phd study in finland

Doctoral admissions

You can search for doctoral programmes on the application portal Studyinfo.fi , or you can contact the universities directly about the doctoral study and research options they offer. Check the application times and procedures, eligibility requirements and other details with the university you are interested in. The following links will take you to each university's Doctoral studies and research info pages.

• Aalto University
• University of Helsinki
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland
• LUT University
• University of Oulu
• Hanken School of Economics
• University of the Arts Helsinki
• Tampere University
• University of Turku
• University of Vaasa
• Åbo Akademi University  

Doctoral / PhD funding opportunities

See the advice on doctoral level scholarships  to learn where you can search for doctoral level research funding. The universities may also offer paid doctoral and post-doc positions, see below.

Academic research positions and jobs

Announcements for doctoral and post-doc researcher positions at Finnish universities can also be found on academic recruitment sites like:

• Jobs in Finland / Academic
• Academicpositions.fi

Early career researcher info & advice

Information, advice and guidelines for early career researchers - compiled by the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT)

Scientific research in Finland

Research.fi is a service offered by the Ministry of Education and Culture where you can learn more about the Finnish science and innovation system and policy, and research conducted in Finland.

• Research.fi

Doctoral Programmes

Faculty of built environment.

Doctoral Programme in the Built Environment  (DPBEN)

Faculty of Education and Culture

Doctoral Programme of Education and Society  (DPEDU)

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Doctoral Programme in Engineering and Natural Sciences  (TLTO)

Doctoral Programme in Engineering Sciences  (TTITO)

Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences

Doctoral Programme of Humans and Technologies  (DPHAT)

Doctoral Programme in Media, Communication and Performing Arts  (DPMCP)

Doctoral Programme in Language Studies  (DPLA)

Doctoral Programme of Computing and Electrical Engineering  (DPCEE)

Faculty of Management and Business

Doctoral Programme in Administrative Sciences, Business Studies and Politics  (DPHKP)

Doctoral Programme in Business and Technology Management  (TOTO)

Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology

Doctoral Programme in Medicine, Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering  (DPMBBE)

Faculty of Social Sciences

Doctoral Programme in Literary Studies  (DPLS)

Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences  (DPHS)

Doctoral Programme in History  (DPHI)

Doctoral Programme in Psychology and Logopedics  (DPPL)

Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences  (DPSS)

Doctoral Programme in Medicine  (DPMD)

Doctoral Programme in Philosophy  (DPPH)

International Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology and Public Health  (IPPE)

Additional information on doctoral studies

Structure and duration of doctoral studies.

In addition to the doctoral dissertation, the requirements for a doctoral degree include 40 ECTS credits of other studies, which you should plan to support your doctoral research. The structure of the other studies can be found in the curriculum of your doctoral programme.

For full-time doctoral students, the target time of completing the doctoral degree is four years. Part-time students may take longer to complete their degree.

Doctoral dissertation

To earn a doctoral degree, students must complete a dissertation and defend it in a public examination. Students prepare a dissertation to demonstrate their ability to produce original scientific knowledge in the field of their research. Writing the dissertation requires that the student is capable of conducting independent scientific research.

Tampere University Doctoral School

The Doctoral School supports the development of diverse, multidisciplinary and international expertise among doctoral researchers and works to promote employability of our doctoral graduates.

You will be able to select courses that meet your needs over 50 courses that the Doctoral School offers each year. We give Finnish and English-taught courses both online and in a physical classroom environment.

The Doctoral School hosts regular events for doctoral researchers such as Orientation Day, morning coffees and open seminars. You get to meet other doctoral researchers, network and receive peer support.

Our courses and events provide you with the opportunity to gain experience of multidisciplinary and international teamwork while making effective progress towards your degree.

Get to know the Doctoral School

Doctoral studies can be financed in a variety of ways and admittance to a doctoral programme does not guarantee funding. Students are recommended to contact their supervisor before starting their doctoral studies to discuss their funding options. Funding options for doctoral studies are at least the following:

• Employment at the University (either project funding or a separate doctoral education funding)
• Scholarships and grants
• Student financial aid  (if eligible)
• Adult Education Allowance of the Education Fund  (if eligible) (motion to terminate the allowance was submitted to the parliament on 15 February 2024)
• Doctoral education pilot at Tampere University

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations

The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks. Tampere University hires a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year, company-sponsored dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative. 

Read more about DSII

Finland Fellowship

Finland Fellowship is a new funding option awarded by Tampere University as part of the national Finland Scholarship programme. Non-EU/EEA applicants to Doctoral programmes are eligible to apply. The Finland Fellowship contributes to the salary paid Tampere University and includes a 2000 EUR arrival allowance. The Finland Fellowship funding is available from 2022 to 2024. It is funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture. Positions funded with the Finland Fellowship funding are published as part of open positions at Tampere University.

Read more about working at Tampere Universities

Additional information on applying

Detailed information on applying to a doctoral programme is available in the admission requirements of the programme and our webpage Applying to Doctoral programmes.

