International educational programme - Coimbra Group Scholarships Programme for Latin America

What is the Coimbra Group Scholarships Programme?

Since 2004, the Coimbra Group universities offer young professors and researchers from Latin American institutions the possibility to visit a European university for a period up to 6 months in the framework of their academic programme.

Aim of the programme

The main purpose of the scholarships programme is to favour the exchange of European and Latin American researchers and academics. The programme aims to strengthen ongoing scientific co-operation activities and to explore opportunities for new co-operation between the institutions involved.

Scholarships

The participating universities offer a stay up to 6 months. What is included in the scholarship depends on the host university.

Participating countries in Latin America

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Republica Dominica, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Participating universities in Europe

Each year, a number of Coimbra Group universities take part by offering one or more scholarships for Latin American professors and/or researchers. More information on the other participating universities can be found on the Coimbra Group website.
Scholarships offered by K.U.Leuven:

  • number of scholarships: three (for postdoctoral researchers or postdoctoral professors)
  • field of research/study: all fields
  • amount of the scholarship: € 1,600/month; apart from this, grantees are given assistance in finding accommodation, office space (shared with others), and computer and library access. No travelling expenses are reimbursed.
  • duration of the visit: two or three months during the academic year (September till June)
  • please email for more information

Requirements for applicants

The programme is aimed at young academics, under the age of 40. Candidates should be resident in one of the participating Latin American countries. Furthermore, it is necessary that they hold a university degree or an equivalent. Applicants wishing to visit K.U.Leuven must hold a postdoctoral degree. Apart from this, they should be associated, either as a professor or a researcher, with a Latin American university recognised as such by the authorities of the country. They are expected to have sufficient skills in an international language relevant to the host university (when applying to K.U.Leuven: English or French).

Application procedure and selection

Only electronic applications will be accepted. The application file should also include an electronic curriculum vitae. Online application will be open from February until mid March, through the Coimbra Group website.

The visit will take place in the regular academic year of the host university. A schedule for the visit, including the exact dates and a plan of action, will be set up in consultation with the tutor/partner involved.
After having consulted the universities involved, the Coimbra Group's Commission will make the final selection in accordance with the following criteria:

  • the academic skills of the applicant
  • the applicant’s experience as a professor or/and researcher
  • a curriculum vitae assessment
  • the coherence between the programme proposed by the applicant and his/her academic background and experience
  • the immediate benefits of the research visit for the academic and scientific future of the candidate and of the participating institutions

Obligations of the grant holders

Grant recipients are expected to:

  • confirm by means of a letter to the Coimbra Group Office that they will accept the scholarship and that they will send, within four weeks after finishing their visit, a two-page report on the research conducted, using a standard form;
  • comply with the legal requirements of the host country;
  • mention the Coimbra Group Scholarships Programme, should the results of their investigation be published.