the phd in sweden

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 ↗️

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Lund University

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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 not only be well prepared for a successful career as an independent researcher, but you will also have the possibility to publish your work independently during your studies and to gain significant teaching experience.

• Lund University offers doctoral education in all nine faculties
• There are no tuition fees for doctoral education at Lund University
• You apply directly to the relevant faculty/department when they advertise a doctoral position
• Self-funded doctoral students should contact the department of their 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 | 2022 (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.

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

Explore KTH

• Virtual campus tour
• Ask us about studies

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.

Take a campus tour

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

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Doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet

Welcome to a University with focus on doctoral education! World-class research and specialised research environments create a breeding ground for doctoral (PhD) studies at Karolinska Institutet (KI).

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Available positions for doctoral education

Doctoral education positions at Karolinska Institutet are advertised continuoulsy and we welcome your application.

For current doctoral students at KI

Doctoral students and employees at Karolinska Institutet can find more information about the doctoral education and the resources needed in the every day working life within the university at the Staff portal.

Course catalogue and course vacancies

Karolinska Institutet offers a large number of doctoral courses for our current doctoral students every semester, look for the one that fits you and find vacancies in the course catalogue.

Blogging about research and career

Interested in life as a researcher? Follow doctoral students, postdocs, researchers and alumni blogging for KI Career Service on the Researcher blogs.

Study in Stockholm

The official guide on what Stockholm has to offer international students.

International staff

KI offers support service for international doctoral students. Here you can find all kinds of necessary information for your stay in Sweden and KI.

Doctoral education - available positions

Department of Education

Phd programme overview.

In Sweden, applicants apply competitively for paid positions as PhD students . The PhD students receive a salary for a maximum of 48 months/8 semesters/4 years (the starting salary is 28,000 SEK per month). Salaries are set according to the Stockholm University salary scale for PhD students.

The PhD programme consists of 240 Swedish higher education credits. The course work amounts to a third of the programme - 90 course credits – of which 52.5 credits consists of required courses and 37.5 are elective course credits. PhD students are expected to complete the required courses during the first two years of the programme. Their education, including course work and actual research, is conducted during weekdays and is mainly done on campus.

Our doctoral students have three supervisors cooperating and providing different skills in an effort to support the PhD student to become a proficient researcher in Education. A PhD student is expected to work independently to a high extent and receives supervision about 1-2 times per month.

Together with their supervisors, PhD students can choose elective courses in relation to their specific area of research. Students may choose elective courses among the courses offered by our department or by other departments/universities in both Sweden and abroad.

A PhD student is expected to engage in the research seminars at the department and cooperate with peers in creating a rich social environment with interesting and challenging discussions.

During the programme, PhD students are expected to present their research at, at least one international conference.

Please note that doctoral studies are only offered on campus. It is not possible to enrol through distance learning. Doctoral students are expected to actively participate in the departmental research environment through regularly participating in seminars.

Last updated: September 26, 2022

Source: IPD

Search among our courses and programmes

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Last updated: March 18, 2024

Source: Department of Education

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PhD programs

PhD program in Business Administration

PhD program in Economics

PhD program in Finance

Additional information.

PhD content hub - Your journey to SSE

PhD courses

Upcoming events

New PhD students 2024

Lund University

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Doctoral studies

Doctoral programmes (PhD programmes) are offered by all six departments at the Lund University School of Economics and Management. It is often given in collaboration with other parts of Lund University or with other institutions in Sweden.

The doctoral degree is the highest academic degree. The Swedish doctoral degree comprises 240 credits and the doctoral programme normally takes four years of full-time study.

The programmes differ somewhat between disciplines, but in all cases they consist of at least one year of course work and at least two years spent writing the doctoral thesis. The thesis can be produced in the form of a monograph or in the form of a number of articles published during the doctoral programme, a so-called compilation thesis. The thesis is defended at a public defence where an opponent reviews and opposes the thesis. An examining committee consisting of at least three people grade the thesis.

