Stockholm University has announced a fully funded PhD student position in International Relations within the Department of Economic History and International Relations.

The four-year doctoral opportunity is linked to the research project “Understanding Public Support for EU Enlargement” and is set to begin on 31 August 2026.

The position offers doctoral candidates the opportunity to engage in advanced research examining public opinion on European Union enlargement, while studying at one of Sweden’s leading research institutions in the social sciences.

Research Focus on Public Support for EU Enlargement

The PhD position is fully funded through the research project “Understanding Public Support for EU Enlargement,” which seeks to deepen understanding of the political, economic, societal, and security-related factors shaping public attitudes toward EU expansion.

According to the project description, the research will develop an analytical framework that systematically examines how citizens perceive future EU enlargement and the concerns influencing their opinions. By using survey-based data collection and quantitative social science research methods, the project aims to generate evidence-based insights into public perceptions across different national contexts.

The findings are expected to contribute directly to policy recommendations designed to improve credibility, legitimacy, and citizen engagement in future EU enlargement processes.

The project aligns with the International Relations section’s broader research priorities, which focus on International Security, International Institutions, and Global Political Economy.

About the Department

The Department of Economic History and International Relations at Stockholm University is recognized as a dynamic academic environment within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Its International Relations division aims to maintain a strong national and international reputation for research and education in global affairs, political economy, and international governance.

The department offers a collaborative research environment where doctoral students engage with leading scholars and participate in internationally oriented research projects.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for admission into the doctoral program, applicants must meet both general and specific entry requirements established by Stockholm University.

Candidates must hold a second-cycle degree or have completed at least 240 higher education credits, including a minimum of 60 credits at the second-cycle level. Equivalent qualifications obtained internationally may also be accepted.

For the specific requirements in International Relations, applicants must have completed:

A first-cycle program in International Relations or a closely related field equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits
A second-cycle program in International Relations or an equivalent discipline with at least 30 credits
Independent thesis work at the second-cycle level equivalent to at least 15 credits
An additional 60 higher education credits with theoretical specialization relevant to doctoral studies

Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to successfully complete doctoral-level education and research.

Desired Skills and Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on applicants’ ability to benefit from doctoral training and contribute to the research project.

The university will assess candidates on several academic and professional criteria, including:

Independence in previous research and thesis projects
Ability to formulate research questions and analytical problems
Capacity to work collaboratively in larger teams
Professional communication skills in both written and verbal formats
Ability to complete tasks within specified deadlines
Methodological and scientific maturity demonstrated in prior academic work
Experience applying quantitative social science research methods

Additional qualifications considered advantageous include experience with international collaborative research projects, work related to EU enlargement, large-scale quantitative data collection and analysis, scholarly publications, and scientific outreach activities.

Employment Conditions and Duration

The doctoral position is a full-time temporary employment governed by Sweden’s Higher Education Ordinance. The employment period corresponds to four years of full-time doctoral education.

Doctoral students are expected to primarily focus on their studies and research. However, limited responsibilities related to teaching, research support, or administration may be included, up to a maximum of 20 percent of working time.

Initial employment contracts are generally issued for one year and may subsequently be renewed for periods of up to two years at a time.

Stockholm University also emphasized its commitment to equal opportunities and maintaining a workplace free from discrimination.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications through Stockholm University’s online recruitment system. Required documents include a personal letter, CV, and all requested supporting materials specified in the application instructions.

The university noted that applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are complete and submitted before the application deadline.

The official deadline for applications is 10 June 2026.

Contact Information

Prospective applicants seeking additional information may contact:

Karina Shyrokykh
Lisa Dellmuth
Johan Svanberg

The position represents an important opportunity for aspiring scholars interested in European politics, public opinion research, international institutions, and quantitative political science methods to pursue fully funded doctoral research in Sweden.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.