phd in management sweden

PhD programmes

When you apply for a phd programme in sweden, you’re actually applying for a job. yeah, you read that right. 👀.

“Do a master’s here – I’d say it’s a very good step to doing a PhD in Sweden. I did my master’s at Malmö University and now I’m doing a PhD at Lund University” – Sanjay, Malmö University. Photo: Oskar Omne

So that means – no tuition fees, no scholarships. But you’ll receive a monthly salary instead. Nice, eh? And that’s why available PhD positions are listed on a university’s job board.

How to apply for a PhD position? You’ll apply directly to the university.

Just so you know, there’s no centralised application process. And things like requirements and application dates? This kind of stuff is decided by each department. But we do know that you’ll need to have a master’s degree – in the same field of study – and a great level of English to apply for a PhD here. You might even need to be fluent in Swedish. But that’ll depend on the subject.

+ - Find a PhD at a Swedish university

• PhD at Blekinge Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Chalmers University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Dalarna University ↗️
• PhD at Halmstad University ↗️
• PhD at Jönköping University ↗️
• PhD at KTH Royal Institute of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Karlstad University ↗️
• PhD at Karolinska Institutet ↗️
• PhD at Konstfack ↗️
• PhD at Linköping University ↗️
• PhD at Linnaeus University ↗️
• PhD at Luleå University of Technology ↗️
• PhD at Lund University ↗️
• PhD at Malmö University ↗️
• PhD at Marie Cederschiöld University ↗️
• PhD at Mälardalen University ↗️
• PhD at SLU (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm School of Economics ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University ↗️
• PhD at Stockholm University of the Arts ↗️
• PhD at the Swedish Defence University ↗️
• PhD at Södertörn University ↗️
• PhD at Umeå University ↗️
• PhD at University College Stockholm ↗️
• PhD at University West ↗️
• PhD at University of Borås ↗️
• PhD at University of Gothenburg ↗️
• PhD at University of Gävle ↗️
• PhD at University of Skövde ↗️
• PhD at Uppsala University ↗️
• PhD at Örebro University ↗️

+ - Find other academic positions in Sweden

• University Positions ↗️
• Academic Positions ↗️
• EURAXESS academic positions in Europe ↗️

+ - Useful info about research

• CORDIS ↗️ – EU Research and Information Service
• EURAXESS information ↗️ – Portal for information and practical assistance for researchers moving to Sweden
• Formas ↗️ – The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
• Swedish Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare ↗️
• Swedish Research Council ↗️
• Vinnova — Sweden’s Innovation Agency ↗️ – An organisation that integrates research and development in technology, transport and working life
• Handbook for International Researchers ↗️ – Stockholm University’s handbook for international researchers

• 👩🏽‍🎓 Beyond the master's: a PhD?
• Find a research position at a Swedish university ↗️

PhD programs

PhD program in Business Administration

PhD program in Economics

PhD program in Finance

Additional information.

PhD content hub - Your journey to SSE

PhD courses

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Doctoral studies in Business Administration

Business Administration targets various aspects of companies and organizations and their relationship to society at large. The research is multifaceted and includes both an analytical/prescriptive orientation, which applies quantitative methods, and a more understanding-oriented and interpretive orientation, where qualitative methods are common. Doctoral studies are carried out within one of the five disciplines: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, or Management.

At the business school, new students are accepted into the programme only after the advertisement of available positions.

Open positions are advertised here .

In the General Study Plan, the principal document that guides the doctoral education at the department, you can, for example, find the course requirements, read about how the education is structured, and what the expected learning outcomes are.

General Study Plan for Doctoral Studies in Business Administration

More general information about Third-cycle education at Umeå university (i.e., the doctoral level) can be found here .

Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)

How often are students admitted to the education?

Given that all Doctoral student positions are funded, new students can only be recruited and admitted when funding is available. Therefore, there are no regular admission dates. The aim is, however, to recruit about 2-3 new students yearly.

How can I find out when positions are available?

Whenever a doctoral position is available, it is advertised on our recruitment webpage . If you visit the page, you can easily subscribe to get notified when there is a vacant position.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the education?

Eligibility is determined at the admission stage based on basic and special eligibility criteria. Check your qualifications against sections 2.1 and 2.2 in the General Study Plan to assess if you are eligible.

How do I go about applying?

In each advertisement of available positions, information about specific requirements and how to apply is given. Read instructions carefully. All applications must be submitted via the university online system Varbi. A unique link to the system is available in each advertisement. Applications via e-mail are not handled.

Do I need to have a supervisor before I can apply?

No. Supervisors are assigned to doctoral students only after admittance to the education. There is no need to seek contact with potential supervisors before admittance.

Can I study whatever topic I want?

The doctoral studies in Business Administration are individualized, meaning that the students can influence their education and choice of topic. However, if an available position is part of a larger research project, the advertisement might stipulate the direction of the studies.

How long is the doctoral education?

The doctoral education is a total of 240 ECTS, which corresponds to 4 years of full-time studies. In addition to this, the unit may decide that service should be included in the employment. Normally, such service consists of teaching corresponding to 20 percent of the annual working time beginning with the second year of study. The studies are extended corresponding to the institutional service carried out.

Will I be paid for during my doctoral studies?

Yes. Upon admission, you will also be employed as a doctoral student. The employment includes four years of full-time studies plus departmental service of maximum 20%. The employment contract is renewed yearly, and the salary level is regulated by a centrally negotiated agreement starting at about 30,000 SEK/month.

Director of Doctoral Studies

• International website
• Find courses
• Find research
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• School of Business, Economics and Law
• Department of Business Administration

Doctoral Studies

Welcome to doctoral studies portal at the Department of Business Administration! Here you will find current, relevant and practical information if you want to be a doctoral student at the Department of Business Administration.

