Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Nordic Scholarship Programme is a competitive research grant administered by the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) in Uppsala, Sweden. It enables scholars engaged in Africa-focused research to spend one month at the Institute utilizing its specialized library collections and connecting with established research networks. The programme specifically targets researchers affiliated with universities in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland.
For scholars from Zimbabwe and the SADC region who are currently based at Nordic institutions, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance research on African topics while accessing resources specifically dedicated to contemporary African studies.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial support for the one-month stay:
- Travel expenses: Round-trip airfare from your residential address in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland to Uppsala, covering the least expensive fare
- Accommodation: Free, centrally located housing in Uppsala
- Workspace: Dedicated desk and computer access in a shared office at the Institute
- Subsistence allowance: SEK 450 per day for living expenses
Important exclusions: The scholarship does not include health insurance or any other insurance coverage. Applicants must arrange their own insurance protection for the duration of their stay.
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Eligibility Requirements
The programme maintains specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet:
- Research focus: Your work must be Africa-oriented within social sciences or humanities disciplines
- Academic level: Open to master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and mid-career researchers
- Institutional affiliation: You must be based at and affiliated with a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland—both at application time and when taking up the scholarship
- 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.
Application Documents
Complete applications must include all of the following documents in English:
- Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date CV including list of publications if applicable
- Research project outline (3-5 pages):
- Objective: Clear identification and academic contextualization of your research topic
- Method and timeframe: Description of research methods, data gathering techniques, and timeline
- Theoretical explication: Brief indication of the theoretical framework underpinning your research
- Work plan (1 page): Specific plan for your month at NAI, clarifying which research components you will complete during the stay
- Reference letter: Signed letter of support from your supervisor or head of department confirming current affiliation and field of research
Critical note on AI use: The selection committee evaluates proposals carefully and prioritizes authentic, personal framing of research. Using AI to develop your application text may disadvantage you in the assessment process.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through an online portal:
- Access the online application system via the official Nordic Africa Institute website
- Complete all required personal and institutional information fields
- Upload your CV, research outline, work plan, and reference letter as specified
- Submit before the deadline
Application deadline: 11 October 2026
Applicants will be notified of outcomes by the end of November 2026 at the latest. In the event that the programme does not receive full funding or cannot proceed for unforeseen reasons, applicants will be informed accordingly.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated primarily on the strength and clarity of the research project outline. The selection committee assesses:
- Academic rigor and feasibility of the proposed research
- Relevance to contemporary African studies
- Clear articulation of how NAI resources will advance the project
- Appropriate methodology and theoretical grounding
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Given the explicit warning about AI-generated text, applicants should ensure their proposals reflect their own scholarly voice and understanding.
Purpose and Benefits of the Programme
Beyond financial support, the Nordic Scholarship Programme offers substantive academic advantages:
- Specialized resources: Direct access to NAI’s comprehensive collections on contemporary Africa, including books, periodicals, newspapers, and government publications
- Research integration: Connection to ongoing work at the Institute through assigned NAI research hosts
- Network building: Opportunities to establish and strengthen relations with Nordic research communities focused on Africa
- Capacity development: Contribution to building expertise in African knowledge production
The programme aligns with NAI’s broader mission of promoting high-quality research on Africa and fostering collaboration among Nordic institutions.
Contact Information
For further inquiries:
Marie Karlsson
Email: marie.karlsson@nai.uu.se
Phone: +46 (0)18 471 52 54
Data Protection
Personal data submitted with applications is managed in accordance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Institute’s integrity policy provides full details on data handling practices.
Official scholarship page: https://nai.uu.se/opportunities/nordic-scholarship-programme.html
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