You also have the option of obtaining a licentiate degree after 120 credits. Such a degree can either conclude a programme or be awarded when you are halfway to a doctoral degree. The thesis is then called a licentiate thesis and is presented and examined at a seminar.

After graduation many doctors pursue academic careers while others obtain positions within business or public administration.

At present, the School of Economics and Management has about 100 admitted doctoral students and around 20 doctoral theses are produced each year.

Regulations for third-cycle education at LUSEM (pdf, 290 kB)

Apply to a doctoral programme

Are you interested in joining a doctoral programme at the School of Economics and Management? You apply via the department where you want to do your research. All vacant PhD positions are advertised via Lund University’s job portal.

Application and admission

Financing your doctoral studies

At the School of Economics and Management there are two different ways of financing your studies: employment as a doctoral student, or external funding. External funding may consist of employment outside the university or a scholarship from an external source. It is important to recognise that the different types of funding give you different levels of social security. Upon admission, funding must be secured for the entire duration of the programme and must be at least half-time.

The doctoral degree conferment ceremony

The doctoral degree conferment ceremony takes place at the end of May and is the biggest event of the academic year. During the ceremony, the University rewards those who have completed a doctoral programme and defended a doctoral thesis. At the promotion ceremony, the insignia of learning are awarded: the hat or laurel wreath, the ring and the diploma.

On the same occasion, the University also honours outstanding researchers from other universities and individuals by awarding them honorary doctorates. As a tribute to previous generations, those who received their doctoral degree 50 years ago are also promoted to jubilee doctors.

The doctoral degree conferment ceremony – lunduniversity.lu.se

Quality assurance in research education

Our doctoral programmes are regularly evaluated to maintain their quality.

Doctoral studies at the departments

• Department of Business Administration
• Department of Business Law
• Department of Economic History
• Department of Economics
• Department of Informatics
• Department of Statistics

Lund’s Doctoral Student Union

– for all research students at Lund University

For current doctoral students

More information about your doctoral studies in Canvas

Higher seminar PhD Courses

PhD studies

Apply to our phd positions.

The application period for the PhD positions 2024 has just ended. Next planned period to apply to our PhD positions wil be during March 2025.

More information about how to apply

PhD Programme

The Department of Business Studies conducts research in the following areas: Accounting and Finance, Entrepreneurship, International Business, Marketing, Organisation and Management.

PhD studies comprise of four years of full-time study and leads to a doctoral degree. The PhD studies consists of a number of courses (90 academic credits) and research for the doctoral thesis (150 academic credits), a total of 240 academic credits. 

Programme structure

What are the career prospects? 

The PhD Programme aims to provide excellent scholarly training. PhD's hold positions as researchers and academics in Sweden and abroad at various universities and Business Schools. There are also opportunities to work outside of academia. In recent years, graduates from the PhD Programme have been offered positions in the Business Community and with various NGOs, the media and authorities.

• Director of PhD Studies Susanne Åberg
• ​​ ​ Administrator Doctoral Studies and the MIT Research School Golondrian Janke
• Administrator for the research school NordIB Elisabeth Hallmén
• Head of the PhD Student Association Carla Sacchi

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Doctoral studies at Linköping University

Interested in doctoral studies.

If you want to gain a profound understanding of a particular field, doctoral studies at Linköping University could be for you. You learn scientific methodology, sound research ethics and how to work independently and systematically.

A truly interesting subject, lots of freedom, loads of time and the chance to get down to the nitty-gritty in an academic field. These are some of the reasons that Isabelle Bengtsson started doing a PhD. “I can’t think of a better job”, she says.

LiU offers doctoral studies in three scientific fields: medicine, humanities/social sciences and engineering/natural sciences. Each faculty provides information on doctoral studies within its field.

