The Call for Applications: Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027 is now open, offering master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and mid-career researchers an opportunity to spend one month at the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) in Uppsala, Sweden.
The programme is designed for scholars pursuing Africa-focused research in the social sciences or humanities who are affiliated with a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland.
Successful applicants receive support covering travel expenses, free accommodation in Uppsala and a subsistence allowance of SEK 450 per day. Scholars are also provided with workspace and access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s extensive research resources.
Applications for the 2027 Nordic Scholarship Programme close on 11 October 2026.
Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027: Overview
Programme: Nordic Scholarship Programme
Host Institution: Nordic Africa Institute (NAI)
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: One month
Study/Research Area: Africa-focused Social Sciences and Humanities
Eligible Applicants: Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and mid-career researchers
Eligible Institutions: Universities and research centres in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland
Citizenship Requirement: No nationality restriction
Travel Support: Covered
Accommodation: Provided free in Uppsala
Subsistence Allowance: SEK 450 per day
Workspace: Desk and computer provided
Application Language: English
Application Deadline: 11 October 2026
Results: Expected by the end of November 2026
About the Nordic Scholarship Programme
The Nordic Scholarship Programme is administered by the Nordic Africa Institute, commonly known as NAI.
The programme aims to strengthen the production of knowledge about Africa and promote cooperation between researchers and academic communities across the Nordic region.
Through the scholarship, selected researchers are invited to spend approximately one month at NAI.
During the stay, scholars can use the Institute’s research collections while connecting with researchers and ongoing academic work.
The scholarship is awarded once each year.
Purpose of the Programme
The Nordic Africa Institute created the scholarship programme to support researchers who need access to specialized resources relating to contemporary Africa.
The one-month stay allows scholars to make use of the Institute’s library collections, which include:
- Books
- Periodicals
- Newspapers
- Government publications
- Other research materials on contemporary Africa
Participants can also connect with research hosts at NAI and engage with existing research activities at the Institute.
This makes the programme valuable for scholars who are developing theses, dissertations, academic papers, or larger research projects connected with Africa.
Who Can Apply?
The programme has clearly defined eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be pursuing Africa-oriented studies or research within:
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
Eligible applicants may be:
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Mid-career researchers
Applicants can apply regardless of citizenship.
However, nationality flexibility does not mean the programme is open to researchers based anywhere in the world.
University Affiliation Requirement
Applicants must be affiliated with and based at a university or research centre in one of the following countries:
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
The affiliation requirement applies both:
- When the application is submitted
- When the scholarship is taken up
Therefore, an applicant of any nationality may be considered, but they must meet the Nordic institutional affiliation requirement.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes, international students and researchers may potentially apply because the programme does not restrict applicants by citizenship.
However, they must currently be affiliated with and based at a qualifying university or research centre in:
Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland.
For example, an international master’s or PhD student studying at a university in Sweden could potentially qualify if their research is Africa-focused and within the required academic disciplines.
Applicants should not interpret the programme as a general worldwide scholarship to study in Sweden.
It is specifically designed for scholars already connected with qualifying Nordic institutions.
What Does the Nordic Scholarship Cover?
The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides several forms of financial and academic support.
Travel Expenses
The scholarship covers travel expenses using the least expensive fare from the scholar’s residential address in:
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
to Uppsala, Sweden, and back.
Applicants should follow NAI’s travel arrangements and reimbursement requirements.
Free Accommodation in Uppsala
Scholarship recipients are provided with free accommodation centrally located in Uppsala during their one-month stay.
This can significantly reduce the cost of participating in the programme.
SEK 450 Daily Subsistence Allowance
Selected scholars receive a subsistence allowance of:
SEK 450 per day
The allowance is intended to support everyday living costs during the scholarship stay.
For a 30-day stay, this would equal approximately SEK 13,500, although the exact total will depend on the actual approved duration of the scholarship period.
Workspace and Computer
Scholarship recipients are provided with:
- A desk
- Computer access
- Workspace in a shared office at the Nordic Africa Institute
This gives participants a dedicated research environment during their stay.
Library and Research Resources
One of the major benefits of the programme is access to NAI’s specialized library collections.
Researchers focusing on contemporary Africa may be able to use materials that could otherwise be difficult to access through their home institutions.
The research stay is therefore particularly useful for scholars conducting literature reviews, archival work and theoretical or policy research.
What Is Not Covered?
The scholarship does not include healthcare insurance or other insurance coverage.
Applicants should therefore make their own arrangements for appropriate insurance if necessary.
This is an important cost consideration when planning for the scholarship period.
Academic Fields Eligible for the Scholarship
Applicants must be conducting Africa-focused research in the social sciences or humanities.
Potential research areas may include, depending on the applicant’s project:
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Economics
- Anthropology
- History
- Governance
- Public Policy
- Gender Studies
- Migration Studies
- African Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Human Geography
- Cultural Studies
Applicants should ensure that their proposed project clearly fits the programme’s Africa-oriented focus.
Documents Required for the Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027
Applicants must complete the online application and upload several documents.
1. Updated CV
Applicants should submit an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
The CV should include a list of publications if the applicant has published academic work.
Relevant sections could include:
- Education
- Research experience
- Academic appointments
- Conferences
- Publications
- Research projects
- Awards
- Languages
2. Research Project Outline
Applicants must submit a research-project outline of approximately:
3–5 pages
This is one of the most important components of the application.
The project outline should cover several areas.
