The American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships provide funding opportunities for American graduate students and academic professionals who wish to undertake research, study or creative arts projects in the Nordic countries.
The fellowships support scholars interested in exploring opportunities across Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sápmi and Sweden. Successful applicants can receive funding of up to $23,000 for year-long projects or up to $5,000 for short-term projects lasting between one and three months.
The programme is designed to promote educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Nordic countries by supporting research and creative initiatives.
About The American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) is a publicly supported nonprofit organisation dedicated to strengthening international understanding through educational and cultural exchange between the United States and the Nordic region.
Through its fellowship programme, ASF supports graduate students, particularly those conducting dissertation research, as well as academic professionals pursuing research or creative arts projects.
Awards are available across all fields of study, with preference given to candidates whose projects require research or academic engagement in the Nordic countries.
Fellowship Benefits
The American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships provide financial support for approved projects.
Available funding includes:
- Up to $23,000 for year-long fellowships
- Up to $5,000 for short-term fellowships lasting one to three months
The awards may support project-related expenses such as:
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation and living expenses in Nordic countries
- Local transportation
- Tuition and programme fees where applicable
- Research materials including books and supplies
Applicants may combine ASF funding with other sources of support, but funds must not duplicate benefits from other awards.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships 2027 must meet the following criteria:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of the United States
- Have completed undergraduate education before beginning their project in the Nordic region
- Be graduate students or academic professionals interested in research or creative projects
- Demonstrate a clear purpose for undertaking their project in a Nordic country
Team projects are accepted, but each member must submit an individual application with complete documentation.
Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received an ASF award.
Language Requirements
Applicants are expected to have some knowledge of the language of their host country unless their project does not require Nordic language skills.
For projects involving interviews or research requiring local language ability, applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency.
Where language ability is required, one recommendation letter must address the applicant’s Nordic language skills and must be written by a qualified language instructor or professional.
Eligible Areas Of Study
The American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships are available across different academic and creative disciplines.
Eligible projects may include:
- Academic research
- Dissertation-related studies
- Cultural projects
- Creative arts initiatives
- Professional research projects
Applicants must clearly explain why a stay in the Nordic region is essential for completing their proposed project.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete ASF application, including:
- A detailed project description
- A project statement explaining research or creative goals
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic or professional affiliation details
- Supporting documents relevant to the proposed project
Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel. Applicants should ensure their project descriptions are understandable to reviewers from different academic backgrounds.
Candidates are expected to dedicate full time to their proposed research or project during the fellowship period.
Important Conditions And Limitations
ASF funding does not support certain activities, including:
- Beginning studies in a new subject area
- Programmes designed specifically for English-speaking students
- Language acquisition courses
- Conference or professional meeting travel
- Research assistants
- Personal expenses and loan repayments
- Computer equipment and software purchases
- Support for dependents
- Publication costs
Applicants must also secure their own academic or professional affiliations in the Nordic region. ASF does not arrange placements or contacts on behalf of applicants.
Project Timeline And Selection Process
Projects must not begin before April 15, 2027.
Applicants should plan ahead when arranging affiliations, as July and August are traditionally holiday periods in Nordic countries and may affect communication with institutions and researchers.
The application deadline is November 1, 2026, and successful applicants will receive decisions on April 15, 2027.
Application Deadline
November 1, 2026
APPLY HERE
American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships Application Portal