Uppsala University is calling for applications for two fully funded PhD positions in Human Geography
Uppsala University is calling for applications for two fully funded PhD positions in Human Geography—a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about urban issues, environmental justice, or the politics of space and resources. These salaried spots kick off on 1 September 2026 (or as agreed), and they’re perfect for wrapping up a master’s and diving straight into serious research without funding worries.
Posted recently on Opportunities for Youth (and echoed across academic job boards), these positions come from the Department of Human Geography at Uppsala—one of Europe’s top research hubs with a lively team of about 45 scholars excelling in qualitative, quantitative, urban, and regional studies.
The Two Positions on Offer
Both are full-time, four-year doctoral appointments under Swedish employment rules—meaning you get a competitive salary (set individually per Uppsala’s pay scale), full tuition coverage, benefits like near-free healthcare, and the chance to spend up to 20% of your time on teaching or admin duties.
Position 1: Housing & Urban Geography
This one is tied to the Institute for Housing and Urban Research (IBF), so you’ll be based there while following the Human Geography PhD curriculum. Focus areas include housing studies, urban geography, urban development, segregation, spatial inequalities, or closely related topics. If your research interests lie in how cities work, who gets left behind, or how housing shapes society, this could be a great fit.
Position 2: Political Ecology
More open-ended but centred on political ecology. They’re welcoming proposals in feminist political ecology, decolonial approaches, environmental justice, resource politics, human–environment relations, or any solid project within the field. If you’re drawn to power dynamics in nature, climate justice, or how people and environments interact unequally, this position lets you shape your own angle. The PhD programme totals 240 credits: 180 for your dissertation and 60 in advanced coursework.
Who Can Apply for a scholarship at Uppsala University in Sweden?
You need to qualify for admission by 30 June 2026 (you don’t have to finish everything by the application date, but you do need to meet the bar by then). Key requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Human Geography, or
- 240 university credits total, including at least 60 at Master’s level with a 15-credit independent project, or
- Equivalent knowledge gained another way.
Strong English skills are essential (since research and teaching happen in English/Swedish), and you’ll need to propose a research plan that aligns with one of the two themes.
What to Submit
Apply via Uppsala University in Sweden’s online recruitment system (reference: UFV-PA 2026/58). Your package should include:
- A signed application form
- Cover letter (max 2 pages): Introduce yourself, explain your motivations, and why Uppsala Human Geography excites you
- CV (education, experience, skills)
- Research plan (3–4 pages): Background, research questions, significance, brief literature review, proposed methods
- Academic transcripts
- One writing sample (in English or Swedish)
- Contact info for two academic referees
Interviews are slated for April 2026, with final decisions out by mid-May.
Why This Stands Out
Uppsala University’s Human Geography department has a strong international reputation and a supportive environment for PhD students. These funded roles mean no tuition fees or scraping by on scholarships—focus on your research while earning a living wage in a beautiful, historic Swedish city.
The Application Procedures
Application deadline is fast approaching: 16 March 2026 (midnight, presumably CET).
Head to the original post on Opportunities for Youth for the announcement link, or jump straight to the official Uppsala vacancy: https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=891697 (English version).
For questions, reach out to Professor David Jansson, Director of Doctoral Studies: +46-72-999 91 55 or david.jansson@kultgeog.uu.se. If you’re ready to tackle big questions in urban inequality or political ecology with full support, this could be your next big step. Sweden’s PhD system is generous, and Uppsala delivers top-tier mentoring—don’t miss the window!
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