Apply for HiLIFE Research Trainee Scholarship

HiLIFE Research Trainee Scholarships
Bulletin 3.10.2025

Why should you consider this?

Practical research training during undergraduate BSc, MSc, or Lic (Med, Vet Med, Dentistry) studies can be an empowering experience. HiLIFE Research Trainee Scholarships offer an opportunity to conduct a research training period at a life science research group as a part of your studies (particularly BSc/MSc/Lic thesis). The selected research group can be either at the University of Helsinki or at another research institution in Finland or abroad.

The HiLIFE Research Trainee Scholarships will provide financial support for a three-month training period (€1 600 / full working month) for a maximum of 20 students. 

Eligible applicants:

This programme is open to all BSc/MSc/Lic students of life sciences at the University of Helsinki. Students enrolled in the following faculties will have priority: Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Students from other UH faculties can also apply provided they have a project related to life science research.

The scholarship is mainly intended for students who are starting a new internship and who will use the Scholarship funded training period as part of their studies, for example to complete their MSc thesis.Moreover, the scholarship cannot be used to carry out research after you have completed your MSc/Lic degree, nor can it be a reason to delay the completion of your degree.

If you intend to apply for a position outside the University of Helsinki (other Finnish institution / abroad), you should agree on the host research group already at the application stage. Please ensure you attach an invitation letter from the PI to your application. You will find a couple of supportive files on the call instruction page. 

Also, if selected for a position outside the University of Helsinki, you will have to obtain a co-supervisor from UH and purchase Health Insurance for the duration of your internship. Please also note that Switzerland is not among the countries eligible for this type of internship, due to administrative challenges.

Selection criteria:

  • Grades (You can order a transcript of studies in Sisu. Note: if you have just started your master's studies and have no records in Sisu, you can upload records from your previous degree)
  • CV (max. 2 pages)
  • Motivation letter (max. 1 page) where you are expected to describe your motivation to do research and how the internship would benefit your future career. Also, tell us about the research topic that particularly interests you and define an outstanding question in that field. Finally, elaborate on your previous research experience (if any) and practical skills acquired
  • Progress of your studies (priority will be given to students who are on track of completing their degree within the expected time frame, i.e. 3 years for BSc, 2 years for MSc, and 5 years for Lic. Med./Vet. Med./Dentistry)
  • Video interview for shortlisted candidates (invitations will be sent after the first-round evaluations)

The selection committee is composed of HiLIFE researchers from different life science fields and career levels.

How to apply?

Applications are to be sent by filling out this elomake form. All material included in the application should be in English, and in PDF format. The application period isbetween October 1 - 29, 2025. Applications close at 23.59 EET and late applications will not be considered. 

Timeline:

  • Application period October 1 - 29, 2025
  • Video interviews for the shortlisted candidates during November 14 – 23, 2025
  • Selected trainees announced by December 3
  • The internship must be conducted between mid-January 2026 and December 2026

More information about the programme:

Information event about the programme on October 6, 3.00 - 4.00pm EEST, in room K1048, Info Centre Korona, Viikki campus. Note: While we prefer meeting in person, we have added a Zoom-link in case some really wish to attend but cannot make it to Viikki.

See further application instructions & FAQ here. You may also send enquiries to hilife-edu@helsinki.fi. 

Please note that all the Trainee Scholarship-related events and communication will be in English, as it is the official working language of HiLIFE.

Explore the unknown with HiLIFE Research Trainee Scholarship!