study in sweden phd

PhD programmes

When you apply for a phd programme in sweden, you’re actually applying for a job. yeah, you read that right. 👀.

“Do a master’s here – I’d say it’s a very good step to doing a PhD in Sweden. I did my master’s at Malmö University and now I’m doing a PhD at Lund University” – Sanjay, Malmö University. Photo: Oskar Omne

So that means – no tuition fees, no scholarships. But you’ll receive a monthly salary instead. Nice, eh? And that’s why available PhD positions are listed on a university’s job board.

How to apply for a PhD position? You’ll apply directly to the university.

Just so you know, there’s no centralised application process. And things like requirements and application dates? This kind of stuff is decided by each department. But we do know that you’ll need to have a master’s degree – in the same field of study – and a great level of English to apply for a PhD here. You might even need to be fluent in Swedish. But that’ll depend on the subject.

+ - Find a PhD at a Swedish university

• PhD at Blekinge Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Chalmers University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Dalarna University ↗️
• PhD at Halmstad University ↗️
• PhD at Jönköping University ↗️
• PhD at KTH Royal Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Karlstad University ↗️
• PhD at Karolinska Institutet ↗️
• PhD at Konstfack ↗️
• PhD at Linköping University ↗️
• PhD at Linnaeus University ↗️
• PhD at Luleå University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Lund University ↗️
• PhD at Malmö University ↗️
• PhD at Marie Cederschiöld University ↗️
• PhD at Mälardalen University ↗️
• PhD at SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm School of Economics ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University of the Arts ↗️
• PhD at the Swedish Defence University ↗️
• PhD at Södertörn University ↗️
• PhD at Umeå University ↗️
• PhD at University College Stockholm ↗️
• PhD at University West ↗️
• PhD at University of Borås ↗️
• PhD at University of Gothenburg ↗️
• PhD at University of Gävle ↗️
• PhD at University of Skövde ↗️
• PhD at Uppsala University ↗️
• PhD at Örebro University ↗️

+ - Find other academic positions in Sweden

• University Positions ↗️
• Academic Positions ↗️
• EURAXESS academic positions in Europe ↗️

+ - Useful info about research

• CORDIS ↗️ – EU Research and Information Service
• EURAXESS information ↗️ – Portal for information and practical assistance for researchers moving to Sweden
• Formas ↗️ – The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
• Swedish Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare ↗️
• Swedish Research Council ↗️
• Vinnova — Sweden’s Innovation Agency ↗️ – An organisation that integrates research and development in technology, transport and working life
• Handbook for International Researchers ↗️ – Stockholm University’s handbook for international researchers

• 👩🏽‍🎓 Beyond the master's: a PhD?
• Find a research position at a Swedish university ↗️

PhD studies at Stockholm University

Stockholm University stands as an attractive destination for those considering PhD studies. With a strong commitment to research excellence and a growing network of international collaborations, the university offers a favourable environment for advanced research and academic growth.

Stockholm University has a long tradition of research excellence spanning various fields of study, both in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Many faculty members are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, producing influential research that addresses pressing global challenges and contributing to the shaping of industries, policies and societies.

Doctoral students are employees

Moreover, Stockholm University recognizes international collaborations as an essential part of scientific research, thus actively fosters partnerships with esteemed institutions and scholars from around the world. This global perspective enriches the academic experience for PhD candidates, providing valuable insights and opportunities for cross-cultural engagement.

• Stockholm University is one of the 100 highest-ranked universities in the world and one of the top 50 universities in Europe
• We offer a wide range of research subjects within science and human science
• There are no tuition fees for doctoral education in Sweden
• Doctoral students are employees at SU and  receive salary and other standard benefits of employment.

Available PhD positions

As the academia constitutes the cradle of knowledge, I am proud of being part of this community which actively contributes in the generation of innovative ideas which target to solve everyday problems. I also enjoy the close connection to the industry in Sweden.

- Varvara Apostolopoulou Kalkavoura

Read the full interview with Varvara

Doctoral studies in Sweden

Our doctoral studies take four years and result in a degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the highest academic degree in Sweden. During this period you will both take advanced courses in your field of interest and work in a original research project.  However, after two years, you might have the possibility to take an intermediate degree of licentiate.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to PhD studies, you need to meet the general entry requirements, the specific entry requirements, and have the ability to successfully complete your studies.