The third-cycle programmes at the Department of Business Administration comprise four years of full-time studies and lead to a doctoral degree (240 higher education credits). Students may also obtain a licentiate degree (120 higher education credits) after two years of full-time studies. The Department of Business Administration offers third-cycle education in two subject areas: • Business administration • Economic geography

More information about doctoral studies at the University

• General information about doctoral studies at University of Gothenburg (External link)
• For doctoral students at the Department in the Staff portal (External link)

Meet some of our doctoral students

• Svenska Close Den här sidan är ej översatt Startsida på svenska

Doctoral studies at KTH

Complete a doctoral degree (PhD) in a dynamic, international research environment with world-class facilities and close collaboration with industry and prominent universities worldwide.

• Being a doctoral student
• Doctoral programmes and subjects
• Employment at KTH
• How to apply
• Entry requirements
• Joint programmes and scholarships
• Courses for external doctoral students

Explore KTH

• Virtual campus tour
• Ask us about studies

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH is Sweden's largest and most respected technical university—ranked top 100 in the 2022 QS World University Rankings. By choosing KTH, you gain access to a vibrant student life and a prestigious academic environment.

As one of our 2,000 doctoral students, you will take courses and devote yourself to a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher. Most students are employed and receive a monthly salary. Begin your journey towards a KTH degree today. 

Explore how doctoral studies work at KTH and if we are a good fit for you. 

Want to join us?

We have gathered all the steps you need to take to become a doctoral student.

Vacant positions

To become a doctoral student the first step is to apply for a vacant position.

Take a campus tour

Let our students guide you through our campuses and favourite KTH spots.

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Doctoral studies in Business Administration

If you wish to continue your studies after your Master’s degree, doctoral studies (PhD studies) may be an option. The doctoral programme entails four years of full time studies and is concluded with a doctoral degree, the most advanced academic qualification awarded in Sweden.

The overall aim of the doctoral programme is to train doctoral students to become critical and independent researchers with in-depth knowledge of their subject, thorough knowledge of different research methods, and a good understanding of the common research issues and their practical application. The aim is also to give a qualified base for a future carrier within the academic world and/or in the world outside the university.

The main research areas at the Department of Business administration are:

• Accounting and finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Organisation
• Research Policy
• Strategic Management

Read more about research, specialisations and subareas in Business Administration.

Application procedure

As a doctoral student at the Department of Business Administration, you are trained in a scientific approach. Briefly described, you are trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently and with the help of the right choice of method, and to develop an awareness of research ethics.

To be admitted to the doctoral programme, you must apply for an advertised doctoral position. There is no set application period, vacancies are advertised as and when a position arises and they are published on Lund University’s website (see link below). We do not accept applications that are not linked to doctoral positions announced by us.

After an application deadline, the applicants are reviewed and ranked by qualified reviewers. On the basis of this evaluation, a candidate is suggested to the Director of Research and PhD programme, who then presents the suggestion to the Research and PhD Education Committee (FFUN). If FFUN accepts the suggested candidate, the Head of Department makes the formal decision to accept the applicant to the PhD programme.

• Vacant PhD positions at Lund University (lunduniversity.lu.se)
• Application form to the PhD programme – to be submitted with your application (pdf, 74 kB)
• Template for research plan – to be submitted with your application (pdf, 167 kB)

Director of Research and PhD Programme Jens Rennstam Phone: +46 (0)46-222 43 49 jens [dot] rennstam [at] fek [dot] lu [dot] se

Doctoral programme coordinator Charlina Lunvald Phone: +46 (0)46-222 41 73 charlina [dot] lunvald [at] fek [dot] lu [dot] se

General syllabus for the PhD programme in Business Administration

Pdf, 302 kB

Research and research areas in Business Administration

Doctoral courses in business administration.

Compulsory and optional courses in Business Administration

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Doctoral programme in Business Administration at Karlstad University.

At the Karlstad Business School, research in Business Administration is pursued both in multidisciplinary and disciplinary groups. The groups may involve researchers from Karlstad University and from other universities, in Sweden and abroad. Business Administration is a problem-oriented subject with different theoretical frameworks for different sub-disciplines. These sub-disciplines may be classified functionally (e.g. marketing, accounting, finance, financial management, and organisation), or according to subject area (e.g. entrepreneurship, internationalisation, logistics, and service management).

Many of our researchers focus on different aspects of services and value-creating services as part of the multidisciplinary Service Research Centre. Research topics include service innovation, customer behaviour and experience, the inclusion of users in the development of services, as well as new business models and organisation. CTF was founded in 1986.

Business Administration at Karlstad University also participates in the collaborative PhD programme of the National Research School in Management and IT.

• The subject Business Administration
• Service Research Centre

PhD courses

The PhD courses are free of charge and open for all PhD students as far as space allows. The courses are held in English and in real life if nothing else is specified.

You can sign up to the courses via the link below each course until the last date of application. Those who have signed up will get an answer soon after the deadline.

Before you can be registered to the course you need to hand in a certificate of registration from your home university which shows that you are registered as a PhD student. To get access to the course page you need to activate a student account at Uppsala University.

Do you have questions about the content of the course? Please contact the course director.

Do you have questions about the application to the PhD courses? Please contact Golondrian Janke administrator, third-cycle studies.

PhD courses in Uppsala

The department of business studies - autumn courses, perspectives on science and research - fhs0021, 7,5 hp.

The next time the course will be given: ca 2024-08-29 -- 2024-09-25.

Course director: Fredrik Tell

The course is obligatory within the SUBS programme (Stockholm Uppsala Business Studies) and within the Research School of Management and IT and these PhD students are given priority.

You can apply to Perspectives on Science and Research until 2024-06-28.

Qualitative Methods - FHS0022, 7,5 hp

The next time the course will be given: ca 2024-09-26 -- 2024-10-31.

Course director: Linda Wedlin

The course is obligatory for PhD students from the Department of Business Studies, Uppsala University as a part of the SUBS programme (Stockholm Uppsala Business Studies) and is offered within the Research School of Management and IT and these PhD students are given priority.

You can apply to Qualitative Methods until 2024-08-30.

