Nordic Africa Institute Scholarship Programme 2027: One-Month Funded Research Stay in Sweden

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Full name	Nordic Africa Institute Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027
Funded by	The Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), Uppsala, Sweden
Coverage	Travel expenses, free accommodation, workspace, and SEK 450 per day subsistence allowance
Duration	One-month research stay at NAI in Uppsala
Eligible applicants	Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and mid-career researchers in Africa-focused social sciences/humanities
Institution requirement	Must be affiliated to and based at a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland
Deadline	11 October 2026
Results	Applicants informed by end of November 2026 at the latest

The Nordic Africa Institute Scholarship Programme is a niche but valuable opportunity for researchers working on Africa-oriented studies in the Nordic region. It is especially relevant for applicants who need library access, a focused writing month, and a research host environment in Uppsala.

If you are comparing European research routes, also read `/fully-funded-phd-scholarships-2027-guide` and `/study-in-norway-2027-tuition-scholarships-guide`.

What Does It Cover?

Benefit	Details
Travel	Least expensive fare from residential address in eligible Nordic countries to Uppsala and return
Accommodation	Free centrally located accommodation in Uppsala
Workspace	Desk and computer in a shared office at the Institute
Daily allowance	SEK 450 per day
Research access	NAI library collections on contemporary Africa and links to NAI research hosts
Not covered	Health care insurance and other insurance are not included

Eligibility

✅ You Must:

• Be pursuing Africa-oriented research in social sciences or humanities.

• Be a master’s student, PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or mid-career researcher.

• Be affiliated to and based at a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland both when applying and when taking up the scholarship.

• Submit the application and appendices in English.

• Provide a project outline, work plan, CV, and signed support letter.

❌ Not Eligible If:

• You are not based at an eligible Nordic university or research centre.

• Your project is not Africa-oriented or is outside the stated social sciences/humanities scope.

• You submit an incomplete application.

• You are currently or previously employed by or professionally affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm your institutional base

This scholarship is not open globally by residence. NAI says applicants may apply regardless of citizenship, but they must be affiliated to and based at a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland.

Step 2: Draft a 3-5 page research outline

Your outline should identify the research topic, contextualize it within your discipline, describe methods and time frame, and explain the theoretical basis.

Step 3: Prepare a one-page work plan

The work plan should be specific to your month at NAI. Explain what part of the project you will work on during the stay and why NAI resources are useful.

Step 4: Get a signed support letter

NAI requires a signed letter from your supervisor or head of department confirming current affiliation and field of research.

Step 5: Apply online before 11 October 2026

Upload the CV, research outline, work plan, and reference letter before the deadline. Incomplete applications are not considered.

Comparison: Nordic Africa Institute vs Other Research Funding

Programme	Best for	Duration/value	Deadline
Nordic Africa Institute Scholarship	Africa-focused researchers based in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland	One month; travel + housing + SEK 450/day	Oct 11, 2026
Swiss Government Excellence	International research/PhD/postdoc applicants	Monthly stipend; country-specific	Varies by country
Austria Ernst Mach Grant	Research stays in Austria	Monthly grant	Feb 1, 2027

Insider Tips

1. Make the NAI library central to your case

Do not submit a generic Africa studies proposal. Explain exactly why NAI’s collections and research environment matter.

2. Keep the work plan realistic

A one-month stay is short. Focus on a chapter, article, dataset, archival review, or literature consolidation rather than an entire dissertation.

3. Avoid AI-polished generic proposals

NAI explicitly says using AI to develop your text may place applicants at a disadvantage. Write in your own research voice.

4. Budget for insurance separately

The award covers key costs, but NAI states health care insurance and other insurances are not included.

5. Ask for the support letter early

Supervisors travel and departments move slowly. Request the signed letter at least two weeks before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is citizenship restricted?

NAI says applicants may apply regardless of citizenship, but must be affiliated to and based at a university or research centre in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland.

What fields are eligible?

Africa-oriented studies/research in the social sciences or humanities.

Does the scholarship include accommodation?

Yes. NAI says scholarship holders receive free centrally located accommodation in Uppsala.

When will applicants hear back?

NAI says applicants will be informed as soon as selection is finalized, by the end of November 2026 at the latest.

Timeline Table

Date	Action
September 2026	Prepare research outline, CV, work plan, and support letter
11 October 2026	Application deadline
By end November 2026	Applicants informed of outcome
2027	One-month scholarship stay at NAI

Your Action Plan

1. Confirm that your Nordic affiliation meets NAI’s location rule.

2. Select a focused Africa research task for a one-month stay.

3. Draft a 3-5 page project outline and one-page work plan.

4. Request a signed supervisor/head-of-department letter.

5. Submit the online application before 11 October 2026.

— Share this with someone researching Africa from a Nordic university or research centre.