Countries

The program is targeted at candidates from the following countries: Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. Its main objective is to strengthen cooperation and network building between those countries and Sweden in the fields of higher education and research.

Target groups

The program provides PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with an excellent opportunity to conduct research at Swedish universities within all fields of study.

• PhD studies – two different models of applying. The first model consists of PhD students/candidates applying for one long-term visit (either 6 or 12 months) as part of their PhD studies. The second model consists of candidates applying for a scholarship according to the sandwich model (several shorter visits). The scholarship period for candidates on a sandwich set-up is a maximum 12 months over three years, divided into a maximum of two research visits per year.
• Postdoctoral research - individuals applying for a postdoctoral research long-term visit (6 or 12 months) must be holders of a PhD degree, preferably from 2007 or later.
• Senior scientists – holders of a PhD degree but who do not fit into the category of postdoctoral researchers, above, invited to Sweden for research (6 months maximum).

Scholarship benefits

The scholarship amounts to SEK 12,000 per month for PhD students and SEK 15,000 per month for postdoctoral researchers and senior scientists. The scholarship includes a travel grant and insurance coverage. The scholarship cannot be prolonged or extended.

SI Network for Future Global Leaders

All Swedish Institute scholarship holders are invited to become members of the SI Network for Future Global Leaders – a network that offers unique opportunities during and after the stay in Sweden. Together with other talented people from all around the world, the scholarship holder is able to take part in a variety of events, exchange ideas and create networks that benefit both to career and personal development.

Who is eligible?

The scholarships are intended for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and senior scientists belonging to any of the above-mentioned target groups for full-time PhD studies/research in Sweden. The applicant is not eligible for this scholarship if any of the following is true:

• Has already lived in Sweden for two or more years when the scholarship period is due to begin.
• Has already a Swedish permanent residence permit.
• Has a Swedish work permit and is not an EU citizen.

Applicants previously awarded a scholarship from SI for study or research at a Swedish university will not be given priority. For PhD students, priority will be given to candidates enrolled in ongoing PhD studies at their home university.   

Selection criteria and areas of priority

The primary evaluation of the application takes into account the applicant’s academic background and personal motivation, research quality and expertise in the project field of the host department, and the strength of the research proposal with regard to its scientific quality, originality, methodological approach, and relevance.

For the academic year 2012/2013 priority will be given to research projects addressing needs and opportunities emphasized in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the EU Eastern Partnership or in the EU Partnership with the Russian Federation. The application should clearly state how your research project can contribute to development in the Baltic Sea Region in line with the above-mentioned strategies.

Travel grants

A travel grant is included in the SI scholarship. The amount is fixed according to the scheme below and based upon the citizenship of the applicant.

• Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland amounts to SEK 2,500.
• Belarus, Russia and Ukraine amounts to SEK 4,000
• Georgia and Moldova amounts to SEK 5,000.

Insurance

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 living costs for the scholarship holder. There are no grants for family members. No funding for bench fees is provided.
• The granted scholarship period cannot be altered or extended; however it is possible to apply for subsequent funding through a new call for applications.
• PhD students on a sandwich setup are allowed up to two visits per scholarship period.
• In case of a postponed arrival date, the scholarship period can be decreased accordingly.

How to apply

Please read the application instructions here.

Application deadline

NEW Application deadline

The deadline is 24:00 CET, Thursday, March 1, 2012.