Introduction to Multivariate Statistics - FHS0024, 7,5 hp

The next time the course will be given: ca 2024-11-04 -- 2024-11-19.

Course director: James Sallis

The course is obligatory within the SUBS programme (Stockholm Uppsala Business Studies) and is offered within the Research School of Management and IT and these PhD students are given priority.

You can apply to Introduction to Multivariate Statistics until 2024-10-20.

The Department of Business Studies - Spring courses

No PhD course is currently planned to be given during the spring.

PhD courses from the Swedish Research School of Management and IT

The research school of management and it - autumn courses, seminars and thesis work - fhs0040, 7,5 hp.

The next time the course will be given: Second half of 2025H in Uppsala.

Course director: Christina Keller

The course is obligatory within the Research School of Management and IT and these PhD students are given priority.

You can apply to Seminars and Thesis Work until ca 2024-10-13.

The Research School of Management and IT - Spring courses

Research in information systems and informatics (coming link) - fhs0091, 7,5 hp.

The next time the course will be given: First half of 2025V in Visby, Uppsala and Lund.

Course director: Pär Ågerfalk

You will be able to sign up to the course during the latter part of the spring. It will be possible to sign up to Research in Information Systems and Informatics until ca 2025-01-12.

Research on Information Technology in Organization and Management - FSA0002, 7,5 hp

The next time the course will be given: Second half of 2025V in Uppsala, Stockholm, Karlstad and online.

Course director: Einar Iveroth

You will be able to sign up to the course during the latter part of the spring. It will be possible to sign up to Research on Information Technology in Organization and Management until ca 2025-02-16.

Other PhD courses

Phd courses in business studies at other universities, the research process - phd200, 7,5 hp.

The next time the course will be given: 2025V starting in December 2024.

Course director: Hans Kjellberg

The course is obligatory within the SUBS programme (Stockholm Uppsala Business Studies) and these PhD students are given priority.

Please contact Stockholm School of Economics to sign up.

PhD courses in organisation theory

Here you can find information about courses in Organisation Theory primarily in Sweden, but also in the other Nordic countries.

Advanced Organization Analysis - FHS0078, 7,5 hp

The next time the course will be given: Please check with the course director.

Course director: Stefan Arora-Jonsson

Organization Outside Organizations - FHS0133, 7,5 hp

Course director: Nils Brunsson

Management and Organization Classics - FHS0027, 7,5 hp

Course director: Karin Brunsson

Institutions and organizations 7,5 at Södertörn University

The next time the course will be given: November - December 2024.

Course director: Noomi Weinryb

Decision Theory & Decision Analysis at KTH

Course director: Jonathan Metzger

Organisations: Theory and Research at Linköping University

Course director: Karl Wennberg

Behavioural Mechanisms in the Social Sciences at Linköping University, 7,5 hp

The next time the course will be given: 2024H.

Course director: Sarah Valdez

Computational Approaches to the Study of Cultural Markets and Social Dynamics at Linköping University, 7,5 hp

Course director: Marc Keuschnigg

Logic of Social Inquiry at Linköping University, 7,5 hp

Course director: Jacob Habinek

Digital Strategies for Social Science Research at Linköping University, 7,5 hp

The next time the course will be given: 2025V.

Course director: Etienne Ollion

Social Network Analysis at Linköping University, 7,5 hp

Course director: Károly Takács

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Doctoral studies

Start your academic career with us and make a difference

World-class research, outstanding research staff and specialised research environments at Lund University create excellent conditions for doctoral students.

As a doctoral student at Lund University, you will not only be well prepared for a successful career as an independent researcher, but you will also have the possibility to publish your work independently during your studies and to gain significant teaching experience.

• Lund University offers doctoral education in all nine faculties
• There are no tuition fees for doctoral education at Lund University
• You apply directly to the relevant faculty/department when they advertise a doctoral position
• Self-funded doctoral students should contact the department of their research interest directly.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to a doctoral programme, you need to have completed courses of at least 240 credits (of which at least 60 credits must be for Master’s level studies) or acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

In most cases, students will hold a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, with a major in the same subject as the intended postgraduate study. The major must include a degree thesis presenting the results of independent research.

The quality of your thesis/theses is of particular importance and it is important that you demonstrate a capacity for independent thinking in this piece of work.

Students must have a very good command of English and you may be asked to include proof of proficiency in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS test, if requested by the individual department.

Admission rules for doctoral education at Lund University | 2022 (PDF 249 kB, new tab)

Applying for a doctoral (PhD) position

Doctoral education is organised at the faculty or department level. Application procedures and periods differ between faculties and departments. While some of them advertise their doctoral positions around the same time every year, mostly in spring, others advertise their positions on an ongoing basis.

You apply for a doctoral education position within a certain subject area. Admission to a doctoral education position is restricted and competition for advertised positions is usually tough.

Finding a suitable position

Any funded doctoral positions at Lund University are advertised on our vacancies page on this website (see link below). Select the category 'Doctoral students'.

Once you have found a position you are interested in, carefully read through the vacancy announcement to find out whether you meet the requirements.

Before you apply, we recommend that you also check the relevant faculty's or department's website for any additional information about the application process.

Should you have any questions about a specific position, please contact the contact person(s) listed in the vacancy announcement.

Find PhD vacancies

How to apply

To apply for a doctoral position, you must create an account in the recruitment system Varbi.

Follow the instructions regarding application documents and procedure in the vacancy announcement.

The application documents that you submit through Varbi, including any supporting documents, are sent directly to the faculty or department that advertised the position. 

If you are self-funded through external scholarships or funding, you do not need to create an account in Varbi. You should instead make direct contact with the relevant faculty or department. 

Applying for a position

Employment as a doctoral student

As a general rule, a person admitted to doctoral studies at Lund University is employed through a doctoral studentship.

If you have a doctoral studentship, you are considered to be both a student and an employee with a salary during your doctoral studies. As an employed doctoral student, you are covered by local and central agreements concerning your terms of employment.

