DARA PhD Fellowship Programme, Denmark: Fully Funded148 Views

Programme Overview

The DARA Open PhD Fellowships 2025 will offer a total of nine fully funded PhD positions. These fellowships are open-track, meaning applicants have the freedom to propose their own research projects within the thematic focus of natural sciences, biomedical sciences, technical sciences, and interdisciplinary fields like data science and AI.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to make Denmark a global leader in science and innovation by supporting research that is both curiosity-driven and societally relevant. It also reflects DARA’s commitment to inclusivity, welcoming researchers from all nationalities, academic backgrounds, and cultures.

The Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) has officially announced the opening of its 2025 Open PhD Fellowship Programme, inviting global applications for fully funded doctoral positions in Denmark. Designed to promote research excellence and international collaboration, the programme is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and managed by DARA. It aims to attract talented early-career researchers seeking to conduct innovative, high-impact research within a Danish university or research institution.

Key Fellowship Details

Number of Positions

• • 9 PhD Fellowships across Danish institutions

Eligible Research Areas

• • Biosciences

  • Biomedicine

  • Biotechnology

  • Natural and technical sciences

  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that align with the interdisciplinary nature of today’s scientific challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

• • Must qualify under Denmark’s 5+3 or 4+4 PhD programme models

  • Required to secure a principal supervisor (associate professor level or higher) from a recognized Danish institution before applying

  • Open to applicants from all countries and backgrounds

Funding and Benefits

Each fellowship provides a total grant value of DKK 2.565 million, broken down as follows:

• • Salary Support: ~DKK 1,575,000 to cover the PhD researcher’s full-term salary

  • Research Project Supplement: DKK 750,000 to fund experimental work, travel, data collection, and other research-related costs

  • Tuition Fee Coverage: Up to DKK 240,000 for university registration and academic fees

  • Additional Perks:

    • Access to international mentorship

    • Priority for symposium participation

    • Invitations to DARA workshops and networking events

This robust support structure ensures fellows can focus on their research without financial barriers.

Important Dates and Timeline

Applicants should begin preparing their documents early to ensure timely submission.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their application via the official DARA portal and include the following components:

• • Research Summary: Max. 1,500 characters

  • Project Description: Max. 7,500 characters (excluding references)

  • Motivation Letter: Max. 3,000 characters

  • Detailed CV and Academic Transcripts

  • Signed Letter and CV from Principal Supervisor (must be associate professor or higher at a Danish institution)

  • Optional Materials:

    • CV of an international mentor (if available)

    • Description of the hosting research environment

All documents must be uploaded in English and comply with DARA’s formatting guidelines.

Why Choose the DARA Fellowship?

The DARA PhD Fellowship Programme is more than just funding—it’s a platform for academic growth and global impact:

• • Fully Funded Opportunity: Includes salary, tuition, and research support

  • Elite Academic Training: Close guidance from top-tier faculty and researchers

  • Global Exposure: Fellows become part of a growing international research community

  • Flexible Research Themes: Encourages original, independent thinking

  • Career Advancement: Strong post-PhD prospects in academia, industry, and policy sectors

How to Prepare a Competitive Application

Follow these tips to enhance your application:

1. Review the PhD Models in Denmark

   • Understand the structure of 5+3 and 4+4 programmes to determine eligibility

2. Secure a Supervisor Early

   • Reach out to Danish institutions and establish mentorship before the deadline

3. Write a Visionary Proposal

   • Highlight novelty, feasibility, and societal impact

4. Attend Info Sessions

   • Join institutional webinars such as those at University of Copenhagen for updated guidance

5. Start Early

   • Give yourself enough time for revisions, recommendation letters, and formatting

Final Thoughts

The DARA Open PhD Fellowship Programme 2025 is an exceptional pathway for emerging researchers to pursue fully supported doctoral studies in Denmark. Backed by substantial funding and academic mentorship, the programme is committed to fostering research excellence and leadership among the next generation of scientists.

With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and international collaboration, DARA offers an environment where ambitious researchers can thrive. If you meet the criteria and have a strong research idea, begin preparing now and make your mark in Denmark’s world-class research landscape.

Review Date: This post should be reviewed in August 2026 for any updates in funding, eligibility, or timeline.

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