Call for Applications: Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme 2027

The African Scholarship Programme offers early-career researchers based in Africa the opportunity to conduct research at the Nordic Africa Institute for a period of two to three months. This initiative supports researchers in developing and advancing their projects while engaging with the Institute’s vibrant academic community.

Applications for the 2027 programme are now open. The deadline for submission is 6 April 2026. Interested candidates can apply online.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to two categories of early-career researchers based in Africa:

• PhD Students: Candidates must be enrolled in an Africa-based doctoral program, employed full-time at an African university or research centre, and without access to international PhD funding or scholarships.
• Postdoctoral Researchers: Applicants must have completed their PhD within the last four years and hold a position at an African university or research centre.

The Nordic Africa Institute encourages applicants whose research focuses on gender issues, the position of women in society, and topics aligned with the UN Agenda 2030.

Programme Benefits

Selected scholars receive financial and practical support to ensure a productive research stay:

• Return air fare (economy class)
• Accommodation during the stay
• Daily subsistence allowance of 450 SEK (approx. 50 USD)
• Installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approx. 280 USD)
• Access to a shared workspace with a desk and computer at the Institute

Additionally, scholars gain access to the Institute’s specialised library on contemporary African social sciences and humanities. They may also use the Uppsala University Library and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Library.

The programme offers a minimum stay of 60 days and a maximum stay of 90 days. Applicants should note that the Institute, like most Nordic academic institutions, is closed or partially closed during June–August and mid-December to mid-January.

Purpose of the Programme

The African Scholarship Programme aims to support the development of Africa-oriented research and enhance collaboration between African and Nordic academic communities. By hosting guest researchers, the Institute facilitates:

• Knowledge exchange on contemporary African social sciences and humanities
• Networking opportunities with Nordic and African scholars
• Access to specialized resources, libraries, and academic guidance
• Capacity building in research production and knowledge dissemination

Through this initiative, the Nordic Africa Institute contributes to strengthening research networks, supporting early-career researchers, and promoting dialogue between Africa and Nordic countries.

Research Focus and Requirements

Applicants are expected to conduct research relevant to contemporary Africa within the disciplines of social sciences or humanities. The research should:

• Align with the Institute’s core focus areas and the UN Agenda 2030
• Contribute to knowledge on gender, society, development, or other social science topics
• Demonstrate potential for academic impact and collaboration

The Institute prioritises equitable distribution of scholarships regarding gender and geographic representation. Projects focusing on gender equality or societal issues are highly encouraged.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their applications online with the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including a list of publications (links recommended if available online)
• Research Proposal (5 pages):
  • Introduction
  • Research aims and scope
  • Literature review
  • Research design and methodology
  • Implications and contribution to knowledge
  • Reference list
• Work Plan (1 page): Outlining objectives and expected outcomes during the Institute visit
• Letters of Support:
  • PhD students: Letter from supervisor or department head confirming enrollment and employment
  • Postdoctoral researchers: Letter from department head or institute confirming current affiliation

Applications must be in English. Proposals developed using AI tools may be disadvantaged. Incomplete applications or applicants previously affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.