Hey future researchers and innovators! Dream of pursuing your PhD studies in a top-notch European country, completely funded? Well, get ready because the Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) is offering an incredible opportunity for aspiring PhD students like YOU to study in Denmark!
The DARA Open PhD Fellowships (which we’re calling a bursary to keep things simple!) are designed to support brilliant minds in pursuing groundbreaking, curiosity-driven research. This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a fully-funded chance to dive deep into technical, natural, and medical sciences. If you have a visionary idea or a transformative research premise, DARA wants to help you turn it into a reality, pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Who Can Apply?
DARA is all about fostering a diverse and inclusive research community, so this opportunity is open to qualified candidates from anywhere in the world, including South Africa! Here’s what you need to know:
- You must be eligible for admission to a PhD program in Denmark (under either the 5+3 or 4+4 model). Both recent graduates and current students can apply if they meet university admission criteria.
- You need to secure an agreement with a principal supervisor who holds a position at a research institution within the Danish Kingdom (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands). So, start networking!
- Your principal supervisor can only have one active DARA PhD fellowship at a time (this doesn’t apply to co-supervisors).
- Eligible scientific fields are super broad, including bioscience & biomedicine, natural and technical sciences (like physics, chemistry, engineering), data and computer sciences (AI, machine learning), and biotechnology.
What Does It Cover?
This is where it gets exciting! The DARA Open PhD Bursary is fully funded, meaning they cover ALL the complete costs of your PhD program in Denmark. Here’s a breakdown:
- Salary: You’ll receive up to 1,575,000 DKK (Danish Krone) to cover your salary for the entire duration of your PhD, aligning with standard Danish PhD employment terms.
- Project Supplement: An additional 750,000 DKK is provided as a project supplement to support your research.
- Tuition Fee: Up to 240,000 DKK is allocated to cover your PhD enrollment fees at your host institution.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond the financial support, DARA fellows also get priority access to the academy’s educational and networking events, and you’ll be paired with an international mentor – an accomplished researcher from outside Denmark – to guide you.
How to Apply?
Ready to take this leap? The application process is straightforward, but remember, deadlines are strict! You’ll need to put together a strong application, secure your supervisor, and submit it before the closing date. All the details and the application portal can be found on their official website.
- Application Deadline: The call closes on 29 August 2025, at 2 pm (CEST). Don’t leave it to the last minute!
- Notification: You’ll be notified in December 2025 if your application is successful.
- Start Date: The earliest you can start is 1 February 2026, with the latest being 15 June 2026 (flexibility for university schedules).
- Official Application Link: Visit the official Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) Open PhD Fellowships webpage for full details and to apply: https://www.daracademy.dk/fellowship/fellowships-summer-2025
If you’re a brilliant South African student with a passion for research and a dream of studying abroad, this DARA PhD Bursary could be your golden ticket! Don’t let this incredible fully-funded opportunity slip away – start preparing your application now. And remember, Bursaries Room is always here to help you find more amazing opportunities for your academic journey!