Meet some of our doctoral students

PhD student to study cancer in New York

Jonas Burman is a doctoral student at Linköping University and has been given the opportunity to go on an international exchange to New York. There he will work at a prestigious laboratory and follow in the footsteps of his supervisor, Linda Bojmar.

Young LiU PhD students in noble company

At the end of June, more than 600 young researchers and 40 Nobel laureates from around the world were invited to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. Present in Germany were two LiU PhD students who had the experience of their lives.

Personal development comes with the job

“It’s fun and challenging to be a doctorate student. I enjoy doing research, and now I know it’s something I want to keep doing,” says Lisa Lundin. Her time at LiU has included research into digital customer journeys.

The LiU doctoral student behind a hit game

LiU doctoral student Fredrik Präntare is the architect of the company Pugstorm, which is achieving global success with the game Core Keeper. "Even back when I was studying for my Master of Science degree, I spent every free hour on my own projects,".

PhD-student: "There’s no better job"

A interesting subject, lots of freedom, loads of time and the chance to get down to the nitty-gritty in an academic field. These are some of the reasons that Isabelle Bengtsson started doing a PhD. “I can’t think of a better job”, she says.

Do you want to be a doctoral student at LiU?

I’d recommend anyone looking for stimulating work to apply for a doctoral student position at LiU. Your work here can change society, and also who you are as a person.

Doctoral studies at our faculties

Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences offers a wide variety of doctoral studies, both in single disciplines and in interdisciplinary programmes.

Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences educates researchers across the entire medical field, ranging from basic experimental research to patient-oriented research, health sciences and public health.

Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Science and Engineering aims to develop your ability to independently use scientific methodology and conduct research within the academy or the industry.

Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Educational Sciences

Around 80 researchers and doctoral students are currently active within the Faculty of Educational Sciences. During the last few years, research has been greatly consolidated in this area.

More information

Work at LiU

We have the power of over 4 000 co-workers who contribute with actions, large and small, to LiU meeting the challenges of the day. Welcome to apply for att job at Linköping University.

Forskarstudieinfo

Linköping University's course descriptions for third-cycle courses.

PhD student development programme

Our aim is to reinforce and support PhD students to lead themselves and manage performance demands. Also to provide the opportunity to make contacts and exchange experiences with other PhD students.

Curious about doctoral studies?

At studera.nu you’ll find general information on what doctoral studies are all about. This includes everything from admissions and entry requirements to supervision and defending your thesis.

Contact LiU

Contact Linköping University, LiU, and obtain the information you need.

• School of Health and Welfare
• School of Education and Communication
• School of Engineering
• Jönköping International Business School
• Jönköping University Enterprise
• University Library
• Current student

Doctoral Programmes

Jönköping University offers Doctoral Programmes in English, available for international students with the required qualifications. Doctoral education is conducted at all four schools and the university has about 203 doctoral students.

Jönköping International Business School offers Doctoral Programmes entirely conducted in English. At the School of Education and Communication, the School of Engineering and the School of Health and Welfare Doctoral programmes are conducted in English when required.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Jönköping University is entitled to award Licentiate and Doctoral degrees within the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Subjects for research studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Business Administration, Disability Research, Education with Specialisation in Didactics, Economics, Education, Health and Care Sciences, Media and Communication Studies, Education with Specialisation in Special Education, Statistics, and Welfare and Social Sciences.

Engineering

The University is also entitled to award Licentiate and Doctoral Degrees in Engineering, research area: Industrial Product Realisation.

Content updated 2022-07-05

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Doctoral Studies

At the Department of Education and Special Education 40 PhD students work in the fields of Education, Educational Practice and Subject Matter Education with specialization. Studies at the PhD Programme on a postgraduate level includes 240 hec (higher education credits) and are organised into courses (85 hec) and a doctoral thesis (155 hec). It involves four years of study.

Become a doctoral student!

Our Doctoral Studies

Study Abroad: Tips & Updates

PhD in Sweden: ...

