PhD positions in Sweden

How to apply for a PhD in Sweden

Swedish universities recruit doctoral students for specific, advertised projects. Each vacancy names the department, the research topic, the supervisor and a fixed closing date. Apply through the university's own recruitment system before that date; late applications are normally not considered.

A typical application includes a CV, a cover letter explaining your fit with the project, degree certificates and transcripts, your master's thesis or another writing sample, and contact details for references. Some vacancies also ask for a short research plan. Shortlisted applicants are usually interviewed before the university makes an admission and employment decision.

Salary, employment and funding

Swedish rules only allow universities to admit doctoral students whose funding is secured for the whole programme. In practice most doctoral students are employees with a monthly salary, paid holiday and the employment protections of other university staff. Externally funded doctoral students exist, but the funding must cover the full period.

Salaries are set by each university's local agreement and increase in steps as you progress. The vacancy or the department's HR office can tell you the current salary ladder.

International applicants

Swedish PhD positions are open to international applicants and most research groups work in English. Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA need a residence permit for doctoral studies, which the Swedish Migration Agency processes after you are admitted.

Search terms used in Sweden

• doktorand: doctoral student
• doktorandtjänst / anställning som doktorand: salaried doctoral studentship
• forskarutbildning: third-cycle (doctoral) education