PhD Scholarships at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences / Høgskolen i Innlandet (HINN)

Overview

🏛️ Institution acronym	HINN
🏷️ Institution name (original)	PhD Scholarships at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences
🌐 Institution name (English)	Høgskolen i Innlandet
🌍 Country	Norway
🎓 Fields of study	Environmental Sciences, Agricultural sciences, Biology, Sustainable development, Plant sciences, Plant breeding
💶 Monthly stipend	5000 EUR/month
🔗 Official website	https://www.inn.no/english/
📫 Contacts	For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences via email at [email protected] or call +47 62 43 00 00. Physical Address: Høgskolen i Innlandet Postboks 400 2418 Elverum Norway

Stipend affordability

Stipend on this programme: €5,000/month (gross)

Estimated stipend vs student living costs in Norway.

Open PhD Vacancies

🎯 Vacancy 1

PhD in Applied Ecology – Horse Welfare & Behaviour – Inland Norway University

Country: Norway | Deadline: 2026-06-30 | Funding: Not funded by a EU programme — partial

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (HINN) offers PhD scholarships in applied ecology, agriculture, and related fields through its Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology. The university is known for its strong focus on sustainable land use, wildlife management, and agricultural innovation. PhD candidates are employed by the university, receiving a competitive salary and benefits. International students are welcome, and the working language is English. Research is conducted in close collaboration with industry and public sector partners, with access to modern laboratories, field stations, and experimental farms. The main campus for agricultural studies is at Blæstad, near Hamar.

PhD Opportunities at HINN

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (HINN) offers PhD scholarships in applied ecology, agricultural sciences, and biotechnology. These fully funded positions include a competitive salary and are open to international applicants. Research focuses on sustainable land use, wildlife management, and agricultural innovation.

Fields of Study

PhD scholarships at HINN cover several research areas within applied ecology, agriculture, and biotechnology. The following fields are currently offered, each with dedicated supervision and resources.

Environmental Sciences

Research focuses on ecosystem management, wildlife ecology, and conservation biology. Projects often involve large-scale field studies in boreal forests and alpine ecosystems, addressing human-wildlife interactions and climate change impacts.

Agricultural Sciences

Covers sustainable crop production, livestock systems, and precision agriculture. HINN's experimental farms and laboratories support research on soil health, plant nutrition, and animal welfare.

Biology

Includes molecular ecology, population genetics, and behavioral ecology. Studies often use genetic tools to understand species adaptation and biodiversity in Nordic environments.

Sustainable Development

Interdisciplinary research on rural development, bioeconomy, and circular agriculture. Projects integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

Plant Sciences

Focuses on plant breeding, crop physiology, and stress tolerance. HINN's plant breeding program develops new varieties adapted to northern climates, with field trials at Blæstad.

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HINN's PhD programs are research-intensive and tailored to address regional and global challenges in land use, food production, and biodiversity. Candidates benefit from a collaborative environment with industry and research institutes.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a PhD scholarship at HINN, applicants must meet specific academic and professional requirements. The criteria ensure candidates have the necessary background to complete the doctoral program successfully.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as ecology, agriculture, biology, or environmental science. The master's thesis should be of high quality and demonstrate independent research skills. A minimum average grade of B (or equivalent) in the master's program is typically required.

Research Experience

Prior research experience, such as participation in research projects, laboratory work, or field studies, is highly valued. Candidates should have a strong interest in the proposed research area and be able to work independently.

Supervisor Agreement

Applicants must identify a potential supervisor from HINN's faculty before applying. The supervisor's agreement is a prerequisite for the application. It is recommended to contact the faculty member early to discuss the research proposal and align interests.

English Proficiency

Since the working language is English, candidates must demonstrate proficiency. Accepted evidence includes a previous degree taught in English or standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90). Specific requirements may vary by project.

Additional Requirements

Some projects may require specific skills, such as statistical software proficiency (R, SAS), GIS, or field experience in Nordic conditions. Check the individual scholarship announcement for details.

PhD Salary

PhD candidates at HINN are employed as research fellows and receive a monthly salary according to the Norwegian State Salary Scale. The starting salary is typically around NOK 500,000 per year (approx. USD 47,000), with incremental increases. The salary includes social benefits, health insurance, and pension contributions.

Research Budget

In addition to the salary, PhD projects have a dedicated budget for research expenses, including equipment, consumables, fieldwork, and conference travel. The annual research budget varies by project but typically ranges from NOK 50,000 to 150,000 (approx. USD 4,700-14,000).

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

The application process for PhD scholarships at HINN is centralized through the university's online recruitment system. Applicants must submit all required documents by the specified deadline. The process typically involves the following steps:

Find a Project and Supervisor: inn.no/en/research/phd-programmes). Contact the project supervisor to express interest and discuss your background. Obtain a written agreement from the supervisor before applying.
Prepare Application Documents: Prepare a CV, cover letter, copies of academic transcripts and diplomas, and a list of publications (if any). The cover letter should explain your motivation and how your experience aligns with the project.
Submit Online Application: Submit your application through HINN's online recruitment portal. The application deadline is typically 2-3 months before the planned start date. Ensure all documents are uploaded in PDF format.
Evaluation and Interviews: The faculty evaluates applications based on academic qualifications, research experience, and fit with the project. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (online or in person). The interview assesses motivation, research potential, and interpersonal skills.
Offer and Employment Contract: Successful candidates receive a formal offer letter and employment contract. The PhD position is a 3-4 year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of teaching duties (up to 25% of time).

For inquiries about the application process, contact the PhD administration at [email protected]. Application deadlines are typically in spring and autumn.inn.no/english/research/phd-programmes

Application Deadlines

PhD scholarship deadlines at HINN vary by project. Generally, applications are accepted on a rolling basis with specific cut-off dates in March and September. Check the individual project announcement for exact dates. For the current academic year (2025-2026), most positions have deadlines on 15 March and 15 September. Late applications are not considered.

Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences

For more information, please visit the official website: PhD Scholarships at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences / Høgskolen i Innlandet (HINN)

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences via email at [email protected] or call +47 62 43 00 00.

Physical Address:
Høgskolen i Innlandet
Postboks 400
2418 Elverum
Norway

Additional Information for International Applicants

International Student Services

HINN offers dedicated support for international students through its International Office. Services include assistance with visa applications, accommodation, and integration into Norwegian society. The university also organizes orientation programs and social events to help newcomers settle in.

Career Prospects

Graduates from HINN's PhD programs are well-prepared for careers in academia, research institutes, government agencies, and the private sector. The strong emphasis on applied research and collaboration with industry ensures high employability. Many alumni work in environmental management, agricultural consultancy, and biotechnology companies.

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture

Research Council of Norway (RCN) Projects

Many PhD positions at HINN are funded by the Research Council of Norway through various programs such as FRIPRO and BIONÆR. These projects cover topics like sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and bioeconomy. Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Funding includes salary and research costs. Application is through HINN's job portal. PhD positions are advertised as part of specific consortia. Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. Funding covers living allowance, travel, and research costs. Check with the International Office for current opportunities.