PhD in Sweden: A Complete Guide to Study PhD in Sweden for International Students

A PhD in Sweden is the highest level of educational qualification in Sweden. A PhD degree can be completed in 4 years of full-time study whereas you will graduate with a licentiate degree after 2 years of full-time study which is equivalent to MPhil of the British education system. Around 70% of the research in Sweden is privately financed and the remaining 30% is public funded. Research programs in Sweden are quite competitive and to be admitted as doctoral students you must fulfill the entry requirements, have good English language proficiency and also demonstrate strong interest and ability to cope with the program.

Sweden provides a specialized environment for doctoral education. One of the main highlights of a PhD in Sweden is that it is free of cost for all students including non-EU/ EEA students. Along with the doctoral program, you will work as administrative or teaching staff at the university which is equivalent to not more than 20% of the full-time position. If you are planning to study PhD in Sweden, read this guide to get information regarding top universities, PhD programs in Sweden, PhD requirements in Sweden, top universities, cost of studying, funding opportunities and more.

Why Study PhD in Sweden?

Before diving deep into the details of PhD in Sweden for Indian students, let us take a look at reasons why studying PhD in Sweden is preferable:

• Home to reputed institutions: Sweden is home to some historical institutions that enjoy world-class reputation as leaders of research especially in the field of Medicine, Health, Life Sciences among others.
• No tuition fees: Yes, you read it right. Sweden does not charge any tuition fee for PhD from students of any nationality. It is one of the top reasons why international students prefer studying PhD in Sweden.
• Progressive country: Sweden is quite a progressive country with high tech research facilities, promotes growth mindset and provides a very supportive environment for creative thinkers.

Suggested: Get acquainted with the education system of Sweden!

Popular Specializations for PhD in Sweden

Sweden is known for its world class research and about 3% of the country’s GDP is dedicated to research and innovation. All the 17 public universities in Sweden and 14 private universities in Sweden contribute significantly to research. Almost 30% of the research is carried out at top universities in Sweden for PhD. Sweden is home to some top pharmaceutical giants Astrazeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Bayer and more. Some key areas of research in Sweden are:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Sustainable energy
• Environmental technology
• Life sciences

Top PhD Colleges and Universities in Sweden

Sweden is home to 8 universities that ranked in QS rankings 2022 which also has a very high research output. Though rankings of institutions are not relevant for research, it will definitely help you in understanding the area of specializations of the university. Take a look at the table below to learn about top universities in Sweden for PhD:

How to Apply for a PhD in Sweden?

The process to apply for PhD in Sweden is somewhat different than applying for bachelor’s or master’s in Sweden . Take a look at the steps in the application process to study PhD in Sweden:

• You will have to apply directly to the universities in Sweden for PhD as there is no centralized application portal for PhD admission in Sweden.
• Start by looking for projects advertised by top universities in Sweden for PhD if you are interested in STEM subjects or go ahead with your project ideas for PhD in Education in Sweden or research in the areas of Arts, Humanities and Social Science.
• Depending on your area of interest, check whether you fulfill the PhD requirements in Sweden.
• Universities in Sweden for PhD set their own entry requirements and also specify the procedure for applying.
• Complete your application for PhD admission in Sweden and prepare all supporting documents.
• Track the progress of your application and wait for the admission decision.
• You may be invited to an interview regarding your research proposal.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Sweden

The Sweden PhD requirements are set by individual universities. The general eligibility criteria to study PhD in Sweden are:

• Educational qualifications
• Proof of English language proficiency

Research experience

• Residence permit
• Health insurance

Let us discuss the eligibility criteria to be met for admission to PhD programs in Sweden:

Educational Qualifications

To apply for PhD in Sweden, you will need a second-cycle qualification i.e. a master’s degree in a related field is recommended especially if you wish to apply for funding. You must have completed courses of at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be for a master's degree.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Swedish universities offer PhD in English so if English is not your first language, you must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of language proficiency. There is no need to be proficient in Swedish language to study in Sweden. The minimum English language proficiency scores recommended for admission are:

• IELTS score: Overall 6.5, no band less than 5.5
• TOEFL-iBT: Overall 90, with minimum 20 in written test

Having some previous research or work experience in a field related to your research proposal can immensely help you in the application and selection process.

