Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026/2027 for Sub-Saharan African Researchers: How to Apply

Imagine spending one to three months at a top European university, advancing your research while building connections back home in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 offers this chance to early-career researchers. It supports short research visits to strengthen ties between African and European academics.

Program Overview

This scholarship targets young researchers from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Host universities from the Coimbra Group provide funding for stays of up to three months. The goal is to help scholars continue work tied to their home institutions and spark new collaborations.

Each visit focuses on research under a supervisor at the host university. Female applicants receive special encouragement and priority in selection. The Coimbra Group Office handles applications, while member universities cover costs.

Participating Universities

Several universities join this program for the 2026 edition. Check each one’s specific rules before applying, as some limit countries or add requirements. Here is the full list:

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)

Applicants must review the “Remarks” section on each university’s page to confirm eligibility by country.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, meet all these criteria:

Born on or after January 1, 1981.
Hold nationality and current residence in a Sub-Saharan African country. Those living or studying in Europe do not qualify.
Work as academic staff at a university or similar institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Preferably have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral experience, or equal academic standing.
Secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university.
Submit just one application to one university.
Provide all materials in English.

The acceptance letter proves a supervisor agrees to guide your research stay. Without it, your application fails.

Application Steps

Start early, as finding a supervisor takes time. Follow these steps:

Visit the Coimbra Group website to review university details.
Pick one host university and search its site or contact email for potential supervisors in your field.
Reach out to a supervisor, share your research plans, and request an acceptance letter.
Fill the online form with your details, supervisor info, and upload the letter.
Submit by the deadline.

The Coimbra Group Office does not help find supervisors. Host universities might ask for more documents later.

Key Dates and Confirmation

The deadline is midnight Brussels time on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Expect an email confirmation within two weeks. This email validates your application.

No confirmation by then? Check for errors and email coimbragroup@coimbra-group.eu right away, but no later than May 24, 2026.

For full details, check the official Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme page. This program opens doors for African researchers to grow their careers through real partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027?

You can apply if you were born on or after January 1, 1981, hold nationality and residence in a Sub-Saharan African country, and work as academic staff at a university there. You also need a doctoral degree or similar experience and an acceptance letter from a host supervisor.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline is midnight Brussels time on Sunday, May 10, 2026. You will get an email confirmation within two weeks.

Which universities participate in the program?

Participating universities include University of Würzburg (Germany), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Coimbra (Portugal), and others like Heidelberg University and University of Padova. Check each one’s page for country-specific rules.

Do I need an acceptance letter to apply?

Yes, you must secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university. Without it, your application will not be considered.