The African Scholarship Programme aims to empower early career researchers from Africa by providing them with the opportunity to advance and refine their ongoing research endeavors at the Nordic Africa Institute. This scholarship encompasses access to the Institute’s library, mentorship by the Institute’s researchers, networking prospects, and additional resources that cultivate a dynamic research milieu.
Through this initiative, the Nordic Africa Institute endeavors to bolster capacity-building efforts in generating knowledge about Africa while fostering robust connections between African and Nordic research communities.
Benefits:
The scholarship package includes a return economy-class airfare, accommodation, a daily subsistence allowance of 400 SEK (approximately 40 USD), an installation grant of 2,500 SEK (approximately 250 USD), and access to a workspace equipped with a desk computer in a shared office at the Institute. It’s important to note that the subsistence allowance is provided solely for the duration spent in Uppsala.
The Institute’s library specializes in contemporary African literature, particularly in the realm of Social Sciences. Additionally, Guest Researchers enjoy access to the libraries of Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Furthermore, Guest Researchers have the opportunity to present their research findings at the Nordic Africa Institute and visit other academic institutions in the Nordic countries.
Requirements:
This scholarship programme targets early career researchers based in Africa who are actively engaged in Africa-focused research within the domains of Social Sciences and Humanities, with an emphasis on contemporary African issues aligned with the core principles of the UN Agenda 2030, as outlined in the Institute’s five impact areas.
The programme caters to two primary categories of early career researchers: full-time staff members employed by African-based universities or research centers enrolled in a doctoral programme in the African region without access to international scholarships, and postdoctoral researchers within five years of completing their PhD.
The Institute strives for equitable distribution of scholarship opportunities with regard to gender and geographic representation.
Selection Process:
The duration of the scholarship stay ranges from a minimum of 60 days to a maximum of 90 days. Additionally, it’s important to note that most academic institutions in the Nordic countries, including the Nordic Africa Institute, operate at reduced capacity or are closed during the periods of June 15th to August 15th and December 15th to January 15th, thus applicants cannot select these periods for their visit.
Application Documents:
Applicants must submit an up-to-date CV, including a list of publications with available online links, an elaborated research project outline (5 pages), a concise work plan specific to the time spent at the Institute (1 page), and a signed letter of support from the applicant’s Head of Department or another senior scholar in the same field, confirming the current workplace/affiliation and field of research.
Method of Application:
Incomplete applications will not be considered, and individuals currently or previously affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are ineligible for scholarships. Additionally, applications must be submitted in English. In the event that the Scholarship Programme for 2025 does not receive full funding, applicants will be promptly notified.
Click Here to Apply
It is also possible to apply through the regular postal service. For more information, contact marie.karlsson@nai.uu.se