The Holberg Prize is a prestigious international award that recognises the outstanding scholarly contributions of academic professionals and researchers in the fields of humanities, social sciences, law, or theology. The award’s prize value is NOK 6,000,000, and the annual nomination deadline is 15 June. The award ceremony usually occurs in Bergen, Norway, in the first week of June.
About The Holberg Prize
The Holberg Prize is sponsored by the Norwegian Government and the University of Bergen and funds the award through allocation from the Ministry of Education and Research. The prize award was created in 2003 by the Norwegian Parliament. It seeks to acknowledge and honour the contributions of researchers and academic professionals who have made immense contributions in the areas of humanities, social sciences, law, or theology. Nominations are sought each year by qualified academic nominators from research institutions or universities, and the award is presented in Bergen, Norway, in the first week of June.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: NOK 6,000,000
- Maximum award: NOK 6,000,000
- Project duration supported: Not specified.
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Who Can Apply for The Holberg Prize
- Eligible organisation types:
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- Academic professionals
- Researchers
- Registration requirements:
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- Nominees must be active researchers in fields ranging from the humanities and social sciences to law or theology.
- Nominators must hold academic positions at universities, academies, or research institutions globally.
- Geographic eligibility: Global
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Humanities
- Law or theology
- Social sciences
Application Process
- Applicants should fill out and submit the nomination form online.
- The application should include a short statement of 1000-3000 characters to explain why the nominee deserves the award.
- Applicants must submit all applications in English.
- The award board selects the prize winner, and this is usually announced the following March, with the award presented in June.
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Required Materials
- Name, affiliations and details of the nominee.
- A short statement of 1000-3000 characters.
- Cv and publication list.
- Three referees.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: June 15, 2026
- Notification timeline: March
Applications are open yearly and close June 15. The award will be given in the first week of June with a ceremony in Bergen, Norway.
Selection Notes
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- The prize is highly competitive and honours internationally respected scholars.
- Priority focus areas:
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- Humanities
- Theology or law
- Social sciences
- Exclusions:
- Organisations
- Self-nomination
- Post-humous nominations
Official Source of The Holberg Prize
- Official Application Page: https://holbergprize.org/the-nomination-process/nominations-for-holbergprize/
