Funding of PhD studies

Sources of funding

Scholarships from the University of Copenhagen

Candidates can apply for a scholarship from the University of Copenhagen (https://employment.ku.dk/phd/). These scholarships are advertised by the University and ordinarily cover both pay and other (approved) expenses incurred in connection with a student's PhD studies (supervision, courses, travelling, assessment etc.). PhD students in the 5+3 programme will receive salary  pursuant to the applicable rules of the University of Copenhagen and the Faculty as well as the relevant agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) (link to the Danish Association of Lawyers and Economists, DJØF). 4+4 PhD students receive two grant portions through the Danish State Education Grant and Loan Scheme each month for the first two year of the programme. Upon completion of the MSc degree the student transfers to the two year salary earning part of the programme. 3+5 students receive one grant portions through the Danish State Education Grant and Loan Scheme each month for the first two year of the programme, and two portions each month during the third year. By the end of these three years the student must complete your MSc degree, and transfer to the two year salary earning part of the programme, just like 4+4 PhD students. Other than this salary, the PhD student receives pay for the 840 work hour obligation during the studies.

External funding

If a candidate's studies are to be funded by external sources, an external partner (for example Danida, a government research institute or the like) must accept paying for the PhD study before the candidate is considered for enrolment. The terms of the enrolment, including the fee rate to be paid to the department, must be negotiated between the external partner and the department. You will find information about the the funding required in order to enrol under applications from candidates who receive external funding. PhD students whose studies are funded by external partners are not necessarily employed by the University of Copenhagen.

Industrial PhD

The industrial PhD programme is a separate PhD programme initiated by the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The aim of the programme is to help researchers gain insight into in business-related aspects of research and development, to further the development potential of Danish business community and to establish networks through which knowledge can be disseminated between companies and research institutions in Denmark and abroad. PhD students who enrol in this programme are employed by the relevant company, but will be enrolled at the University like other PhD students

The Faculty's rules and obligations and general agreements on PhD salary

The PhD programme is subject to tuition fees. Every year, each faculty fixes and publishes tuition fees for the PhD programme. For very costly projects, the fee may deviate from that published. The Faculty may grant a full scholarship or a reduction of the tuition fees. When awarding PhD scholarships, the tuition fees are usually included in the scholarship.

The Faculty must ensure that the required resources are available to the PhD student in order that he/she may complete the PhD programme as laid down in the PHD student's study plan.

Employment as a PhD fellow shall occur pursuant to the applicable rules of the University of Copenhagen and the Faculty as well as the relevant agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) (link to the Danish Association of Lawyers and Economists, DJØF). Salary will be calculated on the basis of seniority. The following links will lead you to the salary scales, one including pension etc. (link to the Danish Association of Masters and PhDs). The Danish Psychological Association also has a salary scale. These references, unfortunately, are only available in Danish.