Apply for the UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars Programme - Fall 2026 - a funded research residency at the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research in Helsinki, Finland. Spend 2 - 3 months researching development and global economic issues with a monthly stipend of EUR 3,375, medical insurance, and access to UNU-WIDER's research community. Applications close 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC+3.
Visiting scholars prepare working papers for the UNU-WIDER Working Paper Series and present seminars in their field. Applications from early-career researchers, women, and scholars from developing countries are especially encouraged.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars Fall 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars Programme (Fall 2026 cycle) |
| Host | UNU-WIDER - United Nations University, Helsinki, Finland |
| Type | Funded research sabbatical / visiting scholar residency |
| Duration | 2 - 3 months at UNU-WIDER |
| Stipend | EUR 3,375 per month + medical insurance |
| Travel support | Supplementary grant possible for costs exceeding EUR 1,200 (economy fare) |
| Opens | 1 September 2026 (application form active) |
| Deadline | 30 September 2026, 23:59 UTC+3 |
| Who | PhD holders in economics or development-related disciplines |
| Official page | wider.unu.edu/visiting-scholars |
| Apply | Online application form |
What Is the UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars Programme?
UNU-WIDER is a leading global research institute focused on development economics. The Visiting Scholars Programme invites qualified researchers to spend a sabbatical period in Helsinki working on topics related to development and global economic issues.
During their stay, visiting scholars prepare one or more papers for the UNU-WIDER Working Paper Series, present a research seminar, and participate in institute activities alongside UNU-WIDER researchers.
Programme Benefits
- EUR 3,375 monthly stipend toward travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses
- Medical insurance during your stay at UNU-WIDER
- Supplementary grant application for high travel costs above EUR 1,200 (lowest economy class), if ticket paid by scholar and no duplicate travel grants
- 2 - 3 month research residency in Helsinki, Finland
- Opportunity to publish in the UNU-WIDER Working Paper Series
- Research seminar presentation and engagement with UNU-WIDER faculty
- Access to UNU-WIDER resources, events, and global development economics network
The programme does not cover expenses related to dependents.
Who Can Apply
- PhD degree in economics or a development-related discipline
- Good publication record is an added advantage
- Research proposal aligned with development/global economic issues (overlap with UNU-WIDER's current research programme preferred but not mandatory)
- Applications from early-career researchers, women, and scholars from developing countries are particularly encouraged
- Open internationally - scholars from all countries may apply
How to Apply
- Read the full programme details on UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars.
- Prepare a research proposal (PDF) and curriculum vitae (PDF) including principal publications with co-authors, year, title, and publisher.
- Complete the online application form in English before 30 September 2026, 23:59 UTC+3.
- If you have upload issues, email your CV to scholars1@wider.unu.edu - but the full application must be submitted online.
Applications are online only - not accepted by email or post. The form becomes active on 1 September each year.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form (English)
- Research proposal (PDF) - uploaded at end of Part C
- Curriculum vitae (PDF) with publication list - uploaded at end of Part D
Selection Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application form opens | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026, 23:59 UTC+3 |
| Decision notification | Approximately within two months after deadline |
| Offer confirmation | Within two weeks of being contacted |
Official Links
Apply - UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars September 2026
Programme overview - UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars
UNU-WIDER current opportunities
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FAQs - UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars Fall 2026
What is the monthly stipend?
EUR 3,375 per month, plus medical insurance during your stay.
When is the deadline?
30 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC+3 (Helsinki/Eastern European Time).
How long is the residency?
Typically 2 - 3 months as a research sabbatical at UNU-WIDER in Helsinki.
Do I need a PhD?
Yes. A PhD in economics or a development-related discipline is required.
Can developing country researchers apply?
Yes - applications from developing country researchers are especially encouraged.
Is this the same as the Visiting PhD Fellowship?
No. The Visiting Scholars Programme is for PhD holders. UNU-WIDER also runs a separate Visiting PhD Fellowship for registered doctoral students.
Can I bring dependents?
No. The programme does not cover services or expenses related to dependents.
