Photo: Volvo Cars
The Jan Wilsgaard Scholarship supports ambitious design projects and professional development opportunities for students at Umeå Institute of Design. Named after Jan Wilsgaard, Volvo Cars' long-serving Chief Designer, the scholarship encourages work that reflects values such as human centred design, material honesty, craftsmanship, Scandinavian design traditions, and safety in its broadest sense. The scholarship is administered by Umeå University in collaboration with Volvo Cars Design.
Who can apply?
The scholarship is open to students enrolled in the final year of UID's Bachelor's and Master's programmes. Different scholarship opportunities are announced throughout the academic year.
What are the scholarship categories?
Student thesis: Supports individual graduating students carrying out their thesis projects. The scholarship can be used to strengthen and expand the design process during the thesis semester through activities, materials, travel, prototyping, research or other project-related costs. Applications are submitted during the autumn semester and awarded projects are carried out during the following spring.
Collaborative projects: Supports subject development initiatives involving both students and teaching staff. The focus is on projects that contribute to the development of industrial design education and practice. Applications are submitted individually during the autumn semester and awarded projects are carried out during the following year.
Design events and conferences: Supports active participation in design events, conferences and exhibitions. Priority is given to applicants in their final year of studies who can demonstrate a clear role in the event, for example exhibiting work, presenting, receiving an award or contributing in another meaningful way. Applications are submitted individually during the spring semester for activities taking place in the following autumn.
What makes a strong application?
The scholarship supports projects that demonstrate a meaningful connection to values associated with Jan Wilsgaard's design legacy and the Volvo brand, including:
- Human centred design
- Material honesty
- Craftsmanship and quality
- Scandinavian design traditions
- Safety and wellbeing
- Positive impact on industry, society and the planet
Both exploratory concepts and more realistic, implementation-oriented projects are welcome.
Assessment
Applications are assessed by a committee consisting of representatives from UID and Volvo Cars Design. Depending on the scholarship category, applications are evaluated based on:
- Relevance of the proposed topic
- Clarity of motivation and project plan
- How the funding will support the project
- Potential impact and value of the work
Apply here: Jan Wilsgaard scholarship application form
Application round in the autumn
[Open] Application period for thesis or collaborative projects: Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2026.
Total available scholarship amount for distribution among Thesis or Collaborative Projects: SEK 60 000,00.
Results: Decision on scholarship recipient(s) announced on January 15, 2027.
Application round in the spring
[Closed] Application period for design events and conferences: Feb 1 – Mar 15, 2027.
Total available scholarship amount for participation on Design events and conferences: SEK 10 000,00.
Results: Decision on scholarship recipient(s) announced on Apr 15, 2027.
Questions: prefekt.design@umu.se
After receiving a scholarship: Scholarship recipient(s) expected to complete the activities described in their application and submit a final illustrated report documenting outcomes and use of funds.