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Applications are now open for the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI) Internship 2026 in Development Economics for passionate Masters Students in Sweden
The Research Intern Program () at the Nordic Africa Institute () offers motivated candidates a unique -week opportunity to gain experience in a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment. This internship is focused on Development Economics and aims to provide hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge policy debates concerning African countries. This is an ideal way to boost your academic profile; use this guide on How to Apply for Scholarships Successfully to treat the internship application process with the same rigor as a scholarship.
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Interns contribute to the operational and policy work of researchers, developing subject knowledge and learning how to function effectively within a research institution. The research investigates how economic structures, policies, and external dynamics influence inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and structural transformation across the continent. To succeed in this kind of intense research environment, sharp study skills are crucial; practice the How this stunning pomodoro technique can help lazy students become elite students and pass all exams for focused work periods.
Ongoing projects examine the impacts of global economic shocks, the role of digital technologies in inclusive growth, and the transformation of food systems in the face of climate change. Showing commitment and strong academic performance is key to selection; review the 10 Top Qualities of Scholarship Winners.
Program Summary
- Host Institution: Nordic Africa Institute (), Uppsala University
- Location: Uppsala, Sweden (Requires on-site presence)
- Category: Research Internship | Development Economics
- Eligible Candidates: Master’s students/recent graduates residing in Sweden/Uppsala
- Duration: weeks (approximately months)
- Reward: Hands-on Experience | Mentorship | Networking | Publication Opportunities
- Application Deadline: October
Internship Benefits
The Research Intern Program is highly beneficial for early-career professionals and students seeking a research-oriented career, offering significant opportunities for professional growth:
- Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a leading research institute focused on African development and policy-relevant knowledge production in an international research environment. This real-world experience is invaluable; read How to Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for tips on translating internships into career opportunities.
- Mentorship and Exposure: Receive mentorship from senior researchers and gain exposure to cutting-edge policy debates and research methodologies.
- Professional Opportunities: Potential for opportunities to publish and present your work and engage in high-level networking with academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries. Writing compellingly about your skills is essential for securing this role; consult How to Write a Scholarship Essay that Wins.
Research Areas and Key Inquiries
The internship is specifically focused on the research area of Development Economics, addressing complex economic challenges in African countries.
Key areas of inquiry include:
- Economic Growth: Inclusive and sustainable economic growth and employment creation.
- Poverty and Inequality: Income distribution, inequality, and poverty reduction strategies.
- Global Economy: Trade, investment, and industrial development, and the evolving role of Africa in the global economy.
- Digitalization: Digitalization and economic transformation, including the role of digital technologies in productivity and innovation.
- Climate and Food Systems: Climate change and its economic implications, food security, agricultural systems, and rural livelihoods. Before applying, consider whether the research focus aligns with your long-term career path by reading the Best Top 10 Questions to Help You Decide If Studying Abroad Is Right for You.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet the following strict academic and logistical requirements to be considered for the Research Intern Program:
- Academic Status: Candidates must be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a Master’s programme in economics, development studies, political economy, environmental sciences, or other related quantitative fields.
- Residency Requirement: Candidates must reside in Sweden and be based near Uppsala, as the internship requires on-site presence and the short duration does not allow for visa sponsorship.
- Subject Knowledge: Familiarity with development economics concepts and debates, particularly in the African context.
- Skills: Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Proficiency in statistical packages and programming languages (e.g., STATA, SPSS, or R) is an advantage.
- Language: Strong academic writing skills and a very good level of oral and written fluency in English. Knowledge in Swedish is meritorious. If you need to secure a reference, this guide can help: How to Ask for Recommendation Letter for Scholarship.
- Work Style: Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment. This role requires you to articulate your skills convincingly in the cover letter; review Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay: A-Z Guide.
- Academic Record: Strong academic background. If you have any concerns about your transcript, here is the Best Way to Explain Low GPA in Personal Statements.
Method of Application
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications must submit their application through the designated recruitment system by the deadline.
- Submission: Submit your application through the official recruitment system.
- Deadline: The application must be received no later than October .
- Notification: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the hiring managers.
- Contacts for Questions: Any questions regarding the internship can be sent to Assem Abu Hatab (assem.abu-hatab@nai.uu.se) or -generalist Hanna Björk (hanna.bjork@nai.uu.se).
Application Deadline: October 26th, 2025.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum educational requirement for the Research Intern Program?
Candidates must be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a Master’s programme in a relevant quantitative field such as economics or development studies.
2. What is the required length of the internship?
The program is a -week internship, which is approximately five months.
3. Is the internship open to international candidates not currently in Sweden?
No. Candidates must reside in Sweden and be based near Uppsala because the internship requires on-site presence and does not allow for visa sponsorship.
4. What are the key technical skills considered advantageous for this role?
Familiarity with statistical packages and programming languages, such as STATA, SPSS, or R, is considered a strong advantage.
5. What are the two main contact emails for application questions?
Questions can be sent to Assem Abu Hatab (assem.abu-hatab@nai.uu.se) or -generalist Hanna Björk (hanna.bjork@nai.uu.se).
6. What is the primary focus of the research area for the internship?
The research focus is on Development Economics and how economic structures and policies influence inclusive growth and structural transformation in African countries.
7. Is knowledge of the Swedish language mandatory?
No, the internship requires fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of Swedish is meritorious (a plus, but not mandatory).
8. What kind of networking opportunities are provided to interns?
Interns can network with academics, policymakers, and practitioners from Africa and the Nordic countries.
9. What is the application deadline for this internship?
The application deadline is October .
10. Where is the Nordic Africa Institute () located?
The is located in Uppsala, Sweden, and the internship requires an on-site presence there.
