University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships 2026 in Finland: 30 Fully Funded PhD Positions Open Under RESDOC Programme

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International students and early-stage researchers can now apply for the University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships 2026 in Finland. The University of Helsinki has launched applications for 30 funded doctoral researcher positions through the RESDOC (Resilient and Just Systems Doctoral Project) programme. The initiative is supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme under Horizon Europe and the University of Helsinki.

The doctoral positions are full-time, salaried employment contracts lasting four years. Selected researchers will begin their PhD journey between January and March 2027 while conducting research at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

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University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships 2026 Overview

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What is the RESDOC Programme?

RESDOC is an international doctoral training project designed to prepare researchers for major sustainability, environmental, health, and societal challenges. The programme combines interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and professional training. Researchers will receive supervision from leading academics while gaining experience through international and intersectoral mobility opportunities.

The project focuses on four major research themes:

• Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance in Changing Environments
• Biodiversity and Nature’s Resilience
• Secure and Sustainable Food and Water Systems
• Just Socio-Ecological Transition

Applicants must propose a research project that aligns with one of these themes.

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Benefits of University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships

Selected doctoral researchers will receive:

• A gross monthly salary of approximately €2,900, subject to Finnish taxation rules
• A four-year full-time employment contract
• Access to comprehensive occupational healthcare services
• Standard employee benefits under Finnish labour regulations
• Relocation and integration support for moving to Finland
• Opportunities for international research visits and secondments

These conditions follow MSCA COFUND funding standards, which emphasize structured training and fair employment conditions for doctoral researchers.

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Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification
• Does not possess a PhD degree
• Have less than four years of full-time research experience
• Meet the University of Helsinki’s English language requirements
• Not to be permanently employed by the University of Helsinki
• Meet the MSCA mobility rule
• Be willing to live in Finland during the entire project period
• Submit a research proposal aligned with RESDOC themes

You can check your eligibility for the RESDOC project here.

Understanding the MSCA Mobility Rule

One of the most important requirements for the University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships is the MSCA mobility rule.

Applicants must not have lived, worked, or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the application deadline of 31 August 2026.

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Required Application Documents

Candidates must prepare the following documents:

• Europass CV
• Motivation Letter and Doctoral Study Plan
• Degree Certificate and Academic Transcripts
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Research Proposal
• Ethics Self-Assessment
• Intersectoral Mobility Plan

Applications missing any required documents may be disqualified.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on several factors.

• Quality and originality of the research proposal
• Feasibility of the project
• Relevance to RESDOC themes
• Academic achievements
• Motivation and research potential
• Study and mobility plans
• Interview performance for shortlisted candidates

Shortlisted candidates will participate in online academic alignment interviews in October 2026.

Application Timeline

Why Study at the University of Helsinki?

The University of Helsinki is Finland’s largest and oldest university and is considered one of Europe’s leading research institutions. The university awards around 500 doctoral degrees annually and offers access to 14 doctoral programmes across multiple disciplines. Doctoral researchers benefit from international research networks, advanced facilities, and structured doctoral training.

How to Apply for University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships

Applications must be submitted through the official University of Helsinki recruitment portal before 31 August 2026 at 23:59 EET. Applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements, prepare all required documents, and ensure their research proposal matches one of the RESDOC thematic areas.

Conclusion

The University of Helsinki Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer a rare opportunity for international students and researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD in Finland through a salaried employment model. With 30 available positions, four years of funding, international research opportunities, and support from the prestigious MSCA COFUND programme, the RESDOC initiative is expected to attract applicants from around the world. Researchers interested in sustainability, biodiversity, health, food systems, and socio-ecological transitions should consider applying before the August 2026 deadline.