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Apply for African Scholarship Programme 2027

Deadline: 06-Apr-2026

The Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme supports early-career researchers based in Africa in Social Sciences and Humanities. Scholars receive up to 90 days of research residency in Uppsala, Sweden, with financial support including airfare, accommodation, daily subsistence, and workspace access, while benefiting from academic resources, networking, and mentoring. Applications are assessed for originality, relevance to Africa-focused research, and alignment with the UN Agenda 2030.

Overview

The African Scholarship Programme is designed to strengthen Africa-oriented research in the Social Sciences and Humanities. It supports early-career researchers by providing a stimulating academic environment where they can develop their research, access specialized resources, and engage in scholarly exchange. The programme emphasizes:

  • Contemporary Africa research

  • Alignment with the UN Agenda 2030 and the Institute’s five impact areas

  • Capacity-building in African knowledge production

  • Strengthening research networks between African and Nordic scholars

  • Gender-focused research and studies on the position of women in society

Programme Benefits

  • Research Residency: 60–90 days at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala.

  • Academic Support: Hosting by Institute researchers, access to specialized libraries, and networking opportunities.

  • Extended Library Access: Uppsala University Library and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Library.

  • Financial Support:

    • Return economy-class airfare

    • Accommodation in Uppsala

    • Daily subsistence allowance: 450 SEK per day

    • One-time installation grant: 2,500 SEK

  • Workspace: Dedicated desk in a shared office with computer access.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Based in Africa and engaged in Africa-focused research.

  • Belong to one of two categories:

    1. PhD students enrolled in Africa-based doctoral programmes with full-time employment at an African university or research centre, without access to international PhD funding.

    2. Postdoctoral researchers within four years of completing their PhD, employed at an African university or research centre.

  • Applications must be submitted in English.

  • Individuals currently or previously affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible.

Programme Duration and Scheduling

  • Minimum stay: 60 days

  • Maximum stay: 90 days

  • Academic institutions in Nordic countries operate at reduced capacity from June to August and mid-December to mid-January; these periods cannot be selected for visits.

How to Apply

  1. Prepare application documents including:

    • Up-to-date CV

    • Detailed research proposal

    • Work plan specific to the stay at the Institute

    • Signed letters of support confirming enrollment, employment, or institutional affiliation

  2. Submit the complete application online by the deadline.

  3. Ensure the application is complete and in English; incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Originality and clarity of the research proposal

  • Relevance to Africa-focused research

  • Alignment with UN Agenda 2030 and the Institute’s thematic impact areas

  • Applicant’s academic track record and research potential

Common Tips and Mistakes

  • Tip: Prepare a clear, concise research proposal that highlights your independent academic framing.

  • Tip: Ensure all letters of support are signed and verifiable.

  • Mistake: Applying during the Nordic reduced-capacity periods (June–August, mid-December–mid-January).

  • Mistake: Submitting incomplete documents or failing to demonstrate Africa-focused research.

  • Mistake: Applying if currently affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute.

FAQs

1. Who can apply? PhD students or postdoctoral researchers based in Africa, engaged in Africa-focused Social Sciences or Humanities research.
2. What is the duration of the scholarship? Between 60 and 90 days.
3. What financial support is provided? Return airfare, accommodation, 450 SEK daily allowance, and 2,500 SEK installation grant.
4. Are there workspace facilities? Yes, a dedicated desk and computer in a shared office are provided.
5. Can applications be submitted outside English? No, all applications must be submitted in English.
6. When is the application deadline? 6 April 2026.
7. Are previously affiliated Institute staff eligible? No, prior or current professional affiliation with the Nordic Africa Institute disqualifies applicants.

Conclusion

The Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme offers early-career African researchers an exceptional opportunity to advance their research in Social Sciences and Humanities. Scholars benefit from a stimulating research environment, financial and academic support, networking opportunities, and access to specialized resources, enabling them to develop high-quality Africa-focused research that contributes to knowledge production and scholarly collaboration between African and Nordic institutions.

For more information, visit The Nordic Africa Institute.