General entry requirements include a completed master’s degree from a Swedish university or at least 240 higher education credits including at least 60 at the master’s level, or the corresponding international equivalents.

Institutions may have specific eligibility requirements. Verify the requirements for your area of interest with the relevant institution.

How to apply

One thing that differentiates PhD programmes at Stockholm University and Sweden from those elsewhere is that most of our PhD students are treated like full employees of the university. PhD positions are posted alongside other jobs on our website and applications are made for specific positions. PhD positions can be announced once or twice per year, depending on funding availability.

Before sending your application, you can check the department’s website for further information about the faculty and the possibilities connected with the PhD position. You can also find specific information about the application process in the announce for the position, along with the contact person if you have further questions.

There is usually an opportunity to apply for doctoral studies both in the autumn and spring. On the institutions' websites about doctoral studies, you can find the specific dates applicable to that institution. You can also see the current doctoral positions advertised. 

Find available PhD vacancies at Stockholm University

Funding and financing doctoral studies

In most cases, doctoral students are treated as employees at Stockholm University, which means they receive a salary and other standard benefits of employment.  There is even the possibility for you to extend your period of studies by working with teaching or administrative tasks within your department, up to 20% of a full-time position, which can result in a full extra year of employment as PhD student.

However, it is possible to pursue doctoral studies at Stockholm University also in case you have an external scholarship or special agreement with a company or other external employers. In these special cases, you will be subject to your employer-specific conditions only, and be considered solely a student at Stockholm University.

Residence permits (if applicable)

If you are an international student from a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland and you plan to pursue a PhD in Sweden, you will need a residence permit to study in the country. The residence permit is required for stays longer than three months.

You will find more information on the Swedish Migration Agency's website:

Residence permit for doctoral studies

Faculty information

Faculty of science.

Research at the Faculty of Science covers broad knowledge areas, ranging from the elementary particles of atomic nuclei to the outermost limits of the universe, for example. Several of the faculty's institutions have been behind discoveries and scientific breakthroughs that receive recognition worldwide.

The Stockholm University BioResearch School organizes PhD courses for students at any of the Biology departments at SU no matter their subject area.

Stockholm University BioResearch School

Faculty of Humanities

Research in the humanities maintains high quality, with a wide range of subjects, allowing university researchers to engage in collaborative efforts across scientific domains. Philosophy, history, art and literary studies, journalism, linguistics, and Swedish as a second language for the deaf are examples of subjects in which research is conducted.

Those admitted to doctoral education have the opportunity to participate in the Faculty of Humanities Research School.

Faculty of Humanities Research School

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law achieves nationally leading and internationally outstanding research. The researcher's freedom characterizes the scientific work. Legal discussions are expected to be lively, open, and ongoing.

Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences conducts qualified and high-quality research within its various established disciplines and interdisciplinary research fields. Strong connections to current challenges for society and politics generate central research questions.

The Faculty of Social Sciences offers doctoral education courses for those admitted to an institution belonging to the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Research subjects at Stockholm University

Research infrastructures at Stockholm University

The departments provide education at the PhD level

The individual departments often publish specific information doctoral studies programmes at their respective website.  All institutions offering education at the PhD level are categorized into the following fields: humanities, languages, social sciences, and law, as well as natural sciences.

Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies

• General Archaeology
• Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
• Archaeological Science
• Osteoarchaeology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies

Department of Culture and Aesthetics

• History of Ideas
• Art History
• Literary Studies
• Theatre and Performance studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Culture and Aesthetics

Department of Media Studies

• Journalism Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Fashion Studies
• Cinema Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department Media Studies

Department of History

Doctoral studies at the Department of History

Department of Philosophy

• Practical Philosophy
• Theoretical Philosophy

Doctoral studies at the Department of Philosophy

Department of Ethnology, History of Religions and Gender Studies

• History of Religions
• Gender Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Ethnology, History of Religions and Gender Studies

Department of Teaching and Learning

• Mathematics Education
• Science Education
• Language Education
• Teaching and learning with Specialisation in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Science Education

Doctoral studies at the Department of Teaching and Learning

Department of English

• English Linguistics
• English-language Literature

Doctoral studies at the Department of English

Department of Linguistics

• Linguistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Linguistics

Department of Romance and Classical Languages

• Romance Languages

Doctoral studies at the Department of Romance and Classical Languages

Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German

• Baltic Languages
• Slavic Languages

Doctoral studies at the Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German

Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism

• Scandinavian Languages
• Bilingualism
• Translation Studies

Doctoral studies at the Department of Swedish Language and Multilingualism

Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

• Asian languages and cultures
• Middle Eastern languages and cultures

Doctoral studies at the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Social sciences and law

Department of child and youth studies.

