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Sweden PhDPostdoctoral Fully Funded

African Scholarship Programme: Everything You Need to Know [2027]

The Nordic Africa Institute's African Scholarship Programme 2027 provides funding for African researchers to conduct research in Sweden. Benefits include airfare, accommodation, and a daily allowance. Apply by April 6, 2026.

February 12, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Apr 6, 2026
African Scholarship Programme 2027

Quick Overview

Host CountrySweden
University/OrgNordic Africa Institute
Degree LevelPhD, Postdoctoral
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAfrican Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences
DeadlineApril 6, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview

The African Scholarship Programme 2027, offered by the Nordic Africa Institute, presents a unique opportunity for early-career African researchers to advance their work in a stimulating international environment. This fully-funded scholarship allows researchers based in Africa to spend two to three months at the Nordic Africa Institute, dedicating their time to ongoing research projects. The program aims to foster collaboration between African and Nordic research communities, contributing to a deeper understanding of contemporary African issues.

What Does It Cover?

The African Scholarship Programme provides comprehensive financial and logistical support to ensure a productive and enriching research stay. Beneficiaries receive assistance with travel, accommodation, and daily expenses, enabling them to focus entirely on their research endeavors. Furthermore, the program facilitates access to invaluable resources and networking opportunities.

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  • Return airfare: Economy class travel to and from Uppsala, Sweden.
  • Accommodation: Provided for the duration of the stay.
  • Subsistence allowance: 450 SEK (approximately $50 USD) per day to cover daily expenses.
  • Installation grant: A one-time grant of 2,500 SEK (approximately $280 USD) to assist with initial setup costs.
  • Workspace: Access to a dedicated workspace, including a desk and computer, in a shared office at the Institute.
  • Library Access: Access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s specialized library and the Uppsala University Library.

Who Can Apply?

The African Scholarship Programme seeks to support early-career researchers who are actively engaged in Africa-oriented research within the social sciences and humanities. The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to addressing contemporary African challenges and contributing to the global knowledge base. Importantly, the research should align with the core principles of the UN Agenda 2030.

  • Must be a PhD student enrolled in an Africa-based doctoral program with full-time employment at an African university or research center. The candidate must not have access to international funding for their PhD.
  • OR, be a postdoctoral researcher within four years of completing their PhD, currently employed at an African university or research center.
  • Research topic must fall within the social sciences and humanities, focusing on contemporary Africa.
  • Research must be relevant to the UN Agenda 2030.

Application Process

Applying for the African Scholarship Programme involves a straightforward online process. Prospective applicants should carefully prepare all required documents and submit them through the online portal by the deadline. Notably, incomplete applications will not be considered.

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  1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather your CV, research proposal, work plan, and letters of support.
  2. Complete the Online Application: Access the application portal on the Nordic Africa Institute website.
  3. Upload Documents: Upload all required documents in the specified format.
  4. Submit Application: Review your application carefully before submitting it through the portal.
  5. Await Notification: The Nordic Africa Institute will notify successful applicants of their selection.

Tips for a Strong Application

Crafting a compelling application is crucial for securing the African Scholarship Programme. By focusing on the clarity, relevance, and originality of your research proposal, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Furthermore, ensure that all supporting documents are complete and accurately reflect your qualifications and experience.

  • Craft a Clear and Concise Research Proposal: Clearly articulate your research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.
  • Highlight the Relevance of Your Research: Demonstrate how your research contributes to addressing contemporary African challenges and aligns with the UN Agenda 2030.
  • Secure Strong Letters of Support: Obtain letters of support from supervisors or heads of department who can attest to your research capabilities and potential.
  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure that your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.
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Funding Coverage

  • Return airfare (economy class)
  • Accommodation
  • Subsistence allowance of 450 SEK (approximately $50 USD) per day
  • Installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approximately $280 USD)
  • Access to workspace with desk and computer
  • Access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s library and Uppsala University Library

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a PhD student enrolled in an Africa-based doctoral program with full-time employment at an African university or research center, lacking access to international funding.
  • OR, be a postdoctoral researcher within four years of completing their PhD, currently employed at an African university or research center.
  • Research topic must fall within the social sciences and humanities, focusing on contemporary Africa.
  • Research must be relevant to the UN Agenda 2030.
  • Applicants currently or previously affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are ineligible.

Required Documents

  • Up-to-date CV, including list of publications (if available online, please include links)
  • Outline of research project (5 pages): Introduction, Research aims and scope, Literature review, Research design and methods, Implications and contribution to knowledge, Reference list
  • Work plan (1 page): Specific plan for time spent at the Institute, including research objectives and expected results
  • Signed letter of support: For PhD students: From Supervisor/Head of Department confirming both PhD enrollment and employment; For postdoctoral researchers: From Head of Department/Institute confirming current work place/affiliation

Application Process

  1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather your CV, research proposal, work plan, and letters of support.
  2. Complete the Online Application: Access the application portal on the Nordic Africa Institute website.
  3. Upload Documents: Upload all required documents in the specified format.
  4. Submit Application: Review your application carefully before submitting it through the portal.
  5. Await Notification: The Nordic Africa Institute will notify successful applicants of their selection.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The African Scholarship Programme aims to provide early-career African researchers with the opportunity to conduct research at the Nordic Africa Institute, fostering collaboration between African and Nordic research communities. It supports research in social sciences and humanities related to contemporary Africa and aligned with the UN Agenda 2030.
The scholarship provides a return airfare (economy class), accommodation, a daily subsistence allowance of 450 SEK (approximately $50 USD), and an installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approximately $280 USD). Furthermore, scholars gain access to a workspace and the institute's library resources.
No, the African Scholarship Programme specifically targets PhD students who are enrolled in an Africa-based doctoral program and do not have access to PhD funding from an international scholarship or other international funding opportunities. This ensures that the program supports researchers who may otherwise lack access to such resources.
Unfortunately, individuals who are currently or have previously been employed by or otherwise professionally affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible for the African Scholarship Programme. This restriction ensures that the scholarship benefits researchers from outside the institute.
The selection process emphasizes the quality, relevance, and originality of the research proposal, as well as its alignment with the UN Agenda 2030. Strong letters of support from supervisors or heads of department are also crucial, as they attest to the applicant's research capabilities and potential.

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