Are you aspiring to pursue a PhD in a world class research institution in Europe, with full financial support? The University of Oslo (UiO), one of Norway’s most prestigious universities, is currently offering multiple fully funded PhD positions across diverse fields for 2025.
These PhD roles are not like traditional “scholarships”—they are actual paid employment positions at the university. If selected, you’ll receive a competitive salary, full benefits, and the opportunity to live and study in a safe, research-intensive European country.
In this post, we will explore the available PhD opportunities, funding benefits, eligibility requirements, and how you can successfully apply.
About the University of Oslo
Founded in 1811, the University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked public university. With a strong global reputation for academic excellence and cutting-edge research, UiO hosts thousands of international students annually.
The university is situated in the beautiful and vibrant city of Oslo, which combines nature, culture, and innovation. As a PhD student at UiO, you become part of a dynamic academic community and benefit from state-of-the-art facilities.
Why Choose a PhD in Norway?
Here’s what makes Norway an attractive destination for doctoral studies:
-
✅ Tuition-Free Education: Public universities like UiO do not charge tuition fees—even for international students.
-
Monthly Salary: PhD students are considered university employees and receive a salary (about NOK 480,000–580,000/year, equivalent to $40,000–$50,000).
-
Work-Life Balance: Norway ranks among the best countries for quality of life, with a focus on work-life balance and social welfare.
-
Research Funding & Travel Support: Opportunities to attend conferences and collaborate internationally.
-
️ English-Taught Programs: Most PhD positions are offered in English, so you don’t need to speak Norwegian to start.
10 Fully Funded PhD Programs at the University of Oslo
Below are some of the currently available and recurring PhD opportunities at UiO:
1. PhD in Equality in Education (CREATE Centre)
-
Research Focus: Equity, inclusion, and justice in educational systems.
-
Type: Fully funded, 3 or 4 years
-
Salary: Up to NOK 580,000/year
-
Deadline: May 2025
2. PhD in Political Science (ResilienceBuilding Project)
-
Research Focus: Governmental resilience, crisis governance, democracy.
-
Type: ERC-funded
-
Benefits: 25% teaching/research support role
-
Deadline: Open annually
3. PhD in Sociology
-
Research Focus: Social inequality, urban dynamics, migration, gender.
-
Great for candidates with research experience in the Global South.
4. PhD in Law
-
Study Area: International law, human rights, constitutional law, etc.
-
Often 3–4 year contracts including teaching duties.
5. PhD in 19th-Century Norwegian Literature (NORN Project)
-
ERC-funded project examining drama and nationalism.
-
For applicants interested in European literary and cultural history.
6. PhD in AI and Democracy
-
Interdisciplinary research on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and political systems.
-
Ideal for candidates with a tech/social science background.
7. PhD in Voice Communication Sciences (Psychology)
-
Part of the MSCA-VoCS program.
-
Research on auditory perception, neuroscience, and linguistics.
-
EU co-funded program with excellent research mobility.
8. PhD in Culture, Religion, Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
-
Five positions available yearly.
-
Fields: Religious studies, cultural anthropology, Asian history.
9. PhD in Ecotoxicology (Science Faculty)
-
Researching environmental toxins and ecological health.
-
Suitable for students with a strong background in environmental sciences or biology.
10. PhD in Educational Assessment & Measurement
-
Based at CEMO (Centre for Educational Measurement).
-
Focus on educational policies, assessment tools, data analytics.
Who Can Apply?
These positions are open to all nationalities, including students from developing countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, India, etc.
✅ Minimum Eligibility:
-
A master’s degree in a relevant discipline
-
Strong academic performance
-
A research proposal (sometimes required)
-
Excellent written and spoken English (TOEFL/IELTS often accepted)
Financial Coverage
Here’s what the funding typically includes:
-
Monthly salary of NOK 36,000–48,000 (after tax, you take home ~NOK 25,000–30,000)
-
No tuition fees
-
Access to subsidized student housing
-
Paid conference travel
-
Pension benefits and health insurance
This income is sufficient to live modestly in Oslo, especially with student housing options (ranging from NOK 5,000–8,000/month).
How to Apply
Each department or program has its own application portal, but here are the common steps:
-
Check Eligibility Criteria: Ensure your master’s degree and academic background align with the research area.
-
Prepare Application Documents:
-
CV and academic transcripts
-
Letter of motivation
-
Research proposal (if required)
-
English language certificate
-
Recommendation letters
-
-
Find an Open Call: Visit UiO’s official vacancies page.
-
Submit Online before the deadline.
Note: Most of these PhD positions are advertised between January and September, so it’s important to prepare your application well in advance.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
-
Contact a potential supervisor beforehand—this can significantly improve your chances.
-
Tailor your research proposal to match the department’s focus.
-
Highlight relevant experience in research, writing, or teaching.
-
Use professional language in your documents—proofread everything carefully.
Deadlines to Watch (2025)
| Program | Deadline |
|---|---|
| CREATE PhD | 21 May 2026 |
| Sociology | 1 September 2026 |
| Law | 1 September 2026 |
| Voice Communication (Psychology) | March 2026 |
| Ecotoxicology | January 2026 |
| Educational Measurement | May 2026 |
Note: These are expected cycles; always check the current call.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about pursuing a PhD abroad with full financial support, the University of Oslo is one of the most accessible and generous destinations in Europe. The combination of salary-based PhD positions, free education, and research excellence makes UiO a smart and life-changing choice for international scholars.
Whether your background is in social sciences, law, environmental science, literature, or tech, there’s likely a spot for you at UiO.
Start preparing now so you can submit a strong, competitive application when calls open.