• Child and Youth Studies
• Preschool Didactics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Child and Youth Studies

Department of Computer and Systems Sciences

• Computer and Systems Sciences
• Information Society

Doctoral studies at the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences

Department of Criminology

• Criminology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Criminology

Department of Economic History and International Relations

• Economic History
• International Relations

Doctoral studies at the Department of Economic History and International Relations

Department of Economics

Doctoral studies is provided in collaboration with:

Institute for International Economic Studies (IIES)

Swedish institute for social research (sofi).

Programs at the doctoral level at the Department of Economics

Department of Education 

Doctoral studies at the Department of Education

Department of Human Geography

• Geography with a Cultural Geography focus

Doctoral studies at the Department of Human Geography

Department of Political Science

• Political Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Political Science

Department of Psychology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Psychology

Department of Public Health Sciences

• Public Health Sciences

Doctoral studies at the Department of Public Health Science

Department of Social Anthropology

• Social Anthropology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Social Anthropology

Department of Sociology

• Sociological Demography

Studies at the doctoral level at the Department of Sociology

Department of Social Work

• Social Work

Doctoral studies at the Department of Social Work

Department of Special Education

• Special Education

Doctoral studies at the Department of Special Education

Department of Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Statistics

• Didactics of Mathematics
• Didactics of Natural Sciences
• Language Didactics
• Subject Didactics with a focus on the didactics of aesthetic, humanistic, or social science subjects

Doctoral studies at the Department of Teaching and Learnin

• International Economics
• Research and higher education in economics

Doctoral studies in Economics

Stockholm Business School

• Business Administration
• Financial Economics

Doctoral studies at Stockholm Business School

• Doctoral candidates at SOFI are enrolled in either the Department of Sociology or the Department of Economics.

Doctoral studies at the Swedish Institute for Social Research

Department of Law

• Jurisprudence

Doctoral studies at the Department of Law  

Natural Sciences

Department of ecology, environment and plant sciences.

• Ecology and Evolution
• Ecotoxicology
• Marine Biology
• Plant Physiology
• Plant Systematics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences  

Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute

• Molecular Biosciences

Doctoral studies at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute

Department of Zoology

• Functional Zoomorphology
• Population Genetics
• Zoological Ecology
• Zoological Systematics and Evolution

Doctoral studies at the Department of Zoology

Stockholm Resilience Centre

• Sustainability Science

Doctoral studies at Stockholm Resilience Centre

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Department of geological sciences.

• Geochemistry
• Marine Geology

Doctoral studies at the Department of Geological Sciences  

Department of Environmental Science

• Environmental Science

Doctoral studies at the Department of Environmental Science

Department of Physical Geography

• Physical Geography

Doctoral studies at the Department of Physical Geography

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Biophysics

• Biochemistry
• Biochemistry towards bioinformatics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics  

Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry

• Analytical Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Neurochemistry with Molecular biology
• Inorganic Chemistry

Doctoral studies at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry  

Department of Organic Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

Doctoral studies at the Department of Organic Chemistry

Math/Physics

Department of physics.

• Chemical Physics
• Medical Radiation Physics
• Theoretical Physics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Physics  

Department of Astronomy

Doctoral studies at the Department of Astronomy  

Department of Mathematics

• Computational Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Statistics

Doctoral studies at the Department of Mathematics

Department of Meteorology

• Atmospheric Science and Oceanography

Doctoral studies at the Department of Meteorology

For a general study plan in any natural science subject, please contact  [email protected].

The graduation ceremony

Every year, over 200 PhD students defend their thesis at Stockholm Universit, and get a chance to celebrate their achievement at the Stockholm City Hall.

Opportunities abroad for PhD students

There are several ways to participate in international mobility experiences during your PhD studies.

Find possible exchange opportunities for PhD students here

Available PhD Student Positions

On the employee web portal PhD students will find more detailed information about the dissertation defence process .

Last updated: October 14, 2024

Source: Offices of Human Science and Science, Communications Office and Student Services

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Doctoral studies at KTH

Complete a doctoral degree (PhD) in a dynamic, international research environment with world-class facilities and close collaboration with industry and prominent universities worldwide.

