UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme in Helsinki, Finland

Applications are invited for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme. This prestigious opportunity allows registered doctoral students from around the world to utilize the resources, data, and facilities at the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in Helsinki, Finland.

Summary

The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship provides registered PhD candidates an opportunity to spend three consecutive months in Helsinki to conduct research on developing economies, collaborate with international experts, present their research findings, and potentially publish in the WIDER Working Paper Series.

Overview Table

Designation

Selected candidates will hold the position of Visiting PhD Fellow at UNU-WIDER for a period of three consecutive months.

Research Area

The fellowship focuses primarily on Economics and Development Economics. Candidates working on PhD dissertations or thesis research related to:

• Developing economies
• Inequality and poverty reduction
• Peace, conflict, and security
• Fiscal space and macroeconomic policy
• Cross-cutting themes such as climate change and gender
• Applied quantitative and qualitative economic analysis

Location

UNU-WIDER, Katajanokanlaituri 6 B, FI-00160 Helsinki, Finland.

Scholarship Description & Financial Support

The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support during the three-month stay in Helsinki:

• Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance of EUR 2,100 to cover living and accommodation costs in Helsinki.
• Travel Grant: Reimbursement to cover round-trip travel costs to and from your home institution or country of residence.
• Medical Insurance: Basic medical and hospital insurance coverage for sickness and accident-related services during the fellowship duration.
• Academic Resources: Access to UNU-WIDER datasets, library resources, mentorship from resident researchers, and opportunities to publish in the WIDER Working Paper Series.

Note: The programme does not cover travel or living expenses for dependents.

Eligibility & Qualification

To be considered for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

• Must be actively enrolled in a recognized PhD programme at the time of application.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to conduct high-level research on developing economies.
• Candidates from social sciences other than economics may apply, provided their research is closely aligned with UNU-WIDER’s economics focus.
• Fluency in oral and written English.
• Strong quantitative or qualitative analytical skills.
• Preference is given to applicants at later stages of their PhD dissertation.
• Applications from qualified female researchers and scholars from developing nations are particularly encouraged.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official UNU-WIDER online application system. Follow these steps:

• Online application forms become accessible on 1 March and 1 September each year.
• Prepare your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and research proposal.
• Have your PhD supervisor send a confidential reference letter and confirmation of PhD enrollment directly to phdreference@wider.unu.edu.
• Complete and submit the application form before the closing deadline.

Last Date for Apply

The application cycles are open twice a year with the following deadlines:

• Autumn Round: 30 September at 23:59 UTC+3 (for visits between March–June of the following year).
• Spring Round: 31 March at 23:59 UTC+3 (for visits between September–November of the same year).

Apply Link

For more information and to submit your online application, please visit the official fellowship portal:

Apply Here: Official UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Portal