phd degree in finland

Doctoral admissions

You can search for doctoral programmes on the application portal Studyinfo.fi , or you can contact the universities directly about the doctoral study and research options they offer. Check the application times and procedures, eligibility requirements and other details with the university you are interested in. The following links will take you to each university's Doctoral studies and research info pages.

• Aalto University
• University of Helsinki
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland
• LUT University
• University of Oulu
• Hanken School of Economics
• University of the Arts Helsinki
• Tampere University
• University of Turku
• University of Vaasa
• Åbo Akademi University  

Doctoral / PhD funding opportunities

See the advice on doctoral level scholarships  to learn where you can search for doctoral level research funding. The universities may also offer paid doctoral and post-doc positions, see below.

Academic research positions and jobs

Announcements for doctoral and post-doc researcher positions at Finnish universities can also be found on academic recruitment sites like:

• Jobs in Finland / Academic
• Academicpositions.fi

Early career researcher info & advice

Information, advice and guidelines for early career researchers - compiled by the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT)

Scientific research in Finland

Research.fi is a service offered by the Ministry of Education and Culture where you can learn more about the Finnish science and innovation system and policy, and research conducted in Finland.

• Research.fi

Doctoral programmes

How to apply for doctoral studies.

Find out what is required of applicants and what can our doctoral studies offer!

Aalto Doctoral Programme in Arts, Design and Architecture Aalto Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance Aalto Doctoral Programme in Chemical Engineering Aalto Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering Aalto Doctoral Programme in Engineering Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science

Our doctoral studies

Our doctoral students pursue the degrees of

Doctor of Arts (Art and Design) Doctor of Science (Architecture) Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration) Doctor of Science (Technology)

The target study time is four years of full-time studies.

Doctoral curricula (aalto.fi)

Management of doctoral education at Aalto University

Information on how doctoral education is lead and organised and related regultions

Research fields and supervising professors

The research fields of the School of Business are called major subjects.

Research fields and supervising professors at ARTS Majors and supervising professors at BIZ Research fields and supervising professors at CHEM Research fields and supervising professors at ELEC Research fields and supervising professors at ENG Research fields and supervising professors at SCI

• Published: 4.5.2018
• Updated: 13.3.2024

A balance between studies and nature: A Medical Physics journey at UEF

The first yufe4postdocs researchers started at the university of eastern finland, alina solomon appointed as professor of neuroepidemiology, changes in pharmacy systems in the nordic countries – evidence based or an ideological playground, sustainability and circular economy morning coffee session, lisa gohlke, m.soc.sc: doctoral defence in human geography, joensuu.

Find more news and events

Refine your search

Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies

The Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies offers research training for postgraduate students pursuing doctoral degrees in the field of education, home economics and craft science. The research themes of the doctoral degree programme cover education, training, teaching, learning, development and instruction, well-being, learning environments and teacher education, and related social and cultural issues. The Doctoral Programme provides an opportunity for multidisciplinary and multimethodological research in education. The research may also focus on specific issues related to craft science and home economics. The disciplines included in the doctoral programme are adult education, special education, educational science, home economics, craft science and early childhood education. The doctoral programme is also open to doctoral students pursuing a doctorate in mathematics and science if the topic of their doctoral research is related to the research themes of the doctoral programme.

Research areas in the doctoral programme

The supervision of doctoral researchers is connected to the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, and the fields of Education and Adult Education as well as Special Education at the School of Educational Sciences and Psychology. 

Research areas of the School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Educati…

Research areas of the School of Educational Sciences and Psychology

How to apply?

Please, read carefully the admission criteria and all other available instructions to check up that you are an eligible applicant to the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies. If you have questions or if you are unsure about your eligibility, contact amanuensis of the Doctoral Programme before submitting your application. Start preparing supervisory arrangements in good time - finding supervisors can take for a long time. You must contact potential supervisors  and discuss your doctoral research ideas and plans with them before submitting the application. Prepare your research plan carefully, it is important part of your application. Prepare also other application documents carefully. Allow enough time to complete and submit the online application form at Studyinfo.fi.

