Electricity Market Scholarship 2026 in Norway | Fully Funded

Electricity Market Scholarship 2026 is a PhD position focused on electricity market coupling and market design transformation, combining market modelling, optimization, and studies of Nordic and European electricity markets. The project investigates flow-based market coupling, pricing, congestion management, welfare distribution, and interconnector modelling to support efficient low-carbon power systems.

The scholarship is offered by NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) in the Department of Electric Energy and hosted by the Electricity Markets and Energy System Planning (EMESP) research group. The main supervisor will be Professor Hossein Farahmand, and the position is part of the NTNU Energy initiative on Resilient and Integrated Energy Systems.

Benefits fo Electricity Market 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
• Social activities organized by PhD Students
• Weekly social gathering on Fridays (Friday coffee)
• 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)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)
• As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Eligibility Criteria for the Electricity Market Scholarship 2026

• You must have a relevant Master’s degree in either electrical power engineering, or economic analysis with strong quantitative skills, and with a specialization in operational research. Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master’s level. Master’s students can apply, but the master’s degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than autumn 2026.
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and have an average grade from your Master’s degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education, i.e., by having relevant work experience and/or published/publishable scientific papers in the field of the proposed research area.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the Faculty’s Doctoral Programme.
• You must have documented experience with scientific programming, preferably in Python or Julia, and/or R- programming language.
• Experience with optimization modelling and electricity market fundamentals.
• You must have English language skills, both written and spoken, corresponding to the scale B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants who are not native English speakers are encouraged to document their English language proficiency. This can be done through an approved English language test. One of the following test scores could be documented for this purpose: TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) – Score equivalent to the B2 level: 79 – 101. IELTS – Score equivalent to the B2 level: 5.5 – 6.0 Cambridge English – Score equivalent to the B2 level: 160 – 179.
• Further assessment of both written and oral English language skills, as well as the ability to communicate fluently, will be conducted throughout the selection process and during any interviews for all applicants.
• Work and/or research experience in electricity markets, EU-NO regulatory frameworks, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Norwegian language skills, or another Scandinavian language, will be rated positively.
• Relevant research experience with the preferred scope of the position and/or curiosity for solving complex societal challenges, especially those tied to the green energy transition and sustainable infrastructure.
• English language skills, both written and spoken, corresponding to the scale C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). See which scores are equivalent to the C1 level here.
• To complete a doctoral degree (PhD), the candidate is expected to: demonstrate strong motivation, curiosity, and a learning-oriented mindset
• Work independently, take initiative, and maintain good structure and discipline in their work
• Communicate effectively and collaborate well with supervisors and peers
• Show resilience and work constructively when facing challenges or setbacks
• Demonstrate integrity and a strong sense of responsibility in their research conduct

How to Apply for the Electricity Market Scholarship 2026

• A cover letter where the applicant explains personal motivation, briefly summarizes scientific work, and describes how their background is a good fit (400 words/1 page).
• Project outline containing proposals for an overall description of research questions, theoretical perspectives, methodological design for the project, and progress plan (maximum 1500 words/4 pages, including references). This proposal shall neither be deemed final nor binding for the project.
• CV.
• If you have testimonials of work experience, submit them.
• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. If your master’s degree has not yet been completed, you must submit transcripts for all completed program courses, along with confirmation of the expected submission date for your master’s thesis or confirmation that the thesis has already been submitted.
• Applicants from universities outside Norway are asked to upload a diploma supplement or a similar document detailing the study program and grading system.
• A copy of the Master’s thesis. If you have recently submitted your Master’s thesis, you are encouraged to include a draft of the thesis.
• Documentation of a completed Master’s degree must be provided before assuming the position.
• If you have publications or other relevant research work, submit them.
• You are encouraged to include documentation of English language proficiency if you are not a native speaker of English.
• Name and contact information of three referees.
• If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor’s and Master’s education, in addition to other higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Electricity Market Scholarship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official NTNU job description.