The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship 2027 in Finland is a fully funded research opportunity for registered PhD students who want to advance dissertation work in development economics and related social sciences. The fellowship runs for three consecutive months and gives participants access to UNU-WIDER resources, facilities, expert guidance, seminars, and research collaboration in Helsinki.
Key facts
- The fellowship is open to registered PhD students.
- The research stay lasts three consecutive months.
- Funding covers travel, living expenses, and medical insurance.
- Fellows work on dissertation or thesis research and engage with UNU-WIDER researchers.
- Participants may also have the opportunity to publish in the WIDER Working Paper Series.
What does this mean for doctoral students?
For doctoral students, the main value is a funded research placement in Finland that removes major cost barriers. The fellowship supports travel, living expenses, and medical insurance, which allows selected students to focus on their research rather than financing the stay themselves.
The program is especially relevant for students working in development economics and adjacent social sciences. During the three-month placement, fellows prepare research papers, present seminars on their findings, and can build connections with researchers at UNU-WIDER. The fellowship also offers access to institutional resources and datasets that can strengthen dissertation work and related academic outputs.
- Who can apply: registered PhD students.
- What it supports: dissertation or thesis research, seminars, and research paper preparation.
- What is covered: travel, living expenses, and medical insurance.
- Where it takes place: Finland, at UNU-WIDER.
What kind of research does the fellowship support?
The fellowship supports doctoral research in development economics and related social sciences. Fellows are expected to work on their dissertation or thesis, interact with researchers at UNU-WIDER on topics of mutual interest, and take part in academic exchange during the stay.
The program is designed to combine independent research with institutional engagement. That means selected students can use UNU-WIDER’s facilities while also benefiting from seminars, research discussions, and access to rich datasets.
What can fellows gain from the program?
Beyond funding, the fellowship gives doctoral students a structured research environment and the chance to sharpen analytical and methodological skills. The experience is intended to help fellows make progress on their dissertation while also developing material that may be suitable for wider academic publication.
According to the fellowship description, participants may have the opportunity to publish in the WIDER Working Paper Series. The program also emphasizes collaboration and networking with scholars from around the world.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts three consecutive months. During that period, fellows work on their dissertation or thesis, participate in seminars, and engage with researchers at UNU-WIDER.
What does the fellowship cover?
The fellowship covers travel, living expenses, and medical insurance. That makes the program fully funded for the selected doctoral students.
