The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has officially announced up to seven fully funded PhD Research Fellow positions at its Faculty of Humanities for 2026. This is an outstanding opportunity for both Norwegian and international students who wish to pursue doctoral research at one of Europe’s leading research universities.
Successful applicants will receive a competitive annual salary of NOK 550,800, research funding of up to NOK 100,000, access to world-class research facilities, mentorship, and the opportunity to study in Norway’s vibrant academic environment. The fellowship is designed to help talented researchers complete a fully funded PhD while contributing to innovative research in the humanities.
If you are planning to pursue a PhD in Europe, this fully funded opportunity at NTNU could be the ideal next step in your academic journey.
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Overview
Host University: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities
Country: Norway
Study Level: PhD
Number of Positions: Up to 7
Employment Duration: 3 Years
Salary: NOK 550,800 per year
Research Funding: Up to NOK 100,000
Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
About NTNU
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is Norway’s largest university, with more than 43,000 students and approximately 9,000 employees across campuses in Trondheim, Gjøvik, and Ă…lesund. Known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, NTNU’s mission is to create knowledge that contributes to a better world.
The Faculty of Humanities is one of Norway’s leading centres for humanities research and education, offering internationally recognised doctoral programmes across multiple disciplines. Researchers benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, excellent supervision, and access to outstanding academic resources.
Available PhD Programmes
Applicants may apply for doctoral research within one of the Faculty of Humanities’ scientific PhD programmes, including:
- Humanities and the Arts
- Historical and Cultural Studies
- Language and Linguistics
- Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture
Applicants must align their research proposal with one of the Faculty’s recognised research groups and identify a suitable supervisor before submitting an application.
Fellowship Benefits
The NTNU PhD Fellowship provides comprehensive financial and academic support throughout the doctoral programme.
Successful candidates will receive:
- Annual salary of NOK 550,800
- Employment as a full-time PhD Research Fellow
- Research funding of up to NOK 100,000
- Access to world-class laboratories, libraries, and research infrastructure
- Professional mentoring programme
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Employee welfare and professional development benefits
- International research environment
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading scholars
- Excellent work-life balance in Norway
These benefits allow researchers to focus entirely on producing high-quality doctoral research without financial concerns.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NTNU Faculty of Humanities PhD Fellowships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Meet the admission requirements for an NTNU PhD programme.
- Normally possess a Master’s thesis equivalent to at least 30 credits.
- Have academic performance equivalent to grade B or higher under NTNU’s grading system.
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
- Secure confirmation from an intended main supervisor affiliated with an eligible NTNU research group.
- Submit a strong doctoral research proposal aligned with the Faculty’s research priorities.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree in a related field or have previously been employed as PhD Research Fellows at NTNU are not eligible.
Desired Personal Qualities
NTNU is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent communication abilities
- Independent and structured working style
- Motivation to complete a doctoral degree
- Ability to work collaboratively within research teams
- Commitment to contributing to a positive academic environment
Personal suitability is an important component of the selection process.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Completed online application
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Diploma Supplement (where available)
- Research project description following NTNU’s required template
- Supervisor confirmation using the official template
- Contact details of two academic referees
- Documentation supporting eligibility (where applicable)
- Recognition of foreign qualifications (if required)
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official recruitment portal before the deadline.
Research Proposal Requirements
The research proposal is the most important part of the application.
Applicants should clearly explain:
- Research objectives
- Background and significance
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Contribution to the research group’s objectives
- Timeline for completing the PhD within three years
A well-prepared proposal significantly improves the likelihood of selection.
Salary and Employment Conditions
Selected candidates will be employed as PhD Research Fellows for a period of three years.
The fellowship includes:
- Gross annual salary of NOK 550,800
- Pension contributions
- Possible extension for career-enhancing work (depending on departmental needs)
- Admission to the relevant doctoral programme
- Full-time employment under Norwegian labour regulations
Candidates are expected to reside in Norway during the fellowship and participate actively in departmental research activities.
Why Study at NTNU?
Studying at NTNU provides numerous advantages, including:
- One of Scandinavia’s leading research universities
- Internationally recognised doctoral education
- Modern research infrastructure
- Highly experienced supervisors
- Collaborative academic environment
- Strong international partnerships
- Excellent quality of life in Norway
- Safe, inclusive, and innovative campus culture
The city of Trondheim also offers an exceptional environment for international researchers, combining a high standard of living with rich cultural and outdoor experiences.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Identify a relevant NTNU Faculty of Humanities research group.
- Contact a potential supervisor well before the application deadline.
- Prepare the required research proposal using NTNU’s official template.
- Gather all supporting documents.
- Complete the online application through the NTNU recruitment portal.
- Submit your application before 1 October 2026.
- OFFICIAL LINK
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Important Deadline
Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
Applicants are encouraged to begin contacting supervisors and preparing their research proposals as early as possible.
FAQs
1. Is the NTNU PhD Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Successful applicants receive a full-time salaried position, research funding, pension benefits, and employee benefits.
2. How many positions are available?
NTNU has announced up to seven PhD Research Fellow positions within the Faculty of Humanities.
3. Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants from around the world who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.
4. What is the annual salary?
Successful candidates receive approximately NOK 550,800 per year, subject to employment conditions.
5. Do applicants need a supervisor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must identify an intended main supervisor from an eligible NTNU research group before submitting their application.
6. Is IELTS required?
Applicants must demonstrate strong English proficiency. NTNU accepts applicants who satisfy its English language admission requirements.
7. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is 1 October 2026.
Final Thoughts
The NTNU Faculty of Humanities PhD Research Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue a fully funded doctoral degree in Norway. With a competitive salary, dedicated research funding, expert supervision, and access to one of Europe’s leading universities, this fellowship provides an ideal environment to develop your academic career.
If you are passionate about humanities research and aspire to study in Norway, begin preparing your research proposal, connect with a prospective supervisor, and submit your application before the deadline.
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential. this helen oesha remove and write Azhar ul Haq Wahid PhD in journalism from university of complutense Madrid,Spain Journalist write accodingly