Funded by the network SGroup, the ICON Programme (The InterContinental Academic Exchange Programme) offers academic/administrative staff and PhD candidates the opportunity to participate in a short-term mobility experience at a partner institution abroad, promoting professional development, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation.
Grants of up to 3.000€ are available to support mobility-related expenses, including travel, accommodation, visa costs, insurance, and other eligible expenses.
17 grants for mobilities from Europe to other continents by academic and administrative staff of SGroup full-member universities are available, distributed as follows:
- 7 grants for The Americas
- 7 grants for Asia & Pacific
- 3 grants for Africa
Call Timeline:
First Call: 7th January 2026 (Wednesday) to 23rd February 2026 (Monday)
Second Call (subject to availability of grants not awarded during the 1st call): 6th April 2026 to 25th April 2026
Application Process:
- Review the ICON Programme Guide 2026 (attached)
- Complete the online application form via the ICON platform: https://sgroup-unis.eu/icon_form
- Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
- Applicants will receive an automatic confirmation email upon submission.
- Applications will be evaluated, and results will be communicated in due course.
To support candidates throughout the application process, SGroup created a 2026 ICON Programme To-Do List (attached) outlining the key steps to follow, from identifying a host institution to post-selection procedures. Applicants are encouraged to use it as a reference to organise their applications and ensure all requirements are met.
For further information:
SGroup Liaison officer for UNIME: Mrs Francesca Scribano
Head of International Education and Cooperation Unit
email: fscribano@unime.it; 0906768539