The CICOPS Scholarships, run by the University of Pavia together with EDISU (the regional right-to-study institute), bring visiting scholars from developing economies to Pavia, Italy, for a short research stay. Each year the programme funds a small number of scholars — 8 for the 2027 cycle — to spend 4 to 12 weeks working on a joint research project with a host professor at the University. The aim is to strengthen academic cooperation with low- and middle-income countries. A prerequisite is that the applicant already has a research contact at Pavia who agrees to host them and issues an invitation letter; that letter is mandatory and applications without it are rejected.
Benefits & funding
- A funded research stay of 4 to 12 weeks at the University of Pavia during 2027.
- Provided jointly by the University of Pavia and EDISU, the regional right-to-study institute that supports scholars with student services such as accommodation and meals.
- Access to the University’s professors, libraries, laboratories and research facilities for the joint project.
- The precise allowance, travel and insurance terms are defined in the official Call document linked from the program page (not reproduced here).
Eligibility
- At the application deadline, must be residing in a country the World Bank classifies as low-income, lower-middle-income or upper-middle-income — that is, any economy that is not high-income.
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent doctorate) and be employed by a university or higher-education institution; and/or be employed for at least two years as teaching, research or technical staff by a university, a public or non-profit research centre, or an intergovernmental/international public institution based in an eligible country.
- Demonstrate recent research activity: at least two authored scientific publications or outputs in the field of the proposed joint research.
- Secure an invitation letter from a host professor at the University of Pavia before applying.
- Open to all nationalities and to any academic discipline.
Can you apply?
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Identify a potential host at the University of Pavia — the University’s UNIFIND staff-search tool helps — and contact them directly to agree on a joint research project.
- 2Obtain a written invitation letter from that host professor; applications submitted without it are rejected.
- 3Read the official Call and FAQ, then complete the online application form once through the University’s PICA portal, attaching a CV with publication list and the invitation letter.
- 4Submit before the annual deadline — 10 June for the 2027 cycle.
Program timeline
April 2026
Call for the 2027 cycle published
10 June 2026
Application deadline (2027 cycle)
Research stays take place, 4–12 weeks, scheduled with the host
2027