In parallel to the doctoral education programme, as a doctoral student you may work with administrative and teaching duties (no more than 20% of a full-time position).

Lund University is responsible for education-related matters and the study environment regardless of how you finance your doctoral studies. All doctoral students also have access to the University’s Occupational Health Service.

Other forms of financing

It is possible to undertake your studies using another form of financing, such as an external scholarship or an agreement between Lund University and an external employer.

Financed by external employer

If you are admitted to doctoral studies and have a position with an employer other than Lund University, you are solely a student, and it is the employer who is responsible for employer-related matters.

External scholarships

As a doctoral student with a scholarship, you are solely a student. You are therefore not entitled to contractual employment benefits at Lund University.

In some cases, a doctoral student with a scholarship is entitled to apply for a doctoral studentship when three years remain of the third-cycle studies.

Doctoral studies – faculty information

On the faculties' webpages for prospective doctoral students you can get specific and detailed information application procedures, admission requirements for various subjects, study plans and more.

• Faculty of Engineering (LTH)
• Faculty of Fine and Performing Arts
• Faculties of Humanities and Theology
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Economics and Management (LUSEM)

Residence permits (if applicable)

If you require a residence permit, you can only complete your permit application after you receive a letter of acceptance from Lund University. Residence permit applications are dealt with by the Swedish Migration Agency.

Resi­dence permit for doctoral studies – migrationsverket.se

About doctoral studies

A doctoral programme consists of 240 ECTS credits and normally requires four years of full-time study. The programme concludes with a doctoral thesis of at least 120 credits.

A 'licentiate' degree is equivalent to half the coursework required for a full doctoral programme and a licentiate thesis of at least 60 credits. It is equivalent to the MPhil of the British education system.

The following links are to the Swedish Council for Higher Education website:

• Degree of Doctor
• Degree of Doctor in the fine, applied and performing arts 
• Degree of Licentiate 
• Degree of Licentiate in the fine, applied and performing arts

Related links

• Institutes and research centres
• Research excellence areas
• Find research at Lund University
• Services for LU researchers

Doctoral student vacancies

Check out our vacancies page regularly to find open doctoral positions.

Doctoral conferment ceremony

The ceremonial highlight of the academic year.

Postgraduate research schools

Additional development opportunities for doctoral students and postdocs.

• PhD Study in Sweden – A Guide for 2024

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD in Sweden is an opportunity to study in a country that combines a historic higher education system with a culture of ingenuity and invention. The country’s universities date back to the fifteenth century, whilst Swedish brands and technologies such as Spotify, IKEA and Bluetooth continue to shape the modern world.

This covers what you need to know about PhD study in Sweden , including information on applications, funding opportunities and doctoral fees (spoiler: there aren’t any).

PhD opportunities in Sweden – what’s on offer for 2024?

If the goal for your doctorate is to produce original and potentially innovative work (it should be) then a PhD in Sweden may well be the ideal choice.

Like its Scandinavian neighbours, Sweden is also a highly tolerant country, with progressive and inclusive laws that support LGBT rights and welcome international students and visitors.

Here's some reasons to consider a PhD in Sweden for international students:

• Creativity and originality – You may not discover the next big music streaming solution (and even a PhD may not help you understand *that step* in those IKEA instructions) but your doctoral research will be right at home in a country that celebrates free-thinking and supports new ideas
• Prize-winning research - Sweden's status as the home of the Nobel Prize (with 34 winners) reflects its proud history of recognising and rewarding research, excellence and innovation
• No PhD fees – Swedish PhD programmes normally charge no tuition fees to their students (regardless of nationality)
• Historic (and respected) universities – Higher education in Sweden dates back to the 1400s and the country’s universities are well placed in modern rankings, with particular specialisms in Medicine, Life Sciences and related subjects

We’ve studiously avoided making any ABBA references in this section, but if you want a university to take a chance on your research proposal and eventually give you, give you, give you a PhD without charging much money, money, money for fees*. . . well, there are worse destinations to choose than Sweden.

*We're sorry.

Swedish universities

There are 39 state-funded universities and equivalent institutions in Sweden, alongside a smaller number of privately funded higher education providers.

Degrees are organised using a three-cycle system , in common with the wider European Higher Education Area . Your PhD in Sweden will be a third-cycle qualification , usually taking place after Bachelors (first cycle) and Masters (second cycle) study.

Universities and university colleges

Higher education providers in Sweden are divided into two types:

• Universities ( universitet ) are large institutions awarding degrees in a broad range of subjects. They carry out original research alongside academic teaching and therefore have the capacity to support and train PhD students.
• University colleges ( högskola ) focus on technical and professional training, often in applied sciences and related subjects. They are less likely to award PhDs but may do so in certain subject areas.

The distinction between these two categories isn’t always obvious or clear from an institution’s name (university colleges may simply refer to themselves as universities). The good news is that you don’t need to worry too much about it. As a PhD student you’re likely to end up studying at a university, but the smaller number of doctoral programmes offered by university colleges are equally rigorous and respected.

Swedish university rankings

Sweden is home to one of Europe’s top-performing higher education systems, at least so far as university rankings are concerned. Of the 38 universities in Sweden, 10 rank within the current Times Higher Education world top 400.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

PhD structure

A PhD in Sweden represents the highest level of academic achievement for students. As in other countries, the emphasis is on your independent research towards an original thesis that makes a new contribution to knowledge in your field.

Swedish doctoral degrees

Doctoral level study in Sweden takes one of two forms:

A standard PhD in Sweden requires a minimum of four years full-time work (equivalent to 240 ECTS credits ) and awards a full doctorate (along with the all-important title of ‘doctor’).

Alternatively, you may choose to study for a shorter licentiate degree. This generally only requires two years of full-time work towards a shorter and less ambitious thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits ). The Swedish licentiate is similar to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) offered in the UK or other countries and some students initially enrol for this qualification before upgrading to become full PhD candidates.

