Cooperative Teaching and Research Fund - Scholarship

Grant for research and teaching in co-operatives

You will receive a one-time lump sum grant for a final-year dissertation or PhD thesis on the subject of co-operatives, i.e. businesses that are jointly owned by their members and managed collectively by them. The fund pays out a maximum total of 4,000 EUR per year, which is divided amongst between 1 and 4 recipients. Your share depends on how many people receive funding. This is a one-off payment, not a monthly scholarship, and you have three years in which to spend the amount. The money comes from the Fund for Research and Teaching in the Field of Co-operatives, one of over 350 funds managed by the University of Helsinki’s funds.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD student. PhD students can use the scholarship to complete their thesis.
• University: You are studying at the University of Helsinki or at another Finnish higher education institution. This is the only University of Helsinki grant scheme open to students from other Finnish higher education institutions.
• Topic: Your thesis or dissertation is on cooperatives.
• Grades: Selection is based on academic performance: your progress in your studies, your credits and marks in relation to the duration of your degree programme, and your research proposal.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Helsinki’s scholarship portal, which is available in Finnish, Swedish and English. Please enclose a transcript showing the credits you have earned with your application. The 2026 round runs from 14 January to 6 February 2026. You will be notified of the decision by the end of April at the latest.

If you are exploring other ways to fund your studies in Finland, you will find further options in our guide Scholarships in Finland.