RWI Afghanistan Fellowship 2027 in Sweden and Hybrid Format

Overview

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law invites applications for the RWI Afghanistan Fellowship. This programme supports Afghan scholars, researchers, and human rights professionals in conducting independent research on critical human rights and gender equality issues affecting Afghanistan. The fellowship seeks to strengthen the evidence base on human rights, inform public debate, and contribute to international policy discussions and the research agenda of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. Six fellowship positions are available, running from February 2027 to December 2028.

Who can apply

Applicants must be Afghan nationals currently residing outside Afghanistan and must hold an advanced degree in human rights or a related field. Candidates are required to have extensive academic or practical experience in human rights, professional oral and written proficiency in English, and proficiency in at least one Afghan national language. Participants must be available to work full-time on the research project and associated responsibilities. Individuals currently living inside Afghanistan are ineligible to apply due to safety regulations.

What you get

Successful applicants receive academic mentorship from RWI’s Director of Research and Education and the Visiting Professor, access to research resources and library facilities, and opportunities to contribute to international discussions and academic networks involving RWI and Lund University. Fellows participate in and help organise academic roundtables, seminars, and policy discussions while producing high-quality research outputs. Depending on the chosen format, fellows may work on-site at RWI in Lund, Sweden, or participate through a hybrid arrangement involving remote work and visits to Lund.

Requirements

Applicants must submit a research concept note of 800 to 1,500 words detailing the research title, background, problem statement, relevance, objectives, questions, methodology, and expected outcomes. Candidates must also provide a personal statement of up to 800 words explaining their motivation and alignment with the programme, and a curriculum vitae of up to three pages highlighting academic and professional achievements. Applicants choosing the on-site fellowship in Sweden must already have or be able to obtain the necessary Swedish work permit, whereas the hybrid option does not require a Swedish work permit.

Key dates

The application deadline is 10 November 2026. Selection notifications are expected to be issued in January 2027. The fellowship programme runs from February 2027 to December 2028.