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.
Some PhD positions may be associated with specific research projects. All applicants will automatically be considered for all available projects.
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
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Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent)
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Have completed a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS at the advanced level
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Have acquired equivalent academic knowledge in Sweden or abroad
Special Requirements in Political Science
Applicants must demonstrate:
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At least 90 ECTS in political science or equivalent knowledge
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Very strong written and spoken proficiency in English and/or Swedish
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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:
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Curriculum Vitae
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Cover letter (max. 500 words) explaining your motivation
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Primary research text (preferably MA thesis). If co-authored, include co-author statement and submit a single-authored secondary text
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Self-reflection statement (max. 1,000 words) discussing strengths and weaknesses of your research text
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Academic transcripts
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Contact information for two academic referees (letters not required)
Additional documents (if applicable):
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Secondary research text and co-author statement
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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
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Temporary doctoral employment under the Higher Education Ordinance
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Full-time (100 percent)
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Start date: 1 September 2026
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Placement: Uppsala
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Salary according to local agreements for doctoral students
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Uppsala University’s recruitment system. Reference number: UFV-PA 2025/3673.
For further information, contact:
Elin Bjarnegård, Director of the PhD Programme
Email: elin.bjarnegard@statsvet.uu.se
Phone: +46 18 471 1691
Uppsala University’s Department of Government is accepting applications for at least three funded PhD positions in Political Science starting in September 2026. The four-year programme includes full-time doctoral employment, with up to 20 percent teaching duties. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent and have at least 90 ECTS credits in political science. Required documents include a CV, cover letter, research sample, self-reflection, transcripts, and reference contacts. Applications close on 30 January 2026.
For more opportunity, click here.