• Being a doctoral student
• Doctoral programmes and subjects
• Employment at KTH
• How to apply
• Entry requirements
• Joint programmes and scholarships
• Courses for external doctoral students
• Ask us about studies

Explore KTH and student life

• Explore KTH
• Student life

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH is Sweden's largest and most respected technical university—ranked top 100 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. By choosing KTH, you gain access to a vibrant student life and a prestigious academic environment.

As one of our 2,000 doctoral students, you will take courses and devote yourself to a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Most students are employed and receive a monthly salary. Begin your journey towards a KTH degree today. 

Explore how doctoral studies work at KTH and if we are a good fit for you. 

Want to join us?

We have gathered all the steps you need to take to become a doctoral student.

Vacant positions

To become a doctoral student the first step is to apply for a vacant position.

• Explore all vacancies

Take a campus tour

Let our students guide you through our campuses and favourite KTH spots.

• Virtual campus tour

PhD studies at Uppsala University

Uppsala University, like most universities in Sweden, regards PhD students as employees. Rather than apply for a doctoral programme, candidates must apply for an available doctoral position. PhD applications are handled by the relevant department. In addition to postgraduate studies, doctoral students are usually offered some form of departmental duties such as administration or teaching for up to 20 per cent of their time.

Programme content

Uppsala University’s PhD programmes are comprised of courses and a dissertation in which students carry out a unique and significant individual research project. The project may result in either a monograph thesis, which is a cohesive scientific work, or a compilation thesis consisting of several scientific articles and a summary.

A PhD degree is equivalent to four years of full-time study; however, after two years of studies students can graduate with a licentiate degree.

Our PhD programmes give students the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research, a deep understanding of the subject area, and the ability to teach.

To be admitted as a doctoral student, candidates must:

• fulfil the entry requirements stated in the announcement
• possess good English language skills
• have the ability to cope with the programme

Find your PhD position

Open PhD positions at Uppsala University.

Insurance for doctoral students with stipends

Uppsala University provides insurance cover for doctoral students whose studies are funded through a stipend. This insurance consists of three parts:

• Sickness benefit
• Parental benefit
• Temporary parental benefit

International PhD students are also covered by Uppsala University’s group and personal insurance that provides accident insurance around the clock.

These insurance schemes are both managed by the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (Kammarkollegiet). Please note that illness, parental benefit or claiming of temporary parental benefit must be reported to [email protected] no later than on the second day of sick leave or parental leave.

Doctoral Studies in the Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology

Health and parental insurance for doctoral students with stipends on Kammarkollegiet’s website

Application and tuition fees for PhD students

PhD programmes are free of charge in Sweden, regardless of citizenship. However, if you are enrolled as a PhD student and wish to take additional courses at Bachelor’s or Master’s level that are not included as part of your research programme, you must pay application and tuition fees if you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland.

The following applies to PhD students who are citizens of countries outside of the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland:

If you want to take courses at Bachelor’s or Master’s level included in your PhD programme , this is administered by your supervisor and/or department. You do not pay application or tuition fees.

If you want to take courses at Bachelor’s or Master’s level outside of your PhD programme , you must apply for courses through www.universityadmissions.se . You must pay application and tuition fees.

At the Conferment Ceremony the new doctors receive either a laurel wreath or a doctor’s hat. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt

PhD studies at the University’s three disciplinary domains

• Doctoral studies in the disciplinary domain of science and technology
• Doctoral studies in the disciplinary domain of medicine and pharmacy
• Doctoral studies in the disciplinary domain of humanities and social sciences

Useful links

• Insurance for foreign visitors on Kammarkollegiet's website
• Publications
• Conferment ceremony
• Faculties and departments
• The Doctoral Board of Uppsala University
• About studying in Sweden at studera.nu

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Doctoral studies

Start your academic career with us and make a difference

World-class research, outstanding research staff and specialised research environments at Lund University create excellent conditions for doctoral students.

As a doctoral student at Lund University, you will be well prepared for a successful career as an independent researcher. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to publish your work independently and gain valuable teaching experience.

