Fellowships/Grants to Study in Scandinavia

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1

NOTE: The same application is used for both Fellowships and Grants. 

ASF offers fellowships (up to $23,000) and grants (up to $5,000) to individuals to pursue research or study in one or more Scandinavian country(ies) for up to one year. The overall number of awards varies each year according to total funds available. Awards are made in all fields.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents.

• Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the start of their project in Scandinavia.

• Team projects are eligible, but each member must apply as an individual, submitting a separate, fully-documented application.

• First priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received an ASF award. Only in exceptional cases will a third award be considered.

• Please note that the ASF does not ordinarily support art residency programs. To be considered for funding, you must explain why this residency is crucial to your work.

Language Proficiency
The ASF prefers candidates have at least some ability in the language of the host country, even if it is not essential for the execution of the research plan.
For projects that require a command of one or more Scandinavian (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, following the decision announcement date.

ASF Grants
Grants are considered suitable for post-graduate scholars, professionals, and candidates in the arts to carry out research or study visits of one to three months duration.

ASF Fellowships
Fellowships are intended to support a year-long stay. Priority is given to candidates at the graduate level for dissertation-related study or research.

The awards support project-related costs, including maintenance, trans- Atlantic round-trip travel, in-country travel, tuition and fees (where applicable) and materials expenditures (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 the 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 must complete an ASF application form, including a well-defined project description and project statement that outlines their research, study, or creative arts project and describes why a stay in Scandinavia is essential.

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.

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

Three Letters of Recommendation are required. One 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.

Limitations

The 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

Required Application Materials:

• Biographical Information
• Educational & Professional Background (including CV)
• Transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate level coursework.
  • Exception: full-time faculty members who completed their PhD more than 7 years ago do not need to provide transcripts
• Project Description
• Project Budget
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Application Fee $60

PLEASE NOTE:
Incomplete applications cannot be processed.