Philosophical Faculty

• Doctor of Philosophy (Education), Licentiate in Philosophy (Education)

Subjects: adult education, special education, educational science, early childhood education, home economics and craft science

• Doctor of Philosophy

Subjects: adult education, educational science, home economics and craft science  

Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology

• Doctor of Philosophy, Licentiate in Philosophy

Subjects: physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science

Admission criteria

Eligible applicants for doctoral studies in the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies must have completed by the end of the application period

Master's degree with science of adult education, special education/pedagogy, education, early childhood education, home economics or craft science as their major subject or completed advanced studies in any of these subjects or

Master's degree in some other relevant field of study or Master's degree at a university of applied sciences in a relevant field of study

Candidates applying from the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology are expected to have a subject teacher's qualification in physics, chemistry, mathematics or computer science, and the topics of postgraduate studies are related to learning, teaching or teacher education in these subjects.

Applicants must have

completed at least 60 ECTS credits in the major subject or other applicable subject of the doctoral degree

completed advanced studies with the grade "good" or higher

completed Master's thesis or an equivalent final thesis with the grade "good" or higher

sufficient English skills in order to complete the doctoral studies. The applicant can verify her/his English skills with an attachment to the application according to selection criteria

two supervisors, one of which is a professor from the doctoral programme. Supervisor consent form KASVA 

• a research plan of high quality approved by the supervisors

The board of the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies will assess the quality of the applicant's research plan and its relevance to the research topics of the programme.

Further details on selections criteria, instructions for making application and attachments required can be found in Studyinfo-service.

English language skills

Eligible applicants for doctoral studies must have sufficient English skills in order to complete the doctoral studies. Doctoral students are expected to be able to write scientific texts, participate in teaching, and communicate fluently with university staff in English.

The applicant can verify her/his English skills with an attachment to the application. These attachments must include a degree diploma, transcript of studies and a Diploma Supplement if the applicant has:

English as foreign language included in at least a Bachelor-level degree conducted in a Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) or in an EU/EEA country;

At least 20 ECTS university-level studies in the subject of English Studies completed in a Nordic or in an EU/EEA country;

Master's thesis written in English when Master's degree is completed in a Nordic country or in an EU/EEA country;

Bachelor's or Master's degree completed in English language in a Nordic country or in an EU/EEA country or Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States;

Doctoral Degree completed in a Nordic country or in an EU/EEA country or Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States;   

Secondary education and final examination completed in English (for example International Baccalaureate) in a Nordic country or in an EU/EEA country or Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.  

In other case, the applicant is to prove her/his language skills in English with an English language test:  

TOEFL paper-based: Total score 600 and Writing 4.0;

TOEFL Internet-based and Special Home Edition of TOEFL iBT: Total Score 100 and Writing 22;

IELTS (Academic) on paper, on computer or online: Overall Score 6.5 and Writing 5.5;

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English), min. 59 points;

C1 Advanced (CAE), pass levels A, B or C / C2 Proficiency (CPE), pass levels A, B, C or level C1 Certificate;

National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI). Skills level 5 or 6 in the reading comprehension, writing and speaking subtests. 

For more information on the tests, please contact the language testing organizations.

Please note that a written statement by the applicant, prospective supervisor, English teacher, etc., is not an adequate proof of the applicant's sufficient English skills.

Research plan

Research proposal for the application, doctoral programme in educational studies.

When applying for doctoral degree studies, a research plan must be enclosed with the application. The student prepares the plan with his/her supervisors, and it must be approved by them. The research plan must cover the entire doctoral dissertation. If the research topic and materials change substantially during the studies, a new plan must be made. If the changes are significant, approval must be sought from the faculty. The research plan is usually drafted in Finnish or English. The maximum length of the research plan is ten pages (A4, single-spaced, Times or Arial 12 pt, 2-3 cm marginals).  

The research plan should apply the following structure: 

Title of the research and the name and contact information of the postgraduate student

Background - a short summary of the theoretical background of the research with necessary sources (including the methodological basis) - a description of earlier research related to the topic  - a description of what remains unknown about the research topic and an explanation of the research's relevance on a national and/or international scale

Aims and research questions - the aims of the research clearly defined and presented  - the research hypotheses or assumptions

Materials and methods - a description of the research methods and materials used, and the grounds for choosing the particular methods - a description of how the data and materials will be handled and used (also after the research has been completed) - a working plan, a plan for different stages of the work

Schedule and funding plans - a description and a schedule for the different stages of the work - the funding plan and funding sources of the research

The ethical aspects of the research - the ethical aspects of the research (e.g. whether the research requires statements from ethics committees or statutory research permits; possible permits should be attached to the research plan) 

Publication plan - the means and mode of publishing and/or presenting the research results

Applications of research results - an estimation of the applications and the social significance of the research results

References - a list of the references cited in the research plan 

The names of the persons and units participating in the research project

Funding doctoral studies

The right to pursue doctoral studies does not include funding or a contract of employment or teaching tasks at the University. However, full-time doctoral students need funding to cover their costs of living and potential research costs (travel costs, research material etc.). Funding options should be discussed with the supervisor already when planning to apply for a doctoral study right and creating a research plan.

