Application process and timeline

Application procedures and timeline for the processing of applications differ depending on the kind of call, scholarship and/or affiliation to the PhD School.

There are three ways to approach the application process:

  1. The open calls for PhD scholarships.
  2. Specific calls, with a predefined research objective – usually part of a collective research project lead by a PI.
  3. If you bring your own funding through an external grant or personal means, you can apply for admission at any time.

Read about financing and types of PhD scholarships.

1. Calls for PhD scholarships

All applications for advertised PhD scholarships, be it open calls or specific calls with a predefined topic and research objective, must be submitted via the link in the advertisement and must comply with the instructions laid out there.

Your application will undergo a competitive evaluation process. Usually, there are many applicants from both Denmark and abroad. From previous years’ experience, the chances of obtaining a scholarship range from 5-10%.

Time schedule

When

Calls

6-8 weeks before the application deadline

Advertisement for the vacant position is published.

Deadline for submitting PhD applications

1-4 weeks after the application deadline

Applications are shortlisted for assessment: After the application deadline a selection committee will pre-select PhD applications that will proceed to the assessment (shortlist). All applicants are notified via email whether they have been shortlisted or not. 

 

Assessment Committee conducts the evaluations.

Shortlisted applicants are informed of the composition of the Assessment Committee.

 

Evaluations are sent to applicants via email for consultation response (with a five-day deadline for submitting a response).

 

Interviews with select candidates are conducted.

All applicants are notified about the result of the faculty’s decision. Successful applicants are offered a scholarship. 

2-6 weeks before the enrolment date

The PhD student receives a letter of enrolment and a letter of employment.

Employment date

The PhD student begin their PhD programme at the University of Copenhagen.

2. PhD applicants with external funding or enrolment as a self-financed PhD student

Prospective PhD students who have external funding, an international grant or want to be self-financed can apply for enrolment as a PhD student at any time. Submit your application via email to the PhD Administration (phd@hrsc.ku.dk).

Read about admission and application requirements. 
 

When

With external funding without UCPH call, an international grant or as a self-financed PhD student

6-12 months before the enrolment starts

The prospective PhD student contacts a relevant department through the PhD Coordinator.

Prospective PhD students will need to document that they have the necessary funding to cover education fee and the minimum allowance for living expenses in Denmark throughout the entire 3-year PhD programme.

Prospective PhD students bringing their own funds will be expected to submit a CV and a PhD project proposal to facilitate a clear picture of the research objectives etc. The PhD will determine whether the faculty has the capacity to supervise the PhD project.

See list of PhD coordinators in order to contact the section or centre where you would like to work, regarding supervision for your proposed project.

Usually, 3-6 months before the enrolment starts

The potential supervisor or the prospective PhD student contacts the PhD Administration
The PhD Administration will send guidelines and documents to be filled in and submitted.

Usually, 1-3 months before the enrolment starts

The prospective PhD student submits the application for enrolment and (if relevant) employment
The PhD Administration processes the application and initiates an academic evaluation and approval of the application for enrolment by the PhD school, and for employment by the Dean

0-1 month before the enrolment date

If approved by the PhD School and the Dean, the prospective PhD student receives a letter of enrolment and (if relevant) employment.  

Enrolment date

The PhD students begin their PhD studies at the University of Copenhagen.

If you have any questions regarding the requirements and the application process, contact the Phd Administration.