University of Agder Master's Grant 2026 – NOK 15,000 for Equality & Diversity Research
Scholarship Description
The Centre for Gender and Equality at the University of Agder (UiA) is awarding five master's grants of NOK 15,000 each to UiA students submitting their thesis during the 2026–2027 academic year. The grant supports master's students who choose to highlight topics related to equality, inclusion, diversity, and gender in their thesis research.
All students, regardless of study program, may apply for the grant. Equality does not necessarily have to be the main theme of the thesis, but it must be a central perspective in the analysis. The Centre works with a broad understanding of equality, covering all grounds for discrimination recognised in law: gender, ethnicity, religion and beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy, parental leave, and care responsibilities.
One of the grants is earmarked for topics related to gender and sexual diversity. Theses focusing on the Agder region will be prioritised.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at the University of Agder (UiA), Norway, with campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad. The Centre for Gender and Equality is located at the university.
Scholarship Deadline
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Grant Period: 2026–2027 academic year (thesis submission)
Writing Seminars: Grant recipients are invited to two writing seminars during 2027. Participation in at least one seminar is required.
Host Institution
University of Agder (UiA) – a modern, forward-looking university located in Southern Norway. UiA is known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Centre for Gender and Equality promotes research and education on equality, diversity, and inclusion across all disciplines.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Master's degree (any master's program at UiA).
Fields: All disciplines are welcome. The grant supports master's theses that incorporate equality as a central analytical perspective. This includes but is not limited to:
- Sociology and Social Work
- Gender Studies
- Political Science and Public Policy
- Education and Pedagogy
- Health and Social Sciences
- Law and Criminology
- Humanities (History, Literature, Philosophy)
- Psychology
- Business and Organisation Studies
- Media and Communication
- Arts and Performance Studies
Target Group
All master's students enrolled at the University of Agder (UiA) who are writing their thesis during the 2026–2027 academic year. International students enrolled at UiA are welcome to apply. The grant is open to students from any study program.
Grant Amount & Payment Structure
Grant amount: NOK 15,000 (Norwegian Kroner) – approximately €1,300 / $1,400 USD.
Payment structure:
- First installment (50%): Paid when you begin your thesis with a supervisor in place.
- Second installment (50%): Paid when the thesis is submitted and approved.
Additional benefits:
- Invitation to two writing seminars during 2027 to discuss projects and share experiences (participation in at least one seminar is required).
- Academic follow-up and support from the Centre for Gender and Equality.
- Opportunity to present research results at a seminar or through a UiA web article.
Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for the grant, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a master's program at the University of Agder (UiA).
- Be submitting their master's thesis during the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Write a thesis where equality, inclusion, diversity, or gender is a central analytical perspective (not necessarily the main theme, but central to the analysis).
- Submit a complete application with all required documents by the deadline.
Priority given to:
- Theses focusing on the Agder region (regional context).
- Topics related to gender and sexual diversity (one grant is earmarked for this area).
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Master's students at the University of Agder (any program).
- Students writing their thesis on equality-related topics.
- International students enrolled at UiA.
- Students submitting thesis in 2026–2027.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Students not enrolled at the University of Agder.
- Bachelor's or PhD students.
- Students whose thesis does not address equality as a central analytical perspective.
- Applications submitted after October 1, 2026.
Application Procedure
- Prepare your application documents:
- Application letter: Briefly introduce yourself, your master's program, the topic of your thesis, and your motivation. Explain why the topic is relevant and how it connects to equality. Include the name of your supervisor (can be submitted later).
- Project outline (max. 3 pages): Include the topic, research question(s), choice of theory and method, and a progress plan. Note: If these requirements are not met, your application will not be considered.
- Confirmation of admission to a master's program at UiA: For example, a screenshot from Studentweb.
- Submit your application by October 1, 2026 – Applications are submitted via email to the Centre for Gender and Equality (contact details below).
- Assessment: Applications are assessed based on the quality of the project description, relevance to equality, and regional context (theses focusing on Agder are prioritised).
- Notification of results: Successful applicants will be notified by the Centre.
- Grant payment and seminars: After receiving the grant, recipients must:
- Participate in at least one of the two writing seminars during 2027.
- Share their results with the Centre for Gender and Equality after thesis submission – either by presenting at a seminar or through an interview for a UiA web article.
Important notes: The grant is paid in two installments (50% when thesis begins with a supervisor in place, 50% when thesis is submitted and approved). The Centre for Equality can provide tips on sources and resources for students wishing to explore equality topics further.
Official Website & Contact Information
University of Agder – Master's Grant Official Page
Contact: Centre for Gender and Equality, University of Agder
For questions about the grant, contact Thea Mujkic Litschi (adviser) via the university's contact form or email (available on the official page).
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The University of Agder Master's Grant is a unique opportunity for master's students to receive financial support (NOK 15,000) while conducting research on equality, inclusion, diversity, and gender. Unlike traditional scholarships, this grant is open to all master's students at UiA, regardless of discipline – from sociology and political science to health, education, law, humanities, and even the arts.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure equality is a central analytical perspective in your thesis – not just a side note. The Centre emphasises that equality must be central to your analysis.
- Submit a clear, well-structured project outline (max. 3 pages) that includes your research question, theory, method, and progress plan. Incomplete outlines will be rejected.
- Explain why your topic is relevant to equality and how it connects to the Centre's broad understanding of equality (gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, etc.).
- Highlight regional relevance – theses focusing on the Agder region are prioritised.
- If your research addresses gender and sexual diversity, note that one grant is earmarked for this area.
- Include your supervisor's name (can be submitted later if not yet confirmed).
- Submit your application by October 1, 2026 – late applications are not accepted.
Important reminders: Grant recipients must participate in at least one writing seminar during 2027 and share their results after thesis submission (via seminar presentation or UiA web article). The grant is paid in two installments: half when you start your thesis with a supervisor, and the remainder when the thesis is submitted and approved.
University of Agder Master's Grant 2026 – FAQ
What is the value of the grant?
The grant is NOK 15,000 (Norwegian Kroner), paid in two installments: half when you begin your thesis with a supervisor, and the remainder when the thesis is submitted and approved.
Who can apply?
All master's students enrolled at the University of Agder (UiA) who are submitting their thesis during the 2026–2027 academic year, regardless of study program.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 1, 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
What topics are eligible?
Theses where equality, inclusion, diversity, or gender is a central analytical perspective. The Centre works with a broad understanding of equality, including gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, and care responsibilities.
Do I need to be a Norwegian citizen?
No. International students enrolled at the University of Agder are welcome to apply.
What documents are required?
An application letter (introducing yourself, your program, thesis topic, motivation, and connection to equality), a project outline (max. 3 pages including research question, theory, method, and progress plan), and confirmation of admission to a master's program at UiA.
What are the obligations if I receive the grant?
Recipients must participate in at least one of the two writing seminars during 2027 and share their results after thesis submission (via seminar presentation or UiA web article).