Doctoral studies can be funded for example by a scholarship, by working as a researcher in a research project, by working as a doctoral candidate at the University of Eastern Finland (doctoral student position), or by studying part-time while at work. Doctoral students apply for funding themselves.

Read more about funding options of doctoral studies on Kamu Student handbook .

Application period

The application form for the Doctoral Program in Educational Studies on Studyinfo.fi is open during the spring semester from the beginning of January until the last weekday of May, and during the autumn semester from the beginning of August until the last weekday of November. Always check the exact application deadlines from Studyinfo.fi. Applications are processed as needed during the semester, and the granted study right begins in the same semester.  

What is Studyinfo.fi?

Studyinfo.fi is the official national admissions portal with all the up-to-date information about study programmes leading to a degree in Finland.

Apply via Studyinfo

Fill in the online application for the programme at the studyinfo portal, dissertation and studies, requirements for doctoral dissertations, doctoral dissertation at the philosophical faculty  .

An eligible doctoral dissertation may be a monograph or a collection of research articles. A collection of research articles refers to an entity consisting a sufficient number of scientific publications of manuscripts, which examine the same set of problems, and an independently compiled summary based on them. At the Philosophical Faculty the article-based dissertation contains at least three peer-reviewed articles, two of which must have been accepted for publication and the third accepted for the review process. If the publications include collaborative works, the doctoral candidate must attest to his/her independent contribution either in the summary or in a separate appendix. The doctoral candidate must be the first author (responsible author) of at least three articles. A collaborative publication may be included in no more than two person's licentiate theses or doctoral dissertations.  

Requirements and evaluation of a Doctoral Dissertation at the Philosophical Faculty .

Studies and degree structure

The studies leading to the doctoral degree available in the doctoral programme in Educational studies comprise the doctoral dissertation, as well as doctoral studies of 50 ECTS.

• transferable skills studies (10-15 ECTS) contain philosophy of science and ethics, scientific writing skills and academic and other working life skills
• studies in the discipline and field of research (35-40 ECTS) contain research methods, research seminars and other discipline-specific postgraduate studies.  

Detailed information of the degree structure and study requirements in UEF Study Guide in Peppi .

Amanuensis Kaisu Kortelainen will answer queries concerning the Doctoral Programme in Educational Studies and postgraduate studies at the Philosophical Faculty, [email protected].

Further information about guidance and supervision in doctoral studies .

Instructions and forms for doctoral studies

You can find information for different phases in the doctoral education on Kamu Student handbook :

• Doctoral education at the University of Eastern Finland
• Starting doctoral education
• Doctoral curriculum and study requirements
• Internationalisation in doctoral education
• Guidance and support in doctoral education
• Support for doctoral research
• Funding of doctoral education
• Wellbeing of doctoral researcher
• Permission for public examination and pre-examination of doctoral dissertation
• Publishing of doctoral dissertation

News and events

Dissertation press releases in educational studies, finding one’s strengths and networks is crucial in tomorrow’s world of work, a memorable research exchange in finland, university of eastern finland and university of namibia expand collaboration to social sciences, enhancing thai teachers’ media skills in digital learning environments, learning analytics can provide meaningful data on learning and teaching, improving teacher education in palestine.

All dissertations

Upcoming examinations in Educational Studies

All examinations

Further information on the doctoral programme

Kaisu Kortelainen

Academic affairs specialist.

Student and Learning Services, University Services

kaisu.​kortelainen​@uef.fi

+358505623565

Markku Niemivirta

School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, Philosophical Faculty

markku.​niemivirta​@uef.fi

+358505189827

Jaana Viljaranta

School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Philosophical Faculty

jaana.​viljaranta​@uef.fi

+358503256093

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Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences

Understand society, degree earned, planned duration, extent of studies.

The Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences provides you with versatile abilities to successfully perform expert tasks that require extensive and in-depth understanding of the interaction between society and individuals, and to work in academic research and teaching positions in Finland and abroad. Doctoral education concentrates on your own area of speciality, but it also provides an extensive understanding of the operation of society and people in our changing world. The postgraduate studies strengthen your theoretical and methodological skills, prepare you for acting in a multidisciplinary research environment and expert groups, as well as helps you to develop skills in research ethics and abilities required in working life.

The purpose of doctoral education is to adopt scientific thinking, which aims at the truth and includes adopting a critical stance, as well as learning ethically sustainable scientific practices, and mastering the diverse skills of a researcher. As a researcher with a doctoral degree, you are familiar with the theories and methods in your own research tradition and have an extensive grasp of social research and related research questions. You are also able to apply different approaches and methods in your research, reporting and administrative work as well as in expert and management tasks in the public and private sectors. As an expert with a doctoral degree, you understand the greatest social changes of our time and are able to seek solutions to social problems and ask questions which have not been posed yet. Doctors graduating from the Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences find jobs in research, education, development, planning, and supervisory tasks. It is easy for them to find employment.

Detailed information on the content and structure of the studies is included in the curriculum.

Become a student

Learn more about the studies, admissions, and eligibility criteria on Studyinfo. In addition, applications are submitted via the Studyinfo.fi service.

Carefully read through the admissions requirements before applying. For additional questions on applying, application documents and application process, please email: soc.doctoralstudies.tau(a)tuni.fi. Professor in Charge of the Doctoral Programme is Päivi Honkatukia ( paivi.honkatukia [at] tuni.fi ).

Questions on research plans and prospective supervisors:

• Criminology and Criminal Policy: Research Director Noora Ellonen ( noora.ellonen [at] tuni.fi (noora[dot]ellonen[at]tuni[dot]fi) )
• Gender Studies: University Lecturer Marja Peltola ( marja.peltola [at] tuni.fi (marja[dot]peltola[at]tuni[dot]fi) )
• Peace and Conflict Research: Professor Tarja Väyrynen ( tarja.vayrynen [at] tuni.fi (tarja[dot]vayrynen[at]tuni[dot]fi) )
• Social Anthropology: Professor Laura Huttunen ( Laura.Huttunen [at] tuni.fi (laura[dot]huttunen[at]tuni[dot]fi) )
• Social Policy: Professor Marita Husso ( marita.husso [at] tuni.fi )
• Social Psychology: Associate Professor Melisa Stevanovic ( melisa.stevanovic [at] tuni.fi ) 
• Social Work: Professor Riikka Korkiamäki ( riikka.korkiamaki [at] tuni.fi (riikka[dot]korkiamaki[at]tuni[dot]fi) )
• Sociology: Professor Semi Purhonen ( semi.purhonen [at] tuni.fi (semi[dot]purhonen[at]tuni[dot]fi) )
• Youth Research: Professor Päivi Honkatukia ( Paivi.Honkatukia [at] uta.fi (paivi[dot]honkatukia[at]tuni[dot]fi) )

For more information on applying

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Your last viewed study options

Degree programme   Postgraduate degree (University)

Degree earned: Doctor of Philosophy , Doctor of Social Sciences

Extent of studies: 240 ECTS

Planned duration: 4 years

City: Tampere

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) constitute the Tampere Universities community. Our areas of priority in research and education are technology, health and society. Tampere University: +358 (0)294 5211 Tampere University of Applied Sciences : +358 (0)294 5222

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PhD in Finland 2024: Scope, Universities & Scholarships

• German Universities

Updated on 02 April, 2024

Sr. Content editor

Universities in Finland are renowned not just for their world-class education but also for their generous educational policies that make the education affordable for students regardless of their nationality. Did you know you can pursue your PhD in Finland for free? Not only this, the students also get stipends to cover their living costs. Known for its prowess in research and development (R&D) globally, the country offers PhD programs in various domains that allow you to work with the leading academics in your field and engage in groundbreaking research. 

In this article, we have formulated an ultimate guide to pursuing a PhD in Finland, including the scope of PhD, specializations offered, admission requirements, top universities, career prospects, and much more.

Table of Contents

Scope of phd in finland, engineering, computer science, social sciences, natural sciences, top 5 universities in finland for phd, documents for phd in finland application, cimo fellowships, university of helsinki doctoral program scholarships, edufi fellowships, aalto university school of business doctoral scholarships, career prospects after completing phd in finland, frequently asked questions.

