Africa Study Scholarships; Applications are now open for the 2026 Nordic
Africa Institute Scholarship Program. An opportunity for early career
researchers in Africa to pursue their own research projects in the
fields of Social Sciences and Humanities.
The scholarship offers access to the Institute’s library and other
resources that provide for a stimulating research environment.
The purpose of the African Scholarship Programme is to provide
opportunities for early career researchers based in Africa to work and
develop their ongoing research at the Nordic Africa Institute. The
scholarship offers access to the Institute’s library, hosting by the
Institute’s researchers, networking opportunities and other resources
that provide for a stimulating research environment.
Through the programme, the Nordic Africa Institute aims to contribute to
building capacity in the production of knowledge about Africa, and to
promote and establish relations with and between African and Nordic
research communities.
Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship programme is directed at early career
researchers based in Africa and engaged in Africa-oriented research. The
research topic should be within the disciplines of Social Sciences and
Humanities, and with a focus on contemporary Africa. The research should
also be relevant to the core principles of the UN Agenda 2030, as
indicated in the five impact ares of the Institute Opens in new window.
The programme is open to two main categories of early career researchers:
Staff full-time employed by an African-based university or
research center who are enrolled on a doctoral programme in the African
region and who do not have access to an international scholarship
Postdoctoral researchers (within 5 years or less of PhD completion).
The Institute strives to achieve a fair distribution of scholarship positions in regards to gender and geographic focus.
Programme Duration
The maximum duration of the stay is 90 days, minimum is 60
days. Also note that most academic institutions in the Nordic countries,
including the Nordic Africa Institute, are closed or at least running
at a reduced capacity during the periods 15 June–15 August and 15
December–15 January. Applicants can thus not choose these periods for
their visit.
Benefits
The scholarship includes a return air-fare (economy class),
accommodation, a subsistence allowance of 400 SEK (approx. 40 USD) per
day plus an installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approx. 250 USD) and access
to a workspace, including a desk
computer,
in a shared office at the Institute. Please note that the subsistence
allowance will be provided only for the days spent in Uppsala.
The Institute’s library is specialized in literature on
contemporary Africa and focuses on Social Sciences. Furthermore, Guest
Researchers have access to the Uppsala University Library and to the
Library of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Guest Researchers have the possibility to present their
research at the Nordic Africa Institute and to visit other institutions
in the Nordic countries.
How to apply
Apply online and upload the following documents:
Up-to-date CV, including list of publications (if available online, please include links)
Outline of research project, 5 pages:
A well elaborated research proposal
Workplan, 1 page:
The plan should be specific for the time spent at the Institute, including research objectives and expected results
Reference: A signed letter of support from the applicant’s Head
of Department or other senior scholar in the same field, which confirms
current work place/affiliation and field of research.
