Application Deadline: 6 April 2026
The Nordic Africa Institute is pleased to announce that the call for applications is now open for its fully-funded African Scholarship Programme 2027. This initiative is specifically designed for early career researchers currently based in Africa, offering a unique opportunity to conduct research at the Nordic Africa Institute for a period ranging from two to three months.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The African Scholarship Programme 2027 invites applications from individuals who fall into one of the following categories:
- PhD candidates who are enrolled in doctoral programs at African institutions and hold full-time employment at an African university or research centre. Applicants in this category should not have access to funding for their PhD studies from international scholarships or other funding sources outside Africa.
- Postdoctoral researchers who have completed their PhD within the last four years and are employed at an African university or research centre.
Benefits and Support Offered
The scholarship package covers several essential expenses to facilitate your research stay, including:
- Return economy-class airfare to and from Uppsala, Sweden.
- Accommodation during the period of residence.
- A daily subsistence allowance of 450 SEK (approximately 50 USD), applicable only for days spent at the Institute in Uppsala.
- An installation grant of 2,500 SEK (about 280 USD) to support initial expenses upon arrival.
- Access to a dedicated workspace in a shared office environment equipped with a desk and computer.
The duration of the research visit ranges from a minimum of 60 days to a maximum of 90 days.
Aims of the Programme
This scholarship is intended to empower early career researchers based in Africa by providing the opportunity to advance their ongoing research projects in an inspiring academic setting at the Nordic Africa Institute. Scholars will benefit from access to the Institute’s extensive library resources, interaction with resident researchers, and opportunities for networking with Nordic and international colleagues.
The programme aligns with the Institute's mission to enhance knowledge production about Africa, foster collaborative relationships between African and Nordic research communities, and support capacity building within African academia.
Hosting visiting scholars also enriches the Nordic Africa Institute by exposing it to current research trends and strengthening connections with African researchers.
Programme Duration and Scheduling
The typical length of a research placement is approximately three months (90 days). However, applicants should note that many Nordic academic institutions, including the Nordic Africa Institute, have limited or no operations during the summer months (June to August) and the winter holiday period (mid-December to mid-January). Consequently, visits cannot be scheduled during these times.
Additional Benefits and Facilities
In addition to travel and accommodation support, scholars will have full access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s library, which specializes in contemporary African studies with a focus on the Social Sciences. Furthermore, visiting researchers may use resources at the Uppsala University Library and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Library, expanding the materials available for their work.
Who Should Apply?
The programme targets early career researchers based on the African continent engaged in research centered on Africa. Eligible projects should fall within the Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines and concentrate on contemporary African issues. Importantly, research topics must resonate with the core principles outlined in the five impact ares of the Institute Opens in new window.
Eligible candidates include:
- PhD students enrolled in Africa-based doctoral programs, employed full-time at African academic or research institutions, without access to international PhD funding.
- Postdoctoral researchers within four years of completing their doctorate, employed at African universities or research centres.
The Institute prioritizes equitable distribution of scholarships regarding gender balance and geographic diversity. Particularly welcomed are research proposals addressing gender issues and the societal position of women.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their applications online, including the following documents:
- Updated CV with a list of publications; if publications are available online, please include direct links.
- Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages) that clearly outlines:
- Introduction
- Research objectives and scope
- Review of relevant literature
- Research design and methodology
- Expected contributions and implications for knowledge
- Reference list
- Work Plan (1 page) detailing specific objectives and anticipated outcomes during the time at the Institute.
- Letter of Support:
- For PhD candidates: Signed confirmation from your supervisor and head of department verifying your PhD enrollment and employment.
- For postdoctoral researchers: Signed letter from the head of department or institute confirming your current affiliation.
It is crucial that applicants present their research in their own words, as proposals will be carefully evaluated. Use of AI-generated text during the preparation of your proposal may negatively impact the assessment.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Furthermore, individuals currently or previously employed by or professionally affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are ineligible to apply. All applications must be submitted in English.
In the unlikely event that the 2027 African Scholarship Programme is not fully funded, applicants will be promptly notified.
. To Apply