Applying to doctoral programmes

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Doctoral defence of Hasan Sohail, MSc, 6.5.2024: Epidemiological studies on the adverse health effects of non-optimum ambient temperatures

10 candidates will continue in the recruitment process for the post of vice rector of the university of eastern finland, what are the lessons learned from pharmacy reforms in the nordic countries, hasan sohail, msc: doctoral defence in environmental science, kuopio, frontiers in health sciences seminar, sustainability and circular economy morning coffee session.

Find more news and events

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UEF Doctoral School

The University of Eastern Finland's Doctoral School and the associated doctoral programmes are responsible for arranging scientific doctoral studies at our university. Our doctoral programmes offer teaching and supervision for doctoral researchers. The aim is to ensure the high quality of doctoral education and to educate highly skilled researchers and experts.

The director of the doctoral school is Academic Rector Tapio Määttä. Administration of the school is coordinated by Head of Education Kaisa Laitinen, and the development of the doctoral school's activities and teaching programme are coordinated by Senior Lecturer Merja Lyytikäinen (contact information below).

Upcoming public examinations of doctoral dissertations

New in doctoral education

The University of Eastern Finland is involved in 11 doctoral education pilots. New doctoral positions with three-year employment contracts will be available.

Learn more about the doctoral education pilots

Doctoral programmes

Doctoral education in the University of Eastern Finland is arranged in 13 discipline specific or thematic doctoral programmes. Further information about applying to programmes, research areas and doctoral studies can be found on the homepages of doctoral programmes.

Philosophical Faculty

• Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies
• Doctoral Programme in Social and Cultural Encounters
• Welfare, Health and Management (WELMA) Doctoral Programme

Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology

• Doctoral Programme in Science, Forestry and Technology

Faculty of Health Sciences

• Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research
• Doctoral Programme in Drug Research
• Doctoral Programme in Molecular Medicine
• Doctoral Programme in Health Sciences

Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies

• Past, Space and Environment in Society Doctoral Programme
• Doctoral Programme in Business Studies
• Doctoral Programme in Law

Content related to doctoral education

Instructions and forms

Find information for different phases in the doctoral education on Kamu Student handbook.

Doctoral researcher positions

Learn more about salary-paying UEF doctoral researcher positions and shared doctoral researcher positions.

For grant-based researchers

We have gathered information and instructions for grant-based researchers in Kamu Student handbook.

Conferment ceremonies

The Doctoral Conferment Ceremony shows appreciation for persons who have completed a doctoral degree.

Contact information

The UEF Doctoral School coordinates doctoral education at the university and provides transferable skills studies to all of the university's doctoral students. All doctoral students are automatically included in the doctoral school.

Doctoral programmes processes applications and makes proposals for the faculties on the rights to study to be granted. They are responsible for the organisation of subject-related doctoral studies, and for the supervision of doctoral students.

Faculties are responsible for the administration of doctoral studies. Faculties decide on requirements of doctorates, approve the doctoral studies curricula, grant the right to pursue doctoral studies, approve the research topic and research supervisor(s), research and doctoral study plans and any changes made to these. Faculties also appoint the preliminary and final examiners for doctoral dissertations and licentiate theses and the opponents and the chairman of the public examination (the Custos) for doctoral dissertations. Faculties grant the permission for the public examination, approve and grade the licentiate thesis and the doctoral dissertation, and approve completed doctoral degrees, award the degrees and give the degree certificates.

Development of the doctoral school's activities and teaching programme: Senior Lecturer Merja Lyytikäinen .

Administration of the doctoral school: Head of Education Kaisa Laitinen .

Contact information of the directors and coordinator of the doctoral programmes can be found on the homepages of programmes .

Contact person: Amanuensis Kaisu Kortelainen .

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact person: Head of Education Kaisa Laitinen .

E-mail: [email protected]

Contact persons: Head of Education Annikki Honkanen and Academic Affairs Coordinator Anne Korhonen .

• Suomeksi (FI)
• In English (EN)

Applying for Doctoral Studies

The doctoral degree requires approximately four years of full-time studies. The Licentiate degree usually requires two years of full-time studies.

The holders of Master's degree have the possibility to complete the postgraduate degrees of

• Licentiate of Science (Technology)
• Doctor of Science (Technology)
• Licentiate of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
• Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
• Licentiate of Social Sciences
• Doctor of Social Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy

Finland Doctoral Fellowships at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT

Finland Doctoral Fellowship is a four-year (fixed term) full-time Junior Researcher position. Finland Doctoral Fellow will be in an employment relationship with LUT and is paid a monthly salary in accordance with the national salary system of Finnish universities (YPJ system). In addition, Finland Doctoral Fellows who move to Finland from abroad will receive a separate maximum 2000€ arrival grant to be used for travel and moving costs. The arrival grant is paid based on proven costs and is liable to taxation.

Finland Doctoral Fellowships are allocated to the best international doctoral students who have been admitted to the doctoral programmes of LUT in the yearly application rounds. Eligible for the funding are those doctoral students who are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country and who will reside in Finland during the employment. If a doctoral student has a dual citizenship, both must be non-EU/EEA.

