CICOPS Scholarships at the University of Pavia, Italy: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

For researchers who want to build international academic connections without enrolling in another full degree programme, the CICOPS Scholarships at the University of Pavia in Italy offer a valuable opportunity to explore.

Unlike traditional master’s or PhD scholarships, CICOPS supports short-term research visits. Successful applicants work with an academic host at the University of Pavia, develop collaborative research, and spend between four and twelve weeks working within the university’s academic environment.

The programme is particularly relevant to university lecturers, researchers, and other eligible academic professionals based in developing countries. 

It is designed to strengthen international cooperation and create opportunities for researchers to exchange knowledge, develop joint projects, and establish lasting institutional relationships.

For the 2027 cycle, the University of Pavia and EDiSU offered eight scholarships for visiting scholars. The scholarship package included travel, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and a gross contribution of €150 per week. 

The application deadline was 10 June 2026, meaning the 2027 round is now closed. Prospective applicants should monitor the official website for the next call.

One detail makes this opportunity different from many international scholarships: having an impressive academic CV is not enough. 

Applicants must identify a professor or researcher at the University of Pavia who is willing to host their proposed research collaboration. The invitation letter must be secured before the application is submitted.

That requirement deserves serious attention because it affects how you should prepare. You cannot leave the entire process until the final week and expect to find a suitable academic host immediately.

In this guide, I will explain what the CICOPS Scholarships offer, who is eligible, how the funding works, how to find a potential host professor, and how to prepare for the next application round.

CICOPS Scholarships: Quick Overview

Here are the essential details of the 2027 call.

Scholarship programme: CICOPS Scholarships

Host institution: University of Pavia

Location: Pavia, Italy

Programme type: Short-term research scholarship and academic exchange

Scholarships available in the 2027 call: Eight

Duration: Four to twelve weeks

Target applicants: Eligible researchers and academic professionals residing in developing countries

Academic qualification: PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, subject to the call’s specific provisions

Professional experience: At least two years in a qualifying academic or research role

Required academic contact: A professor or researcher at the University of Pavia

Mandatory document: Invitation letter from the host academic

Financial benefits: Travel, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and €150 gross per week under the 2027 call

2027 application deadline: 10 June 2026 — closed

Application method: Online application through the CICOPS website

Official resources:

• CICOPS Scholarships Programme
• Official 2027 Call for Applications
• Official 2027 Frequently Asked Questions

The figures and requirements above refer to the 2027 call. Applicants preparing for a future round should check the new call rather than assume that all conditions will remain unchanged.

1. What Are the CICOPS Scholarships?

The CICOPS Scholarships are offered through the Committee for International Cooperation and Development at the University of Pavia, in collaboration with EDiSU, the institution responsible for university student services and related support.

The programme promotes international academic cooperation, particularly with researchers based in developing countries.

Its central purpose is to support short research visits during which selected scholars collaborate with a professor or researcher at the University of Pavia.

This is not a scholarship for completing an entire undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree in Italy. Instead, it supports a temporary research stay focused on academic collaboration.

For example, a university lecturer working on rural development might use the visit to collaborate with a Pavia researcher on a shared research question. 

A scientist could explore a new methodology, while a researcher in economics, public health, environmental studies, or another discipline might develop a joint project with a relevant academic department.

The precise activities depend on the research proposal and the agreement with the host academic.

Why is the programme important for researchers?

Academic research often depends on access to expertise, research facilities, institutional networks, and opportunities to discuss ideas with colleagues working in the same field.

Researchers may have strong academic backgrounds and ongoing projects but limited opportunities to collaborate internationally because of financial or institutional barriers.

A short-term research scholarship can help address some of these limitations.

Through CICOPS, selected researchers can spend time at an Italian university, engage with a host department, and explore opportunities for continued academic cooperation.

The value of the visit is therefore not measured only by the number of weeks spent in Italy. A successful collaboration may also lead to joint publications, further research, conference contributions, or continuing links between the institutions involved.

Those outcomes are not guaranteed, of course. They depend on the research project, the people involved, and the work completed during and after the visit.

2. How Many CICOPS Scholarships Are Available?

The 2027 call offered eight scholarships for visiting scholars.

That is a relatively small number of places, making it important for applicants to understand how their proposed research fits the programme.

A candidate should not approach the application as though it were simply a request for funding to visit Italy. CICOPS is intended to promote meaningful research cooperation.

