UNU-WIDER PhD Internships

Our PhD Internship Programme gives registered doctoral students an opportunity to utilize the resources and facilities at UNU-WIDER for their PhD dissertation or thesis research, and to work with UNU-WIDER researchers in areas of mutual interest. PhD interns typically spend 2-3 months at UNU-WIDER and return to their home institution afterwards. During their time in Helsinki, PhD interns prepare one or more research papers and present a seminar on their research findings. PhD interns may also have the opportunity to publish their research in UNU-WIDER’s working paper series.

Selection criteria

Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD programme and have shown ability to conduct research on developing economies. Candidates working in other social sciences may apply but should keep in mind that UNU-WIDER is an economics-focused institute. Candidates should be fluent in oral and written English and possess good quantitative and/or qualitative analytical skills. Preference is given to applicants who are living or working in developing countries and who are at later stages of the PhD.

In collaboration with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), UNU-WIDER has a number of PhD Internship positions reserved for economists from African countries who are studying at either African or non-African institutions. If eligible, you will automatically be designated as a potential AERC grant recipient, and if your application is successful, you will be asked to apply to become a member of the AERC network.

Financial assistance

UNU-WIDER provides a travel grant, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of EUR 1,500 to cover living expenses in Helsinki during the period of their internship. Health insurance should be arranged privately by the candidates. The programme does not cover expenses related to dependents.

Application procedure

UNU-WIDER only receives online applications for the PhD Internship Programme twice each year. Deadlines for submission of applications are 31 March and 30 September 23:59 EET each year. Short-listed applicants will be informed by email of thefinal decision within four weeks of the closing deadline. The selected applicants must confirm their decision to take up UNU-WIDER's offer two weeks after being contacted.

If you are interested in participating in this programme you should complete and submit the application form. 

• online application form

Please note that the link to the online application form will only become active one month prior to the submission deadline (e.g., application procedures start on 1 March and 1 September of each year).

As part of your application, you will be asked to upload your curriculum vitae. Your PhD supervisor will need to provide UNU-WIDER with a letter of reference, which should be emailed to the following address: interns1(at)wider.unu.edu. The reference letter will also be used to certify that you are enrolled in a PhD programme at your university.

If you have any questions about the UNU-WIDER PhD Internship Programme or experience any problems with your online application then please contact us at the following email address: interns1(at)wider.unu.edu

Please note: we do not receive applications by email or post.

You can view the questions in advance here:

 2014-UNU-WIDER PhD Internship Application Form.pdf (487.83 kilobytes)