The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) - Fellowships/grants to study in Scandinavia

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) offers fellowships (up to $23,000) and grants (up to $5,000) to individuals to pursue research, study or creative arts projects in one or more Scandinavian country for up to one year.

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.

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 number of awards varies each year according to total funds available. Awards are made in all fields.

Eligibility

• Applicants must have a well-defined research, study or creative arts project that makes a stay in Scandinavia essential.
• 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, an explanation why this residency is crucial to your work is required.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

• ASF considers it desirable that all 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.
• Grants are considered especially suitable for post-graduate scholars, professionals, and candidates in the arts to carry out research or study visits of one to three months duration.
• 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. The ASF will not provide funds if, in its judgment, a proposal can be carried out without its assistance.