Advancing scientific research requires global collaboration and access to world-class facilities. The 2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to conduct short-term research (1–3 months) at prestigious European universities.
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This initiative is designed to support scholars in furthering their home-based research while building lasting academic ties with European scientists. With a strong emphasis on gender equity, female candidates are highly encouraged to apply and will receive priority during the selection process.
SECURE YOUR SPOT IN THE 2026 COIMBRA GROUP SCHOLARSHIP
2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institutions | Participating Coimbra Group Universities (Europe) |
| Scholarship Name | Coimbra Group Scholarship for Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Visit Duration | 1 to 3 Months (Maximum) |
| Target Audience | Early-career Researchers & Academic Staff |
| Eligible Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Application Deadline | May 10, 2026 |
2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – About the Initiative
The Coimbra Group is an association of long-established European multidisciplinary universities of high international standard. Their scholarship program for Sub-Saharan African researchers aims to foster internationalization and academic exchange. Participating member universities—ranging from the University of Barcelona to Heidelberg University—provide the funding for these research stays, while the Coimbra Group Office manages the unified application process. This program specifically targets the “brain-gain” model, ensuring scholars return to their home institutions with enhanced skills and new collaborative networks.
2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – Participating Universities
Scholars can apply to one of the following institutions (each has specific conditions):
- Spain: University of Barcelona, University of Granada, University of Salamanca.
- Germany: University of Cologne, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Heidelberg University, University of Würzburg.
- Italy: University of Padova, University of Pavia, University of Siena.
- Others: University of Bergen (Norway), University of Coimbra (Portugal), University of Graz (Austria), University of Groningen (Netherlands), University of Poitiers (France), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Istanbul University (Turkey), and Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (Romania).
2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 edition, applicants must fulfill ALL of the following:
- Age Limit: Must be born on or after January 1, 1981.
- Nationality & Residency: Must be a national and current resident of a Sub-Saharan African country. Applicants already in Europe are ineligible.
- Professional Status: Must be an academic staff member of a university or equivalent higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Academic Standing: Preferably hold doctoral, postdoctoral, or equivalent academic status.
- Supervisor Acceptance: Must have a mandatory acceptance letter/email from a supervisor at the host university.
- Language: The application and all supporting information must be submitted in English.
2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – Required Documents
Before starting the electronic application, ensure you have:
- Acceptance Letter/Email: A formal confirmation from a supervisor at your chosen European host university stating their willingness to supervise your research stay.
- Research Work Plan: A brief outline of the research you intend to conduct during the 1-3 month visit.
- Institutional Proof: Evidence of your current employment/academic status at a Sub-Saharan African university.
- Identification: Passport or national ID proving nationality and age.
2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – Step-by-Step Application Guide
Phase 1: Research and Institutional Choice
- Browse the list of participating Coimbra Group universities and review their specific “Remarks” and “Conditions” sections. Some universities only accept certain countries or research fields.
Phase 2: Secure a Host Supervisor
- This is the most critical step. Identify a researcher at your target university whose work aligns with yours. Email them directly to request supervision. The Coimbra Group Office cannot help you find a supervisor.
Phase 3: Obtain Formal Acceptance
- Once a professor agrees, ensure they send you a clear letter or email of acceptance. This must be uploaded during the application process.
Phase 4: Electronic Submission
- Complete the Coimbra Group electronic application form. Remember: You are allowed only one application to a single university. Multiple applications will lead to disqualification.
Phase 5: Deadline and Review
- Submit everything by May 10, 2026. Selection is based on the quality of the research project, the supervisor’s acceptance, and the potential for future collaboration.
Jamnet.com.ng Expert Advice for Applicants
- Contact Supervisors Early: Professors at elite European universities receive hundreds of requests. Start your outreach at least two months before the deadline to secure an acceptance letter.
- Review University Specifics: Some universities provide free housing; others provide a cash stipend. Choose the institution that best fits your financial and research needs.
- Prioritize Female Applicants: If you are a female researcher, mention how this visit will impact your career and your home institution, as female candidates are prioritized in this program.
- Align with Home Research: Ensure your research plan demonstrates how the stay in Europe will benefit your ongoing work in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Application Deadline: May 10, 2026
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2026 Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply if I am currently studying in Europe? No. The program is strictly for residents currently living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Q2: What is the age limit for the 2026 call? Applicants must have been born on or after January 1, 1981.
Q3: How long can the research visit last? The stay must be between 1 month (minimum) and 3 months (maximum).
Q4: Will the scholarship cover my flight and housing? This varies by university. You must check the “specific conditions” link for your chosen host university on the Coimbra Group website.
Q5: Is an acceptance letter from a supervisor mandatory? Yes. Applications without an uploaded proof of acceptance from a host supervisor will not be considered.
Q6: Can I apply to two different European universities? No. You may submit only one application to one university per call.
Q7: Do I need a PhD to apply? While doctoral or postdoctoral status is “preferred,” any academic staff member at a Sub-Saharan African university can apply.
Q8: When is the final deadline? The application window closes on May 10, 2026.
Q9: Who pays for the scholarship? The scholarships are funded by the individual participating Coimbra Group member universities.
Q10: Are female candidates prioritized? Yes, the Coimbra Group explicitly states that female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be given priority in the selection process.
