Unlock a Year of Focused Inquiry: Apply for the SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship 2026 in Sweden!
Are you a driven and accomplished researcher in the humanities or social sciences seeking an unparalleled opportunity to dedicate yourself to your scholarly pursuits? Do you dream of immersing yourself in a vibrant academic environment, free from the everyday pressures of teaching and administration? Then your chance has arrived! The prestigious SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship for the academic year 2025-2026 at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS) is now open for applications!
For scholars across the globe, this fellowship offers a unique and fully funded opportunity to spend up to a full academic year in the intellectually stimulating setting of Uppsala, Sweden, alongside a diverse cohort of international researchers.
What is SCAS and Why Should You Aspire to Be a Fellow?
The Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS) is an independent institute for advanced study located in Uppsala, Sweden. It provides a select group of outstanding researchers with the ideal conditions for pursuing their own research interests. As a SCAS Fellow, you will benefit from:
- Dedicated Time for Research: The fellowship provides substantial time free from teaching and administrative duties, allowing you to fully concentrate on your research project.
- A Stimulating Interdisciplinary Environment: You will become part of a vibrant and international community of scholars from various disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration.
- Excellent Research Facilities: SCAS offers fellows well-equipped office spaces, access to libraries and databases, and administrative support.
- A Beautiful and Historic Setting: Uppsala is a charming university town with a rich history and a lively cultural scene, providing an inspiring backdrop for your research.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with fellow researchers through seminars, workshops, and informal interactions, building valuable connections for your future career.
The SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship: A Unique Opportunity
The SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship is specifically aimed at researchers who are citizens of or permanently reside in one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). However, importantly for scholars based outside the Nordic region, there are other SCAS Residential Fellowships available with similar benefits and application processes. This blog post focuses on the Nordic-specific fellowship, but we encourage all eligible international researchers to explore the general SCAS Residential Fellowship opportunities as well.
While the SCAS-Nordic Fellowship has a regional focus, the core benefits and the intellectually enriching experience of being a SCAS Fellow are consistent across their residential programs.
What Does the Fellowship Typically Include?
The SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship offers a comprehensive package designed to support your research year:
- A Monthly Stipend: Providing financial support for your living expenses in Uppsala. The stipend amount is competitive and allows fellows to live comfortably.
- Accommodation: Free housing is usually provided at the Collegium’s well-appointed facilities.
- Travel Expenses: SCAS typically covers the cost of travel to and from Uppsala at the beginning and end of the fellowship period.
- Research Support: Access to libraries, databases, and administrative assistance to facilitate your research.
- A Collegial Environment: Participation in seminars, workshops, and social events that foster intellectual exchange and community among fellows.
Are You the Ideal Candidate? Eligibility for SCAS Fellowships (General Principles):
While the SCAS-Nordic Fellowship has specific nationality/residency requirements, the general principles for all SCAS Residential Fellowships include:
- A PhD or Equivalent Qualification: Applicants typically hold a doctorate or have equivalent scholarly qualifications.
- A Strong Research Record: You should have a demonstrated track record of significant scholarly contributions in your field.
- A Well-Defined Research Project: You will need to submit a clear and compelling research plan for the period of your fellowship.
- Interdisciplinary Interest: A willingness to engage with researchers from other disciplines is highly valued.
- For the Nordic Fellowship: Citizenship or permanent residency in a Nordic country is a key requirement.
For researchers based in non-Nordic countries, please visit the SCAS website to explore the eligibility criteria for the general SCAS Residential Fellowships. The application process and the overall experience are very similar.
Who Can Apply?
This programme isn’t for newcomers fresh out of their doctoral studies. Eligibility requires:
- A PhD (or equivalent) awarded no later than June 1, 2022 (at least three years prior to the application date).
- A current position held at a university within one of the Nordic countries listed above.
- A specialization within the humanities or social science
- SCAS welcomes both early-career scholars (post-PhD with significant independent achievements) and senior academics (PhD for 10+ years with substantial track records) who are active internationally in their fields.
What’s Offered?
Successful fellows will spend either a single semester or the full academic year at SCAS in Uppsala:
- Autumn Semester: September 1, 2026 – December 11, 2026
- Spring Semester: January 11, 2027 – June 11, 2027
- Full Academic Year: September 1, 2026 – June 11, 2027
Crucially, fellows retain their positions and salaries at their home institutions. The grant from RJ covers these payroll expenses, ensuring financial continuity. Furthermore, for fellows residing outside the Stockholm–Uppsala area, SCAS typically provides and pays for accommodation, removing a significant logistical barrier.
The Application Clock is Ticking: Deadline June 2, 2025
Interested and eligible scholars must act swiftly. The firm deadline for applications is June 2, 2025, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Heads Up! Be aware that the days leading up to the deadline (May 28 – June 1) constitute a national holiday and long weekend in Sweden. Support for application queries may be slower during this period. SCAS strongly advises preparing and submitting your application well in advance.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Varbi online system https://www.swedishcollegium.se/fellowships/scas-nordic-fellowship-programme. You’ll need to provide:
- CV (max 4 pages)
- Research project description (max 1500 words)
- List of up to 10 major publications
- One representative article/chapter (must be in English)
- Brief statements (max 100 words each) on why SCAS, how you’d benefit, and how you’d contribute
- Copy of your PhD diploma
- (Optional) Up to 3 letters of reference.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, potentially including external referees. Decisions will be communicated via the Varbi system by February 28, 2026.
How to Embark on Your Research Year in Sweden (General Guidance):
The application process for SCAS Residential Fellowships typically involves:
- Visiting the SCAS Website: The official SCAS website (www.swedishcollegium.se) is the primary source of information about the fellowships, including specific eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and deadlines.
- Reviewing the Call for Applications: Carefully read the call for applications for the specific fellowship you are interested in (SCAS-Nordic or the general Residential Fellowship).
- Preparing Your Application Materials: This usually includes:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A comprehensive research plan outlining your project, its significance, and the methodology you will employ.
- A list of your publications.
- Letters of recommendation from established scholars familiar with your work.
- A personal statement explaining why you wish to be a SCAS Fellow and how the fellowship will benefit your research.
- Submitting Your Application Online: SCAS typically uses an online application portal. Follow the instructions carefully to submit all required documents by the deadline.
The application deadline for the SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship for the academic year 2025-2026 is usually in the autumn of 2024. Keep a close eye on the SCAS website for the exact deadline for the 2026-2027 call, which will likely be announced in the coming months.
Invest in Your Research Future: Apply to SCAS!
The SCAS-Nordic Residential Fellowship (and the general SCAS Residential Fellowships) offers a truly exceptional opportunity for accomplished researchers in the humanities and social sciences to dedicate themselves to their scholarly work in a stimulating and supportive environment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we strongly encourage you to explore this prestigious fellowship and take the first step towards an incredibly productive and enriching research year in Sweden!
Visit the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study website today to learn more and prepare your application for the upcoming call! Your year of focused inquiry awaits!