The Nordic Master Scholarship in Europe supports international students applying to Nordic Master’s degree programs offered by universities in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. These programs are joint degrees, which means students study in at least two different Nordic countries during their course. The scholarship is connected to initiatives supported by organizations such as the Nordic Council of Ministers and institutions like the Nordic Africa Institute. It aims to promote academic cooperation and attract global talent to the Nordic region.
This scholarship is popular because Nordic Master programs are taught in English and focus on areas like sustainability, technology, and social sciences. Students benefit from a structured mobility scheme, meaning they move between partner universities as part of the degree. Some programs offer financial support such as tuition waivers or grants. However, funding and benefits depend on the specific program. The degree awarded is recognized across multiple countries, which increases career opportunities after graduation.
Nordic Master Scholarship Program Summary
Overview of the Scholarship
The Nordic Scholarship Programme is hosted by the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden. It is not a full degree scholarship, but a short-term funded research stay.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Sweden |
| Funded By | Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) |
| Study Levels | Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Scholarship Type | Short-term research stay scholarship |
| Eligible Students | Students/researchers affiliated with universities in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, or Iceland |
| Language of Study | English (application information available in English) |
| Financial Support | Travel expenses, accommodation, subsistence allowance, workspace |
Eligibility for the Nordic Master Scholarship Programme
This programme is intended for students and researchers working on Africa-oriented academic topics. Applicants must meet the official criteria before applying.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Must be engaged in Africa-oriented studies or research
- Academic field should be in social sciences or humanities
- Must be affiliated with a university or research centre
- Applicants may apply regardless of citizenship
Age and Academic Requirements
- No age limit mentioned on the official website.
- No minimum GPA requirement publicly stated.
- Applicants should be enrolled in or qualified for Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral level study/research.
- Academic work must be related to Africa-oriented studies.
- Preferred fields include Social Sciences and Humanities.
- Strong academic background and relevant research interest can improve selection chances.
Benefits of the Nordic Master Scholarship Programme
The programme offers both financial support and academic advantages for selected scholars.
Financial Benefits
- Travel expenses for the least expensive route to Uppsala and return
- Free accommodation in central Uppsala
- Subsistence allowance of SEK 400 per day
- Free photocopying up to 1,000 copies
Academic and Personal Benefits
- One-month stay at a respected research institute
- Access to NAI’s specialized Africa research library
- Shared office workspace with desk and computer
- Academic networking opportunities
- Exposure to Nordic research environments
- Opportunity to connect with NAI research hosts
Documents Required for the Nordic Master Scholarship Programme
Applicants must prepare a complete set of documents before submitting their application.
Documents Required
- Passport or National ID
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificates
- CV or Resume
- Motivation Letter
- Recommendation Letters
- Research Proposal or Study Plan
How to Apply for the Nordic Master Scholarship Programme
The application process for the Nordic Scholarship Programme is managed directly through the official system of the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), Sweden. Unlike degree scholarships, applicants do not apply through university admission. You must submit your application separately through the official scholarship call when applications open.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Select your research topic or academic project related to Africa-oriented studies in Social Sciences or Humanities. Your proposed work should clearly match the purpose of the Nordic Africa Institute.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants should be enrolled in or qualified for Master’s, PhD, or Postdoctoral level study and be affiliated with a university in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, or Iceland.
- Review the official scholarship call carefully. Read all instructions, required documents, and deadlines before starting the application.
- Prepare your academic documents such as transcripts, CV, identification documents, and any additional materials requested in the call.
- Write a strong motivation letter. Explain your academic background, research goals, and why access to the Nordic Africa Institute’s library and research environment will help your work.
- Create an account on the official application portal if required during the application cycle.
- Complete the online application form with your personal details, academic history, university affiliation, and research information. Ensure all details match your official documents.
- Upload all required documents in the correct format. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
- Submit your application before the deadline announced on the official website.
- Applications are reviewed based on academic quality, relevance of research, and alignment with the scholarship objectives. Due to competition, only strong candidates are selected.
- Selected applicants receive official confirmation from the Nordic Africa Institute with further instructions regarding travel, accommodation, and scholarship arrangements.
Application Tips
- Write a clear and honest motivation letter
- Show strong connection between your research and Africa-focused studies
- Explain why NAI resources will help your work
- Prepare documents early
- Avoid incomplete applications
- Proofread everything carefully
Deadline for the Nordic Master Scholarship Programme
Applicants should check the official website regularly for updated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Nordic Master Scholarship?
The Nordic Master Scholarship is a term many students use for scholarship opportunities connected with Nordic study programmes. In this case, it refers to the Nordic Scholarship Programme offered by the Nordic Africa Institute in Sweden for academic research stays.
Is the Nordic Master Scholarship fully funded?
The Nordic Master Scholarship provides selected financial support such as travel costs, accommodation, and daily allowance for approved candidates. Specific funding depends on the official programme terms.
Who can apply for the Nordic Master Scholarship?
Applicants usually include Master’s students, PhD candidates, and researchers whose academic work matches the scholarship objectives. Eligibility also depends on university affiliation and academic background.
Is IELTS required for the Nordic Master Scholarship?
The official website does not clearly mention IELTS as a mandatory requirement. Language requirements may vary depending on the programme or host institution.
Can international students apply for the Nordic Master Scholarship?
Yes, international students may apply if they meet the official eligibility conditions. Some programmes also require affiliation with specific Nordic universities.
What fields of study are available under the Nordic Master Scholarship?
Fields of study depend on the scholarship programme. For the Nordic Scholarship Programme, priority is usually given to Africa-oriented studies in Social Sciences and Humanities.
Does the Nordic Master Scholarship cover accommodation?
Yes, selected applicants may receive accommodation support if mentioned in the official scholarship benefits. Coverage depends on the programme terms.
How competitive is the Nordic Master Scholarship?
The Nordic Master Scholarship is competitive because many talented students apply each year while available places are limited. Strong academic records and clear motivation improve chances.
Can students work during the Nordic Master Scholarship?
Work permissions depend on the host country’s visa rules and scholarship conditions. Students should always check official regulations before planning part-time work.
How are candidates selected for the Nordic Master Scholarship?
Candidates are usually selected based on academic merit, relevance of study plan, motivation letter, and how well they meet the programme goals. Final selection is made by the scholarship authority.








