Hey future academic superstars and research enthusiasts! Ready to take your PhD journey to the next level? We’ve got some exciting news for doctoral students from South Africa looking to make a global impact. Get ready to explore the incredible UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme Bursary, a golden opportunity to conduct your research in Helsinki, Finland!
This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a fully funded chance to immerse yourself in a world-class research environment, work alongside leading experts, and contribute to vital studies on developing economies. If you’re serious about your PhD and dream of an international experience, keep reading – this could be your moment!
The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme is designed for registered doctoral students like you who want to dive deep into their dissertation or thesis research. Based at the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in Helsinki, Finland, this programme offers you the resources, facilities, and expertise to really push your research forward.
You’ll typically spend three months at UNU-WIDER, focusing on your specific research project related to developing economies. It’s a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with experienced researchers, develop one or more research papers, present your findings in a seminar, and even potentially get your work published in the prestigious WIDER Working Paper Series. Imagine the boost this could give your academic career!
Who Can Apply?
While this bursary is highly competitive (only about 1% of applicants are successful, so bring your A-game!), here’s who UNU-WIDER is looking for:
- You must be currently enrolled in a PhD programme.
- You need to show a clear ability to conduct high-quality research on developing economies.
- Although UNU-WIDER is primarily an economics-focused institute, students from other social sciences are definitely encouraged to apply, as long as your research aligns with their focus.
- Excellent command of oral and written English is essential, along with strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills.
- They especially welcome applications from early-career researchers, female researchers, and those from developing countries (that’s you, South Africa!).
- This programme is particularly suited for researchers who are in the later stages of their PhD journey, ready to make significant progress on their thesis.
What Does It Cover?
This is where it gets really exciting! The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme is fully funded, meaning it takes a huge load off your shoulders. Here’s what you can expect:
- Travel Grant: UNU-WIDER will cover your travel costs to and from Helsinki, Finland, from your PhD granting institution or country of residence.
- Medical Insurance: You’ll receive medical and hospital insurance to cover any sickness or accidents during your stay in Helsinki, giving you peace of mind.
- Monthly Stipend: You’ll get a generous monthly stipend of EUR 2,070 to cover your living expenses in Helsinki. This helps ensure you can focus entirely on your research without financial stress.
Please note that the programme does not cover expenses for dependents, so keep that in mind when planning your application.
How to Apply?
Ready to make your move? Here’s how you can apply for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme:
Head straight to the official UNU-WIDER website. Make sure you read all the instructions carefully and prepare all the necessary documents, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Remember, the application deadline is 30 September 2025 at 23:59 UTC+3, so don’t leave it until the last minute!
Official Application Link: Visit the Official Webpage of the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme
If you’re a driven South African PhD student with a passion for research on developing economies, this UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme Bursary could be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. Don’t let this incredible fully funded opportunity pass you by – apply now and take that huge step towards an international academic career! Want to explore even more bursaries for your studies? Keep browsing Bursaries Room for your next big opportunity!
