University of Helsinki 2025 Call for Fully Funded Doctoral Researcher Positions
The University of Helsinki’s Doctoral School (UHDS) has opened its 2025 call for **university-funded (salaried) doctoral researcher positions**—a rare opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD with salary and benefits.
Quick Insight: These are full-time employment contracts (not tuition waivers), allowing doctoral candidates to work and study simultaneously. The call runs from **August 26 to September 9, 2025**, across all doctoral programmes.
1. Application Period
Applications are accepted **only once per year** for salaried doctoral researcher roles. For 2025, the window is **August 26 to September 9**.
2. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must hold (or be about to complete) a relevant Master’s degree, demonstrate academic excellence, and be in the early stage of their research careers. A funding plan is required, and tuition isn’t charged. Language proficiency in English, Finnish, or Swedish must also be demonstrated.
3. Application Process
Submit your application through the university's Open Positions portal following the Instructions for Students. Select your desired doctoral programme, prepare your research proposal and supervisor agreement in advance, and submit within the application window. Only one application per candidate is permitted.
4. Additional Funding via Research Foundation
In addition to salaried positions, the University of Helsinki Research Foundation may fund up to **10 doctoral researcher positions** annually through a competitive evaluation, awarding 4-year funding based on scientific excellence and societal impact. These are selected from the main pool of applicants.
Final Thoughts
The University-funded doctoral positions at the University of Helsinki offer exceptional opportunities for fully supported PhD studies, including salary and social benefits. If you're aiming for a funded doctorate, prepare your supervisor contacts, research plan, and application materials early—this is a competitive and highly coveted pathway.
Reminder: Ensure you contact a prospective supervisor well before the application opens, review both general and programme-specific instructions, and prepare a compelling, feasible research plan. Only applications submitted through the official system during the designated dates will be accepted.
