So, while claims of “fully funded” are not false, they often refer to fully salaried PhD contracts under specific roles — not general master’s scholarships in humanities. Your job is to find those specific calls and tailor your application accordingly.

Why humanities & social sciences scholars should target UiO research fellowships

Why should you as a student or scholar in Africa or Asia consider applying for a UiO research position in the humanities or social sciences? Here are compelling reasons — and how they speak to your long-term goals:

1. Academic prestige and resources
   UiO is Norway’s top university and ranks well internationally. Being a researcher there gives you access to European research networks, libraries, archives, and funding schemas.

2. Professionalization & job-like contract
   Research fellowships are employment contracts — that means formal salary, social security and benefits, not just “stipend.” It helps career continuity.

3. Zero tuition burden
   In Norway, PhD candidates generally do not pay tuition, so your contract salary supports you while you focus on research.

4. International visibility & mobility
   Publishing from UiO, attending European conferences, collaborating with Nordic scholars strengthens your CV and opens doors in global academia.

5. Cultural and language exposure
   Norway offers linguistic and cultural immersion, enriching your worldview and making you more competitive in comparative or cross-cultural scholarship.

6. Building collaborative projects between Europe and Africa/Asia
   If your research has a cross-regional dimension (e.g. migration, global art, comparative social policy), UiO’s methodological and institutional support platforms can boost project impact.

Given these benefits, investing in applying for UiO research fellowships is a worthwhile strategic step if your discipline aligns.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for UiO Research Scholarships / PhD Fellowships

If you want to compete successfully for a UiO research fellowship in humanities or social sciences, here is a practical roadmap to follow:

Step 1 — Monitor UiO job & fellowship portals early (Mid-2025 onward)

• UiO Vacancies / Jobbnorge: Many PhD research fellow positions are posted here. (See e.g. the human geography listing above)

• Set alerts or follow UiO’s academic departments in your discipline (e.g. History, Sociology, Art Studies) so you get notified when calls open.

Step 2 — Identify potential supervisors and project fits

• Review current faculty in relevant fields; examine their publications, projects, and existing grants.

• Reach out with a brief, well-crafted email expressing interest and asking whether they might be open to supervising or integrating a project in the next research call.

• If a fellowship is part of a larger project (e.g. ERC funding, ECOART, EU projects), that can strengthen your application. (ECOART project fellowships in Visual Studies were advertised in the past)

Step 3 — Gather required documents & eligibility checks

• Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant field

• Transcripts, degree certificates

• A clear research proposal or project aligned with the call

• At least two strong recommendation letters

• Language proof (English proficiency or equivalent) if required

Step 4 — Draft your research proposal & application narrative

• Use a structured format: background, research questions, methodology, timeline, contributions

• Emphasize why UiO / Norway is a great location for your project (archives, comparative context, cultural institutions)

• Provide a financing or budget for travel, conferences, fieldwork if applicable

• Write a personal statement showing your research passion and alignment with the discipline

Step 5 — Prepare for evaluation blueprint

• Understand evaluation criteria: alignment with project goals, academic excellence, feasibility, publication potential, collaborative ability

• Use prior UIo fellowship calls’ selection criteria (often embedded in the job announcement)

• Get a mentor or peer with experience in Nordic proposals to review your draft

Step 6 — Submit a flawless application

• Carefully follow the job announcement (or fellowship call) instructions for format, submission method, and deadline

• Ensure all attachments, letters, and signatures are included

• Submit ahead of time — late applications are rarely accepted

Step 7 — If shortlisted — prepare for interview & negotiation

• Be ready to discuss your research in depth, justify methodology, and respond to possible alternatives

• Be prepared to negotiate minor adjustments in budget, timeline, or scope

• If accepted, arrange visa, relocation, housing and onboarding logistics

Key insights, tips, and lessons from existing UiO fellowships

• Many UiO positions are announced with “SKO 1017” classification — indicating a standard doctoral fellowship salary bracket (look for salary ranges in announcements).

• Past positions in Art History / Visual Studies or Human Geography show cross-disciplinary trends — humanities candidates can be successful when their proposals engage with broader themes (e.g. art & climate, spatial justice).

• Salary ranges (for example, NOK 482,200–526,000 p.a.) are often quoted in job postings — this gives you bargaining or realistic expectation benchmarks.

• Many fellowships include travel / research budget for conferences, fieldwork or archival stays. It is not unusual to see that included in contract text. OYA Opportunities

• Since PhD positions are actually employment, Norway’s social benefits, parental leave, pensions, and welfare are part of the deal — an advantage compared to many “scholarships.”

• Earlier deadlines: Many calls close in late 2025 for 2026 starts; monitor UiO’s academic calendar carefully.

Proposal / Statement Structure — Humanities & Social Sciences Focus

Here’s a template you can adapt when applying for a UiO fellowship:

1. Title & Abstract (100–150 words)
   A concise research title and summary.

2. Introduction & Context
   Situate your topic, show gaps in literature, relevance to Norwegian or European context.

3. Research Questions / Objectives (3–5)
   Clear, focused questions.

4. Methodology / Approach
   Archives, fieldwork, qualitative methods, comparative studies, theoretical frameworks.

5. Schedule / Work Plan
   Phase 1: literature/archival work; Phase 2: fieldwork; Phase 3: analysis & writing.

6. Expected Output / Dissemination
   Journal articles, conference papers, monograph, collaborative workshops.

7. Why UiO / Norway / Supervisor Fit
   Archive access, comparative vantage, related projects, names of faculty.

8. Budget (if required)
   Travel, fieldwork, materials. If the fellowship contract has research funding, show justification.

9. Personal Statement & Motivation
   Your academic trajectory, why you are suited, how this fellowship fits your career plan.

10. Ethical/Feasibility Considerations & Risks
    Data access, timeline risks, institutional permissions, mitigation strategies.

Common mistakes & how to avoid them