Scholarship Overview
Overview
The Nordic Scholarship Programme is a competitive research opportunity administered by the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) in Uppsala, Sweden. It enables students and researchers engaged in Africa-focused studies to spend one month at the Institute, accessing its specialised library collections and connecting with established research networks. The programme specifically targets scholars affiliated with universities in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.
For researchers from Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region who are currently based at Nordic institutions, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance their work on African topics while building international academic relationships.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial support for the one-month stay:
- Travel expenses: Coverage for the least expensive fare from your residential address in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland to Uppsala and return
- Accommodation: Free, centrally located housing in Uppsala
- Workspace: A desk and computer in a shared office at the Institute
- Subsistence allowance: SEK 450 per day for living expenses
Important exclusions: The scholarship does not include health care insurance or any other insurance coverage. Applicants must arrange their own insurance.
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Who Can Apply
Eligibility is strictly defined and assessed at both application and award stages:
- Academic focus: Must be pursuing Africa-oriented studies or research within social sciences or humanities
- Career stage: Open to master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and mid-career researchers
- Institutional affiliation: Must be affiliated with and based at a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark or Iceland at time of application and during the scholarship period
- Citizenship: No restrictions—applicants of any nationality may apply
Exclusions: Persons currently or previously employed by or professionally affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible.
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Research Focus and Purpose
The scholarship programme is designed to facilitate intensive research using NAI’s library collections on contemporary Africa, including books, periodicals, newspapers and government publications. Scholars are connected to existing work at the Institute through designated NAI research hosts.
Your research proposal should demonstrate clear relevance to African studies and specify how the NAI’s resources will advance your project. The programme awards scholarships once annually.
Required Application Documents
All materials must be submitted in English through the online application portal:
- Up-to-date CV: Including list of publications if applicable
- Research project outline (3-5 pages):
- Objective: Clear identification and contextualisation of research topic within its academic discipline
- Method and time frame: Description of research method, data gathering techniques and timeline
- Theoretical explication: Brief indication of theoretical basis
- Work plan (1 page): Specific plan for the one-month stay, clarifying what portion of the research will be completed at NAI
- Reference letter: Signed letter of support from supervisor or head of department confirming current affiliation and field of research
Critical note on AI use: The selection committee evaluates proposals carefully and values authentic personal framing. Using AI to develop application text may disadvantage your assessment.
How to Apply
- Access the online application portal through the official Nordic Africa Institute website
- Complete all required fields in the application form
- Upload your CV, research outline, work plan and reference letter as specified
- Submit before the deadline: 11 October 2026
- Await notification by end of November 2026
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants will be informed if the programme cannot proceed due to funding shortfalls or other unforeseen circumstances.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated primarily on the strength of the research project outline. The committee seeks well-defined, feasible projects that demonstrate clear benefit from NAI’s specific resources and research environment.
Personal data is managed under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Institute’s integrity policy provides full details on data handling.
Contact Information
For further enquiries:
Marie Karlsson
Email: marie.karlsson@nai.uu.se
Phone: +46 (0)18 471 52 54
Why This Matters for African Scholars
For Zimbabwean and SADC researchers pursuing advanced degrees or research positions at Nordic universities, this programme offers rare dedicated time and resources for Africa-focused work. The combination of specialised library access, living support and integration into an established research community can significantly accelerate dissertation or publication timelines. The SEK 450 daily allowance (approximately SEK 13,500 for a 30-day month) provides substantial support for living costs in Uppsala.
