Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme at UNU-WIDER in Finland

Applications are now open for the Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme at UNU-WIDER, a prestigious three-month research fellowship opportunity for doctoral candidates conducting research on developing economies. This fully funded programme welcomes applications from PhD students of all nationalities and provides comprehensive financial support including travel grants, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of EUR 2,100. There is no application fee to apply.

The programme is designed for researchers at later stages of their PhD who wish to advance their dissertation research at an international institute while collaborating with experienced economists and development researchers. With an acceptance rate of approximately one percent, this is a highly competitive but invaluable opportunity for serious doctoral researchers. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral level)
• Host Country: Finland
• Host Institution: UNU-WIDER (United Nations University – World Institute for Development Economics Research)
• Application Deadlines: 31 March and 30 September (23:59 UTC+3)
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Application Fee: None
• Study Mode: On-site (in-person at Helsinki)

What This Scholarship Offers:

Financial Support

• Travel Grant covering round-trip transportation from your home country or PhD institution to Helsinki
• Monthly Stipend of EUR 2,100 to support your living expenses during your three-month stay
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance covering medical and hospital services for sickness and accidents during your fellowship period

Academic & Professional Development

• Access to world-class research facilities and resources at UNU-WIDER
• Opportunity to work directly with experienced economists and development researchers in your field
• Platform to develop and complete one or more research papers during your fellowship
• Seminar presentation opportunity to showcase your research findings to the academic community
• Chance to publish your work in the prestigious WIDER Working Paper Series
• Networking with leading researchers in development economics

Career Benefits

• International research experience at a recognized UN institution
• Enhancement of your academic profile and research portfolio
• Access to a global network of development economists and researchers

Also Check: Gates Scholarship at the University of Cambridge (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Currently enrolled as a registered doctoral (PhD) student in a recognized university
• Research focus on developing economies
• Fluent in both oral and written English
• Demonstrated strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical abilities
• Preferably at a later stage of your PhD programme
• Shown ability to conduct independent research at doctoral level

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Application Timeline:

If applying in March (Deadline: 31 March):

• You would visit UNU-WIDER from September-November of the same year

If applying in September (Deadline: 30 September):

• You would visit UNU-WIDER from April-June of the following year

Visiting PhD Fellowship Q&A:

Selection criteria

Can I apply for the Visiting PhD Fellowship programme after submitting my thesis or completing my PhD?
A: Unfortunately, the programme is only open to people who are still working on their thesis and pursuing their PhD during their visit at UNU-WIDER.

Can I apply for the programme when I am not living or working in a developing country?
A: While the programme is open to everyone who is enrolled in a PhD, we particularly encourage applications from female and developing country researchers.

My PhD is not in economics. Am I still eligible to apply?
A: Candidates working in other social sciences than economics may apply for the Visiting PhD Fellowship programme, but should keep in mind that UNU-WIDER is an economics-focused institute.

How does the Visiting PhD Fellowship differ from a PhD Internship?
A: The Visiting PhD Fellowship is the new name for what was previously called the PhD Internship. The programme itself remains the same. 

Can I receive feedback on my rejected application?
A: Due to the large amount of applications, we are not able to give feedback on individual applications.

My supervisor will not be able to submit the letter of reference by the closing deadline, can the letter be submitted at a later stage?
A: Your supervisor can submit the letter at a later stage but we prefer to receive the letter before the application deadline. We also accept letters sent by your supervisor’s assistant on behalf of the supervisor, copying the supervisor in on the email message.

Is there a specific format for the letter of reference?
A: There is no specific format for the letter of reference

Financial support

What constitutes living expenses?
A: Accommodation, public transport, food, etc.

Also Check: London South Bank University PhD Scholarships

How to Apply:

Application Procedure

• Visit the UNU-WIDER opportunities page when applications are open
• The online application portal becomes active one month before the deadline (1 March or 1 September)
• Complete and submit the online application form through the designated portal

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – uploaded as part of your application
• Letter of Reference from your PhD Supervisor – your supervisor must send this directly to: [email protected]

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