All non-EU/EEA doctoral students who are admitted to the doctoral programmes of LUT in the future application round will be taken into consideration. There is no separate application for the fellowships. Decisions about the fellowships will be made based on the criteria of admission to doctoral training. The next and last application round will be organized in autumn 2023 and new Junior Researcher positions will start in spring 2024 at the earliest.

Applying for the Doctoral Study Right

Explore doctoral student open positions, lut doctoral school, doctoral programmes.

Doctoral Programme in Energy Systems

Doctoral Programme in Business and Management

Doctoral Programme in Engineering Science

Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering

Application period:

Language of instruction:, eligibility:, field of study:, organising school:, choose doctoral studies at the school of engineering.

The research at our school focuses on Arctic technology, sustainable built environments, mechanics and materials, multidisciplinary energy technologies and systems design and production.

Doctoral student Aino Mäntyranta: Materials stole my heart during my undergraduate degree

Aino Mäntyranta’s interest in engineering materials led her to win an award for her master’s thesis and to pursue a career in research.

What are doctoral studies like?

As a doctoral student, you are part of an international academic community. The doctoral research and studies develop you into an expert of your research topic and build your professional capacity.

Doctoral education pilot

We are hiring 178 new doctoral researchers - get your doctorate from Aalto

Your path to doctoral studies at the School of Engineering

• Apply for a salaried doctoral researcher position at Aalto. Salaried doctoral researcher positions are advertised at  Aalto University Open positions .
• If you are interested in  full-time studies but there are no open positions at the moment, please directly contact a professor in charge of your intended research field to discuss the possible supervision of doctoral studies. Professors may also have information on other funding possibilities (such as grants), as well as on upcoming positions that are not yet announced.
• If you are employed elsewhere but wish to pursue doctoral studies, that is possible either as a  full-time or part-time student , depending on your situation. In this case, please contact the potential supervising professor directly. Note that to pursue the degree, you need to reside in Finland at least part of the study time.
• It is also possible to start pursuing doctoral studies without funding (part-time doctoral studies). In this case, please contact the potential supervising professor directly. Note that to pursue the degree, you need to reside in Finland at least part of the study time. Non-Finnish citizens need therefore to take into account  the income requirements of the Finnish Immigration Service. 
• After agreeing with the supervising professor, apply for the study right  (in addition to a possible working contract at Aalto) in our doctoral programme - see instructions below. Please note that you are not a doctoral student before you are officially admitted to the doctoral programme.

Note: Before applying for the salaried positions and/or contacting the potential supervising professor(s), please check below the requirements and qualifications needed for applying for the study right in our doctoral programme.

Discover your research topic and find a supervising professor

Research activities at the departments are arranged under research groups. If your research interest aligns with one of the research groups, it will be easier to find a doctoral study place.

Find research groups under our Department pages 

Research fields and supervising professors in the School of Engineering

In addition to the departments' and research groups' pages, you can use Aalto University's research portal for finding the professors who are researching the area in which you want to do your doctoral research. Before applying for doctoral studies you should be aware of the research done and researchers working in the field of your interest.

Aalto University's research portal for finding our researchers and research projects

More information on discovering your research topic and finding a professor

Get to know our research and people

District heating customers and companies could benefit from better services

District heat providers should do more to heed their customers' wishes, and both stand to gain.

Mashrura Musharraf: You don’t get to see a lot of women like me in academic leadership positions

'I think my shoes are quite unique, and so is my path. You don’t get to see a lot of women like me, a non-white female from Bangladesh, in academic leadership positions. Especially in a male-dominated field like marine technology.'

Graduate Sustainability Competencies and Influence in the Workplace – Aalto University's Latest Research

Aalto University's Meeri Karvinen successfully defends her doctoral dissertation, February 2024.

Raine Viitala: 'Spotify for electric motors' opens up platforms for device designers

A research team aims to make electricity and machines work better together

ERC funding to Assistant Professor Junhe Lian to explore new materials via advanced manufacturing

Assistant professor Junhe Lian's goal is to develop an efficient, digital, and ecologically sustainable method for developing new materials and advanced manufacturing technologies with the help of the ERC Starting Grant.

Basic information on doctoral studies

Objective of studies.

The goal of our doctoral education is not only to educate researchers and professors of the future, but also to equip them with professional skills so that they can become experts and game changers in the engineering industry and other sectors.

The aim of doctoral studies is that the student:

• To acquire a profound knowledge of their research field and its social significance;
• To obtain the necessary skills to independently apply the scientific methods of their field and produce new scientific knowledge;
• To obtain a thorough knowledge of the research methods and development of their research field;
• To possess a sufficient level of expertise in the philosophy of engineering and other areas related to their research field.

Content of studies and degree structure

Doctoral students are to complete their degree in four years of full-time study, during which they complete the required doctoral studies and write a doctoral thesis that will be examined in a public defence. For this timescale to be feasible, the workload of the degree should be proportionate to the objective duration of studies. This will be taken into account in the course of the supervision of the doctoral student.