• Finland offers a unique and enriching experience for students pursuing higher education, particularly a doctorate degree. The Finnish education system is known for its high-quality education, top universities in Finland for PhD, innovative teaching methods, and research-oriented approach. Doctoral studies in Finland are structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their field of study, including theoretical and practical knowledge.
• Students are encouraged to take ownership of their research projects, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the academic community. Doctoral studies in Finland usually take four years to complete, and students during the program are expected to deliver a doctoral thesis based on their research.
• Studying for a PhD degree gives access to the   finest research facilities and equipment. Finnish universities in   Finland for PhD are well-funded and equipped with modern technology, providing students with the resources to conduct their research effectively. The multicultural environment and welcoming community also make it an ideal place for international students.
• Another interesting aspect of pursuing the PhD from Finland is that there is   no tuition cost   involved. 

Specializations Offered in PhD in Finland

There is a wide range of specializations in various fields of study PhD in Finland. Some of the popular disciplines include:

Pursuing a PhD in Engineering in Finland will allow you to work with some of the leading engineers in the world. Universities in Finland for PhD offer specializations in fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

A PhD in Business in Finland will provide you with the opportunity to work with leading academics in the field. Finnish universities offer specializations in fields such as Marketing, Management, and Finance.

Finland is home to the leading computer science programs in the world. Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science in Finland allows you to work with experts in the field and contribute to groundbreaking research.

Universities in Finland for PhD   offer specializations in fields such as Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Studies. Pursuing a PhD in Education in Finland offers you the prospect of working with top academics in the field and contributing to the education system's development.

Finland has the top Social Science programs in the world. Getting a PhD in Social Sciences in Finland allows you to collaborate with specialists in the field and conduct unexplored research.

PhD programs in Finland in Natural Sciences focus on chemistry, physics, and mathematics research. Students in these programs undertake independent research, attend seminars and workshops, and publish their research in academic journals.

Finland has several top-ranked universities offering PhD programs. Here are the top 5 universities in Finland for PhD based on the QS World University Rankings , their specializations, and the average tuition fees for a PhD.

Source: *topuniversities.com, **university official website

PhD in Finland for International Students: Admission Requirements for 2023 

The admission requirements for a PhD in Finland vary depending on the university and the field of study.

General Requirements for PhD in Finland:

• A master's degree or equivalent in a related field of study
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees
• A statement of purpose outlining your academic goals and research interests
• Application form (hardcopy or softcopy as per the requirement of the university/ college)
• Transcripts of records
• Upper secondary-level educational documents
• Degree certificates/ officially certified copies awarded by the main university
• Score reports of IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
• Score reports of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Other documents such as portfolio/ sample work, etc.
• Proof of finances
• Medical tests

The application process for PhD programs in Finland involves the following steps:

• Find the universities and PhD programs in Finland   you are interested in.
• Check the admission requirements and application deadlines for each program.
• Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
• Submit your application materials online or by mail.
• Wait for the university to inform you of their decision.

The application deadline varies depending on the university and the field of study PhD in Finland.

Scholarships for PhD in Finland

There are various scholarships available for PhD in Finland for Indian students   and international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. Scholarships offer financial assistance to students and can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. Here are the top scholarships for PhD in Finland:

The CIMO Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue a doctoral degree in Finland. The scholarship covers the living expenses and provides a monthly allowance of €900 to €1200.

 To be eligible for the CIMO Fellowships, students must submit a complete CV, a motivation letter, and a short research plan (between 2 and 5 pages). They will also have to send out two printed and signed copies of the application form with the required attachments.

The University of Helsinki offers several doctoral program scholarships to both domestic and PhD in Finland for Indian students and international students. As part of the national Finland Scholarship program, the University of Helsinki awards Finland Scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fee and also includes a €5000 relocation grant. Students must have an acceptance letter from the University of Helsinki to apply.

The EDUFI Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue doctoral studies or research in Finland. The scholarship covers living expenses, travel costs, and insurance and provides a monthly allowance of €19,00 per month. To be eligible for the EDUFI Fellowships, students must have a Master’s degree, be proficient in English, and have a research proposal that aligns with the research interests of a Finnish university.

