The NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026 in Norway offers a fully funded PhD position at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics. This project investigates unified autonomy across robot configurations, building on foundation models, neural model predictive control, and robotic world models to create a shared autonomy architecture for aerial, ground, and aquatic robots. The selected candidate will contribute to the Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI (NCEI) and complete a doctoral degree while conducting high-quality research.
NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and headquarters in Trondheim. With 9,000 employees and 43,000 students, NTNU creates knowledge for a better world. The Department of Engineering Cybernetics develops tomorrow’s technologies through close cooperation with industry and academia, contributing to digitalization, automation, and robotization of society.
Benefits of NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026
- An exciting job with an important mission in society
- Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
- Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
- Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
- Working capital that can be used to implement the project
- Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
- Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
- Access to employee benefits as a PhD Candidate at NTNU
- Gross salary normally from NOK 550,800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority
Eligibility Criteria for the NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026
- You must have a Master’s degree in cybernetics, control systems, or equivalent, with strong training in robotics, computer vision, or machine learning.
- Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level.
- You must have a strong academic background with an average grade equal to B or better compared with NTNU’s grading scale.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty’s doctoral program.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to the IE Faculty.
- If you have a weaker grade background, you may be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education.
How to Apply for NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026
- Submit your application and all attachments electronically via Jobbnorge.no by 25 August 2026.
- Include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Include a CV and a short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page).
- Provide names and contact information of at least 2 relevant referees.
- If your education was taken abroad, attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education and diploma supplement if applicable.
- If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), attach it.
- If invited to an interview, bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026 in Norway. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the application deadline?
NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026 deadline is 25 August 2026. All applications and attachments must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no by this date. NTNU will only assess applications based on information received by the deadline, so applicants should ensure all documents clearly show how their skills and experience meet the criteria.
Which country and university host this scholarship?
NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026 is hosted by NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. The position is based in the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, one of seven departments in the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. NTNU has 9,000 employees and 43,000 students across three cities.
What is the research focus of this PhD position?
NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026 project investigates unified autonomy across robot configurations. It seeks a shared autonomy architecture for aerial, ground, and aquatic robots, building on foundation models, neural model predictive control, and robotic world models. The project is part of the newly funded Norwegian Centre for Embodied AI (NCEI), one of Norway’s six national AI centers.
What are the educational requirements?
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in cybernetics, control systems, or equivalent, with strong training in robotics, computer vision, or machine learning. Your education must correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level. You must have an average grade equal to B or better compared with NTNU’s grading scale.
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes, this PhD position is fully funded through a salary. The gross salary normally starts from NOK 550,800 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority, with a 2% statutory contribution to the State Pension Fund deducted. The employment period is 3 years, and admission to the PhD program is a prerequisite within three months.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
Submit your application and all attachments electronically via Jobbnorge.no. The application must include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, a CV, a short letter of motivation of 400 words or one page, and names and contact information of at least 2 relevant referees. Ensure you follow the full checklist.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, documentation of a completed Master’s degree before taking up the position, a CV, a short letter of motivation (400 words/1 page), and names and contact information of at least 2 relevant referees. If educated abroad, also attach documentation of scope and quality.
What benefits does NTNU offer PhD candidates?
NTNU offers an exciting job with an important mission in society, developing tasks in a strong international professional environment, career guidance and follow-up, an open and inclusive working environment, working capital to implement the project, a mentor programme, favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and employee benefits.
Where will the NTNU PhD Candidate Scholarship 2026 candidate work?
The place of service is NTNU in Trondheim, Norway. Trondheim is a modern European city and the tech capital of Norway, with a population of 200,000. It offers excellent opportunities for education, nature, culture, and family life, along with low crime rates and clean air quality.
Can applicants with weaker grades still be considered?
If you have a weaker grade background, you may still be assessed if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education. Normally, a strong academic background with an average grade equal to B or better compared with NTNU’s grading scale is required. NTNU emphasizes necessary qualifications such as education, experience, and personal suitability.
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