online 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 ↗️

Students who have not changed their password since 7 May cannot log in to the student web. This is due to security measures following the cyber attack on 2 May. Read about how to change your password .

• For students

All students must change their password since 7 May.

Edit content at umu.se

• Find courses and programmes
• Library search tool
• Search the legal framework

Online and distance learning

Online and distance learning, or web-based education, can be a good option for those who want the flexibility of studying from anywhere in the world in an innovative educational experience. You don't need to be in Umeå to study at Umeå University.

How to apply for online and distance learning studies

Our distance learning courses and degree programmes have formal admission requirements (refer to the specific programme or course links for details). Students who wish to apply should apply online using the University Admissions in Sweden website ( universityadmissions.se ) during the open application periods.

Note:  Autumn 2023 course offerings will be published in December.

Your query resulted in 33 hits

• Level Course, Master’s level
• Study time 50%
• Study form Web-based (online)
• Level Course, Bachelor's level
• Study time 33%
• Study time 25%
• Study time 100%
• Study time 20%
• Study time 50%; 100%
• Study form Also available online

The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support ).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

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.

• Svenska Close Den här sidan är ej översatt Startsida på svenska

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.

• Denna sida på svenska
• Utbildning startsida
• ki.se startsida

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).

Menu for this area

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

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

We use cookies on this website. Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. Read about cookies .

• Accept necessary
• Malmö University
• Student Web
• På svenska
• Programmes and courses
• Applications and admissions
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Exchange studies at Malmö University
• Study Guidance
• Find housing in Malmö
• University Housing
• After admission
• Moving to Malmö
• Pre-orientation
• Arrival guide
• About studies at Malmö University
• Why choose Malmö University
• Understanding university studies
• Connect with current students

Doctoral studies

Doctoral courses.

• Doctoral schools
• Education, Learning and Globalisation
• Doctoral school: Learning in Multicultural Societal Contexts
• Swedish National Graduate School in Science and Technology Education Research
• Doctoral school: Relevancing Mathematics and Science Education (RelMaS)
• Doctoral school: Sustainable Movement Education
• Finding ways in a time of great future challenges (FinnFram)
• Doctoral school: Pedagogy and Vocational Skills
• Doctoral school: Culturally Empowering Education through Language and Literature
• Research subjects
• Prominent research
• Research centres
• Biofilms Research Center for Biointerfaces
• Malmö Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare
• Internet of Things and People
• Centre for Work Life and Evaluation Studies
• Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies
• Research programmes
• Our research
• Institute for Urban Research
• Data Society
• Disciplinary literacy and inclusive teaching
• Research publications
• Search publications
• Malmö University Press
• Research in focus
• Focus: The mouth – a part of the body
• Focus: The climate and our society
• Focus: The war in Ukraine
• Focus: Perspectives on Malmö
• Focus: The future with AI
• Research events
• Be part of research
• Collaboration and Innovation
• Areas of collaboration
• Collaboration with students
• Collaborate with researchers
• Labs and facilities
• Culture collaboration
• Support Malmö University
• Job opportunities
• Current vacancies
• Meet our staff
• Employee benefits
• Faculties and departments
• Faculty of Health and Society
• Department of Biomedical Science
• Department of Criminology
• Department of Social Work
• Department of Care Science
• Department for Police Work
• Faculty of Culture and Society
• Department of Urban Studies
• Department of Global Political Studies
• School of Arts and Communication
• Faculty of Education and Society
• Department of Childhood, Education and Society
• Department of Sports Sciences
• Department of Natural Science, Mathematics and Society
• Department of School Development and Leadership
• Department of Culture, Languages and Media
• Department of Society, Culture and Identity
• Faculty of Technology and Society
• Department of Computer Science and Media Technology
• Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics
• Faculty of Odontology
• Contact Malmö University
• Visit Malmö University
• Map of the buildings (Google Maps)
• Merchandise
• Whistleblowing
• News and press
• Management and decision-making paths
• Vision, objectives and strategy 2025
• Global engagement
• Sustainability
• Widened recruitment and participation
• Quality work at the University
• Apartments for researchers
• Malmö Academic Choir and Orchestra
• Student work - video pieces
• Alumni & Friends
• Annual Academic Celebration
• University Dental Clinic
• About the University Dental Clinic
• The University in a troubled world
• På svenska På svenska

If you would like to continue your studies beyond your master’s degree, it is possible to progress to doctoral studies. A doctoral programme corresponds to four years of full-time study (240 HE credits) and ends with a doctoral degree. After two years of study (120 HE credits), a licentiate degree can be awarded.

