If you are a lecturer, researcher, or academic professional from a developing country, this is one opportunity you should not ignore. The CICOPS Scholarships Program at University of Pavia gives visiting scholars the chance to spend several weeks in Italy conducting joint research with professors at one of Europe’s oldest universities. For many researchers, especially those looking to expand international collaborations, publish more work, or gain global exposure, opportunities like this can completely change the direction of an academic career.
The scholarship is funded through CICOPS, which stands for the Committee for International Cooperation and Development. The program focuses on strengthening research collaboration between the University of Pavia and scholars from developing countries. If you have been searching for a short-term fully funded research fellowship in Europe, this might be exactly what you need.
You should also read our guide on the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship Is Calling for Applications if you are exploring more international opportunities for researchers and professionals.
What Is the CICOPS Scholarship?
The CICOPS Scholarship supports scholars who want to carry out collaborative research at the University of Pavia in Italy. Selected applicants are invited to stay in Pavia for between 4 and 12 weeks while working with a professor or researcher at the university.
This is not a degree scholarship. It is a short-term research mobility program designed for academics who are already working in universities, research institutions, or international organizations.
The scholarship encourages international cooperation and helps researchers build long-term academic partnerships.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
One of the reasons this opportunity attracts applicants from around the world is because the funding is quite generous.
The CICOPS Scholarship covers:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Health insurance
- Weekly allowance/stipend
According to the scholarship details, recipients also receive a contribution of approximately €150 per week during their stay. That makes it a truly fully funded research opportunity.
Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria are very important here. The scholarship is specifically targeted at scholars from developing countries classified by the World Bank as low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income economies.
Applicants must also meet academic or professional requirements such as:
- Holding a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification
- Being employed by a university or higher education institution
- Having at least two years of teaching, research, or professional experience
- Showing recent research activity and publications
The program is open to both junior and senior academics. However, there is one major requirement many applicants overlook. You must first secure an invitation letter from a professor at the University of Pavia before submitting your application. Without that invitation, your application will not be considered.
That means your first step is not filling out the form. Your first step is finding a professor whose research interests match yours.
How to Find a Professor
This part can feel intimidating at first, especially if you have never contacted international professors before. But it is actually very normal in academia. The University of Pavia recommends using its research directory called UNIFIND to search for professors and researchers in your area of interest.
You should:
- Identify departments related to your research field
- Read professors’ recent publications
- Send a short and professional email
- Explain your research interests clearly
- Suggest possible areas of collaboration
Many successful applicants say that getting the invitation letter early is the hardest but most important part of the process.
Available Research Areas
The scholarship supports multiple academic disciplines. According to the official FAQ document, the University of Pavia has departments across:
- Science and Technology
- Life Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Economics
- Political Science
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Law
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Sciences and many more.
That means applicants from many academic backgrounds can apply.
Application Documents
Applicants are generally required to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- Invitation letter from a University of Pavia professor
Applications that are incomplete are automatically rejected. So, make sure your documents are properly prepared before submission.
Application Deadline
For the latest cycle currently announced, applications are due by 10 June 2026 for the 2027 scholarship intake.
Deadlines can change every year, so always verify details on the official scholarship page before applying.
Final Thoughts
The CICOPS Scholarships Program is one of those opportunities that deserves more attention, especially among researchers in developing countries. It is fully funded and it supports international collaboration. Most importantly it gives scholars the chance to work directly with researchers at University of Pavia.
To get through, remember use this time to start networking with professors early, prepare a strong research proposal, and make sure your academic profile clearly shows your research experience and publications.
If you are actively searching for global fellowships, grants, and scholarships, also check out our article on the Z Zurich Foundation Scholarship Is Calling for Applications for another excellent international opportunity.