The Doctor of Science (Technology) degree consists of

• an approved doctoral thesis 
• research field studies (20–35 ECTS)
• general research studies (5–20 ECTS)

Study language

The language of instruction is, in principle, English but the doctoral thesis can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish.

The applicants will define in their application in which language they will pursue the degree. The possible languages are Finnish, Swedish, or English. If doctoral students want to write their doctoral thesis in Finnish or in Swedish, the language of the degree will be Finnish or Swedish. If the doctoral thesis is written in English, doctoral students can choose English as the language of the degree that must be approved by the doctoral programme committee. The language of degree can, on reasonable grounds, be changed at a later stage if the language of the doctoral thesis changes.

Funding and fees

The most common ways to fund doctoral studies are

• working in a salaried doctoral researcher position
• personal grant(s) or scholarship(s) from foundations or funding agencies

Most Aalto doctoral students combine different funding sources during their studies. 

How to find and apply for funding for doctoral studies and research? Generally Aalto University does not offer scholarships for doctoral studies. However, there is an on-going scholarship scheme until 2024 for students from African and South American countries: Finland Fellowship .

During the academic year 2024-2025, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture is funding 178 new doctoral researcher positions at Aalto University through a doctoral education pilot.

Doctoral education pilot: 178 doctoral researchers' salaried positions

Fees and costs

Aalto University doctoral studies are free of tuition fees. Aalto University does not charge fees for enrollment to the University. Doctoral students are welcome to join the Aalto University Student Union. The membership of the Student Union is subject to an annual fee.

If you need a residence permit for research in Finland, please see more information about income requirement at the Finnish Immigration Services .

International possibilities

Internationality is an integral part of the school’s doctoral education in both recruiting and educating doctoral candidates. The School of Engineering is well connected to a number of top-level international universities and research institutes in the field.

Aalto University encourages its doctoral candidates to spend at least six months of their study time abroad because international mobility enhances doctoral candidates’ career prospects. Visiting a foreign university or research institute often means sharing knowledge and know-how, creating new ideas, expanding international networks, and developing one’s professional proficiency.

More information

Career opportunities and employability for Aalto doctoral students

Why choose Aalto University?

How to apply?

Application periods

There are two annual application periods for the programme: one in September and another in March.

The spring application period for doctoral studies starting in the spring term is 15 February 2024 until 7 March 2024 (15:00 PM GMT +2) (decisions are made in April). The autumn application period for doctoral studies starting in the autumn term is 22 August 2024 until 12 September 2024 (15:00 PM GMT +2) (decisions are made in October).

Additional application periods in 2024: 17 May 2024 until 7 June 2024 (23.59 PM GMT +2) and 15 November 2024 until 5 December 2024 (23.59 PM GMT +2)

Please note that from 1 August 2016 onwards the accepted applicants may accept only one study place leading to a higher education degree in Finland during one academic term (Universities Act 558/2009). Higher education degrees include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees awarded by universities as well as degrees from universities of applied sciences.

Applicants must submit the electronic application and all required attachments by the deadline. Only complete applications will be processed.

Eligibility

Eligibility of applicants to the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering

To be eligible for doctoral studies at the School of Engineering, students must hold:

• a master’s degree granted by a Finnish university or a Finnish university of applied sciences that provides them with the knowledge base required for the postgraduate research field applied for, or;
• a degree granted by a university or university of applied sciences abroad corresponding to the Finnish master’s degree, providing them with the knowledge base required for the postgraduate research field applied for.

In principle, an acceptable master’s degree is one carried out in accordance with the principles of the Bologna Process (3+2 years). A degree earned abroad in a country that does not follow the Bologna Process must include a minimum of four years of studies and a master’s thesis, and be deemed by the School of Engineering as providing the student with an adequate knowledge base for doctoral studies in the school.

Applying with a degree from a university of applied sciences

The potential of applicantsto succeed in doctoral studies is assessed by the School of Engineering on a case-by-case basis for applicants with a Finnish master’s degree from a university of applied sciences. Granting the right to study requires that the school to determine the applicant’s need for supplementary studies. If the school deems that such an applicant in an applicable technical field does have potential for completing the doctoral degree, the applicant will be assigned any necessary ssupplementary studies to allow him or her to start the doctoral studies. The extent of supplementary studies may not, however, exceed 60 ECTS. If the extent of supplementary studies exceeds this maximum, the applicant will be advised to first pursue the master's degree before applying for a right to pursue a doctoral degree. When assessing the applicants’ potential for doctoral studies, the school shall take into account that the extent of the master’s degree from a university of applied sciences in the field of technology is 60 ECTS, which corresponds to studies of one year’s duration, whereas the extent of a university master’s degree is 120 ECTS, which corresponds to studies of two years’ duration. The extent of master’s degrees from a university of applied sciences in fields other than technology is 60 ECTS or 90 ECTS.

International applicants with a previous technical degree corresponding to a Finnish degree from a university of applied sciences are subject to the same rules as those with the corresponding Finnish degree.

