PhD Scholarships at University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki offers a range of PhD scholarships and funded positions, particularly in agriculture, forestry, and related sciences, welcoming international applicants from around the world. As Finland’s oldest and largest university, it provides cutting-edge research opportunities in sustainable agriculture, plant sciences, and environmental management. International students benefit from English-taught programs, global collaborations, and support for visa and relocation. Funding often comes through salaried positions as doctoral researchers, with competitive grants covering living expenses and research costs. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing foreign students to engage in projects addressing global challenges like climate change and food security. With a vibrant international community, Helsinki offers a supportive environment for non-EU/EEA students, including orientation programs and career services. Applications are open year-round for many programs, but specific calls may have deadlines. This makes it an accessible choice for aspiring researchers seeking high-quality education in Northern Europe.

Discover PhD Opportunities at University of Helsinki

University of Helsinki stands as a premier destination for international PhD candidates interested in agriculture and related fields. With a strong emphasis on global accessibility, the university offers funded PhD positions that attract students from all countries. Programs focus on innovative research in sustainable practices, providing foreign students with comprehensive support including funding, mentorship, and integration services.

Fields of Study

University of Helsinki's PhD programs in agriculture-related fields are designed for international students, offering research opportunities in cutting-edge areas. These fields align with global challenges, providing foreign applicants access to world-class facilities and collaborations.

Agricultural Sciences

PhD in Agricultural Sciences at University of Helsinki explores sustainable farming, crop production, and rural development. International students engage in research on soil health and agrobiodiversity, with opportunities for fieldwork in Finland's diverse landscapes.

Environmental Sciences

This field focuses on ecosystem management and climate impacts. Foreign PhD candidates study biodiversity conservation and environmental policy, benefiting from Helsinki's interdisciplinary approach and international partnerships.

Food Sciences

PhD research in Food Sciences covers nutrition, food safety, and processing technologies. Global students contribute to projects on sustainable food systems, with access to state-of-the-art labs and industry collaborations.

Forestry and Agroforestry

Programs emphasize forest management, bioeconomy, and agroforestry systems. International applicants participate in research on renewable resources, with fieldwork in boreal forests and global sustainability initiatives.

Plant Sciences

PhD in Plant Sciences includes genetics, physiology, and ecology. Foreign students explore plant responses to environmental stresses, supported by Helsinki's advanced research infrastructure.

Sustainable Development

This area integrates agriculture with sustainability goals. International PhD researchers work on projects addressing UN SDGs, focusing on resilient food systems and policy development.

Plant Breeding

University of Helsinki's Viikki Plant Science Centre conducts classical plant breeding, including field trials for cereal crops and new variety development. PhD students engage in breeding lines evaluation and genetic improvement for Nordic conditions.

‹

›

These fields provide international students with tailored PhD paths, emphasizing global research networks and practical applications in agriculture.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD scholarships at University of Helsinki requires meeting specific academic and procedural standards, with a focus on international accessibility. Criteria emphasize prior qualifications and commitment to research.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a relevant master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university. The degree should be in a field related to the doctoral program, with a strong academic record demonstrating research potential. International qualifications are evaluated for equivalence by the university.

Supervisory Agreement

Before applying, candidates must secure agreement from at least one supervisor at the University of Helsinki. This involves contacting potential supervisors in the relevant faculty to discuss research interests and obtain their commitment.

Study Right Application

Eligibility includes submitting a complete application for the right to pursue doctoral studies. This is assessed based on the applicant's educational background, proposed research topic alignment with the program, and available supervision.

Funding Plan

Applicants need to present a feasible funding plan for the duration of their studies. This can include university-funded positions, external grants, or personal funding, with emphasis on securing salaried positions for international students.

Monthly Grant for PhD Students

University of Helsinki offers salaried positions for PhD students, typically ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 EUR per month (approximately 2,200 to 3,300 USD), depending on the funding source and progress. These positions are employment contracts, providing social security benefits and are open to international applicants.

Annual Research Funding

In addition to salary, PhD students may receive annual funding for research expenses, such as travel to conferences, equipment, and materials, often up to 5,000 EUR (about 5,500 USD) per year through university grants or project budgets. This supports international collaboration and fieldwork.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

The application process emphasizes finding a supervisor and securing funding, with support for international applicants through online portals and guidance.

Identify Doctoral Programme: Select a suitable doctoral programme from the 32 available options, focusing on those in agriculture and forestry. Review programme details on the official admissions page.
Find a Supervisor: Contact potential supervisors via their university profiles to discuss research ideas and obtain their agreement. This step is mandatory before formal application.
Prepare Documents: Gather required documents including degree certificates, transcripts, CV, and funding plan. International applicants should ensure documents are in English or Finnish.
Submit Online Application: Apply through the Studyinfo.fi portal during open application periods. Include all documents and supervisor confirmation.
Await Decision: Applications are reviewed by the doctoral programme board. Successful applicants receive study rights and can then apply for funded positions.

For assistance, contact admissions at [email protected]. Deadlines vary by programme, often with main rounds in September and April.

Application Deadlines

University of Helsinki has four application periods per year for doctoral studies: September 1-14, 2024; November 1-14, 2024; January 15-31, 2025; and April 1-14, 2025. Specific funded positions may have separate calls; check the official website for updates.

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website: PhD Scholarships at University of Helsinki

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out via email at [email protected] or call +358 2941 911.

Physical Address:
Yliopistonkatu 3
P.O. Box 4
00014 Helsinki
Finland

Additional Information

International Student Services

University of Helsinki provides extensive support for foreign PhD students, including visa guidance, housing assistance, and orientation weeks. The International Exchange Services offer buddy programs and cultural integration events to ease the transition for non-EU/EEA applicants.

Career Prospects

Graduates pursue careers in academia, industry, and international organizations. With a focus on agriculture, alumni work in sustainable development roles at FAO, EU projects, or biotech firms. The university's career services provide networking events and job search support for global opportunities.

Resource Links

Explore doctoral programmes at Doctoral Programmes. For funding details, visit Funding Options. International applicants can find visa info at International Students.

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

University of Helsinki Doctoral Education Pilot

This program offers funded PhD positions in thematic areas including agriculture and sustainability. Eligible for all nationalities, it provides salary and research funding. Apply via official pilot page. Deadlines vary; contact [email protected].

Edufi Fellowships

External funding from the Finnish National Agency for Education for international PhD students in agriculture. Grants up to 1,500 EUR/month for 3-12 months. Eligibility: non-Finnish citizens. Apply through Edufi site; annual deadlines in September.

CIMO Scholarships

Now part of Edufi, these support PhD research in fields like forestry. Funding covers living expenses. Open to all countries; details at Study in Finland.

University Location

Apply Now