If you’re passionate about data science and ready to turn your research ideas into real-world impact, the Danish Data Science Academy (DDSA) PhD Fellowship 2026 is built for you. This highly competitive opportunity funds ambitious young researchers who want to pursue an independent PhD project in collaboration with a strong Danish research environment—while being fully supported financially.

Backed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and VILLUM FONDEN, the DDSA postdoc Fellowship empowers you to focus on bold ideas in applied or theoretical data science. This opportunity targets candidates who are clear about their research direction and ready to contribute to Denmark’s world-class data science ecosystem.

What This Opportunity Really Offers You

The DDSA PhD Fellowship 2026 is built around research freedom and full financial security. You receive total funding of DKK 1,900,000 for three years, with an additional 5 percent allocated to administrative costs, allowing you to focus entirely on research. The fellowship supports an independent PhD project hosted at a Danish university, under the guidance of a senior academic supervisor. You also become part of Denmark’s leading data science research environments and are enrolled in a recognised Danish PhD School, ensuring both academic credibility and long-term research development.

Who Can Apply for the DDSA PhD Fellowship 2026?

You can apply for the DDSA PhD Fellowship 2026 if you have a clearly defined PhD research proposal and a confirmed agreement with a principal supervisor at a Danish university. You must be eligible for enrolment in a Danish PhD School before 15 December 2026 and meet the requirements of one of the Danish PhD models, including degree pathways:

• 5+3 model: Master’s degree (120 ECTS) + Bachelor’s (180 ECTS)
  
• 4+4 or 3+5 models: Bachelor’s degree, with integrated Master’s and PhD

High-level English proficiency, both in written and spoken, is required. Candidates already enrolled in a PhD program, as well as industrial or co-funded PhDs, are not eligible for this fellowship.

How to Apply For DDSA PhD Fellowship 2026 in Denmark

You must submit your application in English through the official DDSA Funding Portal. The process focuses on how clearly and convincingly you present your research vision. You will submit a detailed research project, including an abstract, project description, data availability statement, and motivation letter. In addition, you must provide documentation related to your research environment, such as your supervisor’s CV and a statement of support, along with your own academic CV, transcripts, and certificates. Prepare early to allow time for proposal refinement and coordination with your supervisor.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Program Name	DDSA PhD Fellowship 2026
Host Country	Denmark
Funding Body	Danish Data Science Academy
Funders	Novo Nordisk Foundation, VILLUM FONDEN
Duration	3 years
Funding Amount	DKK 1,900,000 (+5% admin)
Research Fields	Applied & Theoretical Data Science
Degree Level	PhD
Application Deadline	4 March 2026 (23:59 UTC +01:00)
Study Location	Danish universities

The DDSA welcomes projects across applied and theoretical data science, as long as they align with the research scope of Novo Nordisk Foundation and/or VILLUM FONDEN. Your project can focus on:

• Core theoretical data science research
  
• Development of new data science methods or technologies
  
• Innovative applications of data science generating new insights

With only 10 DDSA postdoc fellowships available, competition is intense. Secure your supervisor agreement, polish your proposal, and submit your application before 4 March 2026 through the official DDSA portal. APPLY NOW. 

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