CICOPS Scholarship at the University of Pavia (Fully Funded)

The CICOPS Scholarship, offered by the University of Pavia’s Center for Global Strategic Engagement, supports short-term research stays in Pavia, Italy. About six scholarships are awarded to visiting scholars for periods of 4 to 12 weeks, fostering international cooperation and strategic engagement with global partners. Established by the Center for International Cooperation and Development (CICOPS) in collaboration with EDiSU, this program underscores Pavia’s commitment to global academic exchange.

Recipients of the CICOPS Scholarship receive comprehensive funding, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, daily meal allowances, health insurance policy, and a weekly stipend for the entire stay. The scholarship ensures full financial support for research collaboration, with no application fees or hidden costs, making it a truly fully funded opportunity for international academics. Furthermore, awardees gain access to Pavia’s libraries, labs, and computing facilities to advance their work alongside University of Pavia faculty.

Preference is given to applicants from lower-income economies and those affiliated with institutions holding existing cooperation agreements with Pavia. Prospective scholars must first secure an invitation letter from a University of Pavia professor or researcher to initiate their application. As one of Italy’s oldest universities, Pavia leverages its historic campus to host scholars working on development, international relations, and strategic studies.

Program Details

• Host Institution: University of Pavia – Center for Global Strategic Engagement (CICOPS) & EDiSU, Pavia, Italy.
• Eligible Program: Short-term research collaboration (4–12 weeks) under a Pavia-based academic supervisor.
• Number of Awards: 6 scholarships, highly competitive.
• Duration: Choices of January 12 to July 24 or September 7 to December 18, 2026.
• Target Group: University faculty and researchers from low, lower-middle, and upper-middle income countries.

CICOPS Scholarship Benefits

Selected applicants for the CICOPS Scholarship will receive a fully funded support that includes:

1. Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Pavia
2. Single-room university residence accommodation and meal card
3. Comprehensive health and accident insurance
4. Weekly stipend of €150 (gross)
5. Access to libraries, labs, and invitation to deliver guest lectures

Available Programs

Scholars will engage in development-focused research aligned with University of Pavia initiatives, working closely with their designated host professor.

CICOPS Scholarship Eligibility

To apply for this Italian university scholarship, Candidates must:

• Hold citizenship of a World Bank–designated low, lower-middle, or upper-middle income country
• Have at least two years of teaching or professional research experience
• Be neither enrolled in nor recently graduated from an Italian doctoral or postgraduate program
• Secure a formal invitation letter from their intended University of Pavia supervisor

How to Apply for the CICOPS Scholarship

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Obtain an invitation letter from your prospective host professor at Pavia.
2. Complete and submit the online form at cicops.unipv.it/cicops-scholarships.
3. Upload all required documents (see below) by 31 May 2025.

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae in European format with publication list (file named “Surname_Name_CV”).
2. Invitation letter from host professor (file named “Surname_Name_Letter”).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a committee of senior CICOPS and University leaders based on:

• Scientific relevance and alignment with existing Pavia research
• Quality and impact of the candidate’s CV
• Equitable distribution across departments and geographic regions
• Priority to applicants from lower-income economies and institutions with Pavia MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding)

Terms and Conditions

• Scholars must confirm acceptance within 20 days of award notification and specify exact stay dates.
• Upon confirmation, EDiSU arranges visa support, flight booking, insurance, housing, meal cards, and stipend payments.
• No changes to the approved stay dates or research plan are permitted without written consent.
• Compliance with EDiSU residence regulations and health protocols is mandatory; violations may terminate the scholarship.
• Scholars may be asked to deliver lectures and must submit a final report and any publications arising from their visit.

The application deadline is set for May 31, 2025. A decision will be made by June 30th 2025 by a Committee composed of the President of CICOPS and two other members designated by the Rector. For more details on the CICOPS Scholarship, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.