UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship in Finland (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme, a prestigious opportunity for doctoral students to advance their research on developing economies. This programme, hosted by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in Helsinki, Finland, is designed for PhD candidates in economics or related social sciences.

It offers a three-month residency to collaborate with leading researchers, utilize institute resources, and produce high-quality research papers. Deadline for application is 30 September, with visit occurring in March–June of the following year. The fellowship is fully funded, covering travel costs, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of EUR 2,070 for living expenses in Helsinki. There is no application fee, and applications are submitted online. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here. 

Key Details

• Programme Focus: Research on developing economies, primarily economics-focused but open to other social sciences.
• Duration: 3 consecutive months at UNU-WIDER in Helsinki.
• Application Deadlines: 30 September 2025
• Funding: Fully funded, including travel grant, medical insurance, and EUR 2,070 monthly stipend (for Helsinki stay only).
• Application Fee: None

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Visiting PhD Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct research on developing economies.
• Be fluent in oral and written English.
• Possess strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills.

While UNU-WIDER is an economics-focused institute, candidates from other social sciences are welcome to apply, provided their research aligns with the institute’s focus. Early-career researchers, women, and candidates from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. The programme is best suited for those in the later stages of their PhD.

Check this: TWAS Visiting Expert Programme: Opportunities for Developing Countries

Selection Process

The programme is highly competitive, with only 1% of applicants accepted in recent years. Selection is based on the quality of the application, research proposal, and alignment with UNU-WIDER’s mission.

Financial Support

UNU-WIDER provides the following financial assistance to successful applicants:

• Travel Grant: Covers travel costs to and from your PhD-granting institution or country of residence.
• Medical Insurance: Covers medical and hospital services due to sickness or accidents during your stay in Helsinki.
• Monthly Stipend: EUR 2,070 to cover living expenses in Helsinki during the fellowship period.

Note: The stipend applies only to the time spent in Helsinki, not for online work. The programme does not cover expenses for dependents.

Also Check: OIST Visiting Scholars Program 2026

Application Process

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted twice a year with the following deadlines:

• 31 March (for visits between September and November of the same year).
• 30 September (for visits between March and June of the following year).

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form during the application period.
2. Upload your curriculum vitae (CV) as part of the application.
3. Arrange for your PhD supervisor to send a letter of reference to [email protected]. This letter must confirm your enrollment in a PhD programme.
4. Review the Q&A page for tips on writing a strong research proposal.

Important: Applications are only accepted online. Do not submit applications via email or post.

Also check: Digital Humanism Junior Visiting Fellowship

Notification

Selected applicants will be notified by email within four weeks of the application deadline. If selected, you must confirm your acceptance within two weeks of being contacted.