It is also possible to complete doctoral studies in a field or school other than the one in which the master’s degree was obtained. Those wishing to pursue doctoral studies in another field, on account of job experience gained in that field or interest in it, can discuss with a professor in that field the necessary prerequisites for admission as a doctoral student.

The professor (i.e. supervising professor) who is responsible for the research field to which the applicant is applying to is responsible for the academic evaluation of the applicant. The Doctoral Programme Committee will also evaluate the applicant.

Full-time and part-time studies

Full-time doctoral students plan their studies with the aim of completing a doctoral degree within four years of admission to the doctoral programme. Full-time doctoral students need to have funding allocated for the doctoral studies (e.g. project funding, a personal grant or funding from employer).  Students working outside of Aalto University who wish to be full-time doctoral students must provide a document of the employers' approval for full-time doctoral studies (working students must be able to dedicate up to 80 % of their working hours).

Part-time doctoral student

Part-time doctoral students are those who do not meet the above-mentioned requirements for full-time doctoral students. Their studies are planned in such a way that the time spent on doctoral studies is eight years or less. A part-time doctoral student typically has a main occupation outside the School of Engineering which occupation does not include scientific research for a doctoral thesis.

Applicants for part-time doctoral studies should discuss:

• whether the research is closely connected with the applicant’s own work;
• what opportunities the employer has for supporting intensive postgraduate studying e.g. alongside work.

Admission requirements

The following is required of the applicant:

• Adequate knowledge in the research field applied for, gained through, for example, courses in the major subject or courses in an advanced module within the master’s studies.
• Sufficient basic knowledge that supports the thesis work and the writing of the thesis.
• An excellent command of Finnish, Swedish or English.

When necessary, the School of Engineering will set prerequisites for admission to the doctoral programme. These may be gained by taking master's-level courses.

Grades (on the scale of 1 to 5)

• The master’s thesis has been completed with the minimum grade of 3/5.
• The master’s degree that is the basis of doctoral studies has been completed with an average grade of 3.0/5 or higher.
• Those with a master’s degree earned in accordance with the degree regulations of 1995 or at an earlier time must have earned the master’s degree that is the basis of doctoral studies with an average grade of 3.0/5 or higher.

The same criteria are applied to students with a foreign degree or degree from another Finnish university or university of applied sciences. Students who fail to meet these minimum grade criteria, but are otherwise suitable for doctoral studies, may improve their grades by taking additional courses, or the School of Engineering may set other prerequisites for doctoral studies.

Other admissions criteria (academic evaluation):

• prior academic success;
• content of prior university studies;
• potential for a researcher career, prior research experience: research-related work experience, conference presentations, journal articles etc.;
• suitability of the research topic: relevance of the topic for the research focus area of the department;
• research proposal: the original contribution of the research to the theory and practice of the field; the feasibility of the research proposal;
• time management and resources: the feasibility of the study plan and the time available for the doctoral studies within the next four years;
• the university’s resources for thesis supervision in the applicant’s field of research;
• other grounds presented by the applicant.

The professor (i.e. supervising professor) responsible for the research field the applicant is applying to is responsible for the academic evaluation of the applicant. The Doctoral Programme Committee will also evaluate the applicant.

Application materials

Please submit your application for doctoral studies by filling in the electronic application form. All the application materials must be submitted  in electronic format (pdf) . Also see the instructions for mailing the degree certificates and transcripts*.

The mailing address for degree certificates and transcripts of records is:

Reetta Mannola Aalto University School of Engineering P. O. Box 15200 00076 Aalto Finland

If you deliver your documents by using courier services, please use the following address:

Reetta Mannola or Ritva Viero                                         Aalto University                                           School of Engineering                                 Room 233                                               Tietotie 1E                                               02150 Espoo                                               Finland                                                         [email protected]  or   [email protected]  

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Therefore, start to prepare your application early enough.

The study credit plan, research plan and supervision plan need to be approved by the applicant and the supervising professor. By signing these documents, the professor responsible for the research field confirms his or her commitment to be the supervising professor of the applicant.

Students who have earned a master's degree at Aalto University (or the forerunners of Aalto University) are required to provide the following application materials:

• Application form in the Studyinfo.fi
• A curriculum vitae (CV) that includes a list of publications and other scientific activity
• Preliminary study credit plan  (PDF) (the supervising professor's signature is needed). Please see curriculum 2022-2024 . Please use the abbreviation D for doctoral level courses provided by Aalto University. Note, a compulsory course: Research Ethics for Doctoral Students D, LC-L1010
• Preliminary  research plan (PDF) and schedule for its completion. The plan must include the signature of the applicant and the supervising professor of the research field applied for. Full-time doctoral candidates should prepare their research and publishing plan for a midterm review (after 1½-2 years of doctoral studies). This means, for example, completing all courses (40 ECTS) and developing the research and publishing plan according to the plan.
• Funding plan; alternatively, it can be included in the research proposal. Indicate the start and ending of secured funding time and describe your funding sources (scholarships, projects etc.).
• Supervision plan ( Guidelines for supervising doctoral candidates ). The supervision plan must include the signatures of the applicant, the supervising professor, and the thesis advisor.
• Motivation letter in English, one page long
• Copy of the applicant's passport or ID-card
• Any other supporting documents e.g. letter(s) of recommendations