How to become a doctoral student

To be admitted to doctoral studies, you must first apply for and be granted, a vacant employed doctoral position at the university. All international doctoral positions will be posted in English. 

A majority of doctoral students in Sweden are employed by their universities. This means that you get a salary as well as paid vacation leave and the right to paid parental leave when you become a doctoral student.

There are no admission- or tuition fees if you are admitted as a doctoral student through Malmö University. Alternative financing (if you are not employed) for doctoral studies will only be accepted in special circumstances.

More information on admission to doctoral studies in Sweden can be found in the PhD Handbook .

Admission regulations

Information about entry requirements and how to write your application is provided in the advertisement for the vacant position.

The admission regulations are detailed in the document below.

Admission regulations for third-cycle studies

General entry requirements for all doctoral education

Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39

A potential candidate meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if they:

• have been awarded a second-cycle qualification
• have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or:
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or elsewhere.

The higher education institution may permit an exemption from the general entry requirements for an individual applicant, if there are special grounds.

Doctoral subjects

Malmö University offers doctoral studies in the following subjects.

• Doctoral subject: Applied Physics
• Doctoral subject: Biomedical Science
• Doctoral subject: Care science
• Doctoral subject: Computer science
• Doctoral subject: Criminology
• Doctoral subject: Global politics
• Doctoral subject: Health and society
• Doctoral subject: History and history didactics
• Doctoral subject: Interaction Design
• Doctoral subject: International Migration and Ethnic Relations
• Doctoral subject: Language and Literature in Education  
• Doctoral subject: Media and Communication Studies  
• Doctoral subject: Odontology/Dentistry
• Doctoral subject: Organisation Studies
• Doctoral subject: Pedagogy
• Doctoral subject: Science and Mathematics Education 
• Doctoral subject: Social Work
• Doctoral subject: Sport Science
• Doctoral subject: Urban Studies

In addition to the actual doctoral thesis, the doctoral study programme also includes one component course. The content of this course is governed by the general syllabus for the doctoral subject area. The specific courses that should be included in the study programme will be decided upon in consultation with the supervisors.

• Se current doctoral courses

Meet Palwasha Momand, Doctoral student

'The fellowship among doctoral students is fantastic in Malmö. The university does a lot for us. We get to know each other and can network.' Palwasha Momand, Doctoral student.

• Doctoral Schools

Doctoral schools bring together doctoral students with a common focus. That focus might be a postgraduate education subject or theme. The students conduct joint activities in the form of courses, workshops, and seminars. It is often the case that such schools are run in collaboration with other universities and financed with the help of external funding.

Visiting and exchange doctoral students

Malmö University welcomes exchange doctoral students who come to us in order to conduct part of their research in the framework of their doctoral education.

Different doctoral courses may have different application procedures. Read what applies to the course you are applying for.

Contact for visiting doctoral students

Johanna Boussard - International liaison officer

International Office

Information for doctoral students  admitted at Malmö University

You can find more information in your Faculty's study handbook, information about your individual study plan ISP, dissertations, doctoral support and upcoming workshops – on our Staff website.

The Staff website

As a doctoral student, researcher or guest researcher, you can rent housing through Malmö University.

Apartments for doctoral students, researchers, and guest researchers

Jenny Pobiega - Education and research liaison officer

University Executive Office

The request to the URL needs to be verified.

The request to the URL is paused, and must be verified for you to access it. This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor, and to prevent automated spam submission.

What code is in the image submit

Incident ID: 14604593419721140411

For comments and questions: [email protected]

• 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

Contact page responsible.