Residence Permit

International students need to apply for a residence permit to study in Sweden for programs longer than 90 days. To apply for residence permits, you will need to provide copies of your passports, proof of finances, educational qualifications, etc. You can apply for a residence permit after receiving a letter of acceptance from the university where you have been admitted.

Health Insurance

After coming to Sweden, all students will require health insurance. Your university may cover the health insurance as a part of funding for international students.

Suggested: Complete guide on student visa of Sweden!

Cost of Studying PhD in Sweden

Having learned about the Sweden PhD requirements, let us take a look at the cost of studying PhD in Sweden. The cost of studying for a PhD in Sweden includes tuition fees and cost of living.

• One major relief for students applying for PhD in Sweden is that there is absolutely no tuition fees for all students irrespective of their nationality.
• Universities in Sweden for PhD don’t even charge application fees.
• So clearly you are only left with the living expenses which is around 8,568 SEK per month on an average. This can differ depending on your preferences and location in Sweden.
• Usually, the rent of accommodation ranges between 2,500-6,500 SEK per month which is a major expense and you will find costlier accommodation in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg compared to other places.

Suggested: Estimated cost of living in Sweden for international students!  

Funding Opportunities for Studying PhD in Sweden

Funding options include applying for various scholarships and bursaries awarded by universities in Sweden for PhD. As a general practice, doctoral students in Sweden are regarded as employees at most universities. Here is how this works:

• You will be applying for doctoral positions available and universities offer them departmental administration service or teaching.
• With an employment contract, you will be entitled to a salary which is commonly known as a study grant.
• You can expect to get 1500 SEK as a study grant while studying PhD in Sweden for international students.
• The Swedish government funds third-cycle education programs through direct government funding, government agencies, research councils, public research foundations and municipalities.

PhD in Sweden for international students is a lucrative option. Sweden happens to be a research and development intensive country in the world and an ideal location for young and innovative minds. There are various areas of specializations for pursuing research in Sweden which ensures opportunities for all. Post completion of Phd, you can apply for work permit in Sweden ! 

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Sweden

Is PhD in Sweden free?

Yes, PhD in Sweden is free for all students irrespective of their nationality. You will not be charged any tuition or application fee for PhD. The only expense you will be paying is the cost of living.

Is it hard to get a PhD in Sweden for Indian students?

PhD in Sweden is recognized worldwide. Therefore, expect stiff competition when it comes to selection of candidates. The application process is quite simple and open to all candidates. Try to maintain a research-oriented background from the beginning that will help you in being a suitable match for the position, if you wish to pursue PhD in Sweden.

Is a PhD in Sweden a job for students?

Yes, it can be said that a PhD in Sweden is a job for students. You are applying for a doctoral position rather than just a doctoral program and some part of your program will include administrative or teaching work.

Are international students allowed to stay in Sweden after PhD?

Once you have a residence permit for doctoral studies for four out of the last seven years and are employed in Sweden, you can apply for a permanent residence permit to stay in Sweden after PhD.

What are the top areas of research in Sweden?

The top areas of research in Sweden include healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable energy, environmental technology, etc.

Sumeet Jain

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45 PhD jobs in Sweden

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• PhD positions in Stockholm (26)
• PhD positions in Karlstad (8)
• PhD positions in Gothenburg (6)
• PhD positions in Örebro (2)
• PhD positions in Umeå (1)

Other countries

• PhD positions in Belgium (133)
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• PhD positions in Finland (39)

Search results (45)

Ph.D. in wireless sub-THz and THz communications for 6G and beyond

Project descriptionWireless technology has evolved over five generations, but the need for higher efficiency and reliability is never-ending. The 6G research goal is to identify new groundbreaking ...

