The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) has officially opened applications for its prestigious Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027, offering researchers and students engaged in Africa-focused studies an opportunity to spend one month in Uppsala, Sweden. The programme is designed to strengthen research capacity on Africa within Nordic academic institutions while fostering collaboration among scholars working on African issues.
Applications are currently open, with the deadline set for 11 October 2026. Successful applicants will receive financial support covering travel, accommodation, and daily living expenses during their stay at the Institute.
About the Nordic Scholarship Programme
The Nordic Scholarship Programme is an annual initiative of the Nordic Africa Institute aimed at promoting the production and dissemination of knowledge about Africa. Through the programme, selected scholars gain access to NAI’s extensive library collections, academic resources, and research networks.
The one-month residency provides an ideal environment for scholars to advance their research projects while engaging with experts and fellow researchers working on Africa-related topics. Participants also benefit from access to NAI research hosts, helping them establish valuable academic and professional connections.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to individuals pursuing Africa-oriented studies or research within the fields of social sciences and humanities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Master’s students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Mid-career researchers
Applicants may be of any nationality; however, they must be affiliated with and based at a university or research centre in one of the following Nordic countries:
- Sweden
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
This affiliation must be maintained both at the time of application and during the scholarship period.
Scholarship Benefits
The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive support to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their research activities during their stay in Sweden.
Benefits include:
- Round-trip travel expenses between the applicant’s residence and Uppsala, Sweden
- Free accommodation in centrally located housing in Uppsala
- Access to a desk and computer in a shared office at the Nordic Africa Institute
- Daily subsistence allowance of SEK 450 per day
- Full access to one of Europe’s leading library collections on contemporary Africa
- Opportunities to connect with NAI researchers and Nordic academic networks
The programme offers an excellent platform for researchers seeking access to specialized resources and a supportive scholarly environment.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The primary objective of the programme is to facilitate the use of the Nordic Africa Institute’s extensive collections on contemporary Africa, including books, journals, newspapers, government publications, and other research materials.
In addition, the programme aims to:
- Strengthen Africa-focused research in Nordic countries
- Encourage academic exchange and collaboration
- Support emerging and established scholars in advancing their research projects
- Build lasting relationships between researchers and institutions working on African issues
By providing dedicated time and resources, the scholarship helps participants make significant progress in their academic work.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete online application accompanied by the following documents:
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
The CV should include educational background, professional experience, and a list of publications where applicable.
Research Project Outline (3–5 Pages)
The research proposal should clearly explain:
- The research objective and topic
- Academic context and relevance
- Research methodology
- Data collection techniques
- Timeline for completion
- Theoretical framework guiding the study
Work Plan (1 Page)
Applicants must provide a detailed work plan describing how they intend to use their one-month stay at the Nordic Africa Institute and which aspects of their research will be undertaken during the residency.
Reference Letter
A signed letter of support from a supervisor or head of department is required. The letter should confirm the applicant’s institutional affiliation and field of research.
Important Application Notes
Applications are assessed primarily on the quality and strength of the research proposal. The Institute emphasizes originality and encourages applicants to present their ideas in their own voice and intellectual framework.
The Nordic Africa Institute has also noted that extensive use of artificial intelligence tools in developing application materials may place applicants at a disadvantage during the evaluation process.
Additional considerations include:
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English.
- Current or former employees and individuals with professional affiliations to NAI are not eligible.
- Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of November 2026.
Why This Scholarship Matters
For scholars conducting Africa-focused research, access to specialized resources and academic networks can significantly enhance the quality and impact of their work. The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides a rare opportunity to work within one of Europe’s leading centres dedicated to African studies while receiving full financial support.
The programme is particularly valuable for emerging researchers seeking to strengthen their academic profiles, expand international networks, and gain access to unique research materials that may not be readily available at their home institutions.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Applicants can improve their chances of selection by:
- Developing a clear and focused research question
- Demonstrating the significance of their study within African scholarship
- Presenting a realistic and well-structured methodology
- Explaining precisely how NAI resources will contribute to their research
- Submitting a detailed work plan aligned with the one-month residency period
- Ensuring all required documents are complete and professionally prepared
A compelling proposal that clearly demonstrates academic merit and the value of the NAI residency will stand out during the selection process.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 11 October 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Nordic Africa Institute online application portal before the closing date.