Applicants with a master's degree or education earned at an institution other than Aalto University (or the forerunners of Aalto University) shall also provide the following documents:

• master's degree certificate, including all the appendices and  the Diploma Supplement  in European countries
• Official transcripts of records of all the courses included in the master’s degree
• Official translations of these, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
• Please upload these as scanned copies to the electronic application form on Studyinfo.fi and mail them to the address above, too .
• Abstract of master's thesis in English
• A successful applicant must have an excellent command of Finnish, Swedish, or English.
• Please see Required language proficiency
• A document confirming eligibility for doctoral studies, if needed (please see eligibility for doctoral studies under the sections How to apply? - Eligibility ) with an official translation, if the original document is not in Finnish, Swedish or English

Please also see the  country-specific requirements if the degree is awarded in: 

Australia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Canada, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, the United Kingdom or the United States.

*Degrees awarded by a higher education institution outside Finland:

You are asked to present your original degree certificate (including all the appendices and  the Diploma Supplement  in European countries) and official transcript of records,  or certified copies of all these*  before a right to study can be granted. You are asked also to present official translations* of these, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish or English.

*Degrees awarded by a higher education institution in Finland:

If you have completed a degree in Finland  after 1 January 2003  and you have a  Finnish personal identification code , Aalto University will verify your degree electronically using a national database.

If your degree was completed  before 1 January 2003 , or you do not have a Finnish personal identification code, you are asked to present your original degree certificate  (including all the appendices and  the Diploma Supplement  in European countries)  and official transcript of records  or certified copies of all these*  before a right to study can be granted.

  *Certified copies and translations

Copies of degree certificates and a transcript of records must be  certified by the awarding university  or  by a notary public . The copies must be taken from the original, official documents. A multiple-page certified copy must be certified on the front side of every page. Each page must have the  certifying official’s original signature, printed name, ink stamp and date . Copies of officially certified copies are not accepted, thecertifying official’s ink stamps and signatures must be original. A note declaring official copy status (such as a “True copy” stamp) is insufficient.

The translation is official if it has been done by the  higher education institution that awarded the degree  or by a  certified translator (authorised translator) . The translations must have the certified translator’s original ink stamp and signature.

The official translations must be either original or certified paper copies of the original documents. Unofficial copies of the translations are insufficient. The official translations must be accompanied by certified paper copies of the original documents in the original language. Translations by themselves are insufficient.

Supervising professors for the research fields of the doctoral programme are listed here .

Required language proficiency

All international students applying for doctoral studies must demonstrate their proficiency in English. Applicants are required to attach an official language test report to their application.

The recognized English language tests and their minimum scores required for admission to doctoral studies are (Aalto University Admissions Criteria 2024):

• Academic: 6.5 and for writing 5.5
• Indicator (Academic): 6.5 and for writing 5.5
• IBT (Internet-based Test): 92 and for the writing section 22 or
• iBT® Special Home Edition: 92 and for the writing section 22
• PDT (Paper-delivered Test): reading 22, listening 22 ja writing 24
• C1 Advanced (prev. Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)): A,B or C
• C2 Proficiency (prev. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)): A,B,C or Level C1
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A): 62 and for writing 54

The minimum requirements are very strict. If your score does not fulfill the minimum requirements, you are not eligible to apply and your application cannot be processed. Only the above-mentioned language tests are accepted.

IELTS, TOEFL and PTE results are valid for two years starting from the test date. The CAE and CPE results do not have an expiration date .

Submitting language test scores

Only official reports of the language test are acceptable as proof of proficiency.

• For IELTS test, upload a copy of the official test report (as a PDF) to the application system. The test results are verified through the test administrator’s electronic verification service.
• TOEFL test results must be sent to Aalto University by the test administrator directly. Request your official score report to be sent from the test administrator to Aalto University reporting code  7364 . Unofficial score reports sent by applicants will not be accepted. Test scores submitted with the Aalto University reporting code are checked for authenticity in the test administrator’s verification database. The scores are available within 1 to 2 weeks of sending the score report request.
• PTE test scores are sent via the test administrator’s electronic service. Applicants who took the PTE test must log in to their PTE account and send their results in the system to Aalto University. The test administrator notifies by email when the results have been sent to the university.
• For the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency language test, upload a PDF copy of the results report to the application system. The test-taker’s ID number (e.g. ABC1234567) and reference number (e.g. 173YU0034522) must be entered in the system. Test takers must be logged in to the language test system to submit their results to Aalto University. The results are verified electronically.

