What monthly stipend can I expect as a PhD student in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Switzerland?
Approximate monthly PhD pay is SEK 29,000 to 36,000 in Sweden, NOK 40,000 to 45,000 in Norway, EUR 2,000 to 3,000 in Finland, DKK 27,000 to 33,000 in Denmark and CHF 4,000 to 5,500 in Switzerland. Check each university's offer for current figures.
Funded PhD positions in these countries can offer a monthly salary or stipend, and many eligible doctoral students in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark do not pay tuition fees. The figures below are approximate and vary by position.
Approximate Monthly Salary or Stipend
| Country | Approximate monthly salary or stipend |
|---|---|
| Sweden | SEK 29,000 to 36,000 (approx INR 2.77 to 3.44 L) |
| Norway | Roughly NOK 40,000 to 45,000 (approx INR 4.01 to 4.51 L) |
| Finland | EUR 2,000 to 3,000 (approx INR 2.13 to 3.20 L) |
| Denmark | DKK 27,000 to 33,000 (approx INR 3.85 to 4.71 L) |
| Switzerland | Roughly CHF 4,000 to 5,500 (approx INR 4.59 to 6.32 L) |
Tuition Context
PhD tuition is relatively low in Switzerland, at CHF 700 to 1,400 (approx INR 80,374 to 1.61 L) per semester. In Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, many eligible doctoral students pay no tuition fees.
My Advice
Read each position advertisement closely, since the stipend, tax treatment and contract terms differ by university. Use these figures only as a guide and confirm the pay in the official job or program listing before you apply.
How much will a month in Denmark cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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