You can pursue your doctoral studies in any of the nine faculties, and there are no tuition fees. Regular doctoral positions come with a salary and formal employment at the U niversity. You apply directly to the relevant faculty or department when a doctoral position is advertised. If you are externally funded (learn more below) , you should contact the department of your research interest directly.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to a doctoral programme, you need to have completed courses of at least 240 credits (of which at least 60 credits must be for Master’s level studies) or acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

In most cases, students will hold a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, with a major in the same subject as the intended postgraduate study. The major must include a degree thesis presenting the results of independent research.

The quality of your thesis/theses is of particular importance and it is important that you demonstrate a capacity for independent thinking in this piece of work.

Students must have a very good command of English and you may be asked to include proof of proficiency in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS test, if requested by the individual department.

Admission rules for doctoral education at Lund University | 2024 (PDF 249 kB, new tab)

Applying for a doctoral (PhD) position

Doctoral education is organised at the faculty or department level. Application procedures and periods differ between faculties and departments. While some of them advertise their doctoral positions around the same time every year, mostly in spring, others advertise their positions on an ongoing basis.

You apply for a doctoral education position within a certain subject area. Admission to a doctoral education position is restricted and competition for advertised positions is usually tough.

Finding a suitable position

Any funded doctoral positions at Lund University are advertised on our vacancies page on this website (see link below). Select the category 'Doctoral students'.

Once you have found a position you are interested in, carefully read through the vacancy announcement to find out whether you meet the requirements.

Before you apply, we recommend that you also check the relevant faculty's or department's website for any additional information about the application process.

Should you have any questions about a specific position, please contact the contact person(s) listed in the vacancy announcement.

Find PhD vacancies

How to apply

To apply for a doctoral position, you must create an account in the recruitment system Varbi.

Follow the instructions regarding application documents and procedure in the vacancy announcement.

The application documents that you submit through Varbi, including any supporting documents, are sent directly to the faculty or department that advertised the position. 

If you are self-funded through external scholarships or funding, you do not need to create an account in Varbi. You should instead make direct contact with the relevant faculty or department. 

Applying for a position

Employment as a doctoral student

As a general rule, a person admitted to doctoral studies at Lund University is employed through a doctoral studentship.

If you have a doctoral studentship, you are considered to be both a student and an employee with a salary during your doctoral studies. As an employed doctoral student, you are covered by local and central agreements concerning your terms of employment.

In parallel to the doctoral education programme, as a doctoral student you may work with administrative and teaching duties (no more than 20% of a full-time position).

Lund University is responsible for education-related matters and the study environment regardless of how you finance your doctoral studies. All doctoral students also have access to the University’s Occupational Health Service.

Other forms of financing

It is possible to undertake your studies using another form of financing, such as an external scholarship or an agreement between Lund University and an external employer.

Financed by external employer

If you are admitted to doctoral studies and have a position with an employer other than Lund University, you are solely a student, and it is the employer who is responsible for employer-related matters.

External scholarships

As a doctoral student with a scholarship, you are solely a student. You are therefore not entitled to contractual employment benefits at Lund University.

In some cases, a doctoral student with a scholarship is entitled to apply for a doctoral studentship when three years remain of the third-cycle studies.

Doctoral studies – faculty information

On the faculties' webpages for prospective doctoral students you can get specific and detailed information application procedures, admission requirements for various subjects, study plans and more.

• Faculty of Engineering (LTH)
• Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts
• Faculties of Humanities and Theology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Economics and Management (LUSEM)

Residence permits (if applicable)

If you require a residence permit, you can only complete your permit application after you receive a letter of acceptance from Lund University. Residence permit applications are dealt with by the Swedish Migration Agency.

Resi­dence permit for doctoral studies – migrationsverket.se

About doctoral studies

A doctoral programme consists of 240 ECTS credits and normally requires four years of full-time study. The programme concludes with a doctoral thesis of at least 120 credits.

A 'licentiate' degree is equivalent to half the coursework required for a full doctoral programme and a licentiate thesis of at least 60 credits. It is equivalent to the MPhil of the British education system.

The following links are to the Swedish Council for Higher Education website:

• Degree of Doctor
• Degree of Doctor in the fine, applied and performing arts 
• Degree of Licentiate 
• Degree of Licentiate in the fine, applied and performing arts

Related links

• Institutes and research centres
• Research excellence areas
• Find research at Lund University
• Services for LU researchers

Doctoral student vacancies

Check out our vacancies page regularly to find open doctoral positions.

Doctoral conferment ceremony

The ceremonial highlight of the academic year.

Postgraduate research schools

Additional development opportunities for doctoral students and postdocs.