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PhD Scholarships at University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana offers a range of PhD scholarships designed to attract talented international students from around the world. As Slovenia’s largest and oldest university, it provides doctoral programs in various fields, with a strong emphasis on agricultural and environmental sciences through its Biotechnical Faculty. These scholarships support research in areas like agronomy, biotechnology, and forestry, fostering global collaboration. International applicants benefit from English-taught programs, dedicated support for visa processes, and access to EU funding opportunities. Scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide monthly stipends, enabling foreign students to focus on innovative research without financial burdens. The university’s location in Ljubljana offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with excellent facilities. With over 40 doctoral programs, it emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, making it an ideal choice for non-EU students seeking high-quality education in Europe. Applications are open to candidates worldwide, with specific pathways for international enrollment.

Introduction to PhD Opportunities

Discover PhD scholarships at the University of Ljubljana, open to international talents in agriculture and related fields. With a focus on global accessibility, these programs offer English instruction and support for non-local students.

Fields of Study

The University of Ljubljana offers PhD opportunities in agriculture-related fields through its Biotechnical Faculty, focusing on sustainable practices and innovation. These programmes are accessible to international students with global research collaborations.
These fields support interdisciplinary research, with opportunities for international students to engage in EU-funded projects.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD scholarships at the University of Ljubljana requires a completed master's degree or equivalent, with a focus on academic excellence. International students must ensure their qualifications are recognized in Slovenia, often through nostrification. The criteria emphasize prior education and research potential, with no mandatory language tests unless specified by the programme.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent (at least 300 ECTS credits) in a relevant field. For agriculture-related programmes like Biosciences, backgrounds in biology, agronomy, or similar are preferred. International qualifications are evaluated for equivalence; non-EU students may need to apply for recognition via ENIC-NARIC.
Mentor Agreement
A preliminary agreement with a qualified mentor is essential. Candidates must contact potential supervisors and obtain their consent before applying. This ensures alignment with ongoing research projects, particularly important for international applicants seeking funded positions.
Citizenship and Residency
Open to all nationalities. Non-EU/EEA students must meet visa requirements and may need to provide proof of financial means if not fully funded. EU students have streamlined enrolment.

Monthly Grant for PhD Students at University of Ljubljana

PhD students can receive monthly stipends through the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARRS) young researcher programme, approximately 1,100 EUR (about 1,200 USD) per month. This covers living expenses for the duration of the 4-year programme, available to international students meeting eligibility.

Annual Research Funding at University of Ljubljana

Additional annual funding for research expenses, such as equipment, materials, travel, and conferences, is provided through project grants. Amounts vary but can reach up to 5,000 EUR per year per student, depending on the research project and faculty allocation. International students can apply via their supervisors.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships at University of Ljubljana

Applying for PhD scholarships at the University of Ljubljana involves a structured process tailored for international candidates. The university welcomes applicants from all countries, with English as the primary language for many programs. The process emphasizes academic merit and potential for research contribution, with dedicated support for non-EU students including visa guidance and recognition of foreign qualifications.
  1. Choose a Doctoral Programme: Select from available doctoral programmes, such as the Biosciences programme in the Biotechnical Faculty. Review programme details and ensure alignment with your academic background. International students should check for English-taught options. Visit the official page for programme listings: Doctoral Programmes.
  2. Find a Potential Mentor: Identify and contact a potential mentor from the faculty. Discuss your research interests via email. A preliminary agreement from a mentor is required before formal application. Use the faculty directory for contacts: Biotechnical Faculty Mentors. This step is crucial for international applicants to secure supervision.
  3. Prepare Application Documents: Gather required documents including a master's degree diploma, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and proof of English proficiency if applicable (though not always mandatory). For non-EU students, include passport copy and any nostrification documents. Specific requirements are listed here: Enrolment Requirements.
  4. Submit Online Application: Complete the online application via the eVŠ portal. Upload all documents and pay the application fee (45 EUR for non-EU). International students must select the appropriate citizenship category. Access the portal: eVŠ Application Portal.
  5. Undergo Evaluation and Enrolment: Applications are evaluated by the faculty. Successful candidates receive an enrolment invitation. Complete enrolment by submitting originals and paying any fees. For scholarships, apply separately through ARRS or university funds post-enrolment.
For assistance, contact the International Office at [email protected] or +386 1 241 85 97. Deadlines vary by programme; for 2024/2025, applications closed in August 2024, but check for 2025/2026 updates. International students are encouraged to apply early for visa processing.

Application Deadlines for PhD Scholarships at University of Ljubljana

The application deadlines for PhD programmes at the University of Ljubljana for the 2025/2026 academic year are typically in two phases: first phase from March to June 2025, and second phase in September 2025. Specific dates for Biosciences and agriculture-related programmes are March 1 to August 20, 2025, for EU students, and earlier for non-EU due to visa requirements. Always verify on the official site: Enrolment Deadlines. Late applications may be considered if places remain.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website:

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out to University of Ljubljana via email at [email protected] or call +386 1 241 85 97.
  • Physical Address:
  • Kongresni trg 12
  • 1000 Ljubljana
  • Slovenia

Additional Information

International Student Services

The University of Ljubljana provides comprehensive support for foreign students, including orientation programs, housing assistance, and visa guidance. The International Office offers buddy programs and cultural integration workshops to ensure a smooth transition for non-EU applicants.

Career Prospects

Graduates secure positions in academia, research institutions, agribusiness, and international organizations like FAO. The university's network facilitates global job opportunities, with alumni often contributing to sustainable agriculture policies worldwide.

Resource Links

For more details, visit International Relations or Biotechnical Faculty. Contact for scholarships: [email protected].

Additional resources include access to research centers like the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia for collaborative projects. International students can apply for residence permits post-acceptance, with university assistance. The PhD duration is typically 4 years, with possibilities for extensions in funded positions. Emphasis is on publishing in high-impact journals, supported by university grants for conferences.

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

Young Researchers Programme (ARRS)

This Slovenian government programme funds PhD students in agriculture research, offering stipends of about 1,100 EUR/month. Eligible for international students with a mentor agreement. Apply via university nomination. Deadline: typically October. More at ARRS Website.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates

EU-funded programme for joint PhD in agriculture-related fields, with mobility grants up to 1,500 EUR/month plus travel. Open to non-EU students. Application through consortia; deadlines vary, often January. Details: Erasmus+ Site.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Provides doctoral fellowships in environmental and agricultural sciences, with funding up to 3,400 EUR/month gross. Global eligibility. Apply via EU portal; annual deadlines in September. Contact: [email protected]. Info: MSCA Website.

  • Eligibility: Master's degree, research potential
  • Funding: Stipend + research costs
  • Deadlines: Vary by call

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