Application Deadline: 6 April 2026
The Nordic Africa Institute has officially opened applications for its 2027 Nordic Scholarship Programme. This opportunity is specifically designed for early-career researchers based in Africa who are seeking to advance their research through collaborative work at the Institute. The African Scholarship Programme enables successful candidates to spend between two and three months conducting research on-site, benefiting from a rich academic environment.
The main goal of this programme is to support early-stage researchers located in Africa by providing them with the resources and environment necessary to nurture and develop their ongoing research projects. Scholars awarded under this programme will gain full access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s extensive library, be hosted and supported by the Institute’s own researchers, and participate in exclusive networking opportunities alongside other scholars. These elements combine to create a dynamic and intellectually stimulating atmosphere conducive to high-quality research.
Through this initiative, the Nordic Africa Institute strives to enhance research capacity focused on African studies and foster collaborative connections between African and Nordic research communities. Inviting visiting researchers from Africa allows the Institute to stay informed about current research topics and strengthens academic networks across continents.
Programme Duration
The scholarship tenure is approximately 90 days (3 months). Applicants should note that the majority of Nordic academic institutions, including the Nordic Africa Institute, operate on reduced schedules or close during certain intervals—specifically from June to August and mid-December to mid-January. Consequently, visits cannot be scheduled during these months.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for the African Scholarship Programme:
- PhD candidates enrolled at Africa-based doctoral programs who hold full-time employment at an African university or research center, and who lack international scholarship funding or similar support.
- Postdoctoral researchers who have completed their PhD within the last four years and are currently employed at an African university or research institution.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship package covers several key expenses and resources to support the recipient’s stay, including:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Accommodation during the research period
- A daily subsistence allowance of 450 SEK (approximately 50 USD), applicable only for days spent in Uppsala
- An installation grant of 2,500 SEK (about 280 USD)
- Access to a dedicated workspace in a shared office environment at the Institute, equipped with a desk and computer
The minimum length of stay is 60 days, with a maximum allowed stay of 90 days.
How to Submit Your Application
To apply, candidates must submit their applications online and upload the following documentation:
- Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV that includes a list of publications, with links if available online.
- Research Proposal (5 pages): A comprehensive outline consisting of:
- Introduction
- Research aims and scope
- Literature review
- Research design and methods
- Implications and contributions to knowledge
- Reference list
- Work Plan (1 page): A detailed plan describing the objectives and expected outcomes during the period at the Nordic Africa Institute.
- Letters of Support:
- For PhD students: Signed letters from your supervisor and head of department confirming both your PhD enrollment and employment status.
- For postdoctoral researchers: A signed letter from the head of your department or institute verifying your current affiliation.
For additional details and to complete your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Nordic Africa Institute’s Nordic Scholarship Programme.
