Ville Rajakaltio Fund - Scholarship

What you get

You will receive a one-off grant to fund your doctoral thesis at University of Oulu in Finland. The amount is determined on a case-by-case basis. In the year 2026, the foundation awarded grants totalling 2,000 to 5,000 EUR, with most doctoral scholarships amounting to 5,000 EUR. The amount is paid as a one-off lump sum. This fund is one of 25 named donor funds within the University of Oulu Scholarship Foundation, which was established in 1960 to support research at the university.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a PhD student at the University of Oulu.
• Research topic: Its work takes place in northern Finland and contributes to the development and expansion of industry in this region. This is what sets this fund apart from the Foundation’s other funds.
• Field of study: Any topic is acceptable, provided your research fits within the theme of ‘Industry in Northern Finland’.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• No parallel job: You must not be employed by the university during the term of the scholarship.

How to apply

The call for applications for doctoral scholarships takes place once a year, usually in April. Applications are submitted via the Foundation’s online scholarship system, and you should ask your supervisor to upload their assessment there. The faculty draws up a ranking list of applications, and the Foundation’s Executive Board decides who will receive a scholarship.

If you want to explore further funding opportunities beyond this University of Oulu grant, our guide Scholarships in Finland covers scholarships and funding across Finland.