• Startpage SLU
• Programmes & courses

Doctoral education

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is one of Sweden’s top research universities and offers an extensive range of research degrees.  Our doctoral students are part of a supportive research community and an exciting and challenging research culture.

Admission to doctoral studies

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements for doctoral education.

Doctoral studies at SLU

Doctoral studies at SLU train students to become skilled independent researchers.

Public defences and licentiate seminars at SLU

Constraints and opportunities for organic crop production in areas of high agricultural productivity, phenotypic and genetic diversity in wild and domesticated timothy and related phleum species implications for breeding, dissertation rebecca larsson, urban densification considering sense of place and environmental justice – or not, the nature of human habitats : revealing outdoor recreation preferences through landscape utilization, implementation of digital technologies in logistics systems of low-income countries an assessment based on case studies in ethiopia, community assembly across subarctic landscapes exploring patterns of diversity, novel starch types molecular diversity for future applications, adolescent outdoor life and well-being, exploring facial expressions in horses - biological and methodological approaches.

Department of Law

Doctoral studies.

More than one hundred teachers are engaged full-time in teaching and research at the Department of Law. As a doctoral candidate at our department, you will therefore be part of a dynamic and international research environment.

Doctoral studies in law consist of four years of full-time studies, leading to a Doctor of Laws Degree (LL.D.). Most time is devoted to the writing of a thesis, but doctoral students are also expected to study some obligatory courses and hold mandatory seminars. Depending on the type of employment, other department duties, such as teaching, may be required as well.

Doctoral studies are intended to educate new researchers in order to enable them to conduct independent research in academic institutions and elsewhere. As a doctoral candidate, you will advance into an independent researcher, while you develop your critical and analytical stance and are educated in the scientific traditions. By improving your theoretical proficiency and methodological skills, you will learn how to ask questions, reason, structure, analyse and reflect over your thesis topic.

Doctoral Studies in Legal Science

Legal science is the scientific study of legal and judiciary systems and involves the process of analysing and systematising the law, as well as making contributions to its development. Legal Science also examines the origins and developments of the law, its philosophical aspects, as well as the relationship between legal systems and other societal phenomena.

Research areas at the faculty

The Faculty of Law enjoys a leading position in Sweden and international prominence in Child Law, Intellectual Property Law, Commercial Law, Law and Information Technology and Penal Law, but virtually all fields of law are represented:

• Jurisprudence
• Private Law (General Private Law, Labour Law, Law of Associations, Family/Child Law, Land Law, Insurance Law, Intellectual Property Law, Marketing Law, Maritime Law)
• European Integration Law
• Financial Law
• Public International Law
• Private International and Procedural Law
• Environmental Law
• Procedural Law
• History of Law
• Law and Information Technology
• Criminal Law

Programme syllabus

Doctoral studies pertain to a Degree of Doctor (PhD) of Legal Science or a Degree of Licentiate of Legal Science. The programme consists of 240 higher education credits (credits) for a doctoral degree and 120 credits for a licentiate degree.

Your duties as doctoral student at SULaw

As a doctoral student at SULaw, you are expected to:

• Write a thesis, normally in the form of a monograph that should not exceed 300 pages
• Participate in the mandatory welcome day (applies only to newly admitted doctoral students)
• Participate in the Faculty of Law's annual research day
• Present your dissertation at three mandatory seminars
• Participate in four method courses - two compulsory and two electives - of 7.5 credits each (a total of 30 credits)
• Submit an individual study plan each year
• Submit documentation for activity and financing information periodically, and inform about any changes.

Some doctoral students, depending on their type of employment (see below “Terms of employment”), may also have to:

• Perform some form of departmental service
• Submit a report of their teaching obligation twice a year.

About admissions

Admissions to the doctoral programme take place once a year. Applications must be submitted during the admission period, that closes on March 1.

If 1 March is a Saturday or a public holiday, the closest following business day is applicable. Thereafter, the application is processed by the Research Committee that decides on admission. Information about approvals will be announced at the latest by the end of June. The programme starts on 1 September.

