The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to undertake short-term research visits at prestigious European universities. With a deadline of May 10, 2026, interested applicants are encouraged to start preparing their applications to avoid missing this chance. The programme offers a platform for African scholars to advance their research while fostering collaborations with European institutions, and it is an opportunity that should not be missed.
About the Opportunity
The Coimbra Group is a network of long-established European multidisciplinary universities of high international standard, committed to creating a European dimension in their teaching and research activities. The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme is designed to support early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa, providing them with the opportunity to undertake short-term research visits at participating Coimbra Group universities. This programme is significant for Africans as it aims to promote academic and research collaborations between Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, while also supporting the development of research capacities in African institutions.
The programme is generously funded by participating Coimbra Group member universities, which include the University of Würzburg, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, University of Barcelona, University of Bergen, University of Coimbra, University of Cologne, University of Granada, University of Graz, University of Groningen, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Heidelberg University, and Istanbul University, among others. Each participating university has its specific conditions, and applicants are required to carefully review these conditions before submitting their applications. By supporting early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme contributes to the development of the next generation of African researchers and leaders.
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme is also committed to promoting gender equality, and female candidates are encouraged to apply. The programme prioritizes female applicants, recognizing the importance of supporting women in research and academia. This commitment to gender equality is reflected in the programme’s selection process, which aims to ensure that female researchers have equal opportunities to participate in the programme and advance their careers.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
- Being an early-career researcher from a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Holding a Master’s or PhD degree, or being in the process of completing a PhD
- Having a research proposal that is relevant to the applicant’s work at their home institution and aligned with the research interests of the host university
- Being able to undertake a short-term research visit of 1-3 months at a participating Coimbra Group university
- Meeting the specific conditions of the host university, which may include language requirements, academic background, and other criteria
What You Will Gain
By participating in the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme, early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa can gain a range of benefits, including:
- Opportunities to advance their research and academic careers through collaborations with European institutions
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources at participating Coimbra Group universities
- Networking opportunities with European researchers and institutions, which can lead to future collaborations and research partnerships
- Exposure to new research environments and cultures, which can broaden their perspectives and enhance their research skills
- Support for the development of research capacities in African institutions, which can contribute to the growth of research and innovation in Africa
Application Deadline
Do not miss this opportunity. Deadline: May 10, 2026. Start your application early to ensure that you have enough time to prepare and submit all required documents, and to avoid any last-minute delays or complications.
How to Apply for Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
To apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme, follow these steps: review the eligibility criteria and the specific conditions of the host university; prepare a research proposal that is relevant to your work and aligned with the research interests of the host university; gather all required documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation; submit your application through the online portal, ensuring that you meet the deadline of May 10, 2026.
Apply directly here: Click here to apply
Final Thoughts
The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to advance their research and academic careers. By applying for this programme, you can gain access to European research institutions, networks, and resources, while also contributing to the development of research capacities in African institutions. Do not miss this chance to take your research to the next level – apply now and start your journey to academic and research excellence.
