visits at top European universities. It targets scholars from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa to build ties with European scientists.

Program Overview

The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 supports researchers in carrying out work linked to their home institution projects. Host universities cover the costs, and the Coimbra Group Office handles applications. The goal is to create lasting academic partnerships across continents.

These short visits let you focus on specific research under supervision. Female applicants get priority, which helps boost women in research fields. Each university sets its own details, so check them before applying.

Participating Universities

Eighteen universities from the Coimbra Group join this 2026 edition. Each offers unique conditions, like focus areas or 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)

Visit each university’s page for specifics. Some limit spots to researchers from certain Sub-Saharan countries, noted in their “Remarks” section.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, meet all these rules:

Born on or after January 1, 1981.
Hold citizenship and live in a Sub-Saharan African country. If you study or live in Europe now, you cannot apply.
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 required).
Secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at your chosen host university.
Submit just one application to one university.
Provide all materials in English.

The supervisor letter must confirm they will guide your research during the stay. Without it, your application fails.

Application Steps

Follow these steps to apply:

Study the conditions on each university’s page.
Find a potential supervisor at that university. Use their website or contact email. The Coimbra Group Office does not help with this.
Note the supervisor’s name and contact info on the form.
Get an acceptance letter or email from them. It must state they accept you and will supervise your work.
Fill out the online form and upload the letter.

No other documents needed now, but universities might ask for more later. Apply only once, or it gets rejected.

Use the official application page. For full details, check the Coimbra Group site.

Key Dates and Tips

The deadline is May 10, 2026. Start early to contact supervisors, as they need time to respond. Review country eligibility per university to avoid issues.

This program opens doors for collaboration. It funds travel and stay costs through host universities. Past participants often build ongoing networks.

Prepare a clear research plan tied to your home work. Strong supervisor support makes your case stand out. Good luck with your Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026?

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 higher education institution there, and have an acceptance letter from a supervisor at a host university.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline is May 10, 2026. Start early to contact supervisors and prepare your materials.

How do I apply to the program?

Check each university’s page for details, find a supervisor, get their acceptance letter, and submit the online form with that letter via the official Coimbra Group page.

Which universities participate in the 2026 program?

Eighteen universities from the Coimbra Group take part, including University of Coimbra (Portugal), University of Barcelona (Spain), and Heidelberg University (Germany). Visit their pages for specific conditions and eligibility.