The Research Committee accepts as many candidates as can be employed as doctoral students at the Department of Law. The number of employed doctoral students varies according to the budget situation. Candidates who hold sufficiently high standard but are not offered a doctoral employment can nonetheless be accepted to the LL.D program on the condition that the candidate secures suitable external funding and submits it to the head of department, who will need to approve it. The candidate has until the next admission period to confirm that an acceptable external financing exists. The project description must be identical to that which was submitted in March.

Supervision

In connection to the admission to doctoral studies, the Department Board appoints a main supervisor with the scientific competence corresponding to that of an associate professor, as well as a co-supervisor with the relevant competence. One of the supervisors must be an employee of the Faculty unless special circumstances lead the Research Committee to decide otherwise. If for some reason, the supervisor cannot perform the supervisory duties, the Research Committee shall, if possible, appoint a successor. If it is impossible to find a successor within the Faculty, an external supervisor can be appointed.

Meet our PhD students

What is it really like to be a doctoral candidate? What are the advantages and disadvantages? And what are the best tips our PhD students have for you if you're interested in undertaking doctoral studies? Find out in a serie of interviews on the link below!

Read interviews with our PhD students

Application

Below is some important information about the formal requirements to apply for doctoral studies, as well as practical guidance on how to prepare your application.

• Entry requirements

Please note that the entry requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

General entry requirements

In order to meet the general entry requirements to doctoral studies, the applicant must have completed a university degree with completed courses equivalent to at least 240 university credits, of which 60 credits must be at an advanced level, or otherwise have acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements

The specific entry requirement is a completed juris kandidat/juristexamen (masters of laws) degree or the equivalent. Eligibility can also be granted to applicants who, through professional experience or other training, are deemed to have acquired competence equivalent to that necessary to conduct studies at the post-graduate level, both in terms of academic skills as well as legal knowledge relevant to the research area.

A successful applicant is also to have very high command of Swedish and good knowledge of English, or alternatively, very high command of English.

Candidates with foreign diplomas should ensure that they meet the requirement for special eligibility. In order to satisfy the special entry requirements, students may have to pass exams in subjects selected by the prospective supervisor and the Research Committee.

• How to apply

Apply for the PhD student position through Stockholm University's recruitment system.

For correct consideration, it is important that your application is complete , and that the documentation contains correct and relevant information. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The following documents must be included in the application:

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
• Research proposal describing the intended project – including research question, theoretical framework, method and material, how the project is intended to be conducted and a literature review that indicates the scientific added value of the intended project
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Letters of Recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files)

The selection among eligible candidates is based on their deemed capacity to carry out studies at doctoral level. This is assessed on the basis of the following criteria, as stipulated by the Faculty of Law:

• the applicant's general competence,
• the doctoral research proposal, and
• the viability of the proposal.

When assessing the qualifications of the applicant, the Research Committee reviews previous studies and grades (including the quality of the individual work, the ability to express oneself orally and in writing, the applicant´s documented knowledge of their subject proposal), references, relevant experience (professional and other), interviews, and finally the applicant’s written motivation of their research proposal.

In the assessment of the applicant's academic performance, particular attention is paid to their written work and whether it demonstrates an ability to present and develop an argument in a clear and logical fashion, as well as an ability to carry out independent critical thinking and analysis. Creativity, self-initiative and independence as well as work capacity are also taken into account.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University

For details information about the specific assessment of the research proposal, see below.

Research proposal

When considering applications, the Research Committee attaches substantial weight to the research proposal that the candidates submit with their application. Candidates should therefore pay particular attention to how they formulate their research questions.

Instructions

The proposal should be written in Swedish or English and shall not be longer than 5-10 pages of typewritten text. It shall not contain any bibliography and yhe number of footnotes shall be kept to a minimum.

The applicant is expected to be able to fit their proposal into the research tradition. Thus, the proposal should show how the project relates to earlier research. In this connection, it should be set out how urgent the project may be assumed to be, and in what way the project can be assumed to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

It is worth noting that a research proposal in law may incorporate different perspectives, depending on the research issue. The perspective taken is related to the method to be used in the study. The approach in scholarly works on legal matters may take the perspective (the list is not exclusive) of:

• Legal Dogmatics
• Law and Sociology
• Law and Economy
• Law and Philosophy
• Transdisciplinary considerations
• Legal comparisons

There is no template for how the research proposal should be presented, since the proposal itself will indicate the applicants’ ability to formulate legal presentations of problems.

