Apply Now for the Coimbra Group Short-Term Research Grants for Sub-Saharan Africa 2027: Fully Funded Research Visits to Leading European Universities ·Term Research Grants for Sub-Saharan Africa 2027: Fully Funded Research Visits to Leading European Universities

Early-career researchers and academic staff from Sub-Saharan Africa have another opportunity to strengthen their research careers through the Coimbra Group Short-Term Research Grants for Sub-Saharan Africa 2027.

The prestigious academic mobility programme offers fully funded research visits lasting between one and three months at some of Europe’s leading universities.

Designed to promote international research collaboration, academic exchange, and institutional partnerships, the Coimbra Group programme enables scholars to work alongside experienced researchers, access world-class laboratories and archives, and build long-term collaborations with European institutions.

Applicants who are selected will receive financial support covering travel costs, health insurance, and a monthly living allowance, depending on the host university.

What is the Coimbra Group Short-Term Research Grants Programme?

The Coimbra Group is an association of long-established multidisciplinary universities across Europe committed to promoting academic cooperation and excellence. Through its annual Sub-Saharan Africa scholarship programme, participating universities provide funding for short-term research visits by promising researchers from African higher education institutions.

The programme supports research that contributes to the applicant’s work at their home university while encouraging collaboration with academics and research groups in Europe.

Research visits take place during the 2026/2027 academic year, with the exact dates agreed between the successful applicant and their host supervisor.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package provided by the participating host university.

Benefits may include:

• Fully funded research stay lasting 1 to 3 months
• International travel support
• Health insurance during the research visit
• Monthly living stipend, with some universities offering up to €2,100 per month
• Access to advanced laboratories, research facilities, specialist libraries, and archives
• Opportunities to establish international research collaborations
• Exposure to European research networks and academic communities

Funding levels vary depending on the host university, so applicants are encouraged to review the specific conditions offered by their chosen institution.

Participating Universities

For the current programme cycle, researchers may apply to one of the participating Coimbra Group universities, including:

• 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 (Netherlands)
• Heidelberg University (Germany)
• İstanbul University (Turkey)
• Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany)
• Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland)
• University of Padova (Italy)
• University of Pavia (Italy)
• University of Poitiers (France)
• University of Salamanca (Spain)
• University of Siena (Italy)
• Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Germany)
• Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași (Romania)

Each university determines its own research priorities, scholarship conditions, and, in some cases, country-specific eligibility requirements.

Who Can Apply?

The Coimbra Group Short-Term Research Grants are intended for academic staff and early-career researchers working at recognised higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Be born on or after 1 January 1981
• Be a national and current resident of a Sub-Saharan African country
• Be employed as academic staff at a university or equivalent higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Preferably hold doctoral, postdoctoral, or equivalent academic status
• Obtain an acceptance letter or email from an academic supervisor at the selected host university
• Submit only one application to a single participating university
• Complete the application in English

Applicants who are already living or studying in Europe are not eligible for the programme.

The Coimbra Group also strongly encourages female researchers to apply, with women being given priority during the selection process where appropriate.

A Host Acceptance Letter Is Mandatory

One of the most important requirements for this scholarship is securing a host supervisor before submitting an application.

Applicants must identify an academic at their chosen Coimbra Group university who agrees to supervise their research visit. The supervisor must provide an official acceptance letter or email confirming their willingness to host the applicant if selected.

Applications submitted without this document are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact academics whose research aligns closely with their own work and develop a research proposal that complements ongoing projects, particularly those linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Selection Is Highly Competitive

The Coimbra Group programme attracts applications from researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa every year.

Programme statistics illustrate the level of competition:

• 2025: 141 eligible applications, 31 grants awarded
• 2024: 197 eligible applications, 36 grants awarded
• 2023: 286 eligible applications, 30 grants awarded

These figures highlight the importance of preparing a strong research proposal and establishing meaningful collaboration with a prospective host supervisor well before the application deadline.

Application Tips

Applicants seeking to improve their chances of selection should consider the following:

• Contact potential supervisors several months before applications open.
• Ensure the proposed research aligns with the host department’s expertise.
• Demonstrate how the research visit will strengthen academic collaboration between Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Clearly explain how the research will benefit the applicant’s home institution after returning.
• Submit a complete application with all required supporting documents.

Since only one application is permitted, choosing the most suitable host university is a critical decision.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Coimbra Group Short-Term Research Grants for Sub-Saharan Africa 2027 will open following the publication of the official call.

Interested applicants should begin contacting potential host supervisors early, as obtaining a formal acceptance letter is a mandatory requirement before an application can be submitted.

Researchers are advised to monitor the Coimbra Group’s official announcements for application dates, participating universities, and programme updates.

For ambitious researchers across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Coimbra Group scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct research in Europe, expand international academic networks, and build partnerships that can have a lasting impact on both individual careers and institutional collaboration.

Download the call for applications 2026

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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