Suomen Kuntaliitto - Prize for Master's Thesis

Benefit

For an outstanding Master’s thesis (Pro-Gradu thesis) on the subject of local government or the local and public sectors in Finland, you will receive a one-off prize of 2,500 EUR. In addition to the main prize, 1 to 2 honourable mentions will be awarded. The prize is awarded by Suomen Kuntaliitto (the Finnish Association of Local and Regional Authorities) through its affiliated foundation, Suomen Kuntasaatio, which makes the final decision. There is a separate prize of 2,000 EUR for the best final-year dissertation at a university of applied sciences (AMK); however, this is a different award.

Eligibility

• Level: You have a completed master's thesis (pro gradu). This prize rewards a finished thesis, not ongoing studies.
• Topic: Your dissertation focuses on local government, or more specifically the local and public sectors, and addresses a topic of significance to local authorities.
• Field of study: Any topic is permitted, with the focus on political science, public administration and economics, provided that the topics relate to local government.
• Where you study: You are studying at a university in Finland.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Nomination, not self-application: You cannot apply yourself. Your university must submit your final thesis; each university may nominate up to three final theses.

How to apply

The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities (Suomen Kuntaliitto) is calling on universities to submit theses. The deadline for this round is 30 April. The Suomen Kuntasaatio will then select the winner.