Fully Funded EDUFI Fellowships for PhD Research in Finland

The EDUFI Fellowship is a funding program provided by the Finnish National Agency for Education, supporting doctoral studies and research at universities across Finland.

Host Country	Finland
Host Institute	university in Finland
Level	PhD
Eligible Nationality	All
Benefits	Up to EUR 1,900/month
Duration	3 to 12 months
Closing Date	Can apply anytime

Table of Contents

About the EDUFI Fellowships

The EDUFI Fellowship is designed for early-career doctoral students and researchers from outside Finland who aim to conduct research or pursue postgraduate studies at Finnish universities. Open to all academic disciplines, the program emphasizes collaboration with Finnish institutions and requires applicants to have an official invitation from a host department in Finland. While the fellowship does not cover tuition fees, it supports research-related activities, making it ideal for PhD candidates or researchers who have alternative funding for their academic studies.

Why You Should Apply Early for the EDUFI Fellowship

Timely Processing Assurance:To ensure your application is reviewed on time, it must be submitted at least five months before your intended fellowship start date. Applying early helps guarantee timely processing, giving you ample time to plan and prepare for your research stay in Finland.
Greater Flexibility:Submitting your application early allows extra time to address any requests for additional documents or unforeseen processing delays. This flexibility helps ensure your fellowship start date remains unaffected.
Improved Research Planning:Receiving your application decision early enables you to organize your research project more efficiently. It also gives you ample time to coordinate with your host university and arrange logistics for your stay in Finland.
Opportunity for an Earlier Start:A swift application review may allow you to begin your fellowship sooner than expected, offering a valuable advantage for those eager to start their research.
Avoiding Summer Delays:Applying early helps you bypass the extended processing times common in the summer, ensuring a more efficient and timely application process.

Applying early for the EDUFI Fellowship ensures a timely start to your research and allows you to fully maximize your experience in Finland.

EDUFI Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

The EDUFI Fellowship is intended for doctoral students and early-career researchers from outside Finland. The main eligibility requirements are as follows:

Nationality and Residency Requirements:The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities, excluding Finnish citizens. Applicants must not have lived in Finland for more than one year prior to applying. Exceptions are made for Ukrainian doctoral researchers affected by the Russian invasion.
Academic Level Requirements:The fellowship is aimed at postgraduate students pursuing doctoral-level studies. It is not available for bachelor’s, master’s, or postdoctoral research.
Purpose of the Fellowship:This grant is intended to support the initiation of doctoral research conducted entirely at a Finnish university. Additionally, it may be used for completing a double degree or for research visits, provided there are significant collaborative reasons.
Application Procedure:The application should be submitted by a representative of a Finnish university department, typically the research supervisor.
PhD Enrollment Status:You do not need to hold official PhD student status to apply, but the research must be connected to your doctoral project.
Eligible Academic Disciplines:The fellowship welcomes applicants from all areas of study.
Additional Conditions:Applicants must submit reports on any previously received EDUFI Fellowship grants, if applicable. Additionally, all applications must adhere to sanctions enforced by Finland and the European Union.

How to Secure a Finnish Host University for Your EDUFI Fellowship

Securing a Finnish host university for the EDUFI Fellowship requires following several key steps:

Explore Finnish Universities:Start by browsing the websites of Finnish universities to identify research areas and departments that match your interests. Notable institutions to consider include the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and the University of Oulu.
Find Potential Supervisors:Search for professors or researchers in your field who might supervise your project. Review their publications and research profiles using academic platforms like Google Scholar or ResearchGate.
Reach Out to Potential Hosts:Email prospective supervisors or department contacts to introduce yourself, outline your research interests, and express your intention to apply for the EDUFI Fellowship. Include your CV and a concise research proposal to help them evaluate your suitability.
Clarify Application and Support Details
If a department shows interest in hosting you, discuss the application steps and confirm their willingness to submit the application on your behalf. Make sure they can offer the required supervision and research facilities.
Explore University Websites for Details
Visit the official websites of Finnish universities to find comprehensive information about their doctoral programs and research opportunities.

Required Documents to Apply for the EDUFI Fellowship

The following essential documents are required to complete your EDUFI Fellowship application:

Application Form Submission:The application form, available for download on the EDUFI website, must be completed in Finnish, Swedish, or English. It should be submitted by a representative from a Finnish university department on behalf of the applicant.
Letter of Motivation:Typically authored by the research supervisor or a representative from the Finnish university department, this letter should outline the importance of the fellowship and present strong justification for the applicant, especially for visiting researchers.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):A detailed CV showcasing the applicant’s academic qualifications and research experience.
Research Proposal:A comprehensive document (usually 3–5 pages) detailing the research goals, methodology, and anticipated results.
Research Progress Report (If Required):For follow-up applications, applicants may need to submit a descriptive report outlining the advancements made in their research.

How to Apply for EDUFI Fellowships

Connect with a Finnish University Department:Prospective applicants should initiate contact with a Finnish university department willing to host them. This department will handle the fellowship application on the candidate’s behalf and must be prepared to offer the necessary research facilities and supervision.
Documents Needed for Application
- Motivation Letter: Prepared by a representative of the Finnish university department, typically the research supervisor.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV of the applicant.
- Research Plan: A detailed outline of the research goals and methodology.
Application Submission:A representative from a Finnish university department must submit the application by email to the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). The application form, available on the EDUFI website, can be completed in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
Send the signed form along with all supporting documents to kirjaamo(at)oph.fi, using “EDUFI Fellowship” as the email subject.
Application Timeline:Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted at least five months prior to the intended start date of the fellowship. Processing typically takes about three months, though it may take longer during the summer months.
Grant Award and Disbursement:The Finnish university department receives the grant and disburses a personal stipend of EUR 1,900 per month to the fellow. The university subsequently invoices EDUFI for reimbursement.

Can I submit my EDUFI Fellowship application at any point during the year?

Yes, applications for the EDUFI Fellowship are accepted year-round. However, they must be submitted at least five months before the planned start date of the fellowship. The typical processing time is around three months, though it may take longer during the summer.

Please note that the application must be submitted by a representative of a Finnish university department on behalf of the applicant—not by the applicant directly.

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