PhD Studentships in War Studies 2026 at Swedish Defence University

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded PhD Studentships in War Studies 2026 at the Swedish Defence University. This excellent doctoral opportunity is available to qualified Swedish and international applicants who want to conduct advanced research in war studies, defence, international security, military strategy and related areas.

Selected candidates will join the Department of War Studies as full-time doctoral students. The programme combines doctoral education, independent research, academic seminars and opportunities to contribute to the university’s research environment.

The PhD programme normally consists of four years of full-time doctoral studies. Candidates may also undertake teaching, research assistance or other departmental duties, which can extend the total period of employment.

The last date to apply for the PhD Studentships in War Studies 2026 is 24 August 2026.

Details About PhD Studentships in War Studies 2026

• Host country: Sweden
• Host institution: Swedish Defence University
• Department: Department of War Studies
• Study level: PhD
• Programme duration: Four years
• Employment type: Full-time, temporary employment
• Funding type: Fully funded
• Reference number: Ö 308/2026
• Eligible applicants: Swedish and international candidates
• Application deadline: 24 August 2026

About the Swedish Defence University

The Swedish Defence University is a specialised higher education institution focusing on defence, security, crisis management, military science, war studies and international relations.

The university brings together civilian and military perspectives in education and research. Its Department of War Studies conducts research on the use of military force, military strategy, warfare, defence planning, military operations and the changing nature of conflict.

Doctoral students benefit from a research environment that connects academic knowledge with practical defence and security challenges.

Available PhD Research Areas

The 2026 call covers PhD positions in War Studies. Depending on the individual vacancy and proposed research project, research may be conducted in areas such as:

• War Studies
• Military strategy
• Russian warfare
• Gender, peace and security
• Military logistics
• Defence and security studies
• International security
• Military operations
• Armed conflict
• Contemporary warfare
• Strategic studies
• Peace and conflict research
• Political science
• International relations

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research topic is clearly connected to War Studies and the research environment of the Swedish Defence University.

Financial Benefits

The PhD Studentships in War Studies are fully funded doctoral employment positions. Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:

• Full-time doctoral employment
• Monthly salary according to the university’s doctoral salary structure
• Coverage of doctoral tuition costs
• Funding for four years of full-time PhD studies
• Access to university research facilities
• Research supervision from experienced academics
• Opportunities to attend academic seminars and conferences
• Support for research-related travel
• Access to academic literature and research resources
• Opportunities to gain university teaching experience
• Professional development in defence and security research

Applicants should check the official vacancy announcement for the exact salary, employment conditions and available research funding.

Duration of the PhD Programme

The doctoral programme consists of 240 higher education credits, equivalent to four years of full-time study.

The initial employment period may be offered for a limited duration and renewed according to the candidate’s academic progress.

Doctoral students may be required to perform teaching, administrative or departmental duties of up to 20% of full-time employment. When such duties are included, the employment period may be extended to a maximum of five years.

General Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for doctoral education.

To be eligible, candidates should have:

• Completed a Master’s degree or equivalent second-cycle qualification
• Completed at least 240 higher education credits
• Completed at least 60 credits at the advanced or postgraduate level
• A strong academic background
• The ability to undertake independent doctoral research
• Excellent written and spoken English proficiency
• Relevant academic and research experience

International qualifications must be equivalent to the required Swedish higher education qualifications.

Specific Academic Requirements

Applicants must normally have completed:

• At least 90 higher education credits in social sciences or a closely related academic discipline
• At least 30 credits in War Studies or a related subject

Relevant related subjects may include:

• International Relations
• Security Studies
• Peace and Conflict Research
• Political Science
• Military Science
• Defence Studies
• Strategic Studies
• International Security

Candidates must clearly explain the content, academic level and scope of qualifications obtained outside Sweden.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a very good command of written and spoken English.

Candidates whose previous Master’s degree was not taught in English or Swedish may be asked to provide evidence of English proficiency through an internationally recognised examination, such as:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Another recognised English-language qualification

Proof of English proficiency may only be requested from shortlisted or highly ranked candidates.

Additional Requirements for Specialised Positions

Some research specialisations may have additional eligibility requirements.

For example:

• Applicants interested in Russian warfare may need documented Russian-language reading proficiency.
• Applicants proposing military-focused projects may benefit from professional military education or relevant defence experience.
• Applicants focusing on gender, peace and security should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge in gender studies, security studies or conflict research.
• Applicants focusing on logistics should demonstrate relevant knowledge of military logistics, supply chains, operations or defence planning.

Candidates should carefully review the requirements of each advertised position before applying.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Cover Letter

A brief cover letter of no more than 500 words explaining:

• Why you are applying
• Your academic motivation
• Your research interests
• Your suitability for the PhD programme
• How your proposed project connects with War Studies

2. Curriculum Vitae

The CV should include:

• Academic qualifications
• Research experience
• Employment history
• Publications
• Conferences
• Teaching experience
• Language proficiency
• Relevant professional experience

3. Research Proposal

Applicants must submit a research proposal of approximately three to five pages describing the intended doctoral project.

