UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2026, a prestigious opportunity for registered doctoral students to advance their thesis research on developing economies. Hosted by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research in Helsinki, Finland, this economics-focused fellowship allows participants to collaborate with leading researchers on topics like inequality, conflict, and fiscal space.

The application deadline is March 31, 2026, at 23:59 UTC+3, with successful applicants spending three months at UNU-WIDER between September and November 2026. This is a fully funded program providing a travel grant, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of EUR 2,070 to cover living expenses, making it accessible without any application fee. Open to PhD students from all nationalities, it particularly encourages applications from women, early-career researchers, and those from developing countries. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Degree Level: PhD Fellowship
• Host Country: Finland
• Duration: 3 months (September to November)
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Open to all nationalities – With special encouragement for female, early-career, and developing country researchers.
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• No Application Fee

What This Scholarship Offers:

• Access to Facilities and Resources: Gain entry to UNU-WIDER’s world-class physical resources and facilities in Helsinki, supporting hands-on research enhancement.
• Monthly Stipend: Receive EUR 2,070 per month to cover living expenses like accommodation, food, and transport in Helsinki, ensuring financial stability during your stay.
• Travel Grant: Provided funding for round-trip travel from your home institution or residence to Helsinki, facilitating easy participation without out-of-pocket costs.
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for sickness and accidents during the three-month fellowship, offering protection and peace of mind in a new environment.

Also Check: Pre-Doctoral Fellowship at Harvard University (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria

• Be currently enrolled in a PhD program (cannot have submitted thesis or completed PhD before or during the fellowship).
• Demonstrate proven ability to conduct research on developing economies.
• Possess fluency in oral and written English.
• Have strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills.
• Be at a later stage of your PhD (preferred, as the program suits advanced researchers).
• Research in economics or other social sciences is acceptable, but note UNU-WIDER’s economics focus.
• Applications from women, early-career researchers, and those from developing countries are strongly encouraged.

Also Check: 20 Postdoc Opportunities at Delft University of Technology, Netherlands (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

• Visit the UNU-WIDER opportunities page to access the online application form.
• Prepare and upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format , including any publications.
• Submit a detailed research proposal in PDF covering: title, general description (max 500 words), research questions/hypotheses (max 300 words), methods (max 500 words), data sources (max 300 words), relation to your PhD (max 200 words), and how the fellowship contributes (max 200 words).
• Have your PhD supervisor email a letter of reference to [email protected], confirming your enrollment.
• Ensure your research aligns with UNU-WIDER’s themes for stronger consideration.
• Submit before the deadline!!

Also Check: Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Canada 2026 (Fully Funded)