The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to inform the University community of the Coimbra Group Scholarship Programme for Early-Career Researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa – 2026 Edition. This programme offers short-term research visits of 1–3 months at participating Coimbra Group universities in Europe for early-career researchers from higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is intended to support ongoing research linked to the applicant’s work at the home institution while strengthening academic and research collaboration with scientists and institutions in Europe. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility
Applicants must:

• be born on or after 1 January 1981
• be nationals and current residents of a Sub-Saharan African country
• be academic staff members of 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 a supervisor at the selected host university
• submit only one application to one university through the Coimbra Group electronic application process

Application Process
Applicants are required to first identify and contact a potential supervisor at one participating Coimbra Group university and obtain a letter or email confirming the supervisor’s willingness to host and supervise the proposed research stay. Applications without this proof of acceptance will not be considered. Research visits will take place during the 2026/2027 academic year, with exact dates to be agreed directly between the selected candidate and the host university.

Scholarship Support
The programme is funded by participating Coimbra Group member universities. Scholarship benefits, including stipend levels, travel support, accommodation arrangements, duration, and eligible fields, vary by host university, so applicants are strongly encouraged to review the specific conditions of their chosen institution before applying.

Application Deadline
The online application deadline is Sunday, 10 May 2026 at midnight (Brussels time).

For full call details and access to the application process, kindly visit: https://www.coimbra-group.eu/scholarships/sub-saharan-africa-grant-information/

 RID encourages eligible academic staff and early-career researchers of the University of Ghana to explore this opportunity, particularly those seeking to strengthen international research collaboration and advance ongoing work through a short research stay in Europe. Interested applicants are kindly requested to inform RID of their intention to apply to enable institutional guidance and support. Please email rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh, with jobappiah@ug.edu.gh in copy, ahead of the deadline