Guest Scholarship Program for PhD and post-doctoral studies in Sweden

December 11, 2008

Guest Scholarship Program for PhD and post-doctoral studies in Sweden

The objective of the scholarship program is to promote democratic, economic and social development through supporting know-how and transfer of knowledge to advanced students within areas in which Sweden is at the forefront of academic research.

Countries

The program is targeted to candidates from countries on the DAC list of ODA recipients (Official Development Assistance) with some priority given to the following countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Macedonia (FYROM), Georgia, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mali, Moldova, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Syria, Tanzania, Turkey and Uganda.

Some priority is also given to candidates from these countries: France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and the United States with the objective to enhance relations between institutions and individuals in Sweden and their counterparts in other countries.

Target groups

The program provides PhD students/researchers with an opportunity to conduct research at Swedish universities within all fields of study. PhD students are divided into two categories. The first category consists of students/candidates applying for a consecutive visit as part of their PhD studies at the home university. The second category consists of students/candidates applying for a scholarship according to the sandwich model (several shorter visits).

Applicants applying for a post-doctoral research visit to a Swedish university through the scholarship program must be holders of a PhD degree from 2004 or later.

Scholarship benefits

The scholarship amounts to SEK 12,000 per month for PhD students and SEK 15,000 for post-doctoral studies. Scholarship periods are fixed for 6, 12 or 18 months.

The scholarship period for candidates on a sandwich set-up is maximum 12 months over three years, divided into a maximum of three research visits per year.

Who is eligible?

The scholarships are intended for guest students or researchers belonging to any of the above-mentioned target groups for full-time temporary studies/research in Sweden.

You are not eligible for this scholarship if any of the following is true:

• You have already lived in Sweden for two years or more when the scholarship period is due to begin.

• You have a Swedish permanent residence permit.

• You have a Swedish work permit.

• You have previously been awarded a scholarship from the SI for research at a Swedish university.

Students who have attended a Swedish Institute summer course in the Swedish language or at the Swedish Institute Summer University are welcome to apply.

There is no age limit for scholarship holders. For PhD students, priority will be given to candidates enrolled in ongoing PhD studies at their home university.

Visa and residence permits

SI scholarship holders are given priority in the visa and residence permit procedures at the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket). Visas are free of charge for SI scholarship holders.

Travel grants

Scholarship holders from ODA countries will receive travel support in connection with the scholarship. The travel grant is a lump sum, given only once.

Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey and receive SEK 5,000.

Citizens from remaining ODA countries receive SEK 10,000.

PhD students on a sandwich set-up from ODA countries will be given only one travel grant per calendar year.

Insurance

Scholarship holders are insured by the Swedish State Group Insurance against illness and accident during the scholarship period. For citizens of EU member states and other Convention countries the insurance applies with certain limitations.

Scholarship limitations

The scholarship is designed to cover the living costs for the scholarship holder. There are no grants for family members. No bench fee is provided. The granted scholarship period cannot be altered or extended. If you wish to apply for subsequent funding you must apply within a new call for applications. PhD students on a sandwich set-up are allowed up to three visits per scholarship period.