fellowships for americans in the nordic countries

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers year-long fellowships of up to $23,000 and short term (1-3 months) fellowships of up to $5,000 to graduate students (preferably conducting dissertation research) and academic professionals interested in pursuing research or creative-arts projects in the Nordic region (Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sápmi, and Sweden).

Priority is given to candidates at the graduate level for dissertation-related research. The number of awards varies each year according to total funds available. Awards are made in all fields.

Language Proficiency

ASF considers it desirable that all candidates have at least some ability in the language of the host country, unless your project does not require the use of a Nordic language. For projects that require a command of one or more Nordic (or other) languages, candidates should defer application until they have the necessary proficiency.

If interviews are part of the project, the applicant is expected to be able to conduct the interviews in the appropriate local language/s. If language proficiency is required for your project then one of your three letters of recommendation must address the level of Nordic language proficiency, as necessary for the project, and must be written by a qualified instructor or professional in that Nordic language.

Terms of Award

Projects should not begin before April 15th.

The awards support project-related costs, including roundtrip airfare, room and board in the Nordic region, in-country travel, tuition and fees (where applicable), and materials (e.g., books, photocopying, art supplies).

ASF awards may require supplementation from other sources, but they should not duplicate the benefits of additional awards (and vice versa). Candidates must notify ASF if they have received other award offers. ASF will not provide funds if, in its judgment, a proposal can be carried out without its assistance.

Guidelines

Applicants are expected to devote full time to their proposed study or research, and must justify the length of time needed to complete their project.

Awards are based on the application submitted; subsequent changes in the proposal are discouraged and may not be considered.

If your research involves human beings, you must provide evidence that you comply with research ethics and seek informed consent (e.g., an IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval letter from your institution; a professional code of ethics and related sample release forms).

Applicants are urged to arrange their academic or professional affiliations as far in advance as possible.

Applicants must secure these placements or affiliations on their own; ASF cannot assist in establishing contacts.

ASF requires confirmation of invitation or affiliation from the institution or individuals detailed in the proposal.

Three letters of recommendation are required. If you are an MA or doctoral candidate, on letter should be by the supervisory chair of your MA or PhD committee. If language proficiency is required for your project one letter must address the level of Nordic language proficiency and must be written by a qualified instructor or professional in that Nordic language.

Since July and August are traditionally holiday months in Nordic countries, many people may not be available for consultation. Applicants are cautioned to plan their projects accordingly.

Limitations

PLEASE NOTE:

Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Unsuccessful applications will be discarded.

ASF does not fund the following:

• Study in programs especially designed for English-speaking students, or at English-language institutions
• Beginning studies in any subject
• Fees for classes related to the acquisition of language skills
• Travel for attendance at professional meetings, conferences, seminars or conventions
• Performances or exhibitions
• Research assistants
• Institutional overhead costs
• Tuition fees from U.S. home institution
• Foregone salary
• Retroactive program support
• Supplementation of substantial sabbatical support
• Equipment purchases, including personal computers, bikes, cell phones and software
• Personal Obligations including repayment of loans, home housing costs, and taxes
• Support for dependents
• Publication costs