Are you an international doctoral researcher eager to begin your PhD with global exposure and collaboration? The EDUFI Fellowship, offered through the Finnish National Agency for Education, supports early-stage doctoral candidates with a short-term research stay at a Finnish university—perfect for starting your thesis, completing a double degree, or conducting key data collection.↚
🇫🇮 Launch Your PhD Journey in Finland: EDUFI Fellowship 2026
Details
This fellowship provides funding for 3 to 12 months of doctoral research based at a Finnish host university. It is ideal for those beginning their PhD journey or participating in a study visit under a double-degree arrangement. Applications operate on a rolling basis, but you must apply at least five months before your intended start date. There are no fixed annual deadlines—submission is accepted throughout the year.Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a non-Finnish citizen and not have lived in Finland for more than one year in total before applying.
- Must be enrolled in or applying to a doctoral (PhD) program, or a double-degree involving a Finnish institution.
- Eligible for up to 12 months in total (continuous or split visits), but only 3–6 months if enrolled at a non–Finnish university, except for Ukrainian scholars displaced by the war (eligible up to 12 months)
- Application must be submitted by a Finnish university department—the student cannot apply directly. The department also provides supervision, facilities, and a motivation letter
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Benefits
- €1,900 monthly stipend paid by the host university to the fellow, intended to cover living expenses in Finland. Travel, accommodation, visa, and insurance costs are not included
- Opportunity to enhance doctoral research through collaboration, use of Finnish academic resources, and networking with local institutions.
- Most scholars (over 80%) continue their doctoral studies or research in Finland after the fellowship period
Why Apply for EDUFI?
The EDUFI Fellowship offers a flexible, well-structured path to begin or enrich your doctoral research in Finland. With living support, institutional mentorship, and international collaboration, this fellowship helps you establish a strong academic foundation and potentially secure long-term research funding within Finnish academia.↚
How to Apply
- Contact a Finnish university professor or department to secure hosting and supervision.
- Prepare required documents:
- Candidate CV and academic transcripts
- A concise research plan (3–5 pages) aligned with your PhD work
- Motivation letter by hosting department (max one page) detailing why your visit is academically justified
- Proof of PhD enrolment or intent to start a doctoral project