At least three fully funded PhD positions at Uppsala University’s Department of Government is now accepting applications for starting on 1 September 2026. This is a four-year doctoral programme designed for highly motivated graduates seeking advanced research training in political science within one of the Nordic region’s leading academic environments.

Uppsala University, Department of Government

Application Deadline: 30 January 2026

The PhD programme spans four years and is funded through full doctoral employment. Doctoral candidates are expected to pursue studies on a full-time basis, actively participate in departmental activities, and may be assigned teaching or administrative duties of up to 20 percent. In such cases, the contract period will be extended proportionally.

Eligibility Requirements

General Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent)

• Have completed a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS at the advanced level

• Have acquired equivalent academic knowledge in Sweden or abroad

Special Requirements in Political Science

Applicants must demonstrate:

• At least 90 ECTS in political science or equivalent knowledge

• Very strong written and spoken proficiency in English and/or Swedish

• Proof of English proficiency if prior studies were not conducted in English or Swedish (TOEFL or IELTS)

All eligibility requirements must be fulfilled by 1 August 2026. No additional merits may be submitted after the application deadline.

Application Documents

A complete application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover letter (max. 500 words) explaining your motivation

• Primary research text (preferably MA thesis). If co-authored, include co-author statement and submit a single-authored secondary text

• Self-reflection statement (max. 1,000 words) discussing strengths and weaknesses of your research text

• Academic transcripts

• Contact information for two academic referees (letters not required)

Additional documents (if applicable):

• Secondary research text and co-author statement

• English language test results for applicants without English-medium graduate training

Please note: The use of AI to generate research texts, personal letters, or self-reflections is not permitted.

Employment Conditions

• Temporary doctoral employment under the Higher Education Ordinance

• Full-time (100 percent)

• Start date: 1 September 2026

• Placement: Uppsala

• Salary according to local agreements for doctoral students