Walter Ahlström foundation - Travel Grant

What you get

You will receive a one-off grant, usually amounting to 3,000 to 5,000 EUR, for a research trip abroad. You may use this grant to give a presentation at an international scientific conference or to visit a university or institute in another country for research purposes. The grant is provided by the Walter Ahlström Foundation, a Finnish foundation established in 1926 to support young engineers in their further education. The foundation also funds PhD projects with grants of the same amount.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a higher university qualification (at Master’s level) and are undertaking postgraduate research, for example as part of a PhD.
• Field: Your research is in the forest products industry (wood, pulp, paper), electrical engineering, power engineering or the metal industry.
• Age: You are under 35.
• Who can apply: You will need a Finnish personal identification number. Finnish citizens have one, as do all persons who are registered in Finland, regardless of their nationality.
• Bonus: Projects offering long-term benefits for industry and the Finnish economy are given higher scores. This is an advantage, not a requirement.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online form during the annual application period. Round 2026 has now closed, and the dates for round 2027 will be announced in due course. The Foundation’s Board decides on the awards and gives preference to concise, well-structured applications.

How realistic are your chances?

In recent years, about 30% of applicants received funding, roughly 1 in 3. In 2026 the foundation awarded 78 grants across all its grant types.

If you are looking for further funding opportunities beyond the Walter Ahlström Foundation grant, our guide Scholarships in Finland covers more options in Finland.