Are you a doctoral student seeking fully funded research opportunities in Europe? The EDUFI Fellowship 2026, offered by the Finnish National Agency for Education, provides outstanding international PhD students a chance to undertake research at top Finnish universities. This prestigious fellowship offers generous financial support and a valuable academic experience in one of Europe’s most research-friendly environments. Here’s everything you need to know about the application process, eligibility, benefits, and more.

About EDUFI and Finnish Higher Education

Finland is widely known for its exceptional higher education system and research-driven universities. The Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) is a government agency that supports global academic collaboration and educational development. EDUFI collaborates with Finnish universities to fund promising international researchers in their doctoral pursuits across all academic disciplines.

Finland consistently ranks among the top in education and innovation globally, with universities like:
• University of Helsinki – QS Rank #115
• Aalto University – QS Rank #109
• University of Turku – QS Rank #315
• University of Eastern Finland – QS Rank #551–560
• Tampere University – QS Rank #436
• University of Oulu – QS Rank #382
• LUT University – QS Rank #351
• Åbo Akademi University – QS Rank #801–1000

Overview of EDUFI Fellowship 2026

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	EDUFI Fellowship 2026
Offered By	Finnish National Agency for Education
Host Institutions	Finnish Universities
Target Group	Non-Finnish PhD students
Eligible Fields	All fields of study
Funding Type	Fully Funded (Monthly stipend)
Duration	3 to 12 months
Fellowship Start	Anytime (rolling applications)
Monthly Stipend	€1,900
Application Deadline	Rolling (apply 5 months in advance)
Application By	Finnish university department

Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €1,900 to cover living expenses
• Research collaboration with world-class Finnish researchers
• Access to advanced research infrastructure and facilities
• Opportunity to contribute to high-impact academic projects
• No application fee
• Work and reside in Finland for up to 12 months
• Conference travel permitted during fellowship
• No restriction on nationality or academic discipline

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a doctoral (PhD) student from outside Finland
• Must be invited by a Finnish university department
• Candidate should not be in Finland for more than 1 year at the time of application
• Not applicable for postdoctoral research
• Candidates must not have previously completed a 12-month EDUFI Fellowship
• Research work must be conducted in Finland (short visits abroad allowed for data collection)

Application Process (for the Finnish Host University)

1. A Finnish university department applies on behalf of the international candidate.
2. The following documents must be submitted via email to [email protected] (Subject: EDUFI Fellowship):
   • Completed application form
   • Motivation letter
   • Detailed research plan with risk assessment
   • CV of the fellow
   • Invitation letter from the host department
   • Proof of academic qualifications
3. The application must be submitted at least 5 months before the intended start date.
4. The selection is based on a quality evaluation, including academic merit and research relevance.
5. Processing time: 3 months (longer in summer)

Comparison with Similar Fellowships

Fellowship	Country	Funding	Duration	Eligibility	Application Deadline
EDUFI Fellowship	Finland	€1,900/month	3–12 months	PhD students outside Finland	Rolling (5 months before start)
DAAD Research Grants	Germany	€1,200/month + benefits	1–12 months	Foreign PhD students	Annually (varies by country)
CSC PhD Scholarship	China	¥3,500/month	3–48 months	International PhD students	Usually March-April
SINGA Fellowship	Singapore	Full tuition + S$2,200–2,700/month	Up to 4 years	International PhD students	Twice a year
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship	Switzerland	CHF 1,920/month + benefits	12 months	PhD students and researchers	September annually

FAQs About EDUFI Fellowship 2026

1. Can I apply for the EDUFI Fellowship myself as a student?
   No, only the Finnish university department can apply on your behalf.
2. Is there an application deadline?
   There’s no fixed deadline. The process is rolling, but you must apply at least 5 months before your intended start date.
3. Can I receive this fellowship if I’ve already been in Finland for over a year?
   No. The candidate must have spent less than one year in Finland when the application is submitted.
4. Are all fields of study eligible?
   Yes. The fellowship is open to all academic disciplines.
5. Is travel or visa cost covered by the fellowship?
   No. The fellowship only covers living expenses through the monthly stipend.
6. Can I travel abroad during the fellowship?
   Yes, for short conference or research visits. These must not exceed one month for 6+ month fellowships.
7. Can I extend my fellowship duration after approval?
   No, but a second application can be made, provided the total does not exceed 12 months.
8. What are the selection chances?
   The approval rate is approximately 35–40%, based on quality and relevance.
9. What kind of research does the university priortize?
   Research that contributes significantly to the Finnish host university and aligns with mutual academic goals.
10. Where do I find the application form?
    The form and instructions are available on the official website.

If you’re a doctoral student aiming for international academic experience in Europe, the EDUFI Fellowship is your chance to collaborate with Finnish scholars and build your research credentials. Talk to your prospective supervisor or Finnish university department and begin preparing your research proposal and required documents. APPLY NOW.