Minor Field Studies - degree project abroad
Would you like to conduct a field study in a developing country while adding a new approach and a global perspective to your degree project? Then Minor Field Studies (MFS) is for you!
What is MFS?
Minor Field Studies (MFS) is a scholarship, financed by Sida (The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), for students who wish to conduct a field study as part of their degree project on undergraduate/bachelor or graduate/master level, connected to global development issues.
The scholarship is a fixed sum of 25,000 SEK and is intended to cover parts of the costs during the field study, such as visas, accommodation, travel, vaccinations, etc. (Note: The new scholarship amount applies due to changes in the program. Read more under . It can also be supplemented with study funds from CSN. The scholarship is personal and cannot be shared between students.
An MFS project can be conducted in any field of study, under academic supervision from Linnaeus University. You also need to find a contact person in the host country before you apply.
Field studies within the framework of MFS gives students the possibility to collect data for a thesis or degree project in a host country for a minimum of 6 consecutive weeks (42 days) and a maximum of 20 weeks. The period is counted from the day of arrival in the host country until the day of departure from the host country. Please note that field studies cannot be combined between multiple countries.
Through MFS you will gain international experience, new perspectives on your field of studies and knowledge about Swedish development cooperation. At the same time you can get a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. The aim is to make you prepared to work with development related questions with a global perspective.
Changes in the MFS programme
On 19 December 2025, the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade presented extensive changes to Swedish development assistance. The government emphasised that support to Ukraine is Sweden’s foremost development policy priority in the coming years, which entails reallocations and reductions within other parts of the aid budget.
These changes in the aid budget also affect the Minor Field Studies (MFS) programme and in connection with this, the scholarship amount has also been adjusted to 25,000 SEK.
Please read more about the Latest developments in the MFS programme.
Application rounds
Application round for the autumn semester
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Application opens: 19 January 2026
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Application closes: 31 March 2026, at 15.00.
- Results announced: mid May 2026
Ansökningsomgång inför vårterminen 2027
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Application opens: 31 August 2026
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Application closes: Mid/end October 2026
- Results announced: mid December 2026
Swedish development cooperation
Swedish development cooperation focuses on creating better living conditions for people living in poverty and oppression. Sweden's development cooperation and humanitarian aid are goverened by the government, through strategies that can apply to a country, a region or a specific thematic area. Agencies such as Sida, which is both an administrative authority and an expert authority, are responsible for implementing the strategies and for organizing the work carried out.
Thematic priorities
The direction of Swedish development cooperation is determined by the government through the policy framework, which is to ensure that Swedish development cooperation is at the forefront and is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and gender-equal. The reform agenda for development cooperation, Development assistance for a new era – freedom, empowerment and sustainable growth, was presented on 14 December 2023 and sets seven thematic priorities:
- Reducing poverty through job creation, trade and education
- Improved health for the most vulnerable
- Promoting freedom and combating oppression
- Increased and more effective climate aid
- Increased freedom and empowerment of women and girls
- Strengthening synergies between aid and migration policies
- Strengthening humanitarian support to save lives and alleviate suffering
Läs mer om regeringens reformagenda:
Development assistance for a new era – freedom, empowerment and sustainable growth
There are two types of aid: development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Development cooperation is long-term support for the development of other countries. Humanitarian aid is emergency support in emergency situations.
Read more about The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
In which countries can I do my field study?
You can do an MFS in a number of low- and middle-countries around the world, where Sweden conducts development cooperation. You can find a list of those countries at Openaid, Countries and regions.
Please note that you can not recieve an MFS scholarship to go to a country or region to which the Swedish Foreign Ministry (UD) advises against travelling.
Relevance for Swedish development cooperation strategies
Possible MFS countries are countries where the Swedish government has active strategies for development cooperation. The strategies describe which countries and thematic areas that Swedish development cooperation prioritizes, as well as the goals to be achieved.
