Category Archives: PhD/post doctoral

AALTO SCIENCE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 23:59 (UTC+2)

LOCATION: Finland

The Aalto Science Institute (AScI) International Summer Research Programme seeks 50+ talented research-driven students to join cutting-edge projects, collaborate with top research groups at Aalto University, and connect with an international community. Cultural and social activities enrich this unique summer experience in Finland, making it both professionally and personally rewarding.

ELIGIBILITY:

Calling all research-oriented students: Spend Summer 2026 in Finland with a transformative research assistantship at Aalto University. Open to bachelor’s, master’s, and—in exceptional cases—doctoral students worldwide.

You are eligible to apply if you (a) are a current bachelor’s or master’s student, or (b) graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the end of the previous academic year (approximately May) or later. 

Aalto, like much of Europe, has a 3-year bachelor’s degree and a 2-year master’s degree. So if you are in your 4th year of study, you are considered to be at the master’s level. In any case, the specification in the project is not so strict; it is more to indicate the expected level of knowledge. 

While the majority of projects are for bachelor’s and master’s students, some projects are open to PhD applicants. Check the project descriptions for details.  Moreover, visiting PhD students can be funded through a different process. Contact the Aalto professor or research group directly, and if they are interested in hosting your visit, they can apply to AScI for funding to cover your travel and accommodation for two months. Research groups may also have other funding sources.

The internships are open to all students. Note that for local students, the benefits of the AScI program, such as travel bonuses and relocation help, might not apply. Additionally, most positions are available to local students through departmental calls within Aalto. If you are hired through a departmental call, you may still join our social activities. Get in touch! 

Timeline:

Positions published16.12.2025 (approximately)
Applications opened07.01.2026
Deadline for applications31.01.2026 (UTC+2) 
Student selection and interviewsFebruary
All applicants informed of the outcome mid-March
Internship, get to know Finland course, poster exhibitionJune-August 2026 (12 weeks)—see FAQ for flexibility

The call for the 2026 summer research positions will be open 7-31 January 2026. 

The application link is below. 

On the application form you need to indicate at least one, but no more than three, projects. You can apply for a maximum of three projects, but you must not submit more than one application form.

This page is only about the application process. For information about the programme and projects, please see the links below.

Aalto Science Institute (AScI) international summer research programme 2026 APPLY HERE! 

BENEFIT:

Besides the opportunity to take your first steps as an international researcher at Finland’s top university while earning a living wage: 

Modest travel bonus (400/800 EUR for those coming from inside/outside Europe)

1 week paid vacation

Assistance finding low-cost student housing

Extensive information and chat groups for visas and all aspects of your visit.

“Get to know Finland” course (June only)

Regular lunch gatherings

Social, cultural, outdoor, and sporting activities during the summer

Final “poster exhibition” where you get to present your work

APPLY

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA IZAAK WALTON KILLAM MEMORIAL DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP

Application Deadline: Thursday, February 19, 2026

LOCATION: Canada

The Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Doctoral Scholarship at the University of Alberta is open for application. Applicants must complete all necessary requirements and submit to the Department by the Departmental deadline to be considered for the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship.

ELIGIBILITY:
Offered to outstanding students registered full-time in, or admissible to, a doctoral program

Applicants must have completed at least 12 months of graduate work (master’s or doctoral level) before the start of the award tenure (May 1, 2026 or September 1, 2026)

applicants must have completed no more than 48 months in their doctoral program as of December 31, 2025

As the Killam is offered for a two-year period (subject to review after the first year), applicants must have at least 18 months of full-time registration left in their doctoral program after May 2026

For students who transferred from a master’s program to a doctoral program, the number of months completed during the master’s program will count towards the doctoral program.

No restrictions on citizenship. All fields of study are eligible for funding

Applicants should have first-class academic standing (equivalent to a 3.5 GPA). The GPA for current graduate students is calculated using the current graduate program graded coursework. For newly admitted graduate students or current graduate students who have no graded coursework to date, the admission GPA (AGPA) will be used

The Killam Scholarship can be held only once

Once nominations have been submitted to GPS, revisions will not be permitted. Incomplete nominations, including those submitted with missing transcripts, will not be considered. It is both the student’s and the department’s responsibility to ensure that the application package is complete in every respect before such is nominated to GPS via GSMS.

BENEFIT:

Valued at up to $45,000 per year for two years

International Graduate Differential Fees, if applicable

Recipients will receive a certificate acknowledging their scholarship

Scholarship start dates must be either May 1, 2026, or September 1, 2026

Funding for the second year is subject to meeting eligibility requirements, and submission and approval of the renewal request via the GSMS Awards Portal six weeks before the end of the first year of funding

APPLY