Walter Ahlström foundation - Scholarship

What you get

You will receive a grant of 3,000 to 5,000 EUR. You may use this for your doctoral thesis, a study trip, an international academic conference or a research stay abroad. Higher amounts may be applied for in the case of larger research projects. Longer-term projects may be funded for up to 3 years; however, you must submit a new application each year, and your application will be reassessed each time. The funding comes from the Walter Ahlström Foundation, a Finnish foundation established in 1926 to support young engineers in their further studies and research. The foundation also participates in the ‘Researchers Abroad’ (Tutkijat maailmalle) programme, which funds longer-term research stays abroad.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold a higher university qualification, usually a Master of Science in Engineering, and are undertaking postgraduate studies or conducting research.
• Field: Your research relates to the forest products industry, electrical engineering, power engineering or the metal industry.
• Age: You are under 35.
• Finland: You will need a Finnish personal identification number (henkilötunnus).
• University: You can work as a researcher at any university.
• Bonus: Projects that offer long-term benefits for industry and the Finnish economy are given higher scores. This is an advantage, not a requirement.

How to apply

Applications are accepted once a year via the Foundation’s online application form. The application period usually runs from 1 November to 31 December. The Foundation’s Board decides who receives funding. Please keep your application brief and clear, as the Foundation prefers this.

How realistic are your chances?

The foundation awarded 78 grants in 2026, up from 60 in 2025. In recent years about 30% of applicants have received funding, so roughly 1 in 3 is successful.