About Sylff
The Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (Sylff) is a global fellowship program launched by The Nippon Foundation in 1987 with the purpose of cultivating and nurturing social leaders by supporting students pursuing graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities. It is an outgrowth of the philanthropic activities of the late Ryoichi Sasakawa, the founder of The Nippon Foundation. To date, endowments of $1 million each have been presented to 69 universities and consortia in 44 countries.
Mission
The Sylff programme’s mission is to identify and nurture leaders who will initiate action to transcend differences in nationality, language, ethnicity, religion, and political systems and who have the integrity, determination, and expertise to bring about positive social change in global society and the local community.
Philosophy
The Sylff programme seeks to develop socially engaged leaders committed to contributing to the happiness and well-being of others. Sylff fellows respect viewpoints that differ from their own and dedicate themselves to promoting justice and understanding—helping doors that had been closed open to new opportunities and a better future. Academic excellence is an important criterion for selection, but even more critical is a desire to apply one’s research achievements and expertise in addressing pressing social issues.
University of Oslo Sylff Scholarships
The?University of Oslo Sasakawa Young Leaders Scholarship Fund was established 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 PhD candidates within the areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Education and Theology. Scholarships are offered twice annually, through calls at?Unifor.
In line with the Sylff mission and philosophy, UiO applicants are expected to reflect on how their academic work, research interests, and future ambitions relate to broader societal challenges and contribute to positive social change. This may be demonstrated in different ways, including through research focus, societal relevance, and future ambitions, as well as through prior activities or roles.
Sylff call spring 2026
The call is closed. Next Sylff call will open on November 1.
Funding
The funding must be used in accordance with the purpose of the Fund and the approved application. The Fund only provides support for documented additional expenses incurred during research stays abroad.
Eligible expenses include:
- Travel expenses to and from the research destination, such as flights, train tickets, etc.
- Accommodation, including hotel stays, apartment rentals, or accommodation at research institutions.
- Expenses for necessary research tools, supplies, software, or books.
- Registration fees for relevant academic conferences, workshops, or courses.
- Costs for obtaining necessary research visas or permits.
- Health or travel insurance required for the duration of the stay.
All expenses must be documented with receipts or equivalent vouchers. Funds that cannot be properly documented may be reclaimed by the Fund. Any surplus or funds used outside the intended purpose of the research stay will also be reclaimed.
Applied funding must be used for activities taking place before submission of the PhD thesis. Expenses related to activities that have already been completed cannot be covered.
Eligibility criteria
Sylff is intended for candidates currently involved in a PhD programme at UiO.
An applicant cannot be granted Sylff funding more than three times.
Application requirements
Applications must be submitted in English and contain the following:
? A motivation letter that reflects on how your research interests and proposed activities relate to the mission and philosophy of Sylff. Applicants who have applied before are required to submit an updated version.
? CV that highlights your academic qualifications, and where applicable, examples of leadership and social engagement.
? Concise description of the research project, outlining how the international research activities and the funds will support the project’s objectives, and how the project relates to and is relevant to the Sylff programme. Max. 5 pages. For previous applicants: must be updated.
? A realistic budget not exceeding NOK 50 000, broken down by expense category with concise reasons for each item.
? A recommendation letter from your supervisor. Previous applicants are required to submit an updated recommendation written by their current supervisor.
? A host institution’s formal confirmation of admission or a letter confirming an arranged visit, 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.
Assessment and funding decision
The UiO Sylff Steering Committee will evaluate each application in its entirety, giving weight to its fit with the SYLFF mission and philosophy, the academic quality of the proposal, and the applicant’s demonstrated or potential leadership and engagement with society.
Following the Committee’s assessment, the UNIFOR Board will review the recommendation and issue the final decision on funding.
Reporting
Allocated funds must be used in accordance with the submitted application. Reporting is required within one year of allocation.
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
I have received Sylff funds before. Can I apply again?
Yes, but you can't be granted funding more than three times. Please also make sure to make the necessary updates to your application (see "Application requirements").
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.?
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.? Please note that you cannot apply for more funding than specified in your budget. The budget must be well-defined, itemized and realistic. The budget must be clearly linked to the activities you apply for funding for.
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 for Ph.D. 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.