There are two types of strategies:
- Geographic strategies: apply to individual countries or regions.
- Thematic strategies: focusing on specific issues, such as human rights, democracy or development of the justice sector.
How can I link my MFS to the strategies?
1. Start by selecting a country or region from the list on Openaid.
- Scroll down to the "Strategies" section. Here you will see which strategies apply to the current country.
- Select the strategy or strategies that are most relevant to your project
2. Study the strategies
Read the selected strategies carefully to understand which priorities and objectives are stated for the country or region.
3. Is your project relevant to any of the thematic areas in the strategy?
Consider whether your project is linked to any of the thematic priorities in the strategies. For example, if you are planning a project in Latin America, refer to the Strategy for Latin America Regional 2021-2025, which emphasizes human rights, climate and migration. Read the specific objectives under each thematic priority area.
4. Link your project to strategic objectives
Ensure that your project is linked to one or more objectives within the thematic areas of the strategy.
5. Specify the link in your application
Indicate in your application:
- Which strategy the project is linked to.
- Which objective within the thematic priority of that strategy the project addresses.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the MFS scholarship, applicants must:
- be registered as a student at Linnaeus University at the time of the
application. - be a Swedish citizen or have permanent residence permit in Sweden or be permanently living and registered in the Swedish population register since at least a year at the time of the application.
- connect the field study directly to a degree project at
undergraduate och graduate level (bachelor or master) at Linnaeus
University, which must be examined at Linnaeus University. - not have started a research education.
- not have received the MFS scholarship on the same level of studies previously.
- have a good knowledge of English. It is a plus if you also know an official language of the host country. The feasibility of the project can be affected by the applicant’s relevant language knowledge.
Application
It is important that you consult your academic supervisor at your faculty before submitting your application, in order to get advice on how to create a high-quality project plan.
- The application should be sent by e-mail to registrator@lnu.se, with the title "MFS ansökan HT 2026 Dnr: LNU-2025/4517”.
- The application must be written in English and contain all parts below. Please attach each part in pdf format.
- If you want to write together with another student, it is acceptable to submit the same project plan and budget, but the other parts of the application must be submitted individually, as the MFS scholarship is personal. Students applying in groups of three must specifically describe why they need to be three people to carry out the field study in question.
The application must contain
1. Application form
Complete the application form below and use it as a cover page for your application.
Application form for field studies during the autumn semester 2026
2. Project plan (maximum 5 pages)
Your project plan should be relevant to your educational program or subject, and linked to one or more strategies for Swedish development cooperation in the country you want to go to.
The project plan should contain the following sections:
- Title
- Choice of country
- Purpose of the field study and degree project: The purpose should be clearly linked to development issues in the country, to Swedish strategies for development cooperation, to the applicant's chosen subject and education/program/course(s), and if possible also to ongoing research projects at Linnaeus University.
- Theory: A brief description of relevant theories and concepts used to analyze and understand the problem studied.
- Method: A description of how the study will be conducted, in which the choice of method, material, selection and approach for data collection and data analysis are presented.
- Time plan for the field study: At least 8 consecutive weeks/56 consecutive days in the field study country is required. Please note that a field study in more than one country is not granted. If more countries are to be visited within the same field study, at least 8 weeks/56 days must be spent in the first country.
- Alternative plan: Suggestion of alternative travel dates and alternative arrangements for the field study, showing how changes will be handled, if needed. This applies before departure as well as during the field study. Alternative travel dates and method arrangements shall come into effect if the original project plan is not feasible. Only for special reasons can an approved field study be canceled. The fact that the original project plan is not feasible is not a specific reason for canceling a field study. Applicants may be required to return the scholarship amount to Linnaeus University if this happens.
- Planned accommodation during the field study
- Reference list: Should be in addition to the maximum 5 pages of the project plan.
3. Preliminary budget
Preliminary budget for field study should include:
- Travel to and from the field study country (cheapest route).
