Funded PCMA Scholarship 2027 in Egypt for Archaeology and Egyptology Researchers

Applications are now open for the PCMA Scholarship 2027 in Egypt, an excellent funded research opportunity for Master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers, and eligible university employees interested in Egyptian archaeology, history, culture, and religion.

The scholarship is offered by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, commonly known as PCMA UW. It is financially supported by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, also known as NAWA.

Selected scholarship holders will receive a monthly scholarship of 3,000 PLN and may conduct their research at the PCMA Research Centre in Cairo. Participants can also gain practical academic experience by working with Polish archaeological expeditions operating in Egypt.

The last date to apply for the PCMA Scholarship 2026/2027 is 13 July 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST.

PCMA Scholarship 2027 Overview

• Host country: Egypt
• Host organization: Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology
• University: University of Warsaw
• Funding organization: Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange
• Scholarship level: Master’s, PhD and research
• Fields: Archaeology, Egyptology and related subjects
• Monthly scholarship: 3,000 PLN
• Programme location: Cairo and archaeological expedition sites in Egypt
• Eligible applicants: Students, PhD candidates and eligible employees of Polish universities
• Application deadline: 13 July 2026
• Deadline time: 12:00 PM CEST

About the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology

The Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology is a research unit of the University of Warsaw. It organizes and supports archaeological, conservation and research projects in Egypt and other areas of the Mediterranean and Near East.

The PCMA Research Centre in Cairo provides researchers with access to an active academic environment, archaeological experts, research facilities and Polish archaeological missions working throughout Egypt.

Through this scholarship programme, participants can develop their academic projects while gaining direct experience in Egypt’s historical and archaeological environment.

Types of PCMA Scholarships Available

The PCMA Scholarship 2026/2027 includes different research opportunities depending on the applicant’s academic level and proposed activities.

1. Scholarship for Students and PhD Candidates

This programme is intended for eligible Master’s students and doctoral candidates studying subjects such as archaeology or Egyptology.

Applicants should be preparing academic research related to:

• Egyptian archaeology
• History of Egypt
• Egyptian culture
• Ancient Egyptian religion
• Egyptology
• Archaeology of neighbouring regions

For the 2026/2027 winter semester, three scholarship places are available.

The four-month scholarship period will run from:

1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027

Successful candidates will be able to concentrate on their Master’s thesis, doctoral dissertation or another approved academic research project.

2. Scholarships for Archaeological Expeditions

These scholarships are intended for researchers and students who want to participate in archaeological expeditions operating in Egypt.

Applicants must first agree on the research topic, responsibilities and scope of work with the director of the relevant archaeological expedition.

The expedition scholarship may last from one month to twelve months during a calendar year.

To receive one month of scholarship funding, the applicant must participate in the expedition for at least 28 days.

Financial Benefits of the PCMA Scholarship

Selected candidates may receive the following support:

• Monthly scholarship payment of 3,000 PLN
• Accommodation at the PCMA Research Centre in Cairo for eligible participants
• Access to academic and research facilities
• Opportunity to participate in Polish archaeological expeditions
• Academic guidance from experienced researchers
• Participation in field visits and educational trips
• Research experience in Egypt
• Opportunities to attend academic activities in Cairo
• Professional networking with archaeologists and Egyptologists
• Access to suggested Master’s and doctoral research topics prepared by PCMA experts

Applicants should carefully check the official scholarship regulations to confirm which expenses are covered under their selected programme.

Number of Scholarships

For the student and PhD candidate category, the programme offers:

• Three places for a four-month winter semester scholarship
• Scholarship period from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027

Additional places may be available for researchers participating in approved archaeological expeditions.

Eligibility Criteria for the PCMA Scholarship 2027

Applicants must meet the requirements of the scholarship category for which they are applying.

General eligibility conditions include:

• Applicants should be students, PhD candidates or eligible employees affiliated with Polish universities.
• Master’s applicants should normally be studying archaeology, Egyptology or a closely related field.
• Master’s candidates should generally be in the first or second year of their programme.
• Doctoral candidates should be working on an Egypt-related dissertation.
• The proposed research should relate to Egypt or neighbouring regions.
• The research project should focus on archaeology, history, culture, religion or another relevant academic field.
• Applicants for expedition scholarships must coordinate their work with the relevant expedition director.
• Candidates must submit a complete application before the deadline.
• Applicants must be able to conduct the proposed academic work during the scholarship period.

International students currently enrolled at a Polish university may be eligible, provided they meet all programme requirements.

Eligible Fields of Research

The PCMA Scholarship supports research connected with:

• Archaeology of Egypt
• Egyptology
• Ancient Egyptian history
• Egyptian culture
• Egyptian religion
• Mediterranean archaeology
• Archaeological conservation
• Material culture
• History of neighbouring regions
• Archaeological documentation
• Museum and heritage studies
• Related humanities and historical disciplines

Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed project connects with Egypt or the research activities of PCMA.

Documents Required for Students and PhD Candidates

Applicants for the student and PhD candidate scholarship must provide information through the online application form.

The required information generally includes:

• Project title in Polish
• Project title in English
• Research project description
• Expected results of the project
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of academic publications, where applicable
• Proposed activities during the scholarship period

The research project description should not exceed 1,000 words.

