PostdocFully Funded

Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme offers short-term research visits (1–3 months maximum) to African early-career researchers from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme supports these scholars in continuing research related to their work at their home institution while fostering academic and research collaborations with scientists and institutions based in Europe. The deadline for applications is May 10, 2026.

Provider: OpportunityDesk Scholarships
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: Closed — no active cycle

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Postdoc level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Postdoc · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Postdoc
Deadline: Closed — no active cycle

Key eligibility criteria

Born on or after January 1, 1981
nationals and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country
academic staff members of a university or equivalent higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
preferably hold doctoral/postdoctoral or equivalent academic status. Some host universities may have country-specific restrictions.

What the fully funded award covers

Accommodation

About the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 (2026)

# Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 ## Overview The Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa offers short-term research visits to eligible researchers. These visits, lasting between one and three months, are hosted by participating Coimbra Group member universities in Europe. The primary goal of this programme is to enable early-career researchers from Sub-Saharan African higher education institutions to continue their research work, fostering academic and research collaborations with European scientists and institutions. The Coimbra Group Office meticulously manages the application process, while the scholarships themselves are generously funded by the host universities within the Coimbra Group. ## Benefits This scholarship programme is fully funded, meaning that the costs associated with the short-term research visit are covered. While the specific details of what "fully funded" entails (e.g., travel, accommodation, living expenses) are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the designation implies comprehensive financial support. The program provides a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to engage with European academic environments, enhancing their research capabilities and expanding their professional networks. This international exposure is invaluable for career development and the advancement of research in their home institutions. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet several key criteria: * **Age:** Candidates must have been born on or after January 1, 1981. * **Nationality and Residency:** Applicants must be nationals and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country. Individuals already residing or studying in Europe at the time of application will not be considered eligible. * **Academic Affiliation:** Applicants must be academic staff members employed by a university or an equivalent higher education institution within Sub-Saharan Africa. * **Academic Status:** Preferably, candidates should hold a doctoral/postdoctoral degree or an equivalent academic status. This indicates that the program is tailored for researchers who have already achieved a significant level of academic training and experience. * **University-Specific Restrictions:** It is crucial for applicants to note that some host universities may impose additional eligibility restrictions, specifically regarding the countries of origin within Sub-Saharan Africa. Candidates are strongly advised to consult the "Remarks" section of each university's offer to confirm if their specific country is eligible before applying to that institution. ## Required Documents The provided text does not explicitly list the required documents for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme. Prospective applicants should anticipate needing standard application materials such as: * A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining academic and professional experience. * Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates. * A research proposal detailing the planned research project during the visit. * Letters of recommendation from academic supervisors or colleagues. * Proof of employment at a Sub-Saharan African higher education institution. * A copy of their passport or national identity document. * Any additional documents specified by the individual host universities in their specific scholarship conditions. It is imperative to check the specific requirements of each university to which an applicant intends to apply. ## How to Apply Applicants interested in the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme must follow the application instructions provided on the official Coimbra Group website. The general application process involves the following steps: 1. **Review Participating Universities:** Carefully examine the list of participating Coimbra Group universities and their specific scholarship conditions. Pay close attention to any country-specific eligibility restrictions mentioned in the "Remarks" section of each university's offer. 2. **Access Application Platform:** Visit the official Coimbra Group Scholarship website for Sub-Saharan Africa. The provided link guides applicants directly to the application portal. 3. **Complete Application Form:** Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information. Ensure all mandatory fields are addressed. 4. **Upload Supporting Documents:** Prepare and upload all necessary supporting documents as required by the programme and the chosen host university. 5. **Submit Application:** Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents before the stated deadline. It is highly recommended to submit well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues. For precise and up-to-date application guidelines, candidates must refer to the official Coimbra Group Scholarship website. ## Key Dates * **Application Deadline:** The deadline for submitting applications for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 is **May 10, 2026**. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before this date to ensure all documents are received and processed in time. The publication date of the notice was April 7, 2026. ## Selection Criteria While the official selection criteria are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, typical scholarship programmes for early-career researchers often consider the following: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong academic record, including degrees, publications, and research experience, is usually a primary factor. * **Research Proposal Quality:** The originality, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed research project during the visit are crucial. * **Relevance to Home Institution:** How the research visit will contribute to the applicant's ongoing work at their home institution and foster future collaborations. * **Potential for Collaboration:** The alignment of the applicant's research interests with the expertise and resources available at the chosen host university. * **Leadership Potential:** Evidence of leadership qualities and contributions to their academic community. * **Compliance with Eligibility:** Strict adherence to all stated eligibility requirements, including age, nationality, and academic status. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin the application process well in advance of the May 10, 2026, deadline to allow ample time for gathering documents, writing proposals, and addressing any potential issues. * **Thoroughly Review University Offers:** Each participating university has specific scholarship conditions and potential country restrictions. Applicants must meticulously read the "Remarks" section for each university they are interested in. * **Craft a Strong Research Proposal:** Since the programme focuses on research visits, a well-articulated and compelling research proposal is likely paramount. Tailor it to the research interests and capabilities of the chosen host university. * **Seek Strong Recommendations:** If recommendation letters are required (which is common for such programmes), ensure they come from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and research potential. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure all application materials are free of grammatical errors and typos. A polished application reflects professionalism and attention to detail. * **Contact Host University (If Permitted):** If the application guidelines allow, consider reaching out to potential supervisors at the host university to discuss your research interests and explore collaborative opportunities before applying. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including the application portal and specific university details, please refer to the official Coimbra Group Scholarship website: * **Official Website:** [https://www.coimbra-group.eu/scholarships/sub-saharan-africa-grant-information/](https://www.coimbra-group.eu/scholarships/sub-saharan-africa-grant-information/) * **Opportunity Desk Listing:** [https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/07/coimbra-group-scholarship-programme-2026-2/](https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/07/coimbra-group-scholarship-programme-2026-2/)

What the Fully Funded Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Accommodation

Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Born on or after January 1, 1981
nationals and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country
academic staff members of a university or equivalent higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa
preferably hold doctoral/postdoctoral or equivalent academic status. Some host universities may have country-specific restrictions.

Documents required for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/07/coimbra-group-scholarship-programme-2026-2/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Born on or after January 1, 1981; nationals and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country; academic staff members of a university or equivalent higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa; preferably hold…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/07/coimbra-group-scholarship-programme-2026-2/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Closed — no active cycle (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, OpportunityDesk Scholarships will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Editorial verification note

The deadline provided is in the past relative to today's date (2026-05-18).

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Postdoc level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by OpportunityDesk Scholarships, and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa 2026 fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Closed — no active cycle. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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