Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027 in Sweden – Fully Funded One-Month Research Opportunity

The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) in Sweden has opened applications for the Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027, offering eligible Africa-focused scholars the opportunity to spend one month conducting research in Uppsala, Sweden.

The programme is designed for researchers and students working on topics related to Africa in the social sciences and humanities.

Selected scholars will receive financial support for their stay, including round-trip travel, accommodation and a daily subsistence allowance.

Application deadline: October 11, 2026

About the Nordic Scholarship Programme

The Nordic Scholarship Programme is an annual initiative of the Nordic Africa Institute that supports research and knowledge production on Africa.

Selected scholars spend one month at the Institute in Uppsala, Sweden, where they can make use of NAI’s research resources, library collections and academic networks.

During the residency, scholars can work on their research projects while connecting with researchers and academics working on Africa-related issues.

The programme is particularly useful for researchers who need access to specialized materials on contemporary Africa or want to strengthen their connections within the Nordic academic community.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to researchers and students conducting Africa-oriented research in the social sciences and humanities.

Eligible applicants include:

Master’s students
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
Mid-career researchers

Nationality is not a requirement. However, applicants must be affiliated with and based at a university or research centre in one of the eligible Nordic countries.

Eligible countries are:

Sweden
Finland
Denmark
Iceland

Applicants must maintain their institutional affiliation both when applying and throughout the scholarship period.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides financial and research support during the one-month residency.

Selected scholars receive:

Round-trip travel expenses between their residence and Uppsala
Free accommodation in centrally located housing in Uppsala
SEK 450 per day as a subsistence allowance
A desk and computer in a shared office at the Nordic Africa Institute
Access to NAI’s extensive library and research collections on contemporary Africa
Opportunities to connect with NAI researchers and Nordic academic networks

This support allows participants to focus on their research during their stay in Sweden.

What Is the Purpose of the Programme?

The scholarship is designed to help researchers make greater use of the Nordic Africa Institute’s extensive collections on contemporary Africa.

These resources include books, academic journals, newspapers, government publications and other research materials.

The programme also aims to:

Strengthen Africa-focused research in Nordic countries
Encourage academic exchange and collaboration
Support researchers in developing their research projects
Build long-term connections between researchers and institutions
Promote the production and dissemination of knowledge about Africa

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete online application together with the required supporting documents.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Submit an updated CV showing your:

Educational background
Professional experience
Research experience
Publications, where applicable

2. Research Project Outline – 3 to 5 Pages

Your research proposal should clearly explain your project, including:

Research topic and objective
Academic context and relevance
Research methodology
Data collection methods
Timeline
Theoretical framework

Your proposal is one of the most important parts of the application, so make sure your research question is clear, focused and relevant.

3. One-Page Work Plan

You must explain how you intend to use your one-month residency at NAI.

Your work plan should show what you intend to accomplish during your stay and how NAI’s resources will contribute to your research.

4. Reference Letter

A signed reference letter from your academic supervisor or head of department is required.

The letter should confirm your institutional affiliation and research area.

Important Application Information

The quality of your research proposal is an important part of the selection process.

Applicants are encouraged to present their research ideas in their own voice and intellectual framework.

The Institute has also indicated that extensive use of artificial intelligence tools in preparing application materials may disadvantage an applicant during evaluation.

Other important requirements include:

Applications must be complete.
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Current or former NAI employees and people with professional affiliations to NAI are not eligible.
Applicants must meet the Nordic-country affiliation requirement.
Successful applicants are expected to use the residency for their proposed research activities.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of November 2026.

How to Make Your Application Stronger

Because the research proposal plays an important role in the selection process, applicants should focus on producing a strong and realistic research plan.

You should:

Clearly define your research question
Explain why your research is important
Show how your work contributes to Africa-focused scholarship
Present a realistic methodology
Explain exactly how NAI’s library and research resources will support your work
Create a practical one-month work plan
Make sure your documents are complete and professionally prepared

Most importantly, make it clear why spending one month at the Nordic Africa Institute would significantly benefit your research.

Scholarship Details

Programme: Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027
Host: Nordic Africa Institute (NAI)
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: 1 month
Field: Africa-focused social sciences and humanities research
Eligible applicants: Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral and mid-career researchers
Eligible affiliation: Universities/research centres in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland
Accommodation: Provided
Travel: Round-trip travel support
Living allowance: SEK 450 per day
Application language: English
Application deadline: October 11, 2026