Assessment criteria

The Research Committee bases its assessments of the proposal on the following general criteria:

• its originality, incl. its theoretical framework as well as its relevance in relation to previous research,
• the clarity of the methodology in relation to the research issues,
• its contribution to expanding relevant knowledge in the field, and
• its feasibility.

Another relevant aspect for the assessment of research proposal is the extent to which applicants have succeeded in limiting their research proposal to a specific area of investigation. In this context, a number of issues are important, including the following:

• Whether the research issues belong to the field of jurisprudence, in the sense that a legal approach to such issues provides a coherent framework for research.
• Whether the scope of the proposal is appropriately limited, so that the proposed research can be completed within four years of LL.D. studies.
• Whether the framework of the proposed research is set out as clearly and concisely as possible. This need not involve a totally exhaustive discussion of all aspects of the proposed research, however, as some aspects of research may be adjusted and amended as the candidates’ LL.D. studies progress.

Terms of employment

In accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (ch. 5 §7), appointment to a doctoral studentship shall apply for an indefinite period, however no longer than until a specified date and never for a period extending more than one year after the award of a PhD. At most, a person may be employed as a doctoral student for five years. Any renewal of the employment takes place with a maximum of two years at a time.

More about the length of employment

The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study. Exceptions may be granted in circumstances such as leave due to illness, parental leave, for service in the total defense or for positions of trust within student and trade union organizations.

For questions about the employment, contact Vladimir Vesovic .

Salaries are regulated by a local collective agreement for Stockholm University ( Villkorsavtal-SU - in Swedish only) in accordance with the Agreement on General Salary and Benefits ( Allmänna löne- och förmånsavtalet ). Salary trend is based on the proportion of the requirements for the doctoral degree that has been achieved during the employment period and follows a scale ( doktorandstege ) specified in the collective agreement (Chapter 3).

The Department of Law has internal guidelines for the application of that scale, namely that doctoral students receive a salary supplement of SEK 2,000 from step 2 onwards. This applies to those studying full time. If a doctoral student teaches e.g. 20%, this amount is reduced accordingly.

SULaw’s guidelines for re the application of the salary scale for doctoral students (in Swedish)

Departmental duties

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in departmental duties such as teaching, examination, essay supervision and general administration. Doctoral students with a five-year employment are also expected to fulfill a teaching obligation, where 20% of their time must be devoted to some form of departmental duty.

SULaw’s needs govern the form of departmental duty to be undertaken, but doctoral students will decide how the work should be set up together with their supervisor. The certificate of employment will state the exact distribution in percent between research and teaching/administration.

Teaching and pedagogy courses for doctoral students

According to the Rules for education and examination at postgraduate level ( Regler för utbildning och examination på forskarnivå , in Swedish only), doctoral students teaching at undergraduate and advanced level must have previously completed a course in pedagogy and teaching within higher education or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge. The course Professional development 1 (Universitetslärarutbildning 1, or UL 1 in Swedish), given at the Center for the Advancement of University Teaching ( CeUL ), is recommended as corresponding education.

Doctoral Courses

In addition to the dissertation, it is mandatory to study method courses of 30 credits. Beginning in the autumn 2015, Juridicum has offered two obligatory and four optional method courses of 7.5 credits each. The mandatory courses are given each autumn term and the optional according to a rolling schedule (see below). Four of the courses (including the two obligatory) are in English and two in Swedish.

Course Offer

Mandatory courses:  .