Research Objective
The applicant should clearly explain the research topic and place it within the appropriate academic discipline.
The proposal should make it easy for reviewers to understand:
- What the research investigates
- Why the topic matters
- How it relates to Africa
- What academic question is being addressed
Research Method and Time Frame
Applicants must explain how the project will be conducted.
This should include:
- Research methodology
- Data-collection approach
- Research activities
- Expected time frame
The methods should be appropriate for the stated research question.
Theoretical Framework
The proposal must also briefly describe the theoretical foundation of the research.
Applicants should explain the main concepts, theories, or academic approaches guiding the project.
3. One-Page Work Plan
Applicants must submit a:
1-page work plan
The work plan should specifically explain what the researcher intends to accomplish during the month at the Nordic Africa Institute.
It should not simply repeat the overall research proposal.
Instead, it should identify the particular part of the research project that will be developed during the stay.
For example, a work plan might include:
- Reviewing specific library collections
- Completing a literature review
- Developing a theoretical chapter
- Analyzing research findings
- Drafting an academic paper
- Working with NAI research hosts
- Developing sections of a thesis or dissertation
4. Reference Letter
Applicants must submit a signed letter of support from either:
- Their supervisor
- Their head of department
The reference should confirm the applicant’s:
- Current institutional affiliation
- Field of research
Applicants should request this document early so that it is available before the application deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated primarily on the quality of the research-project outline.
This means applicants should devote significant attention to producing a clear, coherent, and academically convincing proposal.
NAI emphasizes that reviewers want to understand the research through the applicant’s own ideas and framing.
The Institute specifically notes that using AI to develop the application text may place an applicant at a disadvantage during assessment.
Applicants should therefore prepare and express their own research ideas carefully and follow the Institute’s guidance regarding the use of AI.
Importance of a Strong Research Proposal
Because the research outline is central to the assessment, applicants should clearly communicate:
- The research problem
- The research question
- Academic relevance
- Africa-focused dimension
- Methodology
- Theoretical framework
- Expected contribution
- Purpose of the NAI research stay
A strong proposal should demonstrate that spending one month at NAI will meaningfully advance the applicant’s research.
Application Language
The application and all supporting documents must be submitted in:
English
Applicants should carefully proofread their documents before submission.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Who Is Not Eligible?
People who are currently employed by, previously employed by or otherwise professionally affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible for the scholarships.
Applicants must also meet the institutional affiliation and Africa-focused research requirements.
How to Apply for the Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online.
Candidates should:
- Confirm they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Write the required 3–5-page research-project outline.
- Prepare the 1-page work plan.
- Obtain a signed reference letter.
- Ensure all documents are written in English.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit before 11 October 2026.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027 is:
11 October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare early because the research proposal and reference letter may require significant time.
When Will Applicants Receive Results?
Applicants are expected to receive information about the outcome of the selection process once it has been finalized.
NAI states that applicants should be informed by:
The end of November 2026 at the latest.
Successful applicants can then prepare for their research stay during 2027.
Important Funding Notice
The Institute notes that in the extraordinary event that the programme does not receive full funding or cannot be implemented for unforeseen reasons in 2027, applicants will be informed.
This means applicants should wait for formal confirmation of the scholarship before making irreversible travel commitments.
Why Apply for the Nordic Scholarship Programme?
The scholarship offers more than financial assistance.
For researchers working on Africa-related topics, the opportunity provides access to:
- Specialized African research collections
- Academic workspace
- Research infrastructure
- NAI researchers
- Nordic research networks
- One month of dedicated research time
It can therefore be particularly valuable for students and researchers who need focused time to advance an important component of their project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nordic Scholarship Programme?
It is a one-month research scholarship offered by the Nordic Africa Institute for scholars working on Africa-focused research.
Where will the scholarship take place?
At the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden.
How long is the scholarship?
The research stay lasts one month.
Who can apply?
Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and mid-career researchers undertaking Africa-oriented research in the social sciences or humanities.
Which countries are eligible?
Applicants must be affiliated with and based at a university or research centre in:
Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland.
Is citizenship restricted?
No. Applicants may apply regardless of citizenship, provided they meet the institutional affiliation requirement.
Does the scholarship cover travel?
Yes. Travel expenses are covered using the least expensive fare from the applicant’s residential address in an eligible Nordic country to Uppsala and back.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. Free accommodation in central Uppsala is provided.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Scholarship holders receive SEK 450 per day as a subsistence allowance.
Is health insurance included?
No. Health care insurance and other insurance are not included.
What documents are required?
Applicants need:
- Updated CV
- 3–5 page research-project outline
- 1-page work plan
- Signed reference letter
What language should applications be submitted in?
All applications and attachments must be in English.
What is the deadline?
Applications close on 11 October 2026.
When will results be announced?
Applicants should be informed by the end of November 2026 at the latest.
Final Thoughts
The Call for Applications: Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027 offers a valuable research opportunity for scholars studying Africa while based at universities or research centres in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland.
Successful applicants receive a one-month research stay at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, together with:
- Travel support
- Free accommodation
- SEK 450 per day subsistence allowance
- Desk and computer access
- Specialized African research resources
- Opportunities to connect with NAI researchers
The programme welcomes master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and mid-career researchers from any nationality, provided they meet the Nordic institutional affiliation requirements.
Because applications are evaluated primarily on the research-project outline, candidates should prioritize producing a clear, original and well-structured proposal that demonstrates how access to NAI will support their Africa-focused research.
Applications close on 11 October 2026.
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