An English language test is not required in doctoral admissions of applicants who  (Aalto University Admissions Criteria 2024):

Applicants who have completed a higher education degree and the requisite studies

• at a university or a university of applied sciences in Finland in Finnish, Swedish or English;
• at a university or a university of applied sciences in an EU/EEA country in English. The language of the degree must be stated in the degree certificate or its appendix, the transcript of records or other official document, such as diploma supplement, issued by the higher education institution in question.
• in an English-language programme requiring a physical on-site presence at a university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Switzerland, South Africa or the United States.
• received his or her primary and secondary education in English in an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States.
• earned a degree Aalto Executive Education MBA, EMBA or DBA.
• has completed the CEMS Master in International Management entity.
• Applicants to doctoral studies who have academic duties in the field of science and technology at Aalto University (statement needed from the professor of the research field on the adequacy of the student’s language proficiency).

In points 1–3 of the above list, a minimum of one half of the aforementioned degree must be completed in a country and higher education institution that meets the requirements for exempting the student from taking an English test. The language of the degree must be stated unambiguously in the degree certificate or its appendix, or in the transcript of records or other official document issued by the awarding institution. If the degree was completed in more than one language, the appendix must indicate the amount of studies that were completed in English.

In points 1-2 of the above list, university degree showing language proficiency must be at least three years´ lower university degree, at least one year´s higher university degree or doctorate. The university must be recognised part of the country´s official national education system. The university must be found on the country´s official list of recognised universities with a right to degree-granting or on a list of recognised universities maintained by an international organisation (e.g., UNESCO).

The university must be recognised in the country of point 1 or 2.

Only the above-mentioned groups are exempted from the language test requirement. For all other applicants, the official language test result is a compulsory application document and applications without the test result will not be processed. There are no exceptions to the above-mentioned requirements.

Application procedure

Guidelines for filling in the application form

• After reading the instructions and getting all the documents ready, register on the online Studyinfo.fi application system. Fill in the application, attach all the required documents and send it.
• Definition of a full-time and a part-time doctoral candidate. Please indicate accordingly. Full-time doctoral students must be able to dedicate up to 80 % of their working hours. Those working outside Aalto University and applying for full-time doctoral studies must provide a document of the employees' approval for full-time doctoral studies.
• The language of the degree : choose either Finnish, Swedish or English
• Last name and all first names: the spelling of names must match your valid passport.
• Contact information: all information regarding the application and the decision process will be sent to the email address you provide.
• If you haven't completed your master's degree by the application deadline, check the graduation schedule with your home university and the date for acquiring your official degree certificate.
• Conditions for providing student information: The conditions will take effect if and when you receive a right to study. You will be able to change the conditions in the Sisu ( [email protected] ) system later.
• Remember to save and submit your application.

Before submitting the application, each applicant must contact a professor in charge of doctoral studies in their intended research field and the supervision of the studies. Applicants are urged to ensure that their own expertise and research interests are commensurate with those of the research group that they are applying to to  (and with those of the supervising professor of their studies).

In order to prepare for the discussion with the professor, it is beneficial to prepare a CV (along with a possible list of publications) and a preliminary research plan. At this point the applicant’s eligibility and prerequisites for doctoral studies will be checked by the professor. Possible prerequisites for admission will also be discussed.

In addition to the research plan, the student will discuss the study plan, a funding plan and a supervision plan with the professor. See more about these documents below. By signing the application, you and your supervising professor commit to study and work according to the mutual plan. See  here for more information about the rights and responsibilities of the student and the supervising professor.

If you have any questions about the admissions, please contact the Learning Services of the Doctoral Programme in Engineering

Get to know us – The Departments of the School of Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a leading multidisciplinary research establishment with strong industrial ties and impact on industry and society alike.

Department of Civil Engineering

The Department of Civil Engineering aims to build the structures of tomorrow through research, education and collaboration.

Department of Built Environment

Water resources, spatial data, sustainable asset management and safe transportation.

• Published: 14.1.2020
• Updated: 3.4.2024

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PhD in Finland 2024: Scope, Universities & Scholarships

• German Universities

Updated on 02 April, 2024

Sr. Content editor

Universities in Finland are renowned not just for their world-class education but also for their generous educational policies that make the education affordable for students regardless of their nationality. Did you know you can pursue your PhD in Finland for free? Not only this, the students also get stipends to cover their living costs. Known for its prowess in research and development (R&D) globally, the country offers PhD programs in various domains that allow you to work with the leading academics in your field and engage in groundbreaking research. 

In this article, we have formulated an ultimate guide to pursuing a PhD in Finland, including the scope of PhD, specializations offered, admission requirements, top universities, career prospects, and much more.

Table of Contents

Scope of phd in finland, engineering, computer science, social sciences, natural sciences, top 5 universities in finland for phd, documents for phd in finland application, cimo fellowships, university of helsinki doctoral program scholarships, edufi fellowships, aalto university school of business doctoral scholarships, career prospects after completing phd in finland, frequently asked questions.

