The University of Oslo Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund (Sylff)

Sylff was established in 1987 to support graduate students in social sciences, humanities, and the performing arts. Endowments of $1 million each were provided to 69 universities and consortia in 44 countries. Fellowships are awarded to postgraduate students selected by each endowed institution.  

University of Oslo Sylff Scholarships

The University of Oslo Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund was established at the University of Oslo in 1988. 

Funds of up to NOK 50 000,- per applicant may be applied for to contribute to cover costs related to a research stay abroad for selected UiO post-graduate students within the areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education and Theology. Scholarships aim at stimulating international dialogue and understanding, and Sylff fellows are selected not only for their academic achievements, but for their potential as socially engaged future leaders. It’s therefore a requirement that the applicant can document social engagement. 

Application process and deadlines 

Scholarships are offered twice annually, through calls at Unifor. The deadlines are December 1st and March 15th.

Applications must be submitted through Unifor’s application portal by the call deadline. 

Applications will be considered by the UiO Sylff Steering Committee

Application requirements

Applications must be submitted in English and contain the following:

  • Well-formulated motivation letter
  • CV (incl. academic and social leadership qualities described) 
  • Excellent research project with international focus briefly presented, including description of how research activities abroad and the funds to be used clearly support the research project goal(s)

  • Relevant and modest budget, maximum NOK 50 000,-, clearly presented  

  • Recommendation letter(s) (i.e. from supervisor, international host supervisor) 

  • Confirmation of admission or visit from receiving institution (where relevant) 

  • Statement of willingness to identify as a UiO Sylff Fellow and to participate in building UiO’s Sylff Fellows Network during and after the funding period. 

Eligibility criteria 

Sylff is primarily intended for candidates currently involved in a PhD programme at UiO. Excellent Master’s level applicants may also be considered.  

Funding 

Applicants may apply for a maximum amount of 50 000 NOK. 

Funding may be used for: 

  • Expenses related to travel and accommodation (for example airplane tickets, hotel or rental of temporary housing expenses, conference fees, visa costs or insurance) 
  • Purchase of equipment  

The Sylff scholarship does not cover expenses that are usually covered by wage, such as food expenses, day-care fees, mortgage payment, etc.

Accompanying family cannot be supported by Sylff-funds. 

After the Sylff stay

Reporting

Applicants who have received funding must deliver a report containing a financial account of how the allocated funding has been used. Expenses must be documented with receipts. 

Sylff Fellows 

Successful applicants become Sylff Fellows. Sylff Fellows are eligible to apply to Sylff Support programs aiming to facilitate Sylff fellows’ academic advancement, leadership development and networking among one another. Sylff Fellows may apply directly through the Tokyo Foundation

Frequently asked questions 

What does “social engagement” mean? 

Sylff fellows are selected not only for their academic achievements, but for their potential as socially engaged future leaders. It’s therefore a requirement that the applicant can document social engagement, for example voluntary work, participation in in civil society organizations or student associations, political engagement, etc. 

What kind of stay can I apply for? 

PhD students may apply for research activities abroad, for example data collection, field studies, conference participation, research stays etc. that are directly linked to their projects and bring them into contact with relevant institutions and organizations. Master students may apply for funding that support their master thesis, such as field research and extracurricular activities such as participation at international academic conferences. Master students may not apply for support for taking courses at foreign institutions. 

Do I have to document costs after my stay? 

Applicants who have received funding must deliver a report containing a financial account of how the allocated funding has been used. Expenses must be documented with receipts. 

How much can I apply for? 

Applicants may apply for a maximum amount of 50 000 NOK. 

How should I set up my budget? 

Please fill out the budget template in the Unifor application portal and include in your project description or application/motivation letter how research activities abroad and the funds to be used clearly support the research project goals. Please note that you can not apply for more funding than specified in your budget. 

I do not have a Norwegian electronic ID (bank-ID). How can I apply? 

Registration in Unifor’s application portal requires identification through bank-ID. If you do not have one, your supervisor (or another person associated with the application, for example the project leader) needs to submit the application on your behalf.

How and when will I be notified about the result of my application? 

The result will be announced in Unifor’s application portal. Please check the call text for information regarding the call timeline. 

I can’t travel according to plan due to unforeseen events. Can I apply for a postponement? 

Yes, it is possible to apply for a postponed reporting deadline pending clarification of the situation. Please apply via your Unifor user account. 

My plans changed. Can I spend my Sylff funding on other trips or activities? 

It is possible to apply for reallocation of funds. 

An application for reallocation of funds must be short and precise, with the necessary references to the original application. It must contain information about desired changes, new priorities, as well as reasons for why the changes are being made. An updated budget with an overview of new expenditure items must also be attached. 

The application for reallocation of funds is sent to UNIFOR by e-mail at unifor@unifor.no. Applications are assessed continuously. 

I’m a Postdoc. Can I apply for the Sylff scholarship? 

No. The Sylff scholarship is intended preliminary for Ph.D. students, and in some cases also Master’s students. 

I have been offered a Ph.D. position at the UiO, but my starting date is after the Sylff application deadline. Can I still apply? 

Yes, provided the research period you’re applying for funds for takes place after your starting date, you are welcome to apply. Please include a contract or other proof of employment at UiO in your application. 

Published June 11, 2010 9:45 AM - Last modified Dec. 1, 2023 10:27 AM