Are you ready to dive deep into the forces shaping democracies, conflicts, knowledge production, and political behavior in the 21st century? The University of Oslo (UiO) has just opened four exceptional PhD Research Fellowship in Political Science positions that could launch your academic career while letting you tackle some of the most pressing questions of our time.
Hosted by Norway’s largest and most diverse political science department, these fully funded opportunities combine rigorous training, generous resources, and the chance to work on high-impact research projects funded by the European Research Council and the Norwegian Research Council. With a shared application deadline of September 1, 2026, now is the moment to prepare a compelling application.
Whether your passion lies in comparative politics, political data science, public administration, political behavior, or theory, one of these positions could be the perfect fit.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Norway (Europe)
- Host University: University of Oslo
- Scholarship Type: PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Living stipend, etc.
Why Choose the University of Oslo for Your PhD in Political Science?
The University of Oslo, founded in 1811, is Norway’s oldest and highest-ranked university. Its Department of Political Science stands out for its vibrant research environment, strong international profile, and commitment to methodological diversity and real-world relevance.
Researchers at the department explore democracy under pressure, peace and conflict dynamics, political extremism, gender and politics, autocratic politics, and the Nordic welfare model. The department hosts world-class centers and collaborates closely with institutions such as the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO).
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Oslo itself offers an outstanding quality of life: safe streets, stunning nature just minutes from the city center, excellent public services, and a true work-life balance that supports deep, sustained research. International PhD candidates benefit from relocation support, English-language academic life, and a welcoming multicultural environment.
A PhD Research Fellowship in Political Science at the University of Oslo is more than a degree — it is an investment in becoming a globally competitive scholar or policy expert.
The Four PhD Research Fellowship Positions – Overview
All four positions are full-time, fixed-term appointments of three years, with the possibility of extension to four years if you take on teaching or other qualifying duties. You will be employed as a university staff member (SKO 1017 PhD Fellow) with full social benefits.
Common benefits across all positions include:
- Annual salary of NOK 550,800 – 595,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)
- Personal research funds of approximately NOK 35,000 per year (for travel, conferences, data collection, research assistance, etc.)
- Pension scheme, paid parental leave, and generous vacation
- Access to UiO’s research infrastructure and international networks
- A stimulating, inclusive academic community
Application deadline for all four positions: September 1, 2026. Evaluation begins immediately after the deadline.
Here is a closer look at each opportunity.
1. PhD Position in the AutoKnow Project – Authoritarian Threats to Scientific Knowledge
This ERC-funded project investigates how authoritarian regimes and politics affect the production of scientific knowledge. Key themes include topic choice, political bias, idea novelty, and the broader impact of autocracy on science.
The position is open to candidates specializing in comparative politics or political data science. If you are excited by questions at the intersection of authoritarianism, knowledge production, and global politics, this role offers the chance to contribute to a timely and policy-relevant research agenda.
Official link: PhD Research Fellowship – AutoKnow (Jobbnorge 303034)
2. PhD Position in the WOW Project – Waging of War
Led by Professor Scott Gates (ERC Advanced Grant), the Waging of War (WOW) project examines how the internal organization of state militaries and non-state armed groups shapes the conduct of war — and how warfare, in turn, transforms those organizations.
The position welcomes applicants with backgrounds in comparative politics, political data science, or public administration. This is an outstanding opportunity for scholars interested in conflict dynamics, organizational theory, and data-driven approaches to warfare.
Official link: PhD Research Fellowship – WOW (Jobbnorge 303071)
3. PhD Position in the STRUGGLE Project – Gender Gaps in Political-Democratic Orientations
The STRUGGLE project, funded by the Norwegian Research Council, explores political-democratic gender gaps in a high-trust welfare state like Norway. Using longitudinal surveys, survey experiments, registry data, and comparative analyses, the project investigates why and how gender differences in political engagement and democratic orientations persist or evolve.
