Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026 – Short-Term Research Visits in Europe for Sub-Saharan African Researchers
Salisu Iliyasu
The Coimbra Group has announced its 2026 Scholarship Programme for Early-Career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
This programme offers short-term research visits (1–3 months) at top European universities, aimed at supporting African scholars in advancing their research and building international academic collaborations.
The initiative is funded by participating member universities and coordinated by the Coimbra Group Office.
Participating Universities
Selected host institutions include:
- University of Barcelona
- University of Bergen
- University of Coimbra
- University of Cologne
- University of Granada
- University of Graz
- University of Groningen
- Heidelberg University
- University of Padova
- University of Salamanca
…and several other leading European institutions.
Applicants must carefully review specific conditions for each university before applying.
Programme Benefits
- Fully supported research visit in Europe (1–3 months)
- Opportunity to collaborate with international researchers and institutions
- Access to advanced research facilities
- Strengthening of academic and institutional partnerships
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and are prioritised.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals and residents of Sub-Saharan African countries
- Be born on or after 1 January 1981
- Be academic staff members at a university or equivalent institution
- Preferably hold PhD/postdoctoral status
- Obtain an acceptance letter from a supervisor at the host university
- Submit only one application to a single university
- Apply in English via the official portal
Candidates already living or studying in Europe are not eligible.
Application Process
Applicants are required to:
- Identify and contact a host supervisor
- Secure a formal acceptance letter/email
- Complete the online application form
- Upload the required acceptance document
Applications without a supervisor’s acceptance letter will not be considered.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 May 2026 (midnight, Brussels time)
- Results Notification: By end of July 2026
- Mobility Period: 2026/2027 academic year
Official Application Portal:
http://www.coimbra-group.eu/activities/scholarships
