Funding for doctoral research

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

The University of Helsinki does not collect tuition fees from doctoral researchers, and studies at the university are free. However, as a doctoral student, you are expected to cover your own costs for living and accommodation. Under this theme, we’ve gather information on how to go about funding your doctoral studies. If you are only just planning to apply for doctoral studies, please also take a look at our funding instructions for new doctoral applicants on our external website.

Instructions

Travel support for doctoral researchers

The University of Helsinki supports doctoral researchers' traveling to scientific events both in Finland and abroad. Most travel supports are awarded by the doctoral school or doctoral programmes and should be applied for following the specific instructions given by doctoral school or programme.

Financial support for thesis completion

Dissertation completion grants have ceased starting from January 1, 2020. In some doctoral schools, completion grants will be replaced by short-term employment contracts for completing the doctoral thesis.

Employed by the University

As a doctoral researcher, you have a variety of opportunities to find employment at the University and finance your doctoral studies through it: 

Grant-funded doctoral studies

There are hundreds of grant-funded researchers active at the University of Helsinki who are working on their doctoral theses and postdoctoral research with personal grants.

Self-funded doctoral studies

Doctoral studies can be funded in various ways: Doctoral researchers may be appointed to salaried doctoral researcher positions, receive a grant or finance their studies partially or fully by working while studying.