Applicants must also send the following supporting documents by email:

• Copy of an academic diploma or certificate of current student status
• Recommendation letter from the thesis supervisor
• Recommendation from an academic expert familiar with the proposed research, where applicable

Documents Required for Expedition Scholarships

Applicants wishing to join an archaeological expedition must provide:

• Name of the archaeological expedition
• Number of requested scholarship months
• Copy of an academic diploma or current student certificate
• Description of the planned work
• Signed approval from the expedition director
• Recommendation letter from the expedition director

The planned scope of work should normally be presented in a document of no more than 1,000 words.

How to Apply for the PCMA Scholarship 2027

The application process is completed through the official PCMA scholarship system.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the Scholarship Category

Choose whether you are applying for:

• Student and PhD candidate scholarship, or
• Archaeological expedition scholarship

Step 2: Prepare Your Research Proposal

Write a clear research proposal explaining:

• The purpose of your project
• Research questions
• Research methods
• Connection with Egypt or neighbouring regions
• Expected academic outcomes
• Work you plan to complete during the scholarship

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Fill in the official application form and provide all requested personal, academic and research information.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Collect your:

• CV
• Diploma or student status certificate
• Research proposal
• Publication list
• Recommendation letter
• Expedition director’s approval, where applicable

Step 5: Email the Additional Documents

Send all documents that must be submitted separately to the email address mentioned in the official scholarship announcement.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete the application before 13 July 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST.

Applicants are advised not to wait until the final day because incomplete or late applications may not be considered.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

A successful research proposal should be specific, realistic and academically relevant.

Applicants should:

• Clearly define the research problem.
• Explain why the research must be conducted in Egypt.
• Connect the project with PCMA’s research activities.
• Describe achievable outcomes.
• Follow the 1,000-word limit.
• Use a professional academic format.
• Obtain a strong recommendation from a relevant supervisor.
• Proofread every document before submission.
• Ensure that the proposed schedule fits the scholarship period.
• Submit all emailed and online documents before the deadline.

Expected Research Outcomes

Applicants may be asked to explain what they expect to produce by the end of the scholarship period.

Possible research outcomes include:

• Master’s thesis chapter
• Doctoral dissertation chapter
• Academic journal article
• Research database
• Archaeological documentation
• Conference presentation
• Field report
• Catalogue of archaeological material
• Manuscript prepared for publication
• Research report

The proposed outcome should be realistic and connected to the duration of the scholarship.

Scholarship Duration

The duration depends on the selected programme.

Student and PhD Scholarship

• Duration: Four months
• Start date: 1 October 2026
• End date: 31 January 2027

Expedition Scholarship

• Minimum funded duration: One month
• One scholarship month equals at least 28 days in Egypt
• Maximum possible duration: Up to 12 months within a calendar year

Why Apply for the PCMA Scholarship in Egypt?

The PCMA Scholarship offers more than financial assistance. It gives researchers the opportunity to conduct academic work in one of the world’s most important locations for archaeological and historical research.

Participants may benefit from:

• Direct access to Egypt’s archaeological environment
• Experience working with active archaeological expeditions
• Guidance from experienced scholars
• Improved academic research skills
• International research exposure
• Opportunities to build professional connections
• Time and support to complete a thesis or dissertation
• Participation in Cairo’s academic community
• Practical experience relevant to future academic careers

Important Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the PCMA Scholarship 2027 in Egypt is:

13 July 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST

Applicants should confirm the time difference in their country and submit the application early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PCMA Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

The programme provides a scholarship of 3,000 PLN per month. Eligible participants in the student and PhD category may also receive accommodation at the PCMA Research Centre in Cairo. Applicants should check the official regulations to confirm whether travel, insurance and other personal expenses are covered.

What is the deadline for the PCMA Scholarship 2027?

The application deadline is 13 July 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST.

Where will the scholarship take place?

The main scholarship activities take place at the PCMA Research Centre in Cairo and at approved archaeological expedition sites in Egypt.

How much is the monthly scholarship?

Selected participants receive 3,000 PLN per month.

Who can apply?

The programme is mainly intended for eligible students, PhD candidates and employees affiliated with Polish universities.

Can international students apply?

International students enrolled at Polish universities may be eligible if they meet the academic and institutional requirements.

Which academic fields are eligible?

Eligible fields include archaeology, Egyptology, ancient history, Egyptian culture, religion and closely related areas.

How long does the scholarship last?

The student and PhD scholarship lasts four months, from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027. Expedition scholarships may last between one and twelve months.

Is IELTS required?

The official scholarship information does not list IELTS as a general requirement. However, applicants should be able to conduct their research and communicate effectively in the languages required for their project.

Is there an application fee?

No application fee is mentioned in the official scholarship announcement.

Final Words

The PCMA Scholarship 2027 in Egypt is a valuable funded research opportunity for eligible Master’s students, doctoral candidates and researchers working in archaeology, Egyptology and related fields.

With a monthly scholarship of 3,000 PLN, accommodation for eligible candidates, access to the PCMA Research Centre in Cairo and opportunities to participate in archaeological expeditions, the programme can provide important academic and professional experience.

Eligible applicants should prepare their research proposal, recommendation letter and supporting documents as early as possible. The final deadline is 13 July 2026 at 12:00 PM CEST.