This position focuses on comparative political behaviour with a strong emphasis on gender gaps. It is ideal for candidates passionate about gender and politics, political psychology, or quantitative methods in a Nordic context.
Project page: STRUGGLE – Struggling Women and Men Official link: PhD Research Fellowship – STRUGGLE (Jobbnorge 303073)
4. Open PhD Position – All Sub-Fields of Political Science
For candidates with a strong, self-defined research idea, the department offers an open PhD Research Fellowship across all major sub-fields: public policy and administration, comparative politics, political theory, international relations, and research methods.
This position gives you the freedom to propose an original project while benefiting from the department’s broad expertise and supportive supervision structure. It is perfect if your interests do not align neatly with the three thematic projects above.
Official link: PhD Research Fellowship – Open Call (Jobbnorge 303079)
See Also:
- Harvard Rowland Fellowship 2027 in UK: The Prestigious Program Empowering Early-Career Scientists to Lead Independent Research at Harvard
- Weidenfeld Hoffmann Scholarships at Oxford University: Your Complete 2027 Guide to Fully Funded Graduate Study and Leadership Excellence
- Marshall Scholarship 2027 for US Students in UK: Complete Eligibility, Application & Winning Guide
Who Should Apply? Eligibility and What Makes a Strong Candidate
You need a master’s degree (or equivalent) with at least 120 ECTS at the master’s level in political science or a closely related field (such as sociology, economics, or peace and conflict studies). A strong academic record, demonstrated research potential, and excellent English skills are essential.
For project-specific positions, alignment with the project’s themes and methods is crucial. For the open position, a well-developed, feasible, and original research proposal is key.
The department values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
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How to Apply – Practical Steps
- Visit the Department of Political Science vacancies page for the latest information.
- Click through to the individual Jobbnorge advertisements linked above.
- Prepare your application package (typically includes CV, cover/motivation letter, transcripts and diplomas, research proposal where relevant, and any publications).
- Submit before September 1, 2026. Late applications are not considered.
Shortlisted candidates are usually invited for interviews. The evaluation emphasizes academic merit, project fit, and research potential.
Pro tip: Read the full project descriptions carefully and tailor your application to show genuine engagement with the specific research agenda.
Life as a PhD Fellow in Oslo
Beyond the academic experience, Oslo offers an exceptional setting for doctoral studies. You will enjoy a high salary relative to living costs (especially when accounting for benefits and research funds), access to nature, efficient public transport, and a society that genuinely supports researchers and families.
Many international PhD candidates highlight the collegial atmosphere, the opportunity to attend international conferences with departmental support, and the strong work-life balance that prevents burnout.
Career Prospects After a UiO PhD in Political Science
Graduates from the Department of Political Science go on to successful careers in academia (postdocs and faculty positions worldwide), international organizations (UN, EU, OECD), government ministries, think tanks, NGOs, and data-driven policy roles. The combination of rigorous training, project experience, teaching skills, and UiO’s strong reputation opens doors globally.
Final Thoughts – Your Next Step
These four PhD Research Fellowship in Political Science University of Oslo positions represent rare opportunities to conduct meaningful, well-resourced research at one of Europe’s leading institutions while living in one of the world’s most livable cities.
With a common deadline of September 1, 2026, the window to prepare a competitive application is open now. Whether you are drawn to understanding authoritarian challenges to science, the organization of warfare, gender dynamics in high-trust democracies, or your own original question, UiO offers the platform to make a real contribution.
Ready to take the next step? Visit the official vacancies page and explore the four positions today: Department of Political Science – Current Vacancies
Share this post with fellow political scientists, master’s students, or researchers who might be perfect for these roles. Questions about the positions or application process? Feel free to leave them in the comments — the academic community often helps each other navigate these opportunities.
Your future in political science research could begin in Oslo. Start preparing your application now.
Relevant resources:
- University of Oslo main site
- Department of Political Science
- UiO PhD programme information
- Individual Jobbnorge links listed above for each fellowship
Good luck — the field of political science needs curious, rigorous, and dedicated scholars like you.