The American-Scandinavian Foundation - ASF Grant to study in America

ASF grant to study in the USA

You will receive a grant of up to 1 year to fund your studies or research in the United States at graduate or postgraduate level. The exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis and varies depending on the country and the year. The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) allocates a total of more than 500,000 USD to this programme across all five Nordic countries each year. The amount of your scholarship depends on the partner organisation in your country. By way of comparison: the ASF’s scholarships for people travelling in the opposite direction amount to up to 5,000 USD.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden.
• Where you go: You are studying or carrying out research in the United States.
• Study level: You already hold a first degree and are currently studying for a Master’s or PhD.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.

How to apply

Applications are submitted via the partner organisation in your own country. This organisation nominates candidates to ASF and sets its own application deadlines and the level of funding. In Denmark, applications are submitted via Fulbright Denmark; in Finland via the League of Finnish-American Societies (SAM); in Iceland via the ASF & Iceland-US Fulbright Commission; in Norway via the Norway-America Association (NORAM); and in Sweden via the Swedish-Fulbright Commission. Application deadlines fall early in the year, so please check with your national organisation in good time to find out the exact date.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility criteria are quite strict: you must be a national of a Nordic country and be going to the USA to undertake further studies, which means that the pool of applicants is limited to a specific group. The number and value of the scholarships vary considerably from country to country, so your actual chances depend on how many places your national partner awards. If you belong to this target group and apply before your country’s deadline with a clear study or research plan, your prospects are good.