The University of Oslo Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund (SYLFF) was established in 1989 (not 1988) to support postgraduate and doctoral students at UiO undertaking impactful research stays abroad in the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences (including Law, Education, and Theology).
The scholarship promotes international dialogue, academic excellence, and social leadership among emerging scholars.
University of Oslo Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund Summary Table
| Field | Details |
| Organizer | University of Oslo (UiO) under the SYLFF Program |
| Scholarship Type | Research grant for postgraduate (PhD prioritized) students |
| Maximum Grant | Up to NOK 50,000 |
| Coverage | Travel, accommodation, insurance, equipment, visa costs, conference fees |
| Exclusions | Daily expenses (food, commuting, childcare), rent, course fees |
| Eligibility | UiO PhD candidates; exceptional Master’s applicants considered |
| Repeat Grant Limit | A maximum of three times per candidate |
| Application Deadline | December 1 |
| Selection Basis | Academic merit, leadership qualities, and international research relevance |
| Application Materials | Motivation letter, updated CV, research description, budget, recommendation, admission confirmation, network participation commitment |
| Special Requirement | Willingness to identify as a UiO SYLFF Fellow and engage with the Fellows network |
About the University of Oslo (UiO) & the SYLFF Program
UiO, Norway’s oldest and most prestigious university, is committed to fostering knowledge, responsibility, and societal development through pioneering research and forward-thinking education.
The SYLFF Program, backed globally by The Nippon Foundation and administered by The Tokyo Foundation, has funded fellowships across 69 institutions in 44 countries since its founding in 1987. It aims to nurture socially engaged young leaders with the potential to create cross-cultural understanding and address global challenges.
Objectives & Benefits of the SYLFF Grant
- Foster Global Engagement: Enable UiO candidates to broaden their research through international collaboration and exposure.
- Reward Excellence & Leadership: Recognise both academic achievement and a commitment to societal betterment.
- Strengthen Academic Networks: Grant recipients join the exclusive UiO SYLFF Fellows Network, promoting long-term collaboration.
- Financial Support for Research Abroad: Up to NOK 50,000 to cover essential project-related costs, supporting scholarly work in global contexts.
Detailed Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify:
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at UiO. Outstanding Master’s students may apply, but are secondary in priority.
- Use the grant for research activities abroad, such as fieldwork and collaborations—not foreign course fees.
- Provide robust documentation:
- Motivation letter and CV detailing leadership and academics.
- Research project description (max 5 pages) showing international significance.
- A modest, clear budget (≤ NOK 50,000).
- A recommendation letter from your supervisor.
- If applicable, confirmation from the host institution.
- A statement committing to network participation.
- You may not receive the grant more than three times.
Application Process and Deadlines
The SYLFF scholarship is awarded twice each year, with calls for applications managed through Unifor.
All applications must be submitted via the Unifor online application portal no later than the published deadline. The two annual submission deadlines are:
- December 1
- March 15
After submission, applications are reviewed and evaluated by the University of Oslo SYLFF Steering Committee based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the relevance of the proposed project to international research collaboration.
For more details, visit the official website
CHECK THESE OUT:
James Madison Graduate Fellowship 2026 for U.S. Teachers – Study In US
Ireland Fellows Program 2026-27 (Fully Funded)
World Bank Africa Fellowship Program 2026 | Step-by-Step Application Guide
AAUW International Fellowships 2026 in the USA