Doctoral student with focus on combustion modelling in battery systems during thermal runaway

Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Department of Energy SciencesLund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based i...

Doctoral (PhD) student position in DNA-based digital data storage

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an indiv...

Doctoral students in industrial product realisation

Join the research profile GRACE aiming at accelerating the green transition in the manufacturing industry! We like to welcome you to Jönköping University, Shool of Engineering and our department of...

PhD Student in Statistical Physics with focus on active matter

The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg is located in the center of Gothenburg, with approximately 100 employees. The communication routes are good both nationally and internationally. The research focuses within the fields of At...

Doctoral Student in Business Administration (Service Design and Sustainability), based at CTF

DescriptionThe Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is accepting applications for a doctoral position leading to a PhD in Business Administration with a specialisation in service design for circular...

Doctoral student in Computer Science with a specialisation in Beyond-5G (B5G) and 6G mobile systems

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by ...

PhD positions in Architecture

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and TechnologyUmeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-l...

Doctoral (PhD) student position in Molecular Epidemiology with application in Precision Health

Phd student in electrochemical synthesis of well-defined copper catalysts.

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: ElectrochemistryCopper and copper-based materials are promising catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) toward multicarbon produc...

Ph.D. student position in privacy-preserving federated learning

Ref REF 2023-0761Federated learning is revolutionizing the way in which machine learning models are trained and deployed. It holds great promise in unlocking the full potential of AI in various domains, including healthcare, finance, autonomous dr...

Three doctoral students in Media and Communication Studies

Doctoral student in molecular simulation of wetting.

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Applied physicsThe energetics and dynamics of wetting are of high interest from both fundamental scientific and technological points of view. Often the macro...

Doctoral student in Space Physics for studies of Jupiter moon Io

Project descriptionJupiter moon Io is the most volcanically active world in the Solar System. It is the main source of material for Jupiter's vast magnetosphere, but the processes for the material ...

Doctoral student in Electricity market optimization

Project descriptionEuropean states (and Sweden) are working toward a sustainable intermittent renewable future. This green vision has brought about several important challenges. One of the major ch...

Doctoral student in Human-Centric Indoor Climate using CFD and VR

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Fluid and Climate TheoryThis Ph.D. position is integral to the HumanIC European training network. The initiative aims to cultivate early-stage engineers and ...

Doctoral student in radar systems

Project descriptionThe project focuses on beam-forming techniques for modern antenna-array based radar systems. Different techniques, including machine-learning, will be investigated for advanced d...

Doctoral student in Digitalisation and RE business models

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Real Estate Construction and ManagementKTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering u...

Doctoral student in fuel cells

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Chemical engineeringThe project will contribute to new and more efficient fuel cells and fuel cell systems for the transport sector. Vehicles powered by fuel...

Doctoral student (licentiate) in DMDU for Transport Planning

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Transportation ScienceTransportation is facing a period of significant changes and uncertainties driven by a variety of factors (technologies, mobility norms...

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Ep 175: Measuring for success in ACL rehabilitation, with Dr Eric Hamrin Senorski JOSPT Insights

If you're looking for a guide to testing function and readiness to return to sport after injury, you're in the right place! Dr Eric Hamrin Senorski (PT, PhD; University of Gothenburg, Sweden) shares how he blends his research training with his clinical skills to help athletes and active people with ACL injury. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Project ACL ("Project Korsband") registry: https://projektkorsband.se/ Quadriceps and hamstrings strength reference values for soccer/football, basketball and handball: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2022.10693 Hop and jump test reference values for soccer/football, and basketball: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2024.12374 Knee injuries after returning to sport following ACL reconstruction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27162233/ Return to sport rates after ACL reconstruction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25157180/

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