Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026 for Early-Career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa
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 short-term research visits of up to three months at top European universities.
Program Overview
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 targets young academics from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It funds visits to universities in the Coimbra Group, a network of leading European schools. The goal is to help scholars build on their home research while starting new ties with European scientists and schools. Each stay lasts one to three months, and the hosting universities cover the costs.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026, you must meet these rules:
- 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 institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral status, or equal experience. This is preferred but not always required.
Some host universities limit spots to researchers from certain Sub-Saharan countries. Check the “Remarks” section on each university’s page for details.
Participating Universities
Several Coimbra Group members join this program for 2026. Each offers its own terms, like research focus or funding details. 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 through the official application site to learn more about their specific offers.
How to Apply
The application process runs through the Coimbra Group Office. Head to their scholarship page to start. Submit your details there, and follow the steps for your chosen host university. The deadline is May 10, 2026, so plan ahead to prepare strong research plans that match the host’s strengths.
This program opens doors for real collaboration. Early-career researchers can gain new skills and networks to bring back home.
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 university there, and have a doctoral degree or similar experience.
What is the duration of the research visits?
Each visit lasts one to three months at a host university in the Coimbra Group.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is May 10, 2026.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Go to the Coimbra Group scholarship page, submit your details, and follow the steps for your chosen host university.