African Scholarship Programme 2027 – Research Residency at the Nordic Africa Institute

The African Scholarship Programme 2027, hosted by the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), offers early-career researchers based in Africa the opportunity to spend 2–3 months in Sweden advancing their Africa-focused research. The programme supports scholars working within the Social Sciences and Humanities, particularly on contemporary Africa and themes aligned with the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Applications are now open
Deadline: 6 April 2026

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Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be early-career researchers based in Africa and fall into one of the two categories:

1. PhD Students

• Enrolled in an Africa-based PhD programme
• Employed full-time at an African university or research centre
• Not currently funded by an international scholarship or international research funding

2. Postdoctoral Researchers

• Within four years of PhD completion
• Employed at an African university or research centre

Research areas: Social Sciences & Humanities, focused on contemporary Africa and aligned with NAI’s five impact areas:

• Equality, Social Justice & Inclusion
• Governance, Citizenship & Participation
• Economy, Employment & Mobility
• Climate, Natural Resources & Sustainability
• Peace, Security & Human Rights

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What the Scholarship Covers

Successful applicants will receive:

• Return airfare (economy class)
• Accommodation in Uppsala
• Subsistence allowance: 450 SEK/day (~USD 50)
• Installation grant: 2,500 SEK (~USD 280)
• Workspace at the Institute, including computer access
• Access to specialized libraries at NAI, Uppsala University, and SLU
• Research hosting, mentorship, and networking opportunities

Duration:
Minimum 60 days, maximum 90 days (3 months)
Note: Visits cannot take place during June–August or mid-Dec to mid-Jan due to reduced institutional activity.

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Programme Purpose

The African Scholarship Programme aims to:

• Strengthen research capacity within African institutions
• Support Africa-oriented scholars in producing high-quality, policy-relevant knowledge
• Foster collaboration between African and Nordic research communities
• Provide a stimulating academic environment with access to extensive research resources

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How to Apply

Applications must be completed online and submitted in English.
Upload the following documents:

1. Updated CV

Include publications or links (if available).

2. Research Proposal (5 pages)

Must include:

• Introduction
• Research aims and scope
• Literature review
• Research design & methods
• Contribution to knowledge
• Reference list

3. Work Plan (1 page)

Outline objectives, activities, and expected results during the stay.

4. Signed Letter(s) of Support

• PhD applicants: Letter from Supervisor and/or Head of Department
• Postdocs: Letter from Head of Department/Institute

Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Use of AI-generated text may disadvantage applicants.
Former or current NAI employees or affiliates are not eligible.

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Selection Process

Applications undergo a rigorous assessment by a selection committee following strict ethical standards, ensuring fairness, transparency, and diversity. Selections are based on:

• Research relevance and quality
• Alignment with programme goals
• Applicant’s potential contribution to African scholarship
• Consideration of gender balance and geographic diversity

If full programme funding is not secured, applicants will be informed immediately.

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Contact

For queries: nai@nai.uu.se

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For more information: Click Here

Apply Here!