The academic year in Sweden runs from August to June with two teaching terms (August to January and January to June) separated by summer and winter holidays. As a PhD student you’ll normally work more flexibly throughout the year, but some additional courses and other activities may be linked to specific teaching periods.

Supervision

You’ll complete your PhD (or licentiate) with the support of two or more expert supervisors whose job it will be to guide your work. Their roles will vary slightly depending on your field:

• Supervisors for Arts , Humanities and some Social Science projects will serve primarily as mentors. They won’t be directly involved in your research, but they will be able to advise on the direction your project is taking.
• Supervisors for Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects may also be carrying out similar research as the lead or principal investigator for the laboratory or research group your PhD is part of. This means they may also work alongside you or even collaborate on some experiments. However, your PhD thesis will still be an independent piece of work, based on your personal findings and analysis.

You’ll always have at least two PhD supervisors, one of whom will be the principal supervisor for your PhD. Some universities also appoint additional assistant supervisors with responsibility for specific tasks (such as training or pastoral care and support).

Your supervisors’ roles and expectations will be set by your university. As a minimum they’ll usually include arranging regular progress meetings, reviewing results and drafts and supporting you as you prepare to submit your thesis. Some additional responsibilities might include identifying and fulfilling training needs or assisting with other aspects of your professional and academic development.

PhD supervision

Our guides explain how to choose (and contact ) a PhD supervisor and introduce the working relationship you'll have with yours as a doctoral student.

Programme structure

Your main focus during a PhD in Sweden will be the original research required for your thesis. You’ll normally begin by assessing the scholarship in your subject (a literature review) before moving on to collecting sources or experimental data and eventually writing up your conclusions and results.

Some universities also offer more structured training alongside your research. This may involve attending short courses and / or attending short courses on research methods and other useful skills for your project.

It’s also common for PhD students at Swedish universities to serve as junior academic staff within their departments or faculties as part of their funding arrangements. If so, you’ll also have additional duties such as teaching or demonstrating.

Assessment and examinations

The assessment of a Swedish PhD is based on the quality of the doctoral thesis you submit at the end of your research. This needs to demonstrate that your work has been original, that it has made a significant contribution to your subject and that you have personally been responsible for designing and carrying out the research involved.

All of these qualities will be formally assessed during a final public defence of your thesis.

This is similar to the viva voce used in the UK and other countries but follows a slightly different procedure. Instead of being examined in private, you will present your thesis to an examining committee in front of an audience that may include other academics, fellow PhD students and your family and friends.

One of the committee will be an external expert (from outside your university) appointed to serve as your ‘opponent’. They will ask questions about your thesis and challenge you to explain your findings and conclusions. Other members of the committee (and audience) may also ask questions.

At the end of the examination your committee will decide whether or not you have successfully defended your thesis and can be awarded your PhD. This ‘live’ examination process may seem daunting, but you should think of it as an appropriate climax for your research, allowing you to assert your expertise and prove your qualification. It’s also quite rare for students to fail at this stage.

Masters study in Sweden

Looking to study a Masters in Sweden? We have all the information you need on our sister site, FindAMasters .

Fees and funding

There are no fees for PhD study in Sweden at state-funded universities (note that this doesn’t apply to Masters or Bachelors degrees). Doctoral programmes are free for EU, EEA and international (non EU) students.

The same applies to application fees – you don’t need to pay these for a PhD in Sweden.

You will need to cover your accommodation and living costs, but support may be available from your university to help with this.

Study grants

It’s common for PhD students in Sweden to also be recognised as staff, subject to an employment contract with their university. If applicable, this pays you to a salary known as a study grant ( utbildningsbidrag ) worth approximately €1,500 per month (but subject to tax).

Your employment status may vary during your PhD. For the first two years you will receive your study grant, but not be entitled to benefits and social security. For the final two years you will normally hold a full employment contract ( anställning ) and be entitled to support during illness, parental leave or other circumstances. More information will be available from your university.

In return for your study grant you will normally be required to carry out some responsibilities within your department, such as teaching undergraduates or assisting with administrative work.

PhD funding

Other scholarships and bursaries for PhD study in Sweden may also be available to help top up (or substitute for) a study grant.

The main source of PhD funding for international students in Sweden is the Swedish Institute (SI). They offer scholarships for students from specific regions including Turkey, the Balkans and the Baltic. More information is available on the official Study in Sweden website.

Other funding may be available from universities in Sweden, or from specific academic organisations and research charities relevant to your subject area. Our guides provide information on a range of PhD scholarships and other funding options .

Applying for a PhD in Sweden

You should apply directly to universities for PhD study in Sweden. How you do so will depend on the kind of project you are interested in:

• PhDs in Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics will often be advertised as specific projects. You should view current opportunities and apply according to the guidelines set by specific adverts. This will often mean submitting a personal statement along with your academic CV and references .
• Students in Arts , Humanities and Social Sciences are more likely to put forward their own project ideas. You’ll need to submit a strong research proposal , perhaps after contacting a potential supervisor for guidance and advice.

However you apply, make sure you check the specific requirements and procedure with your university.

Admissions requirements

Swedish universities are free to set their own entry requirements for PhD study . The minimum qualification will usually be a Bachelors degree in an appropriate subject, but a Masters is also desirable – particularly if you’re applying for funding.

Just as important as your previous qualifications will be your ability to demonstrate previous research experience . This could simply be the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees, but it’s important that you can show some preparation for the independent research you’ll be doing on your PhD.

The general eligibility criteria for PhD applications in Sweden is similar to most other countries in the EU.

Language requirements

A large proportion of teaching at Swedish universities takes place in English. This means you won’t necessarily need to know Swedish to study abroad in Sweden, but it’s worth checking with the specific university or department you plan to study within. Even if English isn’t required, picking up some language skills will help you settle in and enjoy your degree.

If English isn’t your first language you may need to submit a recognised test score . Exceptions might be made if you’ve completed a previous university degree taught in English.

Your university may invite you for an interview as part of the admissions process (in person, or online). This is a good sign! It means your application is suitably interesting and impressive and the university wants to hear more from you.

