✨ Should I Apply for University of Iceland PhD Fellowship (Research Fund)?
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🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approx. 450,000 - 550,000 ISK per month (Subject to collective bargaining agreements)
🗓
Deadline
January 16 (Annual)
🔬
Fields
All fields available at the
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 20-30 new grants per year
📊
Acceptance
Varies by faculty
The University of Iceland PhD Fellowship, funded by the University of Iceland Research Fund, is the primary source of internal funding for doctoral students. It aims to support high-quality research and strengthen the university's research environment by hiring PhD candidates as staff members for a period of three years.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to all nationalities. Requires a Master’s degree with excellent grades and a confirmed PhD supervisor at the University of Iceland.
🏛️ Host University
University of Iceland
🤝 Sponsor
University of Iceland Research Fund (Rannsóknasjóður Háskóla Íslands)
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields available at the University of Iceland including Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Humanities, Education, Engineering, and Natural Sciences
✨ Key Benefits
The fellowship provides a full-time salary for three years, covering living costs and research expenses, while granting the recipient status as a university employee.
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International PhD candidates
🏷 Tags
PhD
Iceland
Research Fellowship
Fully Funded
STEM
Humanities
Social Sciences
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (PhD students at UI do not pay tuition, only an annual registration fee)
Living Stipend
Provided as a monthly salary under a formal employment contract
Total Award
Approx. 450,000 - 550,000 IS
✈️ Travel: Specific grants available within the fellowship for conference travel and research stays abroad
🏠 Accommodation: No
💊 Health Insurance: Covered via the Icelandic Social Insurance system (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands) after 6 months of residency
🔄 Renewable: No
💳 App Fee: None for the fellowship; standard UI registration fee applies upon enrollment
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (PhD students at UI do not pay tuition, only an annual registration fee)
🏠 Living Stipend
Provided as a monthly salary under a formal employment contract
✈️ Travel Allowance
Specific grants available within the fellowship for conference travel and research stays abroad
💊 Health Insurance
Covered via the Icelandic Social Insurance system (Sjúkratryggingar Íslands) after 6 months of residency
🎁 Other Benefits
Pension contributions, paid vacation, parental leave rights, and access to the University's research infrastructure
📋 Renewal Conditions
The grant is fixed for 3 years; extensions must be funded by other sources.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must hold a Master's degree; must be accepted into a PhD program at UI; research proposal must meet quality standards.
🎓 Academic Level
PhD (Doctoral)
📊 Minimum GPA
First-class grade (typically 7.25 or higher on the UI 0-10 scale or equivalent)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency required (TOEFL iBT 92+ or IELTS 6.5+; may be waived if previous degree was taught in English)
💼 Work Experience
Not required, though research experience is highly advantageous
💰 Financial Need
Not considered (Merit-based)
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International PhD candidates
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed Research Proposal)
Rec Letters
Yes (2-3 letters of recommendation)
Interview
Yes (Typically conducted by the faculty or selection committee)
Application Fee
None for the fellowship; standard UI registration fee applies upon enrollment
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (2-3 letters of recommendation) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency required (TOEFL iBT 92+ or IELTS 6.5+; may be waived if previous degree was taught in English)
- Interview: Yes (Typically conducted by the faculty or selection committee)
- Min GPA: First-class grade (typically 7.25 or higher on the UI 0-10 scale or equivalent)
📋 Application Process
Identify and contact a potential supervisor months before the deadline to co-develop the research proposal.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure the research plan is highly specific, feasible within 3 years, and demonstrates significant contribution to the field.