Your proposal should therefore explain what you intend to investigate, why collaboration with a University of Pavia academic is appropriate, and what the two parties could realistically accomplish during the visit.

The university’s selection criteria include the scientific relevance of the proposed project and the candidate’s curriculum vitae. 

The call also considers the distribution of scholarships across departments and geographical regions. Additional preferences may apply in cases where candidates have equivalent scientific and professional merit.

This means the application should communicate more than academic ambition. It should show a credible connection between your existing research, the host professor’s expertise, and the proposed collaboration.

3. CICOPS Scholarship Benefits: What Does the Funding Cover?

The CICOPS Scholarships are attractive because the 2027 award covered several major expenses associated with the research stay.

Under the official 2027 call, the scholarship included:

Return travel by economy-class flight.

Accommodation.

Meals.

Health insurance.

A contribution of €150 gross per week.

The university also arranged practical support for successful scholars, including accommodation at a university residence, access to university canteen meals, and insurance arrangements under the scholarship terms.

These benefits can substantially reduce the personal cost of undertaking a short research visit abroad.

Return airfare

The 2027 call included return economy-class travel.

According to the official terms, the university arranged the return flight after the selected scholar confirmed acceptance of the scholarship and its conditions.

This is an important distinction: applicants should not assume they need to purchase a ticket independently and then seek reimbursement unless the official instructions specifically require it.

For any future round, read the travel arrangements carefully before booking anything.

Accommodation in Pavia

The scholarship included accommodation at a university residence, subject to availability and the programme’s arrangements.

For a visiting researcher, this removes one of the more difficult parts of organising an international stay: finding a place to live for a relatively short period.

However, the official call requires scholars to confirm their intended dates and accept the relevant conditions. The accommodation arrangements are therefore connected to the agreed period of the visit.

Before accepting an award, make sure your research schedule is realistic and that your requested dates are compatible with the host department’s plans.

Meals

The 2027 scholarship included access to two free meals per day at university canteens.

This benefit can help visiting scholars manage everyday expenses while concentrating on their research.

It is still sensible to understand the limits of the meal arrangement and budget for any additional food or personal expenses that may not be covered.

Health and accident insurance

The scholarship included health insurance and personal accident insurance under the official terms.

This is an important component of international research mobility because healthcare arrangements and costs can differ significantly between countries.

Successful applicants should review the insurance documentation and follow any instructions provided before travelling.

Weekly financial contribution

The 2027 call specified a contribution of €150 gross per week.

The word gross matters. It should not automatically be interpreted as a net amount after any applicable deductions.

For a four-week stay, the gross weekly contribution would total €600. For an eight-week stay, it would total €1,200. For a twelve-week stay, it would total €1,800.

These figures are simple calculations based on the 2027 call’s weekly contribution; they are not separate grants or guaranteed net payments.

The weekly contribution is intended to support the scholar during the visit. The travel, accommodation, meals, and insurance benefits are listed separately in the scholarship terms.

Is the CICOPS Scholarship fully funded?

The 2027 scholarship covered several major costs of the research visit, including return travel, accommodation, meals, insurance, and a weekly contribution.

For that reason, it can reasonably be described as a funded short-term research opportunity.

However, applicants should still read the official terms to understand exactly what is covered, how arrangements are made, and which incidental or personal expenses may remain their responsibility.

It is also important to remember that CICOPS is not funding an entire degree programme. Its purpose is to support a research stay lasting between four and twelve weeks.

4. Who Can Apply for the CICOPS Scholarships?

The programme is intended for researchers and academic professionals who meet the eligibility requirements in the official call.

For the 2027 round, the main conditions concerned the applicant’s country of residence, academic qualification, employment, professional experience, and research activity.

Because these are specific eligibility requirements, applicants should not rely on the general description of the programme alone.

1. Residence in an eligible developing country

Applicants must reside in a country classified by the World Bank as a low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income economy at the applicable application deadline.

The programme’s emphasis on developing countries is central to its purpose of strengthening international academic cooperation.

Applicants should check the World Bank classification relevant to the call rather than assume that their nationality alone determines eligibility.

Residence and nationality are not necessarily the same thing. If you are a citizen of one country but currently live and work in another, review the precise wording of the official requirements.

2. A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree

The 2027 call required applicants to hold a PhD or an equivalent doctoral qualification by the application deadline, subject to the specific provisions stated in the call and FAQ.

This is one of the most important differences between CICOPS and opportunities intended for undergraduate students or recent bachelor’s degree graduates.

The programme targets established researchers and academic professionals who can contribute to a joint research project.

If you are still completing your PhD, do not automatically assume that you are ineligible or eligible. 

The official 2027 FAQ explains a specific provision for certain applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate but meet the relevant employment conditions. Check the wording of the applicable call carefully.

3. Current employment at a qualifying institution

Applicants must be employed in an eligible role at a university or higher education institution.

The 2027 requirements also recognised qualifying positions in public or non-profit research centres and intergovernmental or international public institutions, subject to the conditions specified in the call.

Relevant roles included teaching staff, lecturers, researchers, and certain technical personnel.

For applicants in technical or research roles, supporting documentation may be necessary to demonstrate that their duties meet the programme’s requirements.

This is important because CICOPS is not simply intended for anyone with a doctoral degree who wants to visit Italy.

Your professional position and institutional affiliation form part of the eligibility assessment.

4. At least two years of professional experience

The 2027 call required at least two years of relevant professional experience in the qualifying role or activity.

Applicants should be ready to document their employment history accurately.

If your experience includes several positions, make sure the dates and responsibilities are clear. Where the rules require experience in a specific type of role or institution, general work experience elsewhere may not satisfy that condition.

The safest approach is to compare your actual employment history with the exact eligibility wording in the official call.

5. Evidence of research activity

The supplied programme requirements also emphasise evidence of recent research activity.

For the 2027 call described in the source information, applicants were expected to demonstrate this through at least two authored scientific publications or comparable academic outputs relevant to the proposed collaboration.

Applicants should check the precise requirements in the official call and FAQ, including what types of research outputs are accepted.

If you have published academic papers, prepare accurate details of the titles, publication venues, dates, and your contribution.

If your work includes other scholarly outputs, confirm that these meet the programme’s definition before relying on them to satisfy the requirement.

6. A suitable research proposal

The proposed research should be relevant to the applicant’s field and suitable for collaboration with a University of Pavia academic.

A broad statement such as wanting to conduct research in Italy is not enough to explain the purpose of the visit.

Your proposal should identify the research question, explain what you hope to investigate, and describe how the host professor’s expertise or the university’s research environment will contribute to the work.

It should also be realistic about what can be achieved within four to twelve weeks.

7. A host professor’s invitation letter

Applicants must obtain an invitation letter from a professor or researcher at the University of Pavia before submitting the online application.

This is a mandatory part of the process.

The CICOPS office does not assign supervisors to applicants or forward proposals to departments on their behalf. Candidates must identify and contact potential academic hosts themselves.

This requirement deserves particular attention because it involves another person’s academic judgement and availability.

You need enough time to identify suitable researchers, make contact, discuss the proposed collaboration, and obtain the required invitation letter.

5. Which Research Fields Are Eligible?

The suitability of a proposed project depends on its academic relevance and the availability of an appropriate host researcher.

Applicants should therefore begin with their own research interests and look for a corresponding area of expertise at the University of Pavia.

Depending on the available academic contacts and the research proposal, relevant areas may include:

Agriculture and agricultural economics.

Economics and development studies.

Environmental science and sustainability.

Public health and biomedical research.

Biology and life sciences.

Engineering and technology.

Social sciences.

Humanities.

Public policy.

Other academic fields supported by a suitable host department.

This is an illustrative list rather than a guarantee that every field will have an available host for every call.

The critical question is whether your proposed work can be connected to a professor or researcher at the university who is willing and able to collaborate.

Before preparing a full application, investigate the research activities of potential host academics. Their recent publications, research interests, and departmental affiliations can help you determine whether there is a genuine academic fit.

6. How to Find a Host Professor at the University of Pavia

For many applicants, finding a suitable academic host is the most important practical step.

You may already have an international research network or know a professor whose work connects with your own. If so, you can contact that person to discuss the possibility of a CICOPS collaboration.

But what if you do not know anyone at the University of Pavia?

The university provides a research and staff directory called UNIFIND, which applicants can use to identify researchers according to their areas of expertise.

Official researcher directory: University of Pavia UNIFIND

Step 1: Define your research topic clearly

Before searching the directory, write down the main subject of your research.

Try to identify the specific question or problem you want to investigate, not just the broad academic discipline.

For example, instead of searching only for a professor who works in environmental science, identify the particular area that connects with your research, such as climate adaptation, water management, or environmental policy.

A more precise topic makes it easier to identify a suitable academic contact.

Step 2: Search for researchers with relevant expertise

Use UNIFIND to look for researchers whose academic interests connect with your topic.

Review their departmental affiliation, research profile, publications, and areas of expertise.

Do not select a potential host solely because the person’s job title sounds appropriate. Look for a genuine connection between their research and your proposed project.

A professor who has published on a closely related question may be a better fit than someone who works in the same broad discipline but has different research interests.

Step 3: Read the professor’s recent work

Before contacting a researcher, review their available academic profile and publications.

This will help you understand whether your proposed collaboration makes sense.

It also gives you a more concrete basis for explaining why you are approaching that particular person.

Avoid sending a generic message that could be addressed to any professor at any university.

Step 4: Prepare a concise introduction

Your initial email should explain who you are, where you work, what you research, and why you are interested in collaborating with the professor.

Mention one or two specific connections between your project and the researcher’s work.

You do not need to send a long personal history. The goal is to make it easy for the professor to understand your research idea and decide whether a discussion would be worthwhile.

Step 5: Explain what you hope to accomplish during the visit

The professor will need to understand the purpose of the proposed collaboration.

Explain the research question, the activities you would like to undertake during the visit, and the potential academic value of the work.

For example, the project might involve analysing a shared dataset, developing a comparative study, refining a research method, discussing joint publication plans, or working on a research question that benefits from both institutions’ expertise.

Choose activities that are realistic for a visit of four to twelve weeks.

Step 6: Ask whether the professor would consider hosting you

Once you have explained your proposal, ask whether the professor would be willing to discuss acting as your academic host for a CICOPS application.

Do not assume that a positive response to an initial email automatically constitutes the formal invitation required by the programme.

If the professor agrees to support your application, follow their instructions and the official CICOPS requirements for obtaining the invitation letter.

Step 7: Allow enough time for a response

Academic researchers often have teaching, research, administrative, and other responsibilities.

Some may be unable to host a visitor, while others may not respond to an initial message.

The official CICOPS FAQ advises applicants who do not receive a response to consider contacting other researchers whose expertise is relevant. It also makes clear that the CICOPS office cannot assign a supervisor or forward a proposal to departments.

The practical lesson is to begin early, identify more than one potentially suitable academic contact, and approach each researcher professionally.

Do not send repeated messages every few days or approach large numbers of unrelated professors with the same generic email.

7. Example Email for Contacting a Potential Host Professor

The following is an example of how you could introduce yourself to a professor at the University of Pavia. Adapt it to your actual research and the academic’s work.

Subject: Potential CICOPS Research Collaboration in [Research Area]

Dear Professor [Surname],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [your academic position] at [your institution and country]. My research focuses on [briefly describe your research area], particularly [specific topic or question].

I have been reviewing your research on [specific subject or publication], and I see a possible connection with my current work on [describe the relevant connection].

I am interested in exploring a short-term research collaboration at the University of Pavia through the CICOPS Scholarships. My proposed project would focus on [briefly state the research objective], with the aim of [explain the expected academic outcome].

Would you be willing to discuss whether this project might align with your research interests and whether you could consider acting as a host for a CICOPS application?

I would be happy to share my CV and a short research outline for your consideration. Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,
Your Name
Your Academic Position
Your Institution
Your Professional Email

The most important part of this email is the connection between your project and the professor’s research. Personalise that section carefully. Do not claim to have read a publication or describe a research connection that you have not verified.

8. Documents to Prepare for a CICOPS Application

The exact documentation requirements must be checked in the call for the relevant year.

For a future application, I would organise the following materials early so that the application does not depend on last-minute document preparation.

Academic CV

Your CV should present your academic qualifications, employment history, research experience, publications, and relevant professional activities.

Because CICOPS is a research collaboration programme, your research background deserves particular attention.

List publications accurately and make your role in the work clear. If you have contributed to collaborative projects, explain your contribution rather than simply listing the project name.

Research proposal or project description

Prepare a clear explanation of the research you want to undertake during the visit.

Depending on the requirements of the next call, this may need to include:

The research question or problem.

Background and rationale.

The objectives of the project.

The proposed approach or methods.

The connection to the host professor’s expertise.

The activities planned during the visit.

The expected academic outcomes.

The potential for continued collaboration between institutions.

Keep the proposed work realistic for the duration of the stay.

A four-week visit is not the same as a year-long research project. A focused objective with a clear plan is easier to evaluate than an ambitious proposal with no realistic schedule.

Invitation letter

The host professor’s invitation letter is essential. It must be obtained before submitting the online application, according to the published CICOPS instructions.

Do not assume that you can submit first and provide the letter later. The official guidance warns that incomplete applications will be rejected.

Publication details

Prepare accurate information about your relevant academic publications or other accepted scholarly outputs.

Check that author names, titles, dates, and publication details are correct.

If the next call requires a particular number or type of publications, confirm that your materials meet those conditions.

Employment information

Be ready to document your current position and professional experience.

The programme’s eligibility conditions concern employment in qualifying academic or research roles, so your institutional affiliation should be clear.

If the official call requires supporting evidence for your position or duties, obtain it from the appropriate office at your institution.

Additional documents requested by the call

The next application round may specify additional documents, formats, declarations, or requirements.

Do not treat this checklist as a replacement for the official instructions. The call for the relevant year determines which documents must be submitted.

9. How to Apply for the CICOPS Scholarships

The application process involves more than completing an online form. You must first confirm eligibility and obtain the required invitation letter.

For the 2027 cycle, the deadline was 10 June 2026. That deadline has passed. The following steps explain how prospective applicants can prepare for a future call; they do not mean applications for the 2027 round are still open.

Step 1: Read the official call

Start by reading the official CICOPS website and the documents published for the relevant application year.

Pay close attention to eligibility, the required academic qualifications, employment conditions, research outputs, application documents, and deadline.

Do not rely only on a short scholarship announcement. The full call contains the rules used to assess applications.

Step 2: Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements

Check your country of residence, doctoral qualification, current employment, professional experience, and research activity against the official criteria.

If any requirement is unclear, consult the official FAQ or contact CICOPS through the contact details published by the university.

It is better to resolve an eligibility question before spending time preparing a complete application.

Step 3: Identify a suitable host professor

Use UNIFIND and the university’s academic profiles to find researchers whose expertise matches your proposed project.

Review their work and identify a genuine reason for collaboration.

This step should happen early because you cannot complete the application properly without the required invitation letter.

Step 4: Contact the potential host

Send a personalised email explaining your academic background and research idea.

If the professor is interested, discuss the project and agree on the scope of the proposed collaboration.

Be prepared to refine your initial idea in response to the professor’s feedback.

Step 5: Obtain the invitation letter

Follow the host professor’s instructions and the official requirements for the letter.

Check that the letter is ready before proceeding to the application form.

The invitation letter is not an optional supporting document. It is a central requirement of the CICOPS application process.

Step 6: Prepare your research and academic documents

Finalise your CV, research proposal, publication details, employment information, and any other materials required by the call.

Check that the documents tell a consistent story about your research background and proposed collaboration.

Your CV should support the proposal, while the proposal should explain why the host professor is a suitable academic partner.

Step 7: Complete the online application

When the next call opens, use the official application link provided on the CICOPS website.

Complete the required fields carefully and upload the documents in the formats specified by the university.

The 2027 instructions stated that applicants should submit only one candidacy, even if they had obtained invitation letters from more than one professor. Applicants should check whether the next call retains the same rule.

Step 8: Review the application before submission

Check that all required documents are present, the invitation letter is included, and your research proposal matches the project discussed with your host.

Make sure the information in the online form is consistent with your CV and supporting materials.

Do not leave missing documents for later unless the official call explicitly permits it.

Step 9: Submit before the deadline

Submit your application through the official portal before the stated closing time.

Keep any confirmation message or reference number provided by the system.

Avoid waiting until the final day. The host professor’s letter, academic documents, and research proposal all require preparation, and delays in any one of these areas can affect your ability to submit a complete application.

Step 10: Monitor official communication

After submission, monitor your email and follow any instructions from the university.

If selected, read the award conditions carefully and respond within the stated acceptance period.

For the 2027 call, successful applicants were required to confirm acceptance and their requested dates of stay within 20 days of receiving the relevant notification. Future applicants should check the deadline and acceptance conditions in their own call.

10. How Are CICOPS Applications Evaluated?

The CICOPS programme is competitive, and the 2027 call offered only eight scholarships.

The official selection criteria included the scientific relevance of the proposed project, the applicant’s CV, and the distribution of awards across departments and geographical regions.