The proposal should normally include:

• Proposed research title
• Research background
• Research problem
• Research questions
• Theoretical framework
• Proposed methodology
• Expected academic contribution
• Connection with War Studies
• Preliminary references

4. Academic Writing Samples

Applicants should provide one to three research texts authored by them.

A Master’s thesis is strongly preferred. Other acceptable samples may include:

• Research papers
• Published journal articles
• Academic essays
• Policy research papers
• Analytical reports

5. Degree Certificates and Transcripts

Applicants must provide:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Bachelor’s academic transcript
• Master’s degree certificate
• Master’s academic transcript
• Grading-scale explanation, where necessary

6. Additional Academic Documents

Applicants may also include:

• Academic publications
• Conference papers
• Research reports
• Certificates of relevant training
• Evidence of professional military education
• Other analytical writing samples

7. References

Applicants should provide the contact details of two referees, including:

• Full name
• Position
• Institution
• Email address
• Telephone number

8. Passport Copy

International applicants may be asked to provide a valid passport copy. This document may only be required from shortlisted candidates.

9. English Language Certificate

An IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent certificate may be requested if the applicant’s previous education was not completed in English or Swedish.

Documents not issued in English, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian should be accompanied by an authorised translation.

Selection Criteria

Eligible applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to successfully complete doctoral education.

The selection committee may consider:

• Academic quality of the research proposal
• Relevance of the proposed project to War Studies
• Quality of previous academic research
• Independence and originality
• Methodological understanding
• Theoretical awareness
• Analytical and critical-thinking ability
• Quality of the Master’s thesis
• Academic writing and communication skills
• Relevant education and professional experience
• Ability to contribute to the Department of War Studies

Only candidates who meet both the general and specific admission requirements will be considered.

Application and Selection Timeline

The expected selection process includes:

• Submission of online applications
• Eligibility assessment
• Academic review of research proposals and writing samples
• Shortlisting of the strongest candidates
• Interviews or further assessment, where required
• Ranking by the departmental admission committee
• Final admission and employment decision
• Notification of successful applicants

The university normally conducts the selection process during September and October. Final decisions may be announced later in the year, with the PhD programme usually beginning during the spring semester.

How to Apply for PhD Studentships in War Studies 2026

Applicants must submit their applications through the Swedish Defence University’s official online recruitment portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Swedish Defence University vacancies page.
2. Find the vacancy titled “PhD Students in War Studies.”
3. Open the official vacancy announcement.
4. Review the eligibility and position-specific requirements.
5. Click the online application or login button.
6. Create an applicant account or sign in.
7. Complete all required sections of the application form.
8. Upload the required documents.
9. Clearly state which position or research specialisation you are applying for.
10. Use the reference number Ö 308/2026 where requested.
11. Review the application carefully.
12. Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Applications sent through email or submitted outside the official recruitment portal may not be accepted.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants should keep the following points in mind:

• Submit a complete application before the deadline.
• Write the application preferably in English.
• Make sure the research proposal is connected to War Studies.
• Clearly identify the specific PhD position or specialisation.
• Explain foreign qualifications and their credit structure.
• Use authorised translations for documents issued in other languages.
• Do not submit incomplete or unclear academic records.
• Use the correct vacancy reference number.
• Save a copy of the submitted application.
• Apply early to avoid technical problems close to the deadline.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Fully Funded PhD Studentships in War Studies 2026 at the Swedish Defence University is 24 August 2026.

Completed applications must be submitted through the official recruitment system before the stated closing time. Late applications may not be considered.

Why Apply for This PhD Opportunity?

This opportunity is suitable for candidates who want to build an academic or professional career in:

• Defence research
• International security
• Military strategy
• Government policy
• Conflict analysis
• Peace and security organisations
• Military education
• International organisations
• Security consulting
• University teaching and research

The programme offers doctoral candidates the opportunity to study contemporary warfare and security issues in a specialised institution where civilian academic research and military expertise meet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PhD Studentship in War Studies fully funded?

Yes. The positions are offered as full-time doctoral employment opportunities and include a monthly salary and access to research resources.

Is this scholarship offered in the UK?

No. The official PhD positions are offered by the Swedish Defence University in Sweden.

Can international students apply?

Yes. International candidates who meet the academic, subject-specific and English-language requirements may apply.

What is the application deadline?

The last date to apply is 24 August 2026.

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme normally requires four years of full-time doctoral study. It may extend to five years when teaching or other departmental responsibilities are included.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Applicants may be required to provide IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent evidence if their previous degree was not taught in English or Swedish. The university may request proof only from shortlisted candidates.

Is a research proposal required?

Yes. Applicants must normally submit a research proposal of approximately three to five pages.

Can applicants from Political Science apply?

Yes. Applicants with backgrounds in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Research, Security Studies and other related disciplines may be eligible, provided they satisfy the credit requirements.

How many academic references are required?

Applicants should provide contact details for two referees.

Where should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted through the official Swedish Defence University online recruitment portal.