The Aalto University School of Business offers several doctoral scholarships to highly qualified international students. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver. PhD in Finland for Indian students must have a research proposal and an acceptance letter from the Aalto University School of Business to apply.

Completing a PhD in Finland can open up various career opportunities, both in academia and industry. Here are the top career prospects for PhD graduates in Finland:

Source: Payscale

Conclusion 

Pursuing a PhD in Finland can be a rewarding experience academically and professionally. The country’s high-quality education system, supportive academic environment, and ample research opportunities make it an ideal destination for international students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. If you are considering a PhD in Finland, explore the universities in Finland for PhD requirements, scholarships, and funding opportunities available. With the right preparation and research, you can unlatch the doors to a successful academic and professional future in the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes.’

Can Indian students apply for PhD programs in Finland?

Yes, Indian students can apply for PhD programs in Finland. However, they must meet the same academic and language proficiency requirements as other international students.

Which universities in Finland offer PhD programs?

Many universities in Finland offer PhD programs across various fields, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, and Tampere University, among others.

Is it difficult to secure funding for a PhD in Finland?

While funding opportunities for PhD students in Finland can be competitive, many scholarships and grants are available to help support international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. It is important to research and apply for funding opportunities early to increase your chances.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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Why study here?

Come and conduct research at the Academy of Fine Arts, where art and the artist are the focal points. Research subjects – whether embodied in the research question or the method, material or objective of research – cover the meaning, practices, techniques and methods of art, as well as the principles and institutional arrangements that determine the production, reception, training and application of art.

About the studies

Doctoral studies provide students with the abilities and the opportunity to conduct independent and creative artistic research. Artistic research is a field of multidisciplinary research that focuses on the artist and art. Graduates of our programme are artist-researchers who develop and renew arts, as well as the making, research and teaching of arts. The programme admits new students every other year.

They engage in a diverse and critical dialogue with the different actors in society. As experts in their field, they create art and produce information, knowledge, and insights based on art-related practices that can be applied in the arts and also in other sectors of society.

Our doctoral programme develops the artist-researchers’ ability to apply their skills as artists, researchers, teachers, and experts.

Structure of the degree

The Doctor of Fine Arts degree extends to 240 ECTS credits, which corresponds to four years of full-time studies.

The degree consists of the doctoral thesis project (170 cr) and doctoral studies in fine arts (70 cr), which includes 60 cr of mandatory studies and 10 cr of elective studies.

Teaching during the academic year takes place over 7 intensive seminar weeks and is arranged together with the Theatre Academy’s Performing Arts Research Centre (Tutke). The more detailed course information can be found in the study guide .

Thesis project

The doctoral thesis project in fine arts can include art exhibitions, exhibition curating, individual artworks, artistic processes or experimental arrangements and their articulation, conceptualisation and theorisation. Typically, a doctoral thesis project consists of one or several visual art components (a maximum total of 140 cr) as well as a written component (30-170 cr). In addition, the thesis project must be available as an electronically archivable documentation. The artistic components are public artistic research findings. The written component runs parallel to the visual art components and justifies the research approach and goals in relation to other research and practices within the field. On a discretionary basis, the doctoral thesis project can also consist exclusively of research in written form.

• Professor, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts
• +358503473969
• [email protected]

Maiju Loukola

• University Lecturer, Artistic research Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts
• +358504720344
• [email protected]

Denise Ziegler

• Professor, Artistic research Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts Visiting researcher, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Fine Arts
• +358504080197
• [email protected]

Contact information for the doctoral programme

Further information about the admission process.

[email protected]

Other inquiries concerning doctoral education and research at the Academy of Fine Arts

Minna Luomala Planning officer (doctoral education) [email protected] tel. +358 50 4018 630

Michaela Bränn Specialist (research) [email protected] tel. +358 40 63 13 553

More about the research and study activities

Target degree and length of study.

Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA)

You can apply to

Application period.

The next application period will be in autumn 2024. The studies begin in autumn 2025.

Application languages

English, Finnish, Swedish Read more about the language skill requirements

Tuition fee

There is no tuition fee in the doctoral programme.

Supervising teacher

Mika Elo Professor

Academy of Fine Arts

Doctoral Programme in Law

The doctoral programme and the Faculty of Law offer a uniform selection of disciplines in order to create a flexible framework for the interplay of education and research. The degree programme cooperates with LERU (League of European Research Universities).

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.