Student visas

Visa information for uk students in sweden.

UK students will no longer be EU citizens from the 2021-22 academic year onwards. This means you may be considered as an international student when studying in Sweden. You may be subject to different visa requirements and fee rates, unless otherwise stated.

You won’t need a visa to study in Sweden as a PhD student (student visas are required for visits of less than three months, but your PhD is guaranteed to take longer than this!).

EU, EEA and Nordic students

If you’re a citizen of an EU, EEA or Nordic country (a group that includes Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway as well as Sweden) you won’t need a residence permit to live in Sweden during your PhD. However, you will need to register with a local branch of the Swedish Tax Agency ( Skatteverket ).

You’ll need to bring your passport plus any marriage or birth certificates (if you are married and / or have children). You’ll also need to bring proof of admission to a Swedish university and a signed declaration that you have sufficient funds to live on during your PhD (the minimum requirement is €826 per month ).

Other international students

Students from countries outside the EU, EEA and Nordic group must formally apply for a residence permit in order to study in Sweden for longer than three months.

You can do this online. You’ll need to provide copies of your passport, along with proof that you have been admitted to a Swedish university, have paid the first instalment of your tuition fees and can support yourself financially during your PhD the minimum requirement is €826 per month ).

Health insurance

All students in Sweden will need full health insurance. If you already hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you will normally be automatically covered. Alternatively, your university may provide cover as part of your study grant, or offer an affordable policy for you to purchase.

Sweden is a multicultural and inclusive country with plenty of opportunities for talented PhD graduates to apply their skills and expertise. Who knows – your work could be part of the next great Swedish innovation.

Can I work in Sweden after my PhD?

EU, EEA and Nordic students can live and work in Sweden without restriction. Other international students will need to apply for a post-study residence permit , allowing you to stay in Sweden for another six months as you look for work. To obtain this you’ll need to have completed your degree, still be in Sweden and hold a valid passport.

If you are successful in finding a job within six months, you can go on toapply for a work permit. Further information is available from the Swedish Migration Office .

Find a PhD in Sweden

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Sweden ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Mark bennett.

Mark joined FindAPhD to develop our first ever advice articles in 2013 and now serves as our Director of Audience & Editorial, making sure our websites and information are as useful as possible for people thinking about Masters and PhD study. He has a PhD in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Kent and the University of South Wales.

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Interested in studying your PhD in Sweden? In this guide we've collected some of the global university rankings to help you decide the best university to study at in Sweden.

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6 Universities in Sweden offering Doctoral Degrees Business and Management degrees and courses

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Are you looking for Doctoral Degrees courses in Business and Management? Here you can find course providers offering full-time, part-time, online or distance learning options.

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Karolinska Institutet

THE World Ranking: 50

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

THE World Ranking: 97

Jönköping University Foundation

THE World Ranking: 601

Lund University

THE World Ranking: 106

Örebro University

Stockholm School of Economics

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30 PhD jobs in Sweden

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• PhD positions in Stockholm (26)
• PhD positions in Gothenburg (1)
• PhD positions in Malmo (1)
• PhD positions in Linköping (1)
• PhD positions in Huddinge (1)

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• PhD positions in The Netherlands (120)
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Search results (30)

One doctoral studentship in Media and Communication Studies within the research area of Critical and Cultural Theory, affiliated with the Baltic and East European Graduate School (BEEGS)

Södertörn University is a higher education institution in Stockholm that conducts education, research and collaboration with the surrounding community for sustainable societal development. Education and research are conducted in the humanities, so...

Doctoral student in theoretical chemistry

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Chemical Science and Engineering The project will combine method development in quantum chemistry, specifically towards open-shell systems, with applied stud...

Doctoral students in learning and optimization for edge computing

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Computer scienceThe Division of Network and Systems Engineering is looking for two doctoral students with a very strong background and interest in system mod...

Doctoral (PhD) student position in bone pain research

Do you want to contribute to top quality medical research? To be a doctoral student means to devote oneself to a research project under supervision of experienced researchers and following an indiv...

Doctoral student in digital transformation in the built environment

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: The Built Environment and Society: Management, Economics and LawThe project investigates organisational and business aspects of digital transformation for a ...

PhD project on Interactions of water with lipid-based drug delivery systems

Reference number P 2024/1233Malmö University is an innovative, urban, and internationally-oriented academic institution that, thanks to its committed and experienced staff, contributes to societal development. Here, teachers, researchers, and othe...

Doctoral students in Networked Systems Security

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Information and Communication TechnologiesWe invite applications for doctoral student positions with the Networked Systems Security (NSS) lab at EECS/SCS. We...

Doctoral students in Optimization and Control of Complex Systems

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Electrical EngineeringThe Challenge:We are in the midst of an unprecedented transformation of the engineering infrastructures that uphold our technological c...

Doctoral student in process modelling, recycled composites manufacturing

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Vehicle Engineering or Engineering MechanicsThe FibReLoop project is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network that aims to promote the industrial imp...

PhD Student in Generative Modelling of Conversational Dynamics

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Computer ScienceThis project aims to create generative models of spoken conversation that enable speaking machines to adapt their conversation style over tim...

Doctoral student in sodium-ion batteries – hard carbon and its interphases

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Chemical Science and EngineeringSodium-ion batteries are potentially a low-price and more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries simpl...

PhD Student in Physics

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract resear...

Doctoral (PhD) student position in translational medicine in rheumatology with a focus on B cell biology and antibody engineering

Doctoral student in developing bio-based solutions for eco-friendly pavement infrastructures.

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Highway and railway engineeringAsphalt concrete relies heavily on the extraction and processing of non-renewable resources. These processes deplete finite fo...

Doctoral student in quantum sources

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Quantum sources for applications with single and entangled photonsQuantum technology offers unprecedented possibilities for computation, communication and se...

Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Electrical EngineeringWELD-AID is a Vinnova-funded project that aims to revolutionize quality assurance in welded structures by integrating Artificial Intell...

