Applications are now open for the 1,000 fully funded PhD positions in Finland as part of the national Doctoral Education Pilot initiative for the 2026 intake. These opportunities cover a broad spectrum of fields, including artificial intelligence, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, business, education, sustainable energy, health sciences, and more, with specific emphases varying by university. Deadlines differ across institutions, often on a rolling basis or with targeted calls throughout 2026—many positions start accepting applications immediately, with key submission periods potentially in spring or fall for starts in late 2026 or 2027; applicants should check individual university portals for exact dates.
The program is fully funded, offering positions as paid employment contracts with no tuition fees, competitive salaries (typically €2,000–€3,000 per month), and comprehensive benefits. Eligible candidates include international applicants from any nationality who hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent, demonstrate strong research potential, and meet university-specific requirements; English proficiency tests like IELTS are usually not mandatory if prior education was in English. There is no application fee, ensuring accessibility for global talent seeking to advance their research in a supportive, innovative environment. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details:
- Program Name: National Doctoral Education Pilot
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral degree).
- Host Country: Finland
- Application Deadline: Varies by university
- Open to all Nationalities
- Funding Type: Fully funded.
What This Scholarship Offers:
- Receive a competitive monthly salary, providing financial independence and stability throughout the program.
- Benefit from full social security coverage, including health insurance, pension contributions, and other employee perks under Finnish law.
- Access structured doctoral training, expert supervision, and state-of-the-art research facilities to enhance skills and career prospects.
- Enjoy a high quality of life in Finland, with work-life balance, safe environments, and opportunities for family relocation support.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, with a strong academic record.
- Demonstrate research potential through prior experience, publications, or a compelling research proposal.
- Be proficient in English (or Finnish/Swedish for specific programs), though formal tests are often waived.
- Meet any university-specific criteria, such as alignment with ongoing research themes.
- No age restrictions, but candidates should be prepared for a competitive selection process based on merit.
Programs Available:
The initiative supports PhD research across diverse disciplines (note that availability depends on university focuses):
- Accounting
- Aerospace Engineering (related to Engineering)
- Ageing and Lifestyles
- Applied Study Programme (Arts)
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Area Studies
- Art Education
- Art Studies
- Arts
- Artificial Intelligence
- Arts, Design and Architecture
- Atmospheric and Climate-System Sciences
- Atmospheric Aerosol Physics and Chemistry
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
- Biogeochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomedicine
- Business
- Business Administration
- Business and Management
- Business Economics and Finance
- Business Law
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Chemical Ecology and Plants Eco-Physiology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Research
- Communications Engineering
- Computational Science
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
- Cultural Studies
- Data Science
- Design
- Design Thinking
- Developmental Biology
- Digital Humanities
- Digital Media
- Drug Research
- Ecology
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Energy Market and Solar Economy
- Energy Systems
- Engineering
- Engineering Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Change and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences
- Ethics
- Ethics and Wellbeing
- Evolution
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Forest Sciences
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- Geosciences
- Geosciences and Geography
- Green Chemical Technology
- Health Sciences
- Health Technology
- History
- Humanities
- Industrial Engineering and Management
- Information Processing Science
- Information Systems Science
- Information Technology
- Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
- Integrative Life Science
- Interior Architecture
- International Business
- Landscape Architecture
- Languages and Translation Studies
- Law
- Learning, Teaching and Learning Environments Research
- Life Sciences
- Literary Studies
- Logistics
- Management Science
- Marketing
- Materials Research and Nanosciences
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Minority Research
- Molecular Genetics
- Molecular Medicine
- Motion Picture and Production Design
- Natural Sciences
- Neuroscience
- New Media
- Oceanography
- Organization and Management
- Organizational Communication
- Particle Physics and Universe Sciences
- Performing Arts
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physics of the Hydrosphere
- Prevention and Care
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Society Research
- Software Engineering
- Sport Sciences
- Sports Sciences
- Sustainability Science
- Sustainable Energy
- Technical Physics
- Technology
- Technology and Engineering
- Theology
- Translational Medicine
- Urban Planning and Management
- Visual Culture
- Wireless Technology
How to Apply:
- Identify suitable universities and research areas by visiting the direct PhD portals listed below.
- Prepare application materials, including a CV, research proposal, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and references.
- Submit applications through the university’s online system; some require contacting potential supervisors in advance.
- Monitor for open calls, as positions are posted year-round—early applications are advantageous.
Participating Universities and Portals
For detailed openings and applications:
- Aalto University: Click Here
- University of Helsinki: Click Here
- University of Oulu: Click Here
- University of Turku: Click Here
- LUT University: Click Here
- University of Eastern Finland: Click Here
- University of Jyväskylä: Click Here
- Tampere University: Click Here
- University of Vaasa: Click Here
- Åbo Akademi University: Click Here
- University of Lapland: Click Here
- Hanken School of Economics: Click Here
