African Scholarship Programme 2027: Fully Funded Research Residency in Sweden for African Scholars

Early-career African researchers in Social Sciences and Humanities are invited to apply for the 2027 edition of the African Scholarship Programme, a fully funded international research opportunity hosted by the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden.

The competitive scholarship provides selected scholars with a 60 to 90-day funded research residency, covering airfare, accommodation, daily allowance, and access to world-class academic resources. The application deadline is April 6, 2026.

This prestigious international scholarship programme is designed to strengthen Africa-focused research, promote academic collaboration between African and Nordic institutions, and support capacity-building in knowledge production across the continent.

Overview of the African Scholarship Programme

The African Scholarship Programme supports early-career researchers who are conducting Africa-oriented research within the fields of Social Sciences and Humanities.

The initiative aims to:

Promote contemporary Africa-focused research
Strengthen African academic research capacity
Encourage collaboration between African and Nordic scholars
Support gender-focused research and studies addressing the position of women in society
Advance research aligned with the **United Nations Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals

Scholars benefit from a stimulating academic environment that enables them to refine their research projects, access specialized materials, and build international research networks.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support

Selected applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:

Return economy-class airfare to Sweden
Accommodation in Uppsala
Daily subsistence allowance of 450 SEK
One-time installation grant of 2,500 SEK
Dedicated workspace with computer access
Academic hosting and mentoring by Institute researchers
Full access to specialized libraries and research databases

• In addition to the Institute’s own library, scholars gain extended access to the Uppsala University Library and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Library, significantly enhancing research depth and quality.

This fully funded research fellowship offers strong value for scholars seeking international exposure without the financial burden often associated with overseas academic residencies.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the African Scholarship Programme 2027, applicants must:

Be based in Africa and engaged in Africa-focused research
Belong to one of the following categories

PhD students enrolled in doctoral programmes at African universities, with full-time employment at an African university or research centre, and without access to international PhD funding

Postdoctoral researchers within four years of completing their PhD, currently employed at an African university or research institution

Submit their application in English

Applicants who are currently or previously affiliated with the Nordic Africa Institute are not eligible.

Duration and Scheduling

The minimum research stay is 60 days and the maximum is 90 days.

Applicants should note that academic institutions in Nordic countries operate at reduced capacity between June and August, as well as mid-December to mid-January. These periods are not available for residency visits and should not be selected when planning the research timeline.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

An up-to-date academic CV
A detailed and well-structured research proposal
A clear work plan outlining activities during the residency
Signed letters of support confirming enrollment, employment, or institutional affiliation

All documents must be submitted online before the deadline. Incomplete applications or submissions in languages other than English will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Originality and clarity of the research proposal
Relevance to Africa-focused research
Alignment with the United Nations Agenda 2030
Academic track record and research potential
Contribution to the Institute’s thematic impact areas

Strong proposals should clearly demonstrate independent academic thinking, methodological soundness, and a clear contribution to Africa-centered scholarship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants are advised to avoid the following errors:

Submitting incomplete documentation
Failing to demonstrate clear Africa-focused research relevance
Selecting unavailable residency periods
Providing unsigned or unverifiable letters of support
Applying despite prior affiliation with the Nordic Africa Institute

Attention to detail and compliance with application guidelines significantly improve selection chances.

This Scholarship is for African Researchers

The African Scholarship Programme represents a high-value international research funding opportunity for early-career African scholars. By providing financial support, global research exposure, and institutional collaboration, the programme strengthens academic networks and supports sustainable research development.

For scholars aiming to enhance their publication profile, expand professional networks, and align research with global development priorities, this programme offers a competitive and fully funded pathway to international academic engagement.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria and prepare strong applications ahead of the April 6, 2026 deadline.