Are you a Finnish university department looking to host an outstanding international doctoral student? Or are you an aspiring researcher from outside Finland interested in conducting part of your PhD research in a globally recognized academic environment? The EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to support doctoral research in Finland.
Administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), this fellowship is designed to enhance international collaboration and help Finnish universities bring exceptional research talent to their campuses. The program provides financial support for early-stage doctoral researchers and encourages long-term academic partnerships between Finnish and international institutions.
Overview of the EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026:
The EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026 is a targeted funding scheme aimed at helping Finnish universities recruit doctoral students from outside Finland. The primary goal is to support the initial stages of a doctoral research project, promote internationalization, and build strong academic networks between Finland and the rest of the world.
The fellowship is available to all fields of study and open to all nationalities. However, the application must be submitted by a Finnish university department, not the student themselves. Here’s a summary of the fellowship:
● Host Institution: Finnish university department.
● Eligible Candidates: Non-Finnish post-graduate (post-Master’s) students.
● Purpose: Support for starting a doctoral research project.
● Fellowship Duration: 3 to 12 months.
● Monthly Grant Amount: €1,900.
● Application Deadline: Rolling (apply at least 5 months before).
The grant is paid directly to the fellow by the host university and is meant to cover living expenses during the research period in Finland.
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Benefits of the Fellowship Program:
The monthly grant of €1,900 is intended to cover living costs in Finland. However, the fellowship does not cover:
● Travel expenses.
● Accommodation costs.
● Visa or residence permit fees.
● Health or travel insurance.
Conference and Research Trips
Fellows are allowed to travel abroad for conferences. If the fellowship is longer than six months, short research trips (under one month in total) are permitted. Any additional time required for research abroad must be clearly accounted for, and the fellowship grant can only be paid for time spent physically working in Finland.
Eligibility Requirements Finnish Host University:
The fellowship application must be submitted by a researcher or teacher at a Finnish university department who:
● Will supervise and host the candidate.
● Provides the necessary research facilities and equipment.
● Commits to shared academic goals with the candidate.
Eligibility Criteria for the Fellowship Candidate:
The invited candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria:
● Be a non-Finnish citizen (all nationalities welcome).
● Be enrolled in or applying for a doctoral (PhD) program.
● Have spent no more than one year in Finland at the time of application.
● Be applying to begin a new research project, not post-doctoral work.
● Be working on a double degree, starting doctoral research in Finland, or conducting a short study visit for compelling reasons.
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Fellowship Types and Duration:
The EDUFI Fellowship supports the following types of research activities:
1. Full Doctoral Program in Finland
For international students starting their entire doctoral journey at a Finnish university.
2. Double Degree Completion
For candidates enrolled in a joint doctoral program between their home institution and a Finnish university.
3. Short Study Visits (3–6 months)
For doctoral researchers at foreign universities with compelling academic reasons for a research visit to Finland.
The total fellowship period may range from 3 to 12 months. The duration cannot be extended after the grant is awarded, but additional applications can be submitted (up to the 12-month maximum), provided an interim report is included.
Required Application Documents include:
● Completed application form.
● Motivation letter.
● Research plan.
● Candidate’s CV.
● Proof of academic achievements.
Selection and Evaluation Criteria
The EDUFI Fellowship is highly competitive, and all eligible applications undergo a rigorous evaluation process based on the following criteria:
1. Eligibility Check
● Applicant is a Finnish university department.
● Previous EDUFI grants have been properly reported.
● Application and annexes follow the provided instructions.
● The grant purpose aligns with the fellowship objectives.
2. Evaluation Criteria
● Justification in the Motivation Letter: Why is the candidate being invited? How does it benefit the university and broader research landscape?
● Candidate’s Academic Profile: Prior academic performance, research experience, and output.
● Quality of the Research Plan: Clarity, feasibility, research goals, and a risk analysis with mitigation strategies.
● Impact on Finnish Research or Society: Potential contribution to the host university’s goals, academic excellence, and societal relevance.
Applications are also assessed in light of the overall balance of funding across Finnish universities, and EDUFI may limit the number of grants per institution.
Why Apply for the EDUFI Fellowship?
The EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for international doctoral candidates to conduct research in Finland one of the world’s leaders in higher education and innovation. It promotes global academic exchange and allows Finnish universities to build strong research partnerships with institutions and researchers from around the world.
With funding of up to €22,800 for 12 months, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and mentorship by Finnish academic leaders, the fellowship is a valuable stepping stone for any aspiring academic.
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How to Apply for the EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026 in Finland?
● A Finnish university department must agree to host and supervise the research fellow.
● Complete the official application form and attach all required materials.
● The university department submits the application to EDUFI through the appropriate channels.
● EDUFI will evaluate the application and notify the host University of the result.
● Only Finnish university departments can apply. Students cannot apply directly.
● The application must be submitted at least five months before the planned start of the research.
● Applicants must follow the EDUFI application form instructions.
Conclusion:
The EDUFI Fellowship stands out as one of the most inclusive and impactful fellowship opportunities in Europe for international doctoral students. Whether you're a Finnish academic looking to host emerging talent or an international researcher aiming to collaborate with world-class institutions, the EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026 offers a clear path toward success in global research. So to apply and know more visit EDUFI Fellowship 2025-2026 official link here.