Are you a doctoral researcher dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing development challenges? UNU-WIDER (United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research) is officially inviting registered PhD students to apply for its prestigious Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme in Helsinki, Finland.
This is a unique opportunity to elevate your dissertation research, collaborate with international experts, and immerse yourself in a world-class research environment.
The Fellowship Experience
Selected fellows will spend three consecutive months at UNU-WIDER headquarters in Helsinki. During this period, you will:
- Advance Your Research: Utilize the institute’s extensive resources and facilities to focus on your PhD thesis.
- Collaborate: Work alongside resident researchers on topics of mutual interest within development economics.
- Publish & Present: Prepare one or more research papers for potential inclusion in the WIDER Working Paper Series and present your findings in an institutional seminar.
Financial Support
UNU-WIDER ensures that fellows can focus entirely on their research by providing:
- Monthly Stipend: EUR 2,070 to cover living expenses in Helsinki.
- Travel Grant: Coverage for travel costs to and from your home institution or country of residence.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical and hospital services during the stay.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The programme is highly competitive and is specifically designed for:
- Advanced PhD Students: Applicants should ideally be in the later stages of their doctoral studies.
- Subject Focus: While open to various social sciences, research must demonstrate a strong focus on developing economies.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in oral and written English, along with robust quantitative or qualitative analytical skills.
- Inclusivity: Applications from female researchers, early-career scholars, and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.
Key Deadlines March 2026 Cycle
- Application Window Opens: 1 March 2026 (00:00 UTC+3)
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 (23:59 UTC+3)
- Fellowship Period: September – November 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the UNU-WIDER online portal. Please note that applications via email or post will not be accepted.
- Prepare Your CV: Ensure your curriculum vitae is up-to-date and highlights your research achievements.
- Submit Online: Complete the application form.
- Reference Letter: Your PhD supervisor must email a letter of reference directly to phdreference@wider.unu.edu. This letter also serves as official certification of your enrollment.
UNU-WIDER only receives online applications for the Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme twice each year. The application form will become available 1st of March and 1st of September, at 00:00 UTC+3 each year. Deadlines for submission of applications are 31 March and 30 September 23:59 UTC+3 each year. When applying in September, you would be visiting UNU-WIDER for three months in the period of March-June of the following year and when applying in March, you would be visiting UNU-WIDER for three months during September-November of the same year.
Selected applicants will be informed by email of the final decision approximately one month after the closing deadline. The selected applicants must confirm their decision to take up UNU-WIDER’s offer two weeks after being contacted.
Note: For technical issues or specific queries not addressed in the you may contact phdfellow@wider.unu.edu.
Please note that replies may take up to five working days.
