Apply for the fully funded 2026–2027 Visiting Fellow Program in Sweden at the Nordic Africa Institute. Open to African researchers seeking academic growth, policy engagement, and research opportunities in Uppsala.

Overview of the Visiting Fellow Position

Every year, the Nordic Africa Institute hosts an accomplished academic from Africa as a Visiting Fellow, providing a one-year residency in Uppsala, Sweden. This scholar typically arrives on sabbatical from their home institution and integrates into NAI’s vibrant research community.

The institute places strong emphasis on science–policy engagement. Visiting Fellows therefore benefit not only from research time, but also from unique opportunities to present their insights to policymakers, government officials, and relevant Nordic stakeholders.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, NAI particularly welcomes applications connected to contemporary geopolitics, although all proposals aligning with the NAI Strategy 2022–2026 will be considered. Eligible research themes include:

– Africa’s position in rapidly shifting global geopolitical dynamics

– Influence of external state actors such as China, Russia, UAE and others on African countries

– Comparative geopolitical studies

– Thematic or country-specific analyses grounded in qualitative social science or economics

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects based on ongoing research, as the fellowship is not intended for launching new fieldwork. Instead, it provides uninterrupted time to complete academic publications, produce policy-relevant outputs, and contribute to NAI’s research and policy engagement efforts.

Fellowship Duration:

The fellowship runs from August 2026 to July 2027, aligning with the Nordic academic calendar.

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Eligibility and Required Qualifications

– Applicants must demonstrate strong academic experience and a clear record of research excellence.

– A PhD in political science, sociology, anthropology, geography, gender studies, development economics, international development, or related fields

– At least seven years of post-PhD academic research experience

– A current teaching or research position at a recognized African university or research institute

– Evidence of high-quality published research, including peer-reviewed work

– A proven record of communicating research to policymakers, practitioners, and other non-academic audiences

– Strong ability to explain complex issues to non-specialists

– Knowledge of African policy environments and relevant stakeholder communities

– Excellent command of spoken and written English

– Ability to thrive in a multicultural, interdisciplinary setting

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following through NAI’s online recruitment portal:

1. A proposal (maximum 5 pages) outlining the proposed work plan for the one-year fellowship, including expected outputs

2. A complete CV, listing all scientific publications and clearly noting which are peer reviewed

3. Links to at least three publications, single-authored or co-authored

4. Evidence of policy engagement, such as summaries, policy briefs, or non-academic outputs (up to three items)

5. Contact details of at least two referees

Application deadline: 16 January 2026

Shortlisted candidates may undergo background checks for security clearance.

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Conditions of Service

The Visiting Fellow position is a 12-month fixed-term contract, starting in September 2026. It is expected that the selected scholar will receive a one-year leave of absence from their home institution.

Benefits include:

– A competitive, negotiable salary within Swedish civil-service frameworks

– A return airfare to Sweden

– Visa support and coverage of visa-related costs

– Access to NAI’s modern research facilities, library, and communications support

– Travel opportunities within the Nordic region or Africa for official duties

Note: The fellowship does not cover relocation costs for family members.

The duty station is Uppsala, Sweden, a historic and vibrant university city known for its academic culture.

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About the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI)

NAI is a leading hub for research, policy advice, and knowledge dissemination on Africa, supported by Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The institute provides an intellectually stimulating environment with multidisciplinary researchers, strong academic networks, and exceptional library resources. Its close ties with African and Nordic research institutions make it an ideal space for scholarly engagement and high-impact policy contributions.

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Apply HERE to begin your application for the 2026–2027 Visiting Fellow opportunity.

For more information, visit us  at The Nordic Africa Institute.