• Finland offers a unique and enriching experience for students pursuing higher education, particularly a doctorate degree. The Finnish education system is known for its high-quality education, top universities in Finland for PhD, innovative teaching methods, and research-oriented approach. Doctoral studies in Finland are structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their field of study, including theoretical and practical knowledge.
• Students are encouraged to take ownership of their research projects, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the academic community. Doctoral studies in Finland usually take four years to complete, and students during the program are expected to deliver a doctoral thesis based on their research.
• Studying for a PhD degree gives access to the   finest research facilities and equipment. Finnish universities in   Finland for PhD are well-funded and equipped with modern technology, providing students with the resources to conduct their research effectively. The multicultural environment and welcoming community also make it an ideal place for international students.
• Another interesting aspect of pursuing the PhD from Finland is that there is   no tuition cost   involved. 

Specializations Offered in PhD in Finland

There is a wide range of specializations in various fields of study PhD in Finland. Some of the popular disciplines include:

Pursuing a PhD in Engineering in Finland will allow you to work with some of the leading engineers in the world. Universities in Finland for PhD offer specializations in fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

A PhD in Business in Finland will provide you with the opportunity to work with leading academics in the field. Finnish universities offer specializations in fields such as Marketing, Management, and Finance.

Finland is home to the leading computer science programs in the world. Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science in Finland allows you to work with experts in the field and contribute to groundbreaking research.

Universities in Finland for PhD   offer specializations in fields such as Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Studies. Pursuing a PhD in Education in Finland offers you the prospect of working with top academics in the field and contributing to the education system's development.

Finland has the top Social Science programs in the world. Getting a PhD in Social Sciences in Finland allows you to collaborate with specialists in the field and conduct unexplored research.

PhD programs in Finland in Natural Sciences focus on chemistry, physics, and mathematics research. Students in these programs undertake independent research, attend seminars and workshops, and publish their research in academic journals.

Finland has several top-ranked universities offering PhD programs. Here are the top 5 universities in Finland for PhD based on the QS World University Rankings , their specializations, and the average tuition fees for a PhD.

Source: *topuniversities.com, **university official website

PhD in Finland for International Students: Admission Requirements for 2023 

The admission requirements for a PhD in Finland vary depending on the university and the field of study.

General Requirements for PhD in Finland:

• A master's degree or equivalent in a related field of study
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees
• A statement of purpose outlining your academic goals and research interests
• Application form (hardcopy or softcopy as per the requirement of the university/ college)
• Transcripts of records
• Upper secondary-level educational documents
• Degree certificates/ officially certified copies awarded by the main university
• Score reports of IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
• Score reports of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Other documents such as portfolio/ sample work, etc.
• Proof of finances
• Medical tests

The application process for PhD programs in Finland involves the following steps:

• Find the universities and PhD programs in Finland   you are interested in.
• Check the admission requirements and application deadlines for each program.
• Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
• Submit your application materials online or by mail.
• Wait for the university to inform you of their decision.

The application deadline varies depending on the university and the field of study PhD in Finland.

Scholarships for PhD in Finland

There are various scholarships available for PhD in Finland for Indian students   and international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. Scholarships offer financial assistance to students and can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. Here are the top scholarships for PhD in Finland:

The CIMO Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue a doctoral degree in Finland. The scholarship covers the living expenses and provides a monthly allowance of €900 to €1200.

 To be eligible for the CIMO Fellowships, students must submit a complete CV, a motivation letter, and a short research plan (between 2 and 5 pages). They will also have to send out two printed and signed copies of the application form with the required attachments.

The University of Helsinki offers several doctoral program scholarships to both domestic and PhD in Finland for Indian students and international students. As part of the national Finland Scholarship program, the University of Helsinki awards Finland Scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fee and also includes a €5000 relocation grant. Students must have an acceptance letter from the University of Helsinki to apply.

The EDUFI Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue doctoral studies or research in Finland. The scholarship covers living expenses, travel costs, and insurance and provides a monthly allowance of €19,00 per month. To be eligible for the EDUFI Fellowships, students must have a Master’s degree, be proficient in English, and have a research proposal that aligns with the research interests of a Finnish university.

The Aalto University School of Business offers several doctoral scholarships to highly qualified international students. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver. PhD in Finland for Indian students must have a research proposal and an acceptance letter from the Aalto University School of Business to apply.

Completing a PhD in Finland can open up various career opportunities, both in academia and industry. Here are the top career prospects for PhD graduates in Finland:

Source: Payscale

Conclusion 

Pursuing a PhD in Finland can be a rewarding experience academically and professionally. The country’s high-quality education system, supportive academic environment, and ample research opportunities make it an ideal destination for international students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. If you are considering a PhD in Finland, explore the universities in Finland for PhD requirements, scholarships, and funding opportunities available. With the right preparation and research, you can unlatch the doors to a successful academic and professional future in the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes.’

Can Indian students apply for PhD programs in Finland?

Yes, Indian students can apply for PhD programs in Finland. However, they must meet the same academic and language proficiency requirements as other international students.

Which universities in Finland offer PhD programs?

Many universities in Finland offer PhD programs across various fields, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, and Tampere University, among others.

Is it difficult to secure funding for a PhD in Finland?

While funding opportunities for PhD students in Finland can be competitive, many scholarships and grants are available to help support international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. It is important to research and apply for funding opportunities early to increase your chances.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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