PhD Scholarships in Humanities

University of Copenhagen

Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen

The Saxo Institute invites applications for two fully funded PhD scholarships for a three-year period, starting 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

More information about the department and its research environments is available at:
Saxo Institute – University of Copenhagen

About the PhD Programme

The PhD programme is a full-time research education at an international level, designed to prepare candidates for careers in academia and beyond. PhD students conduct an independent research project under supervision and produce a doctoral thesis to be defended at a public defence.

  • Duration: 3 years (full-time)

  • Scope: 180 ECTS

  • Activities include:

    • Independent research

    • Participation in research environments in Denmark and abroad

    • Research training courses

    • Teaching and knowledge dissemination

    • Presentation of research at conferences and to the general public

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to master’s level within a field relevant to the proposed project.

Education obtained in Denmark

  • A master’s degree covered by the collective agreement for academics in the state sector

Education obtained outside Denmark

  • A master’s degree equivalent to a Danish two-year master’s degree, or

  • At minimum, a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Danish three-year bachelor’s degree plus professional qualifications at master’s level

Educational qualifications obtained outside Denmark will be assessed by the Danish Research Agency.

Language Requirements

  • High-level proficiency in written and spoken academic English

  • Documentation of language skills may be requested if deemed necessary

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online via the University of Copenhagen application system. Applications must be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

Required Attachments

(All documents must be in PDF or Word format and uploaded with descriptive titles)

  1. CV (maximum 2 pages)

    • Please use the official template: CV template

  2. Cover Letter (maximum 1,200 characters incl. spaces)

    • Please indicate any preferred research environment at the Saxo Institute

  3. Diplomas, Transcripts, and Grading Scale Descriptions

    • Bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and transcripts

    • Official description of grading scale

    • If diploma is unavailable by the deadline, include the most recent transcript

  4. Project Abstract (maximum 1,200 characters incl. spaces)

  5. Project Description

    • Maximum 12,000 characters incl. spaces (excluding bibliography)

    • Must follow official guidelines:
      Admission requirements and application procedures – University of Copenhagen

    • Any need for special funding or permissions (e.g. archival access, fieldwork abroad) must be clearly described within the project description

  6. Other Relevant Material (if applicable)

Do not include:

  • Suggestions or commitments from supervisors

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Theses or full dissertations

Translation Requirements

Applicants whose degrees were obtained at institutions where the working language is neither English nor a Scandinavian language must submit officially verified translations of diplomas and transcripts (English, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish).

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

  • Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed PhD project

  • Research qualifications and academic background

  • Knowledge of relevant research fields

  • Grades obtained in bachelor’s and master’s studies

Please note that competition is intense and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded.

Salary and Terms of Employment

  • Employment and salary follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC)

  • Starting salary: approx. DKK 31,242 per month (EUR ~4,184)

  • Pension contribution: 18.07%

  • PhD fellows are required to perform departmental duties corresponding to 840 working hours (approximately 6 months) during the employment period

Further details:
Employment as a PhD student – University of Copenhagen

Recruitment Process

  • Shortlisting is conducted by the Head of Department based on committee advice

  • Shortlisted applicants are assessed by an expert committee

  • Applicants may comment on the committee’s assessment before final appointment

Applicants should be aware that security screening related to international research collaboration may be required.

Enrolment Requirement

Employment is conditional upon enrolment in the PhD School of the Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen.

Relevant information:

  • Structure of the PhD programme

  • PhD programmes – guide to studies and admission

International Applicants

The University of Copenhagen offers extensive support services for international researchers and their families, including relocation assistance and career counselling for partners.

More information:
For international researchers – University of Copenhagen

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Copenhagen is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Contact Information

For questions not covered online, please contact:

Please include reference number: 211-2345/25-2H #2

Applicants are kindly requested not to contact potential supervisors before or after the application deadline.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 15 February 2026 at 23:59 CET

  • Expected start date: 1 September 2026

  • Location: Saxo Institute, Faculty of Humanities

  • Number of scholarships: 2

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply