Finnish Government offers scholarships for doctoral level studies and research in Finland, 2014-15. The Finnish Government offers scholarships of 3-9 months for Doctoral level studies and research at Finnish universities or public research institutes. The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool program is open to young researchers from all academic fields. The scholarship cannot be applied for Master’s level studies or post-Doctoral studies/research.
Study Subject:
Scholarships are provided to learn any of the courses offered by Finnish Universities or Public Research Institutes.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- have established contact with the Finnish receiving institution before applying (see section ‘Doctoral Admissions’)
- have a letter of invitation from the academic supervisor in Finland; the invitation should also explain the commitment of the host institution to the project
- have earned a Master’s-level degree before applying
- intend to pursue post-Master’s level studies as a visiting student, participate in a research project or teach at a university or public research institute in Finland; priority will be given to doctoral studies
- not have spent already more than one year at a Finnish higher education institution immediately before the intended scholarship period in Finland
- be able to give proof of sufficient skills in speaking and writing the language needed in study/research*
- be a national of one of the eligible countries listed above
This means that the application must include some proof of the applicant’s language skills – CIMO does not require you to take an IELTS or TOEFL test, but if you have such official proof of your English skills that can of course be enclosed in the application. Usually however it is enough if, for example, the letter of invitation from the hosting Finnish university states that your language skills have been deemed sufficient by the Finnish university.
Scholarship Value:
The scholarship includes:
- a monthly allowance of EUR 1200. The allowance is sufficient for one person only.
Expenses due to travel, international or in Finland, are not covered by CIMO. Scholarship recipients are recommended to make arrangements for sufficient insurance coverage for their stay in Finland. Please see the section ‘Before your arrival’ for information on the practicalities of coming to Finland as an international student/researcher.
The Finnish Government Scholarship Pool program can be applied for a study/research period of 3-9 months, 9 months being the maximum time for an individual applicant. This means that the scholarship program cannot be applied to cover a whole Doctoral degree program – if you are granted this scholarship, after the initial CIMO scholarship period you will need to look for other sources of funding for the remainder of your studies/research in Finland.
How to apply?
Applications for the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool funding should be made to the appropriate authority in the applicant’s country. The scholarship authorities in each country are invited to present applications for up to 10 candidates for the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool. For information on the appropriate authority in your country, please see the listing of countries and authorities to contact.
The announcements for the opening of the annual application round are usually sent out from CIMO at the end of September annually. The applicants may then contact the scholarship authorities in their home country for information on the national deadline for submitting the application documents.
Application form & the required documents:
You can download the 2014-2015 application form via the link below. Finnish Government Scholarship Pool application form 2014-2015
Please save the application form on your own computer before completing it. The form should be typed throughout. To move between different fields, use the “Tab” key. Relevant boxes can be ticked by using the “Space” key or the left-hand mouse button. After completing the form, please print and sign it.
If needed, the application form can also be obtained from the national scholarship authorities or directly from CIMO.
Documents required for an application:
- a completed and signed application form
- curriculum vitae
- copies of latest diplomas
- two letters of recommendation
- study/research plan (2-5 pages, including a statement of motivation, goals, work plan, work method, expected results)
- invitation/expression of interest from the hosting academic supervisor in Finland
- language certificate (Finnish, Swedish or English) or other indication of sufficient language skills – please see above, in the section ‘Eligibility criteria’
Copies of original diplomas accompanied with translations into English, Finnish or Swedish – if the original certificates are not in these languages. Preferably official translations. Please do not send in any originals as CIMO will not return any application documents.
Application Deadline:
The annual deadline set by CIMO for the nomination of scholarship candidates by the national authorities is 14 February.
For further information: Finnish Government Scholarship Pool Program
