Stockholm Ph.D Academy – supporting international doctoral students
May 27, 2025
Stockholm attracts many international Ph.D students every year – but too many leave Sweden after graduation. This is a loss for both the individual and society. Now we are investing to change that.
With support from Tillväxtverket – The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, we are launching the Stockholm Ph.D Academy pilot project in autumn 2025 – a new programme to help international doctoral students find their way in the Swedish labour market. It is an important national recognition and a valuable complement to our established SDCN Academy for accompanying partners and Stockholm Student Academy for international master students.
A doctoral programme costs around SEK 5 million – yet 6 out of 10 international Ph.D students leave Sweden within three years. At the same time, many want to stay, and over 60% are open to a career outside academia. This project gives them the tools they need to succeed.
Stockholm Ph.D Academy programme
Autumn 2025:
An introductory series of lectures to a large number of international Ph.D students – to inspire, guide and show the way to working life in Sweden.
Spring 2026:
An exclusive career programme for 50 Ph.D students from different universities in Stockholm. The programme offers:
- Personalised coaching and career support
- Networking with companies and entrepreneurs
- Workshops and company visits related to relevant industries
- Holistic and personalised support
Together with the investment in accompanying partners, we strengthen Stockholm’s attractiveness and take advantage of the international expertise that already exists here.
From Tillväxtverkets motivation for decision:
‘The project is expected to make a positive contribution to Sweden’s ability to attract, establish and retain sought-after international expertise. This is both through the activities to be implemented [in the pilot] and through expected long-term effects.’