Doctoral student in prospective LCA of circular solutions for composites

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: program: “Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering”, subject “Sustainability studies”FibReLoop is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) Docto...

Doctoral student in Nuclear Power Safety

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Physics, specialization in Nuclear EngineeringThe group of Nuclear Power Safety in Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) Division conducts research on accide...

Doctoral student in Molecular simulation of wetting

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Applied PhysicsThe energetics and dynamics of wetting are of high interest from both fundamental scientific and technological points of view. Often the macro...

Doctoral student in advanced membrane characterization for redox flow battery

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject:  Chemical Science and EngineeringThis project aims to gain fundamental insights into the membranes in redox flow batteries (RFBs) through combining electroch...

Doctoral student in Fluid and Climate Theory

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Fluid and Climate TheoryThis Ph.D. position is integral to the HumanIC European training network. The initiative aims to cultivate early-stage engineers and ...

Doctoral student in aeromechanics of aircraft engines

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Energy TechnologyLong-term operation and unfavorable conditions may lead to degradation of the aerodynamic performance of aero-engines over time, which can i...

Licentiate in Data-driven Models for Cardiovascular Device Testing

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Technology and Health We are looking for a self-motivated person to pursue a PhD (Licentiate) in Cardiovascular robotics in the Department of Biomedical Engi...

Doctoral student in Engineering Materials Science

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Materials ScienceWe are looking for a PhD student in material characterization and its connection to physical modeling at the Hultgren Lab unit of the Depart...

Lic. in technical sensors for improved physical work environment

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Technology and healthChronic injuries to fingers, hands and arms caused by working with vibrating hand tools are still common. Today, employees are asked how...

Doctoral student metallurgy of recycling of steels

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Materials Science EngineeringA project funded by Horizon Europe “Metallic Elements Dissipation Avoided by Life cycle design for Steel” (MEDALS) aims to incre...

Doctoral student in nuclear materials science

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: PhysicsWe are looking for two PhD students to work with advanced nuclear materials. The two PhD projects are aimed at a) modeling the behavior and properties...

Doctoral student in light-controllable fluorescent proteins in microscopy

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Biological Physics We are looking for a motivated student interested in biophysics and live-cell imaging to join the Advanced Optical Bio-Imaging Laboratory ...

PhD student in brain-inspired neuromorphic computing systems on chip

Ref LiU-2024-04086We have the power of over 40,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting the challenges of the day. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, ...

Phd students in System Security, Formal Verification and Machine Learning

Project descriptionThird-cycle subject: Computer scienceWe invite highly motivated students with a strong background in system security, formal verification, and/or machine learning to apply for tw...

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PhD Defense: Implementation of biomarkers in the management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Phd defense of ruud duijkers.

Chapter 1: We developed a real-time PCR test to detect pneumococci. The test was accurate both in vitro and  oropharyngeal patient samples. It showed good reliability and has a detection threshold of 1-10 DNA copies per reaction, with a very low chance of false positive results.

Chapter 2: We assessed a prediction score for identifying Legionella pneumonia at hospital admission. The score uses six variables: high fever, dry cough, low sodium, high LDH, high CRP, and low platelet count. The score was quite accurate, with an AUC of 0.89. A score of 4 or more showed a sensitivity of 58.8%  and specificity of 93.1%. This score could help initiating Legionella specific antibiotic treatment 

Chapter 3: We investigated how levels of cytokines could discriminate between viral, pneumococcal, and mixed pneumonia. We found that specific cytokine patterns could predict viral pneumonia with high accuracy (AUC=0.911). This method shows promising results, but more prospective studies are needed.

Chapter 4: We tested whether using a procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP algorithm could reduce the days on antibiotic treatment in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Patients guided by CRP or PCT had fewer days on antibiotics (4 and 5.5 days) than those receiving standard care (7 days). This approach can reduce antibiotic use by 30%.

Chapter 5: We checked if MR-proADM levels could predict short-term problems like treatment failure or re-admission in CAP patients. MR-proADM levels did not show clear differences related to these outcomes, making it not very useful for predicting short-term risks.

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The Importance of Addressing Unmet Treatment Needs in Smoldering MS: Antonio Scalfari, MD, PhD

The consultant neurologist at Imperial College Healthcare Trust highlighted the importance of acknowledging smoldering multiple sclerosis, urging a shift in therapeutic focus beyond relapses and advocating for a new approach to disease management. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

WATCH TIME: 5 minutes

“We need the patients to be on board to report these type of symptoms because this is the starting point to eventually manage and target therapeutic interventions.”

Recent research has shown that progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) initiates early in the relapsing-remitting phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), signifying that the disease operates on a biological continuum with overlapping pathological mechanisms from onset. However, studies also show that PIRA, often assessed through motor performance, may overlook more subtle symptoms in other clinical domains. These findings suggest a need to shift the current understanding of how central nervous system mechanisms contribute to the worsening of MS.

Further research has revealed that the gradual accumulation of disability in MS is driven by underlying smoldering processes, which remain an under-addressed therapeutic target. In a recent paper published in Annals of Neurology , a team of researchers introduced the concept of smoldering-associated-worsening (SAW), which includes both physical and cognitive symptoms. 1 The group of experts developed a consensus-based framework for recognizing smoldering MS and discussed potential biomarkers for tracking SAW. They also emphasized the importance of incorporating smoldering MS into future clinical practice and research.

One of the experts from the published consensus paper, lead author Antonio Scalfari, MD, PhD, a consultant neurologist at Imperial College Healthcare Trust and Northwest London Healthcare Trust, recently sat down with NeurologyLive ® in an interview to discuss how does smoldering MS differs from traditional views of relapsing and progressive forms of the disease. Scalfari, who also serves as an honorary senior clinical lecturer at Imperial College London, talked about why it crucial to motivate patients to report symptoms beyond inflammatory activity in MS treatment. Moreover, he spoke about the potential future changes in MS classification based on the understanding of smoldering disease.

