Sudan-Norway Academic Cooperation (SNAC) PhD at Risk Scholarships: A Lifeline for Displaced Scholars

The Sudan-Norway Academic Cooperation (SNAC) PhD at Risk Scholarships offer critical support to Sudanese doctoral candidates whose academic pursuits are severely disrupted by war and displacement. These scholarships aim to prevent the permanent interruption of PhD studies, enabling scholars to continue or complete their research under challenging circumstances. By providing financial assistance and fostering academic networks, SNAC seeks to preserve long-term academic capacity for Sudan’s future rebuilding efforts.

Understanding the SNAC PhD at Risk Scholarships

The SNAC program specifically targets Sudanese PhD candidates whose studies are demonstrably at risk due to the ongoing conflict. This initiative recognizes the immense difficulties faced by scholars in war-torn regions, where higher education institutions are often strained or non-operational. The program’s core mission is to ensure that these scholars can maintain their academic momentum and professional engagement despite displacement and instability.

The scholarships are designed with several key objectives in mind:

• Preventing Interruption: To stop the permanent halt of Sudanese PhD trajectories caused by war and displacement.
• Enabling Research Continuation: To allow PhD candidates to proceed with or finalize their research, even when facing constrained conditions.
• Safeguarding Academic Capacity: To preserve essential academic knowledge and skills for the eventual reconstruction of Sudanese universities.

Scholarship Details and Eligibility Criteria

Each SNAC PhD at Risk Scholarship provides a stipend of 10,000 Euros. This financial support is intended to help cover living expenses and research-related costs for the duration of the scholarship.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Be a Sudanese PhD candidate.
• Risk Factor: Demonstrate that their studies are at risk due to the current war.
• Academic Affiliation: Be currently enrolled at, or have a prior affiliation with, a Sudanese or international university.
• Feasible Plan: Present a realistic plan for how they will continue their PhD work under their current circumstances.
• Encouraged Applicants: Female PhD students from marginalized areas are especially encouraged to apply.

The SNAC program also has a particular interest in research projects that focus on peace and peacebuilding in Sudan. This includes historical analyses of past peace failures, contemporary studies on current challenges, and prospects for achieving peace. Critical perspectives that question dominant peacebuilding frameworks are also welcomed.

Application Process and Deadlines

Interested candidates must submit their applications by August 1, 2026. The application package should include:

• A proposal (maximum 4 pages) outlining the research plan and how it can be continued under current conditions.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Any other supporting documents that demonstrate eligibility and the risk to their studies.

All application materials should be sent via email to [email protected]. Applicants must include “SNAC PhD at Risk Scholarship” in the subject line of their email.

For further details and additional information, candidates can visit the official SNAC PhD at Risk Scholarships page at SNAC PhD at Risk Scholarships.

Conclusion

The Sudan-Norway Academic Cooperation (SNAC) PhD at Risk Scholarships represent a vital initiative to support Sudanese scholars facing immense challenges. By providing financial aid and a framework for continued research, SNAC is helping to safeguard academic talent and ensure that these scholars can contribute to Sudan’s future development once stability is restored. The program’s focus on peacebuilding research also highlights its commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering a more stable future for the nation.