PhD studies at AAU are focused on training world class researchers. Therefore, you will conduct independent research under supervision and participate actively in the research environments at Aalborg University during your PhD studies.

In the course of the programme you must attend and complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS or six months of work. You have an opportunity of participating in courses that will not take place at Aalborg University. However, the courses must be at PhD level and be relevant for the project in question. You can also earn ECTS credits by participating actively at conferences. All courses and conferences must be planned in cooperation with your assigned supervisor.

During the programme you will need to participate actively in various research environments, both at Aalborg University and at other universities/organisations. We recommend a stay abroad as part of your PhD studies.

During your PhD studies you will acquire experience and knowledge on the teaching and dissemination of scientific knowledge. In this context, you have the opportunity of teaching at the University.

As the conclusion to your PhD project you must write your PhD thesis - either as a monograph or a collection of papers. See examples of previous PhD theses on VBN. The thesis must meet international research standards within that field.

All PhD positions at Aalborg University are advertised on AAU's website for vacant positions, under PhD vacancies. You will find all current scholarships for all Doctoral Schools here. Each job advertisement will contain all relevant information about the position, including information on salary, period of employment etc.

In order to apply for a PhD position at Aalborg University, you must fill in the online form on AAU’s website for vacant positions. Only online applications sent through this portal will be accepted.

See vacant PhD positions at AAU

At Aalborg University (AAU), you can apply to become a PhD student without being employed at the University. Before applying, you must make sure that your application meets the requirements specified on the websites of the AAU Doctoral Schools.

The following other opportunities for PhD studies are available at AAU:

Self-financed PhD studies

You can apply for enrolment as a self-financed PhD student, which means that you will pay all costs connected to your studies. These costs will depend on the individual Doctoral School and PhD programme.

Industrial PhD studies

You can apply for enrolment as an industrial PhD student in cooperation with the company where you are employed and the relevant doctoral school. Your company will be responsible for applying to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science for financial support for the project. It is a requirement that you are employed in a Danish company or a Danish department of an international company.

Co-financed PhD studies

If your employer or another party is willing to finance all or part of your PhD studies, it is possible to collaborate with AAU on a PhD project, provided that the project is strategically and academically relevant for the doctoral school.

PhD assessment without programme enrolment

You can also submit material for assessment in order to obtain a PhD degree without having been enrolled in a PhD programme. This particular approach requires that your material was prepared under supervision of a qualified supervisor, and that you meet the current requirements for PhD students and additional requirements. Further information on this particular option can be required by contacting AAU PhD

For further information on PhD studies at AAU, please contact AAU PhD.