The call also described preferences that could apply when candidates had equivalent scientific and professional merit. These included applicants from lower-income economies and applicants employed by institutions with an existing cooperation agreement with the University of Pavia.

These considerations offer a useful guide to how applicants should prepare.

Scientific relevance of the proposed project

Your project should have a clear academic purpose.

Explain what you want to investigate, why the question matters, and how collaboration with the host researcher would help you address it.

A proposal that is too broad may be difficult to evaluate because it does not identify what can realistically be achieved during the visit.

Connection with the host professor

The invitation letter establishes an important academic connection, but your project should also make that connection understandable.

Explain how your research interests complement the host’s expertise and what activities you intend to undertake together.

The proposed visit should be a research collaboration, not simply an opportunity to spend time at a European university.

Strength of your academic background

Your CV should demonstrate that you have the experience and research background needed to benefit from the visit.

Relevant publications, academic employment, research projects, and other scholarly contributions can help explain your suitability.

Make sure your experience is presented accurately and that the documents support the claims you make.

Feasibility within the proposed duration

The research plan should be realistic for a visit of four to twelve weeks.

If your proposal requires several months of fieldwork, extensive data collection, or a lengthy experiment that cannot be completed during the visit, explain which specific part of the larger project will be undertaken at Pavia.

A focused plan with clear deliverables can make the purpose of the visit easier to assess.

Potential for continued cooperation

The programme aims to strengthen international academic collaboration.

Where appropriate, explain how the work might support future research, joint publications, knowledge exchange, or collaboration between your home institution and the University of Pavia.

Do not promise outcomes that depend on factors outside your control. Instead, identify realistic opportunities that could emerge from the proposed work.

11. What Happens If You Receive a CICOPS Scholarship?

If your application is successful, you will need to follow the acceptance instructions and agree on the conditions of the award.

Under the 2027 call, selected scholars had to confirm acceptance and their intended dates of stay within 20 days of receiving the successful-application notification.

The official terms also explained that failure to confirm acceptance would result in the scholarship being offered to the next applicant in the ranking.

This makes it important to check your email regularly after applying.

Confirm your dates

Your research schedule needs to align with the agreed visit period.

The university’s arrangements for accommodation and other services depend on the dates communicated and accepted under the scholarship terms.

Avoid committing to a visit period before you have considered your research responsibilities, teaching schedule, institutional approval, and any travel documentation you may need.

Prepare your travel documents

International visitors may need a visa or other travel documentation, depending on their nationality and circumstances.

The 2027 scholarship terms stated that the university would provide an invitation letter in support of a visa request after the scholar accepted the award, with possible assistance in special cases.

An invitation letter should not be treated as a guarantee that a visa will be granted. Applicants must follow the applicable immigration procedures and provide the required documents.

Agree on the research activities

Before arriving, make sure you understand the work planned with your host department.

Identify the main research objectives, meetings, activities, and expected outputs for the visit.

A clear plan helps ensure that the limited time available is used productively.

Follow the university’s accommodation rules

The scholarship terms require selected scholars to comply with the applicable EDiSU residence regulations and related requirements.

Applicants should read the information provided with the award and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.

Complete the required reporting

The 2027 call stated that scholars were required to submit a report on the work completed at the host department and copies of any resulting articles or publications at the end of their stay.

Selected scholars could also be asked to deliver one or more lectures in their field of research. This reinforces the programme’s focus on research outcomes and knowledge exchange.

A successful visit is not simply a period spent abroad. It is an opportunity to complete agreed academic work and contribute to collaboration between researchers.

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for CICOPS

Because the programme has specific academic and administrative requirements, a few mistakes can undermine an otherwise strong application.

Applying without a host professor

This is one of the most important mistakes to avoid.

The invitation letter is mandatory under the published instructions. Applicants must obtain it before submitting the online form.

Do not assume the CICOPS office will assign you a supervisor after you apply.

Contacting professors without researching their work

A professor is more likely to understand your proposed collaboration if your message explains why their research is relevant.

Take time to review their academic profile and publications before making contact.

Proposing an overly broad project

A short research visit has a limited timeframe.

Your proposal should identify a manageable research objective and explain what you expect to accomplish during the visit.

Ignoring the employment requirement

The programme is intended for eligible academic and research professionals, subject to the specific rules in the call.

A PhD alone does not necessarily satisfy every requirement. Check the qualifying employment and experience conditions carefully.

Misunderstanding the funding

The 2027 call covered travel, accommodation, meals, insurance, and a gross weekly contribution.

