UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for doctoral students seeking to advance their research on developing economies at an international level. This fully funded fellowship allows PhD candidates to collaborate with leading researchers, gain access to world-class resources, and enhance their academic expertise in a vibrant research environment.
During the fellowship, registered PhD students spend several months at UNU-WIDER in Helsinki, Finland, engaging with experienced economists, preparing research papers, presenting in seminars, and potentially publishing in the WIDER Working Paper Series. The program is highly competitive and designed to support early-career researchers, particularly from developing countries, providing financial support and an enriching environment to focus fully on producing high-quality research.
Fellowship Summary
- Country: Helsinki, Finland
- Host: United Nations University, UNU-WIDER
- Study Level: PhD
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Duration: 3 months
- Deadline: 30 September 2025
Benefits
Please read the benefits of the UNU-WIDER Visiting Ph.D. Fellowship is as follows:
- UNU-WIDER provides a travel grant for the travel costs of fellows to and from the location of their PhD-granting institution or home country
- Medical insurance to cover fellow’s medical and hospital services resulting from sickness and accident during your stay at UNU-WIDER
- A monthly stipend of EUR 2,070 will cover living expenses in Helsinki during their fellowship.
Note: - All applicants should note that the program does not offer services or cover expenses related to dependents.
- The monthly stipend mentioned above only applies to the period of stay in Helsinki, not online.
Eligibility Criteria
All candidates should meet the following requirements to apply for the UNU-WIDER Visiting Ph.D. Fellowship:
- Candidates should have strong quantitative or qualitative analytical abilities and speak and write English fluently.
- Candidates must have enrolled in a Ph.D. program and possess the skills to research developing economies.
- Early-career females and researchers from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
- Candidates working in other social sciences are welcome to apply, but they should be aware that UNU-WIDER is an institute with an economics concentration.
- The program is specifically designed for scholars nearing the end of their Ph.D.
Documents Requirement for UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship
Applicants should upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- The letter of reference from your Ph.D. supervisor was sent to UNU-WIDER by email at the following address: [email protected]. The letter of recommendation will also prove that you have registered for a Ph.D. program at your school.
How to Apply?
- Check the Application Period: The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Applications are accepted online twice a year, with deadlines on 31 March and 30 September (23:59 UTC+3). The online application link becomes active one month before each deadline.
- Determine Your Fellowship Timing: If applying in March, your fellowship will run September–November of the same year. If applying in September, it will run March–June of the following year.
- Prepare Your Application Documents: You must upload your curriculum vitae (CV) and submit a PhD supervisor’s reference letter. The reference should be emailed directly by your supervisor to [email protected] to confirm your enrollment in a PhD program.
- Submit Your Application Online: Only applications submitted via the official UNU-WIDER portal are accepted. Do not send applications by email or post.
- Await Selection Notification: Selected applicants are informed by email within four weeks of the deadline. You must confirm your decision within two weeks after being contacted.
- Get Ready for Your Fellowship: Once confirmed, prepare to spend three months at UNU-WIDER in Helsinki, fully funded, working closely with experts and gaining international research experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship offers a fully funded, three-month research opportunity for enrolled PhD students. Applicants must submit a CV, research proposal, and supervisor reference online, with priority given to those focusing on developing economies.
Who is eligible for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship?
The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship is open to doctoral students actively pursuing their PhD. Applicants must be enrolled in a recognized program, with research focused on developing economies or related social sciences, and demonstrate strong analytical and research skills.
Can I apply after submitting my PhD thesis?
No, the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship is only for students who are still working on their PhD thesis. Applicants must be actively pursuing their doctoral studies during the fellowship period to be considered eligible for this program.
What documents are required to apply?
Applicants must submit a PDF of their research proposal and a CV including publications. Additionally, a reference letter from their PhD supervisor must be emailed directly to the fellowship team. All files must comply with the size and format requirements of the application system.
Is the fellowship open to students outside developing countries?
Yes, the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship is open to all PhD students worldwide. However, applications from researchers in developing countries and female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply for this fully funded research opportunity.
How long does the fellowship last?
The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship lasts for three consecutive months. Depending on the application period, fellows visit either September–November of the same year or March–June of the following year, allowing focused research at the institute.
Do I need to contact a resident researcher before applying?
No, it is not necessary to contact a resident researcher prior to submitting an application. Fellows will be assigned a suitable mentor from the UNU-WIDER resident research staff only after acceptance into the fellowship program.
How are applications submitted?
Applications for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship are submitted online only. The application link becomes active one month before the deadline. Late submissions, email, or postal applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
Can I edit my application after submission?
If you uploaded incorrect files, you need to submit a new application with corrected information. Only the latest submission will be considered. Ensure all materials are complete before submission, as the system does not allow saving or partial completion.
Will accommodation be provided?
Successful candidates will receive guidance on accommodation after accepting the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship offer. The fellowship also provides financial support to cover living expenses such as rent, transport, and food during the three-month stay in Finland.
Do I need a visa to participate?
Applicants who cannot enter Finland visa-free must apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa covering the three-month fellowship. Those with a valid residence permit for another Schengen country may not need a separate visa if it covers the entire fellowship period.
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