- Part of living expenses during field study. Applicants can use 50% of the established foreign allowance, see skatteverket.se (in Swedish).
- Any necessary travel within the field study country/region.
- Any costs for equipment necessary for the field study.
4. Certificate academic supervisorIntyg signerat av din akademiska handledare
The certificate must be signed by your academic supervisor and yourself.
Your academic supervisor has the same responsibility for an MFS study as for other degree projects at the same level of studies. The academic supervisor should be well versed in the method that the student will use and have knowledge about conducting field studies. The supervisor may be able to help the student identify a suitable contact person in the field (see below) and inform the student of what is expected of him/her.
5. Certificate contact person in the field study country
The contact person in the field study country should be someone other than the academic supervisor at Linnaeus University and does not need to have an academic connection to the university. The person in question can represent or be employed by a local authority, a university, an organization or a company in the country, or at a development agency (Sida, UN, an NGO etcetera) or similar. The contact person does not need to be active in an organization.
Your contact person should be someone who works within your research area and who can help you identify and establish contact with relevant people or organizations for interviews or data collection. The contact person should also be able to assist with practical matters both before and during the field study, such as advice on accommodation, transport and safety.
The contact person can assist students with a basic understanding of what challenges they can expect in the country, what they should keep in mind during interviews, regarding social codes and possible taboos, or whether it is appropriate to use an interpreter in case of possible language problems, etc. Please note that the contact person is not responsible for the implementation of the field study, but can instead act as a discussion partner in the work with the application and during the field study.
The contact person should be reimbursed by the student for minor expenses in connection with their assistance to the student. This may include, for example, local travel, compensation for materials, etc. Beyond this, the contact person does not receive any separate compensation from the scholarship program. It is good if the student and the contact person agree in advance on the costs and compensation to be paid so that these can be included in the student's budget.
The certificate should be signed by your contact person in the field study country and by yourself.
6. Proof of correspondence with the contact person in the field study country
Proof of written correspondence with the contact person in the field study country, for example through email or SMS, must be submitted as a separate document or image file.
7. CV
Your CV (Curriculum Vitae), that is a summary of your professional life, your education, experience and skills.
8. Letter of motivation
A letter of motivation of maximum one page, explaining why you are applying for a scholarship and why you are the right person for an MFS scholarship.
9. Transcript of records
Study results at the time of application (print your transcript from LADOK).
10. Copy of your passport or a population registration certificate
Attach a copy of your passport or a population registration certificate from the Swedish Tax Agency, stating your citizenship.
If you do not have a Swedish passport, you must attach a copy of your population registration certificate, from the Swedish Tax Agency, stating your citizenship.
If you are not a Swedish citizen, you must attach a certificate from the Swedish Tax Agency confirming that you have been registered in Sweden for 12 months.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Tips from the assessment group
Creating a strong MFS application takes time and commitment. At the time of application, you may not have previously written any major academic work and it may therefore feel difficult to use and describe theory and method. Get help from your program coordinator and your academic supervisor to brainstorm ideas.
Below you can find tips that the MFS assessment group has developed over the years and that may be helpful as you work on your application.
Ethical considerations
It is important to consider the ethical aspects of your study when it comes to respect of people and the environment, as well as how the study may affect the local context and any persons connected to it, such as translators, assistants, or interviewees/respondents. You should also look into whether the host country requires that special ethical permits be sought in order to conduct the study.
Risk assessment
You should have a clear idea of the risks that the study may entail for your and the affected persons' personal safety in the host country, and how you should avoid exposing yourself or others to risk.
Topics may be controversial or taboo in the country you have chosen. Remember to consider the problems of interviewing through an interpreter and the requirements of an interpreter, if one is needed. Does the interpreter have sufficient language skills?
Discuss ethical aspects in your project plan and make a risk assessment.
Also keep in mind that
- data that is central to the study may be extremely limited or non-existent.