REFERENCES 1. Scalfari A, Traboulsee A, Oh J, et al. Smouldering-Associated Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis: An International Consensus Statement on Definition, Biology, Clinical Implications, and Future Directions. Ann Neurol. Published online July 25, 2024. doi:10.1002/ana.27034

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Multisymptomatic Care in Parkinson's Disease

Phase 2 HOPE Study of PACAP-Targeting Treatment Lu AG09222 Published in New England Journal of Medicine

Protecting Brain Health in High-Intensity Sports With Innovative Helmet

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Stockholm Business School

Doctoral programme in finance.

Are you curious about how financial markets operate, how corporations make financial decisions, or how to manage risks in a portfolio? Are you interested in how financial markets can be made sustainable, or how societies can promote financial stability? Then you should consider the PhD in Finance.

What we offer:

• a world-class course program;
• a fully funded doctoral studentship with a competitive salary;
• a brand new campus close to the city centre as well as nature and recreation.

As a doctoral student you will undergo rigorous training in theory, method and analysis – through individual supervision, coursework, seminars and workshops. No doubt, you will also benefit from being part of an academic community where scholarly dialogue continues outside of the seminar room. Doctoral students are expected to complete their PhD in four years, with possible extension up to five years.

Research environment and research topic

SBS Finance is a highly international group of about twenty faculty members, post-docs, PhD students, and teaching assistants. The group hosts a weekly seminar series, where external as well as internal speakers present their academic research. There are also ad hoc academic events in the form of workshops and conferences.

Research topic

Financial economists study how scarce resources are allocated over time. Financial decisions differ from other allocation decisions in that their costs and revenues are spread over time and not known in advance. To implement their decisions, individuals, companies or other agents use the financial system. The system includes markets for stocks, bonds and other financial instruments, as well as financial intermediaries (such as banks and insurance companies), financial service companies (such as financial advisers) and the bodies that oversee and regulate the financial markets and institutions. The programme is open for thesis proposals on any topic related to Finance.

Current research that our faculty members work on are presented under Research projects in Finance.

Students interested in monetary policy and financial stability can choose to do a specialization in "Money and Finance". The specialization is provided by the Centre for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability (CeMoF), which is a joint venture between the Department of Economics, the Institute for International Economic Studies, and Stockholm Business School.

Read more about Centre for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability (CeMoF)

Programme structure, coursework and thesis

The doctoral programme in Finance comprises 240 higher education credits, or four years of full-time study. This consists of courses worth 105 credits and a dissertation worth 135 credits. The two parts can be followed simultaneously, but most of the course work is typically done during the first half of the study period. Many doctoral students also choose to teach during their studies, thereby extending their funding to up to five years.

The coursework includes mandatory courses in quantitative methods (15 credits) and finance (30 credits), as well as elective courses in fields closely related to finance (60 credits).

As a doctoral student in finance you can follow the course program offered by Stockholm Doctoral Program in Economics, Econometrics, and Finance (SDPE), which is a collaboration between Stockholm university and Stockholm School of Economics. Prior to the first semester, you are encouraged to participate in a Computational Bootcamp.

Read more about the course program offered by Stockholm Doctoral Program in Economics, Econometrics, and Finance (SDPE)

Read more about the Computational Bootcamp

For the electives, doctoral students in finance often take courses offered at the Swedish House of Finance and at partner universities in the Nordic Finance Network. Students choosing the "Money and Finance" specialization are required to take a course in Monetary Economics at Stockholm university.

Read more about courses offered at the Swedish House of Finance

Read more about courses at partner universities in the Nordic Finance Network

Read more about the course in Monetary Economics

The thesis is developed under the guidance of the supervisors. As a doctoral student at SBS you are assigned one or more supervisors from day one. As you progress with the thesis work you also get feedback at three “milestone seminars”: the thesis proposal seminar, the midway seminar, and the final script seminar. In addition, you are encouraged to present your work at conferences in Sweden and abroad. You are allocated a research budget to cover conference expenses.

At the end of the program, the thesis is assessed at the public dissertation defence. Doctoral theses in finance typically consist of three or more academic articles, of which at least one is solo-authored.

Employment / funding

When you are admitted to the PhD program, you typically also become employed by Stockholm university. The position takes the form of a temporary employment for a maximum of four years of full-time study, conditional on that the studies proceed according to plan. There is no tuition fee and you are paid a monthly salary . The entry level salary currently amounts to SEK 29 700 per month before taxes, increasing up to SEK 34 000 during the course of the program. The program requires you to be based in Sweden, with the main workplace being Stockholm Business School.

Each doctoral student is offered a research budget to cover expenses for courses, conferences, fieldwork, databases, and software. All employees at Stockholm university are also entitled to an annual sum of SEK 3 000 to cover expenses related to health and fitness activities.

Department duty

Many students also choose to teach during their PhD studies, but this is optional. You may take on departmental duty of up to 20% of full time each year, thereby extending your funding for the doctoral programme up to five years. In addition to teaching, the departmental duty may include research assistance and administrative tasks, such as assisting in the organization of academic events.

Application and admission

Eligibility.

Candidates for the doctoral programme in Finance at SBS must fulfil at least one of the following criteria:

• Completed an advanced level degree (master’s degree).
• Completed courses equivalent to at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at master’s level.
• Acquired equivalent knowledge in another way, in Sweden or elsewhere.

In addition, the applicant must have successfully completed at least 90 credits in Finance, or equivalent, including a thesis comprising at least 15 credits. Admission to PhD positions is limited and competition for positions is usually tough.

Application

The general period of opening for PhD positions is in the month of January.

Apply for PhD position here, closing date Feb 1st 2024.

Selection criteria

Selection of applicants is made with respect to their ability to benefit from studies at doctoral level. This is assessed on basis of:

• performance in previous higher education studies
• performance in independent written reports and theses
• performance in standardized general knowledge examinations
• letters of recommendation

Short-listed candidates are called to an interview.

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