The International PhD Fellowships at UCPH are fully funded doctoral research positions for international candidates typically spanning 3 years. These fellowships include a full salary benefits and research support allowing students to pursue advanced academic work in Denmark at one of Europes top universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have completed a Masters degree or equivalent usually 120 ECTS credits under the Bologna framework in a relevant field.
Some programs such as those in engineering or computer science may offer integrated MSc plus PhD paths starting from a Bachelors degree.
Language Skills
Applicants must be proficient in English. Proof of proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required depending on the faculty.
External Funding Applicants
If applying with external or personal funding candidates must provide documentation proving they can cover tuition fees and a minimum monthly stipend which is around 14172 DKK in 2025.
Funding
- Monthly salary ranges from approximately DKK 27800 to 30800
- Fellows receive full employment benefits including health insurance paid holidays parental leave and a pension plan
- Fellows are expected to work 37 hours per week and may be asked to assist in teaching or administrative tasks up to 150 hours per year
- Employment is regulated by the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
Application Timeline
Application deadlines vary depending on the faculty and specific fellowship program.
For most advertised PhD positions deadlines fall between May and August 2025.
For structured programs such as Marie Curie or INTERACT deadlines may follow this pattern:
- Call opens December
- Deadline February
- Interviews April to May
- Program begins September
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following materials:
- Motivation letter tailored to the chosen PhD project
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts with English or Danish translations
- English language test scores if applicable
- List of referees or letters of recommendation
- Research proposal for some fields
- Declaration of funding source if self funded
Selection Process
Step 1 Initial Screening
All applications are screened for eligibility and completeness.
Step 2 Shortlisting
Applications are evaluated based on
- Academic potential including grades thesis and references
- Relevance and originality of motivation
- Fit with faculty research themes
Step 3 Interview
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed online or in person depending on the faculty.
Step 4 Final Selection
Decisions are announced usually by June or July 2025.
Example Opportunities for 2025
- PhD in Gut Ecology and Phage Delivery deadline February 2025
- PhD in Solid State Pharmacy deadline March 2025
- PhD in Chemistry and Fluorescence Imaging deadline June 2025
- Marie Curie and INTERACT Programs deadline February 2025
All current PhD opportunities are published on the UCPH Employment Portal.
Opportunities for International Students
International applicants are fully eligible for all UCPH PhD programs. The university provides full support for
- Visa application and residence permits
- Finding accommodation
- Cultural integration and settling in
- Danish language courses and international community events
Why Choose UCPH
- UCPH is consistently ranked among the top universities in Europe
- Offers a strong research culture and interdisciplinary programs
- Located in Copenhagen one of the most livable cities in the world
- Provides a balanced lifestyle with generous holidays and work culture
Quick Checklist Before Applying
Task | Completed |
---|---|
Identify a relevant PhD program | Yes or No |
Prepare motivation letter and CV | Yes or No |
Collect academic transcripts and diplomas | Yes or No |
Arrange English test scores | Yes or No |
Review UCPH guidelines and templates | Yes or No |
Submit application through official portal | Yes or No |
Read More:
- Denmark Government Scholarships 2026 Full Guide for International Students
- Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for 2025
- Ramboll Scholarship 2025 – DKK 25,000 Grant for Students in Denmark
- 25 Denmark Scholarships 2025 for International Students
- Study in Denmark Without IELTS in 2025 – Universities, Scholarships