The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2026 offers doctoral students an opportunity to strengthen their PhD research while working with one of the world’s leading development economics institutes. This fully funded fellowship allows researchers to access UNU-WIDER’s resources, collaborate with experts, and advance research focused on developing economies.

For PhD candidates seeking international research exposure, publication opportunities, and academic networking, this programme provides a strong platform to enhance both dissertation quality and career development.

Visiting PhD fellows typically spend three consecutive months at UNU-WIDER before returning to their home institution. During the programme, fellows prepare one or more research papers and present a seminar on their research findings. They may also have the opportunity to publish their research in the WIDER Working Paper Series.

You can read about previous experiences from the programme, here.

About the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme

The Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme enables registered doctoral students to:

Use UNU-WIDER’s research resources and facilities
Collaborate with researchers on shared research interests
Develop research papers related to their dissertation or thesis
Present a seminar based on their research findings
Potentially publish in the WIDER Working Paper Series

Fellows usually spend three consecutive months at UNU-WIDER before returning to their home institution.

Fellowship Duration and Research Activities

During the three-month fellowship period, participants are expected to:

Advance their doctoral research
Engage with UNU-WIDER researchers and academic discussions
Prepare research outputs suitable for publication
Present their research in a seminar setting

The programme is designed to strengthen research quality and support policy-relevant academic work.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme
Demonstrate ability to conduct research on developing economies
Possess strong quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills
Be fluent in written and spoken English

Although UNU-WIDER is an economics-focused institute, researchers from other social science disciplines may apply if their work aligns with development-related themes.

Submissions on topics related to the UNU-WIDER work programme are particularly welcome.

Priority Applicants

Applications are especially encouraged from:

Early-career researchers
Female researchers
Researchers from developing countries
PhD candidates at later stages of their studies

The programme is highly competitive. In recent years, approximately one percent of applications were successful.

Financial Support

When the fellowship is undertaken in Helsinki, UNU-WIDER provides:

A travel grant covering travel to and from the applicant’s institution or country of residence
Medical insurance during the fellowship period
A monthly stipend of EUR 2,070 to support living expenses in Helsinki

The programme does not cover expenses related to dependents.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

UNU-WIDER accepts applications twice each year.

March Application Cycle

Application form opens: 1 March (00:00 UTC+3)
Deadline: 31 March (23:59 UTC+3)
Fellowship period: September to November (same year)

September Application Cycle

Application form opens: 1 September (00:00 UTC+3)
Deadline: 30 September (23:59 UTC+3)
Fellowship period: March to June (following year)

The online application link becomes active one month before each deadline.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Completed online application form
Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
Reference letter from PhD supervisor

The reference letter must be sent directly by the supervisor to:

phdreference@wider.unu.edu

This letter also confirms the applicant’s enrolment in a PhD programme.

Applications submitted by email or post are not accepted.

Selection Process

Applications are assessed competitively based on eligibility and research alignment
Final decisions are communicated by email within four weeks after the deadline
Selected applicants must confirm acceptance within two weeks of notification

Why Apply for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship?

This fellowship is ideal for doctoral researchers who want to:

Strengthen their dissertation with international research support
Work closely with leading development economists
Build academic and policy research networks
Increase opportunities for publication
Enhance future academic and professional prospects

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application form once it becomes available during the application window.

If you are interested in participating in this programme you should complete and submit the application form. For more details on the submission and for practical information on the programme, please see our frequently asked questions page.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the programme or you experience any problems with your online application, please first check our questions and answers page. If you are still experiencing problems please contact us at the following email address: phdfellow@wider.unu.edu

Please note that replies may take up to five working days.

The UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship 2026 is a highly competitive and valuable opportunity for doctoral students conducting research on developing economies. With financial support, access to expert researchers, and opportunities to publish, the programme provides a strong environment for advancing high-quality, policy-relevant research.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE

The Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme was previously known as the PhD Internship Programme.