Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded Research Visit in Europe for African Scholars)
Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
A short research stay in Europe can sometimes do more for your academic growth than years of working in isolation, and the Coimbra Group Scholarship 2026 is built around that idea. The program supports African researchers with funded 1–3 month visits to top European universities. It’s a practical pathway for strengthening research, building collaborations, and gaining international exposure.
Quick Facts
| Host Country: | Multiple European Countries |
| Study Level / Job Type: | Research Fellowship (Short-Term Visit) |
| Funding Type: | Fully Funded (University-Sponsored Support) |
| Eligible Countries: | Sub-Saharan African Countries |
| Deadline: | 10 May 2026 |
About the Opportunity
For many early-career academics, access to the right research environment is often the missing piece. This program steps in to bridge that gap by connecting African researchers with established European institutions.
Through the Coimbra Group Scholarship, selected candidates spend up to three months working closely with a supervisor at a participating university. The focus is not on coursework but on research, refining ideas, advancing ongoing projects, and building meaningful academic partnerships.
What makes this program particularly valuable is its collaborative nature. Rather than starting from scratch, fellows continue work connected to their home institutions while benefiting from new perspectives, resources, and mentorship abroad.
This opportunity is officially offered by the Coimbra Group, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Participating Universities (2026 Edition)
The Coimbra Group Scholarship is hosted across leading European universities. Each institution offers slightly different conditions, so applicants are strongly advised to review individual requirements before applying.
Some of the participating universities include:
- University of Barcelona (Spain)
- University of Bergen (Norway)
- University of Coimbra (Portugal)
- University of Cologne (Germany)
- University of Groningen (Netherlands)
- Heidelberg University (Germany)
- University of Padova (Italy)
- University of Salamanca (Spain)
- University of Würzburg (Germany)
- Jagiellonian University (Poland)
…and several others across Europe.
Applicants should check the official source to match their research goals with the right university.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be born on or after 1 January 1981
- Be a national and resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
- Be an academic staff member at a university or higher education institution
- Ideally hold a PhD, postdoctoral, or equivalent academic status
- Secure an acceptance letter from a supervisor at a host university
- Submit only one application to a single institution
- Complete the application in English
- Apply through the official Coimbra Group system
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Benefits
The program is designed to remove major barriers to international research exposure:
- Financial support provided by participating universities
- Access to leading European research institutions
- Opportunity to collaborate with experienced academic supervisors
- Time to focus on ongoing research projects
- Increased academic visibility and networking opportunities
- Stronger foundation for future grants, publications, and partnerships
Who Should Apply
This scholarship fits researchers who are already active in academia but need broader exposure to grow.
If you’re teaching or conducting research at a university in Sub-Saharan Africa and want to connect your work to international networks, this program creates that bridge. It’s especially relevant for those working on projects that can benefit from collaboration or access to advanced research environments.
Female researchers are particularly encouraged, as priority consideration is given to their applications.
Application Process
- Review the list of participating Coimbra Group universities
- Identify a suitable host institution aligned with your research
- Contact a potential academic supervisor at that university
- Obtain a formal acceptance letter confirming supervision
- Prepare your application details and required information
- Submit your application through the Coimbra Group online system
- Wait for the confirmation email within two weeks of submission
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How to Apply
Applications are handled directly through the Coimbra Group platform. One key step is securing a supervisor in advance, so it’s worth starting there before filling out the form.
For more details, visit the Coimbra Group.