• HT23: Philosophy of Social Science , 7,5 credits Course manager: Torben Spaak Language: English   
• HT23: Fundamental Concepts in Law , 7,5 credits Course manager: Teresa Simon Almendal Language: English

Optional/Creditable course:  

• VT24: Law and Legal Research beyond the Nation State , 7,5 hp Kursansvarig: Pål Wrange Språk: Engelska  
• VT25: Global Legal Research and Information Management: Legal Scholars and New Technologies (GRiM) , 7,5 hp Kursansvarig: Liane Colonna Language: English  
• VT25: Strategy, creativity and research ethics , 7,5 hp. (Strategi, kreativitet och forskningsetik) Course manager: Frantzeska Papadopoulou Language: Swedish  

Registration

Registration for the fall courses (fall 2023) May 15 to August 7, 2023

Registration for the spring courses (spring 2024) October 7 to December 15, 2023

Please contact Johanna Hale ( [email protected] ) if you want to study any of these courses.

Do you still wonder about some aspects of Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Law? Check our FAQ!

FAQ Doctoral Studies

Associate professor

• Visiting address

Södra huset: Building C Room C914

• Responsibility

Responsible for doctoral education when it comes to academic content, implementation etc.

Administrator of doctoral studies

Södra huset: Building C Room C 894

• Responsiblity

General information about doctoral studies and the doctoral courses

Last updated: February 19, 2024

Source: Department of Law

Search among our courses and programmes

• Courses for Exchange Students
• Postgraduate Level

Last updated: April 17, 2023

Study at Stockholm University

• Academic Writing Service
• Study and career counselling
• Studying with a disability
• Your rights and responsibilities
• Examination services
• Stockholm Student Health Services
• Study environment
• In an emergency
• Studenthuset and Infocenter
• Student unions
• Sporting activities on campus
• Places to study
• Computer places and printers
• Get access to wifi
• IT safety and security tips
• Software for students
• Digital tools and services
• Career events
• Find jobs and internships
• Tips for finding your career in Sweden
• Business and innovation support
• Visas and residence permits
• Swedish personal identity number
• Living costs
• Learning Swedish
• Step-by-step guide
• Costs, fees and scholarships
• Important dates
• Sweden’s higher education system
• FAQ and contact
• Select your courses
• Practicalities
• Our courses and programmes
• First-class education and research
• Discover Stockholm and Sweden
• Meet us online and around the world
• Hear from our alumni
• Students of Stockholm University
• Our researchers. Your teachers
• Study with us – the newsletter
• Pre-departure information
• Checklist for admitted students
• Welcome Activities
• Get access to IT services
• How to register
• Find your way on campus
• Q&A regarding the coronavirus
• Exchange studies
• Calls for application
• Short-term exchange
• Traineeship abroad
• Degree project abroad
• Application for a degree certificate
• Degree requirements
• Digital degree certificates
• Credit transfer
• Qualifications & degrees
• Stay in touch with us
• Alumni Mentorship Programme

• International website
• Find courses
• Find research
• Find organisation

• Institute of Biomedicine

Doctoral Studies

Are you interested in research? We continuously announce PhD positions. As a PhD student, you will belong to a research group and conduct your research under supervision of one or more senior scientists that eventually leads to a thesis. In parallel, you will take courses to complement your research education and participate in scientific conferences.

The Institute of Biomedicine has more than 100 PhD students that belong to any of our four Departments: Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory Medicine and Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology. During the four-year PhD programme, you will learn to conduct high quality research in a highly stimulating scientific environment to deepen your knowledge of the research field. The thesis itself amounts to 210 ECTS, while the courses comprise up to 30 ECTS. It is also possible to participate in a five-year programme in medical basic sciences at the Institute of Biomedicine, where you will combine PhD research and teaching as part of an education intended for medical students with a strong research interests intending to pursue combined occupations within academia and health care.

Our departments

More about doctoral studies

Start date 29 May 2024 Research Sanna Avellan - Lyme borreliosis - carditis and nervous system infection

Start date 30 May 2024 Research Andrew Boucher - Unveiling Cholera Toxin Binding and intoxication using Enteroids and Site-Specific Mutants

Start date 30 May 2024 Research Francesco De Luca - Autoimmunity, regeneration and biology of the human kidney

Start date 31 May 2024 Research Mirjam Dannborg - Disturbances to interactions in microbiomes

Start date 4 Jun 2024 Research Tobias Tyrberg - Varicella-zoster virus in the central nervous system

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

Articles you might like