Skip to content

University of Gothenburg PhD Positions 2025-2026 | Fully Funded

The University of Gothenburg is offering fully funded PhD positions across 10+ disciplines including Economics, Political Science, Environmental Science, and Performance Practices. Deadlines range from December 2025 to February 2026.

October 14, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountrySweden
University/OrgUniversity of Gothenburg
Degree LevelPhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyComputer Science, Educational Work, Environmental Science, Health Care Sciences, Physical Geography

Scholarship Overview

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

People Also Checked: Nordic Scholarship Programme 2027: Research Stay at Nordic Africa Institute (Fully Funded)

Overview

The University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has opened applications for multiple fully funded PhD positions across diverse academic fields. These positions offer comprehensive financial support for doctoral studies, with start dates primarily in 2026. For researchers from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, these represent excellent opportunities to pursue advanced research in a globally ranked European institution without tuition burden.

Available PhD Positions

1. Educational Work and Subject-Matter Education

Specialisation: Phenomenography, Variation Theory, and Learning Study

People Also Checked: Umeå University Postdoctoral Scholarship in Philosophy 2027: Research on Causation (Fully Funded)

This research examines how to improve students’ learning opportunities by investigating necessary conditions for learning and how to create them in educational contexts.

Deadline: 2026-01-07

People Also Checked: GLOCAL Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Masters in Global Markets, Local Creativities (Fully Funded)

2. Natural Sciences – Physical Geography

This project uses hyperspectral satellite data to study biochemical and biophysical properties of tundra vegetation affected by climate change in Swedish tundra areas.

Deadline: 2026-01-19

3. Natural Sciences – Environmental Science

Dr. Philipp Wanner’s research group seeks a PhD student for the project “Revolutionizing the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Source Identification in Drinking Water with a Novel Stable Isotope Method,” funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Deadline: 2026-01-11

4. Computer Science – Formal Verification

This Swedish Research Council-funded position focuses on automatic synthesis of programs for spatial Multi-Agent Systems, including controller synthesis, planning, model checking, and formal verification applications in machine learning.

Deadline: 2026-01-29

5. Health Care Sciences

Focus: Hospital-at-Home for Prosthetic Joint Infections

This project develops, implements, and evaluates home-based care models for patients with prosthetic joint infections, comparing outcomes with traditional hospital care.

Deadline: 2025-12-18

6. Linguistics

Focus: Non-verbal copula constructions in Xhosa and Southern Bantu languages

This project describes and analyses how time and inflection are expressed without verbs in Southern Bantu languages, contributing to understanding human linguistic possibilities.

Deadline: 2025-12-17

7. Political Science (General)

This studentship develops independent research capacity within political science, culminating in a dissertation and preparation for post-doctoral or professional roles.

Deadline: 2026-01-29

8. Political Science – Political Economy and Political Behavior

Part of the ECONENGAGE project, this position examines how national economic improvements affect political behavior. Applicants have considerable freedom to develop their own research focus within this theme.

Deadline: 2026-01-29

9. Performance Practices

For performers in theatre, music drama, choreography, dance, or performance art. The program emphasizes critical reflection on artistic practice as a tool for knowledge development.

Deadline: 2026-02-01

10. Economics (6 positions)

Up to six funded PhD positions starting September 1, 2026. The five-year program leads to a PhD by August 2031. Structure includes:

  • Years 1-2: Core and field courses in economic theory and empirical methods
  • Years 3-5: Independent research, thesis writing, teaching, and seminar participation

Deadline: 2026-02-01

What the Funding Covers

All positions are fully funded. While specific award amounts are not published, Swedish PhD positions typically include:

  • Full tuition waiver
  • Monthly salary (employment contract, not stipend)
  • Social benefits including health insurance and pension contributions
  • Research and conference travel support

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements across positions include:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant field
  • Strong academic record and research potential
  • English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS may be required if not specified)
  • For Economics: quantitative background preferred
  • For Performance Practices: demonstrated professional performance experience
  • For Linguistics: knowledge of Bantu languages advantageous

Specific eligibility criteria vary by position. Check individual vacancy details for precise requirements.

Application Documents

Typical requirements include:

  • CV and cover letter
  • Research proposal (for some positions)
  • Master’s thesis or equivalent
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Writing samples or publications (if applicable)

Application Process

  1. Review detailed position descriptions on the University of Gothenburg website
  2. Prepare required documents specific to your chosen position
  3. Submit application through the university’s official application portal before deadline
  4. Some positions may require contact with prospective supervisors before applying
  5. Await notification of shortlisting and interview

Why Apply from Zimbabwe/SADC

Sweden offers several advantages for African researchers:

  • No tuition fees for doctoral education
  • Employment-based positions with stable income
  • English-taught programs available
  • Strong research infrastructure and international networks
  • Pathway to postdoctoral positions globally

The Linguistics position on Southern Bantu languages specifically welcomes expertise relevant to Zimbabwean applicants.

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Full funding including tuition waiver, monthly salary, social benefits, and research support. Specific amounts not published.

Eligibility Criteria

Master's degree or equivalent in relevant field; strong academic record; English proficiency; specific requirements vary by position

Required Documents

CV, cover letter, research proposal, Master's thesis, transcripts, degree certificates, recommendation letters, English proficiency proof, writing samples

Application Process

Review position details on official website; prepare required documents; submit through university application portal before deadline; await interview notification
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. All positions are conducted in English, and Swedish language skills are not required for admission. However, learning basic Swedish may help with daily life in Gothenburg.
You must hold a Master's degree or equivalent at the time of application or by the start date. Some positions may accept applicants in their final semester with proof of expected completion.
Specific salary figures are not published in the vacancy announcements. Swedish PhD positions are employment contracts with competitive salaries that increase annually, typically ranging from approximately 28,000-35,000 SEK monthly before tax depending on progress.
Competition is strong, particularly for Economics (6 positions from many applicants) and Political Science. Strengthen your application with: a clear, feasible research proposal aligned with the position; strong academic references; relevant research experience; and for some positions, prior contact with the research group.
Requirements vary by position. Generally, non-English or non-Swedish documents require certified translation. Contact the specific department for their certification requirements before applying.
Yes, you may apply to multiple positions if you meet eligibility criteria. Each application requires separate submission through the respective portal and should be tailored to the specific research area.