UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2026 in Finland

The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2026 is a fully funded research opportunity for PhD students from around the world. The fellowship is hosted by the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in Helsinki, Finland.

The program allows doctoral students to spend time at the institute to work on their PhD dissertation or thesis related to development economics and global development issues. Fellows collaborate with international researchers and gain access to high-level research resources.

This fellowship typically lasts for three months and gives participants the opportunity to produce research papers, present seminars, and strengthen their academic research network.

If you want to conduct research in Finland, this fellowship provides a great chance to work with global development experts.

Who Can Apply

• Applicants from all countries around the world can apply.
• Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD programme.
• The research should focus on development economics or related social science fields.
• Applicants should have strong research and analytical skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Researchers in later stages of their PhD are especially encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of approximately EUR 2,070 to cover living expenses.
• Travel grant for round-trip travel to Helsinki.
• Medical insurance during the fellowship period.
• Opportunity to work with leading development economics researchers.
• Possibility to publish research in the WIDER Working Paper Series.

Fellows normally spend about three months at the UNU-WIDER institute working on research and presenting their findings.

Requirements

• You must currently be enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Your research should relate to developing economies.
• You must have good analytical skills and research experience.
• Applicants must be able to conduct research in English.
• You must still be working on your PhD thesis during the fellowship visit.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official UNU-WIDER fellowship application page.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload required documents such as CV and research proposal.
4. Ask your PhD supervisor to send a reference letter confirming your enrollment.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Applications are submitted online and the application form usually opens about one month before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The next application deadline for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme is 31 March 2026. Another round of applications closes on 30 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship?

Doctoral students from any country who are currently enrolled in a PhD programme and working on research related to developing economies can apply.

Where is the fellowship hosted?

The fellowship is hosted by UNU-WIDER in Helsinki, Finland.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship usually lasts around three months.

What financial support does the fellowship provide?

The program provides a monthly stipend, travel grant, and medical insurance during the fellowship period.

When is the application deadline?

The main deadlines are 31 March and 30 September each year.