For PhD Candidates

In doctoral studies, the doctoral candidate, together with the supervisor, plans the execution of the research work, including the completion of publications or parts of a monograph, all the way up to the defence. The Individual Study and Research Plan is drawn up in SIS (Study Information System) and forms the basis for assessing the doctoral candidate's progress.

Doctoral candidate must submit the Individual Study and Research Plan for the first period no later than two months after the start of studies, and the Individual Study and Research Plan covering all periods no later than four months after the start of studies. The plan specifies the doctoral student's agreed-upon workload and timetable for conducting their research. The plan for the subsequent period can be supplemented before submitting the progress review report.

If the doctoral candidate's studies started on September 1st, the deadline for the Individual Study and Research Plan for the first period is no later than October 31st, and the deadline for the plan covering all periods is no later than December 31st.

The application terms are flexible, and the grant can be used for various activities. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis, and for the period of March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, the maximum grant amount has been set at 2500 euros.

Who can apply?

• Doctoral candidates (including junior research fellows, doctoral student, and knowledge transfer doctoral fellows) who have been enrolled since the 2022/2023 academic year.
• Full-time doctoral candidates who were enrolled before the 2022/2023 academic year.

When and how often can you apply?

• Continuously throughout the year.
• Maximum of 5 times in a 12-month period (application period March 1 - February 28).
• Maximum of 4 (consecutive) years.

How much can you apply for?

• The maximum amount is set annually based on the university's budget (in 2024, it was 2500 euros).
• Long-term mobility (over 3 months): it is possible to apply for up to double the amount, but the remaining part will be deducted from the following year's grant.

What can the money be used for?

• Attending conferences (if giving a presentation).
• Open access publishing.
• Mobility related to the doctoral thesis.
• Membership fees for scientific networks.

Other important points

• Approval: The application must be approved by the doctoral thesis supervisor and the institute director, and the application should be sent to the research fund contact person (Tõnu Idnurm).
• Combination: The grant can be combined with other funding sources.
• Cost budget: Sources of income must be clearly distinguished in the cost budget.

How to apply?

• Doctoral candidates who have an employment contract with the university can find application instructions on the TLU intranet.
• Doctoral candidates who do not have an employment contract with the university are assisted in applying by their institute. Please contact the head of research administration at your institute.

• Salary of the Junior Research Fellow is at least 2000 EUR per month.
• Doctoral allowance is a monetary allowance granted to a person in Doctoral studies pursuant to requirements established in Study Allowances and Study Loans Act to enable commitment to Doctoral studies and research and to cover the expenses related to the acquisition of education. Available for PhD students matriculated before the academic year 2022/2023.
• Tallinn University doctoral scholarship's aim is to support doctoral candidate’s completion of studies and defence of the doctoral thesis during the nominal period of studies. Available for PhD students matriculated in the academic year 2019/2020, 2020/2021 or 2021/2022.

• Tallinn University Regulations for Doctoral Studies and Defence of Doctoral Theseses
• Electronic Publishing Contract
• Rules on the legal protection of intellectual property at Tallinn University
• Tallinn University Guidelines for Formatting A Doctoral Thesis
• Examples for thesis in English
• Examples for thesis in Russian