- be familiar with the topic before conducting the field study.
- literature needs to be available.
- don't leave things to chance - make detailed plans instead.
- do what is appropriate within the time frame you have in the field country and keep the level of ambition reasonable (the purpose of an MFS study is not to save the world or to design a policy proposal that the country's leadership can use to improve the lives of the country's population).
- give the project plan a clear focus but at the same time allow it to be flexible.
- read and be inspired by travel stories of previous MFS students (in Swedish). Do not copy their complete approach, but use their experiences as a kind of reference or inspiration. You can also cite previous studies that may be close to what you would like to study. Correct citation is very important here.
What happens when I have submitted my application?
The application will first be checked to see if it is complete and if the student meets all eligibility requirements, and has taken into account the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel advice.
The application is then assessed by a university-wide assessment group, consisting of one representative from each faculty at Linnaeus University. The assessment is based on the document MFS General Terms and Conditions 2025-2028 (in Swedish) and places great emphasis on the academic quality of the application, how feasible the project is and how it relates to any of the strategies that the government has established for Swedish development cooperation.
Finally, the Vice-Chancellor decides on the allocation of scholarships. Applicants will receive the application results and more information approximately six weeks after the application deadline. All students who meet the formal requirements will receive a written assessment that can develop the field study, the degree project, or a new application for an MFS scholarship.
When you have been granted an MFS
Before departure
Preparatory meeting
In order for you to be as well prepared as possible for your stay in the country where you plan to carry out the field study, you will be invited to a mandatory preparatory meeting, organized by Linnaeus University.
Insurance
As an MFS student, you are insured through Kammarkollegiet's insurance Student UT. Before departure, you will receive an insurance certificate. Make sure you read the insurance terms and conditions and the certificate. Supplement it with your own insurance if necessary.
Terms and condictions of Student OUT
Agreement and certificate
Before departure, you will be asked to sign an MFS agreement that regulates the scholarship amount and what you commit to towards Linnaeus University with your MFS.
You will also receive an MFS certificate that describes what type of field study you will do and in which country. You can use the certificate to describe the purpose of your field study in the host country, if necessary.
Stay updated
Stay updated via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' information about the country you are going to and feel free to sign up on the list of Swedes - Svensklistan (in Swedish).
During the field study
Stay in touch
It is important that you stay in touch with your academic supervisor at Linnaeus University while you are doing your field study. Let your supervisor know if you will be traveling and may not have access to internet connection, and if anything changes regarding your plans or conditions for carrying out the planned field study.
Become an MFS ambassador on Instagram
We would love to hear from you! Get in touch if you would like to become an MFS ambassador and take over the Instagram account Lnuabroad for a week during your field study.
After the field study
After your field study, you will get to talk about your experiences and spread knowledge about your study in various ways.
Participate in a homecoming interview
You will be contacted by Linnaeus University to participate in a homecoming interview, either physically or digitally. During the interview, you will have the opportunity to talk about your experiences and present your views on the MFS program and its management.
Participant report
After your field study, you will complete a mandatory participant report. You will receive more information about this via email after your field study.
Travelogue
After your field study, you will also write a travelogue of approximately one page. The travelogue will serve as inspiration for other students who are interested in MFS.
Present your study
No later than 3 months after returning home, you should present your field study to other students in some way. For example, you can present your study to other students within your program or at information sessions about MFS, record a video that presents the project and that can be used as information material, or take over the Instagram account Lnuabroad for a week.
MFS seminar in Stockholm
You may also be invited to present your field study at an MFS seminar in Stockholm (arranged by the MFS program office or by Sida), to other actors involved in Swedish development cooperation.
Publication of the degree project
Publish the degree project in Diva no later than one year after returning home. Students are also encouraged to make their study available in the host country in the local language, whenever possible, for example in the form of a summary or article.
Previous students' experiences
Welcome to read travelogues written by previous MFS students (in Swedish).