Applicants should understand the exact terms rather than assuming the scholarship pays an unrestricted cash amount or covers every possible personal expense.

Submitting an incomplete application

The official guidance states that incomplete applications will be rejected.

Check every required field and document before submission, especially the invitation letter.

Relying on an expired deadline

The 2027 application deadline was 10 June 2026. That round has closed.

If you are preparing for a future cycle, use the time before the next call to identify a host professor, refine your research proposal, and organise your documents. Do not assume that the next deadline or requirements will be identical.

13. Frequently Asked Questions About the CICOPS Scholarships

Is the CICOPS Scholarship fully funded?

The 2027 call covered return economy-class travel, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and a contribution of €150 gross per week.

It is a funded short-term research opportunity, but applicants should read the official conditions to understand the exact coverage and any expenses that may remain their responsibility.

How many CICOPS Scholarships are available?

The 2027 call offered eight scholarships. The number of awards in a future cycle should be confirmed when the next official call is published.

How long is the CICOPS research visit?

The 2027 call offered research stays lasting between four and twelve weeks.

The duration of a future award will be determined by the relevant call and the arrangements agreed for the research visit.

Can master’s students apply?

CICOPS is designed for eligible researchers and academic professionals rather than students seeking funding for a full master’s degree.

The 2027 call specified doctoral-level qualifications, with particular provisions described in the official documents. Applicants should check the current rules carefully.

Can PhD students apply before completing their doctorate?

The official 2027 FAQ described a specific provision for applicants who had not yet completed their PhD but were employed for at least two years in qualifying teaching, research, or technical roles at eligible institutions.

This provision should not be interpreted as a general exemption from the employment and other eligibility requirements. Consult the FAQ and call for the relevant cycle.

Can applicants from Africa apply?

Researchers residing in eligible developing countries may apply if they satisfy the programme’s other requirements.

Applicants should check the World Bank income classification specified by the call, along with the doctoral qualification, employment, experience, research, and host-professor requirements.

Is a PhD compulsory?

The 2027 call required a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, subject to the specific provision explained in the official FAQ for certain employed applicants who had not yet graduated.

Check the exact wording of the call applicable to your intended application.

Is an invitation letter compulsory?

Yes. Under the published instructions, applicants must obtain an invitation letter from a professor or researcher at the University of Pavia before submitting the application.

Can the CICOPS office help me find a supervisor?

The official 2027 FAQ states that applicants must contact potential hosts directly. The CICOPS office cannot suggest supervisors or forward research proposals to departments.

Applicants can use the university’s UNIFIND directory to identify researchers whose expertise matches their proposed project.

Can I submit two applications if two professors agree to host me?

The 2027 FAQ stated that each applicant could submit only one candidacy, even if they had received invitation letters from two different professors.

Check the next call to confirm whether the same rule applies to a future round.

What is the deadline for the CICOPS Scholarships?

The deadline for the 2027 call was 10 June 2026, and that round is closed.

The next application deadline should be checked on the official CICOPS website when the university publishes a new call.

Where can I find the official CICOPS application information?

Start with the official programme page:

University of Pavia CICOPS Scholarships

You can also consult the official 2027 call and FAQ to understand the previous cycle’s requirements:

• Official 2027 Call for Applications
• Official 2027 Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Why Researchers Should Consider the CICOPS Scholarships

The CICOPS Scholarships at the University of Pavia provide a valuable route for eligible researchers from developing countries to undertake short-term academic collaboration in Italy.

The 2027 programme offered eight scholarships for research visits lasting four to twelve weeks. Its funding package included travel, accommodation, meals, health insurance, and a gross contribution of €150 per week.

For eligible university lecturers, researchers, and other academic professionals, the opportunity can support the development of international research connections, knowledge exchange, and collaborative academic work.

However, the application process requires more preparation than simply completing an online form. You must satisfy the eligibility requirements, develop a suitable research proposal, and secure an invitation letter from a professor or researcher at the University of Pavia.

That host-professor requirement is particularly important. Start by identifying researchers whose work genuinely connects with yours, then approach them with a concise and well-developed proposal.

The 2027 application deadline was 10 June 2026, so prospective applicants should now prepare for a future call rather than rely on outdated announcements describing the 2027 round as open.

For the next application cycle, begin with the official CICOPS website: CICOPS Scholarships at the University of Pavia.

Visit he official website here to apply 

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