Call for applications 2026

Universities of the Coimbra Group offer short-term research visits (13 months maximum) to early-career researchers from higher education institutions inthe following countries of the European Neighbourhood: Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, North Macedonia, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Palestine, Russia, Serbia, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

The programme aims to support 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 scholarships are generously funded by participating Coimbra Group member universities, while the Coimbra Group Office manages the application process.

Download the call for applications 2026

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must fulfil ALL of the following requirements:

  • Be born on or after 1 January 1991.
  • Be nationals and current residents of one of the above-listed countries (candidates already living and/or studying in Europe will not be considered).  Some host universities may restrict eligibility to applicants from specific countries: applicants should consult the “Remarks” section of each university’s offer to confirm if their country is eligible.
  • Be academic staff members of a university or equivalent higher education institution located in one of the above-mentioned countries.
  • Hold postdoctoral or equivalent academic status. Some host institutions may offer opportunities to doctoral students as well. Applicants should consult the scholarship conditions in the offer of the selected host university.
  • Obtain an acceptance letter/email from a supervisor at the host university confirming their willingness to supervise the research stay. This document is mandatory (see more information below).
  • Apply through the Coimbra Group electronic application process.
  • Submit only one application to a single university. Multiple applications will not be considered valid.
  • Submit all information in English.

Please note that the universities listed below (“Participating universities”) are the only eligible host institutions for the 2026 edition of this Scholarship Programme. Further details about each university, including their research fields, can be found directly on their respective websites.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE APPLYING:
1 – Applicants should provide the name and contact details of an academic supervisor at the receiving Coimbra Group University who will supervise their work during their stay abroad. If you do not have any contacts, we suggest you visit the website of your chosen institution or get in touch with the contact person at the selected host institution whose email address is indicated in the call for applications. The Coimbra Group Office is not in the position to provide assistance in this matter.
2 – All applicants are requested to provide a letter/e-mail of acceptance (to be submitted together with the application) written by the academic supervisor from the host university where they would like to carry out the proposed work plan. The letter should state that the supervisor is willing to work with the applicant in case they obtain a Coimbra Group Scholarship.
3 – Applicants can select only one institution. Multiple applications from the same candidate will be rejected.
4 – Please fill in your application form only when you have all the data available (i.e. name of and letter of acceptance from the supervisor at the Coimbra Group University, etc.). Incomplete applications will be rejected, no exceptions will be made.
5 – Research visits will take place during the 2026/2027 academic year. The exact dates and structure of the visit must be agreed upon directly between the applicant and the academic supervisor at the Coimbra Group host university

Participating universities

The following Coimbra Group universities are participating in the 2026 edition of this scholarship programme. Please click on each university to see the specific scholarship conditions offered.

Overview 2015-2025

Number of grants awarded & applications received

European Neighbourhood20152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Universities12989910109111812
Grants awarded2216121414121515141615
Eligible applications1238912860133689168674663

Read the 2025 report here.