The EDUFI Fellowship for foreign doctoral researchers has ended. The Finnish National Agency for Education confirms that the programme ceased at the end of 2025 and that new applications have not been accepted since 17 October 2025.
Current Status: ENDED
Final Application Cutoff: 17 October 2025
Historical Grant: €1,900 per month
Last Verified: 17 September 2026
This page is retained for historical and reference purposes because the EDUFI Fellowship was a notable Finnish doctoral-research funding route. Applicants should no longer treat it as an open or rolling fellowship.
What Was the EDUFI Fellowship?
The EDUFI Fellowship was administered by the Finnish National Agency for Education and supported foreign doctoral researchers invited to Finland by Finnish universities. Its main purpose was to provide initial funding for doctoral research in Finland, support double-degree work, or fund a justified study visit connected to an ongoing doctoral project.
The fellowship was open across all fields of study, but it was a doctoral-level research scheme. It was not intended for postdoctoral research.
Why Did the Programme End?
The Finnish National Agency for Education announced that the fellowship would cease at the end of 2025 as part of cost-saving measures connected with the productivity programme of Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture.
Because of the high number of applications and the programme’s closure, new applications were accepted only until 17 October 2025 at 16:15 Finnish time.
What Happens to Grants Already Awarded?
Previously awarded EDUFI Fellowship grants remain valid. The Finnish National Agency for Education states that already-issued decisions continue to be paid according to the agreed schedule, including cases where payment falls in 2026.
Therefore, the programme is ended for new applications, but previously approved fellows may still receive payments under valid award decisions.
Historical EDUFI Fellowship Details
| Feature | Historical Programme Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | EDUFI Fellowship |
| Administered by | Finnish National Agency for Education |
| Country | Finland |
| Applicant | Finnish university department |
| Beneficiary | Doctoral researcher from outside Finland |
| Grant amount | €1,900 per month |
| Typical duration | 3–12 months |
| Final application cutoff | 17 October 2025 |
| Current status | Ended |
Who Could Apply?
The fellowship candidate could not submit the grant application personally. The applicant had to be a researcher or teacher at a Finnish university department who was hosting and supervising the doctoral researcher.
The grant was intended for a non-Finnish postgraduate researcher at doctoral level. The Finnish host department was responsible for the application and for providing the research environment, facilities and supervision.
What Kind of Research Was Eligible?
The programme supported postgraduate study and doctoral research at Finnish universities in all fields. Funding could be used for:
- starting work on a doctoral research project where the full doctoral thesis would be completed at a Finnish university;
- completing a double degree in Finland;
- a justified study visit for a doctoral researcher enrolled at a university outside Finland.
Postdoctoral research was not eligible. The official programme guidance explicitly stated that the fellowship could not be used at the end of a doctoral research project or for postdoctoral research.
Historical Funding Conditions
The EDUFI Fellowship grant was €1,900 per month. It was intended to cover the fellow’s living expenses in Finland.
The programme did not separately cover accommodation, travel, visa, residence-permit or insurance costs. The fellowship was also not an employment contract.
Historical Duration
The standard fellowship duration was 3 to 12 months. For doctoral researchers enrolled at a foreign university and visiting Finland, the normal study-visit period was 3 to 6 months, subject to programme rules and specific exceptions.
Important Correction for Applicants
Older articles may still describe EDUFI as a rolling fellowship accepting applications throughout the year. That information is now obsolete. The programme has ended, and no new applications have been accepted since 17 October 2025.
Researchers looking for current doctoral funding can instead explore CareerAidHub’s PhD Opportunities and Scholarships hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EDUFI Fellowship still open?
No. The programme ended at the end of 2025, and new applications have not been accepted since 17 October 2025.
Can previously awarded EDUFI grants still be paid in 2026?
Yes. The Finnish National Agency for Education states that grants already awarded remain valid and are paid according to their agreed schedules, even when payment falls in 2026.
How much was the EDUFI Fellowship grant?
The historical grant amount was €1,900 per month.
Who submitted the application?
The application was submitted by a Finnish university department. The doctoral researcher could not apply directly.
Was EDUFI available for postdoctoral research?
No. The official programme rules stated that it could not be used for postdoctoral research.
Official Sources
- Finnish National Agency for Education — EDUFI Fellowship
- Official announcement on the end of the EDUFI Fellowship
Last verified by CareerAidHub: 17 September 2026. This page is retained as an historical reference and should not be used as an active application notice.
