About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Nordic Africa Institute is a research, documentation, and knowledge centre focusing on contemporary Africa.
Through its Nordic Scholarship Programme, the Institute supports Africa-oriented research in the social sciences and humanities and provides scholars with an opportunity to make use of its specialized research resources and connect with researchers at the Institute.
The programme is particularly valuable for researchers whose projects would benefit from access to the Institute’s library collections, research environment, and academic networks.
What the Scholarship Offers
The Nordic Scholarship Programme provides a one-month research stay at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala.
During the stay, scholars can:
Access the Institute’s library collections on contemporary Africa.
Use books, periodicals, newspapers, and government publications relevant to their research.
Connect with existing research activities at the Institute through research hosts.
Work from a shared office at the Institute.
Use a desk and computer during their stay.
Develop connections with researchers and research communities in the Nordic region.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to researchers at different stages of their academic careers.
Eligible applicants may be:
Master's students
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
Mid-career researchers
Applicants must be conducting Africa-oriented research or studies within the social sciences or humanities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be pursuing research or studies focused on Africa.
Conduct research within the social sciences or humanities.
Be a master's student, PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or mid-career researcher.
Be affiliated with and based at a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland.
Maintain this affiliation both when applying and when taking up the scholarship.
Meet the programme's application and documentation requirements.
Important Eligibility Note
The scholarship is not restricted by citizenship.
However, applicants must be affiliated with and based at an eligible university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland both at the time of application and during the scholarship stay.
Therefore, citizenship alone does not determine eligibility; the required Nordic institutional affiliation is essential.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars receive several forms of support for their one-month research stay.
Travel Support
The scholarship covers the cost of the least expensive fare from the applicant's residential address in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland to Uppsala, Sweden, and back.
Accommodation
Scholars receive free accommodation in a centrally located residence in Uppsala during the scholarship period.
Subsistence Allowance
The programme provides a subsistence allowance of:
SEK 450 per day
for the duration of the stay.
Research Workspace
Scholars are provided with:
A desk in a shared office
A computer
A working environment at the Nordic Africa Institute
Research Resources
During the stay, scholars can make use of the Institute's collections relating to contemporary Africa, including:
Books
Periodicals
Newspapers
Government publications
The programme also provides an opportunity to connect with relevant research activities at the Institute through NAI research hosts.
What the Scholarship Does Not Cover
Applicants should note that the scholarship does not include health insurance or other forms of insurance.
Applicants are therefore responsible for making appropriate arrangements for insurance and healthcare coverage during their stay.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online.
Applicants should prepare and upload the required documents carefully.
1. Updated CV
Submit an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications where applicable.
Your CV should clearly show your academic background, research experience, institutional affiliation, publications, and relevant professional experience.
2. Research Project Outline
Applicants must submit a 3–5 page outline of their research project.
The research proposal should include:
Research Objective
Clearly identify the research topic and explain how it fits within the relevant academic discipline.
Method and Time Frame
Explain how the research will be conducted, including:
Research methodology
Data-gathering techniques
Research activities
Expected time frame
Theoretical Framework
Provide a brief explanation of the theoretical basis underpinning the research project.
3. Work Plan
Submit a one-page work plan describing exactly what you intend to accomplish during your stay at the Nordic Africa Institute.
The work plan should clearly explain:
Which part of your research project you will work on during the one-month stay
How you intend to use the Institute's resources
The research activities you plan to undertake
What you expect to accomplish by the end of the visit
4. Letter of Support
Applicants must provide a signed letter of support from their supervisor or head of department.
The letter should confirm:
Your current institutional affiliation
Your field of research
Support for your proposed research stay
Application Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have prepared:
☐ Updated CV
☐ List of publications, where applicable
☐ 3–5 page research project outline
☐ One-page research work plan
☐ Signed letter of support
☐ Confirmation of your current university or research-centre affiliation
☐ Evidence that your research focuses on Africa and falls within the social sciences or humanities
How to apply