Are you passionate about research in security, conflict, military affairs, international relations, or peace and conflict studies? The Swedish Defence University (SEDU) has opened applications for its prestigious PhD Students in War Studies program in Sweden. This fully funded doctoral opportunity offers international candidates the chance to pursue advanced research while receiving a monthly salary and comprehensive employment benefits.
The PhD program is designed for highly motivated researchers interested in exploring the nature of war, military power, security, crisis management, and contemporary conflicts. Successful applicants will join one of Europe’s leading institutions specializing in defence, security, and strategic studies.
Why Study at the Swedish Defence University?
The Swedish Defence University is internationally recognized for its research and education in defence, security, crisis management, and war studies. The university provides a unique academic environment where military professionals and civilian researchers work together to address some of the world’s most pressing security challenges.
The Department of War Studies focuses on understanding war, warfare, military organizations, conflict dynamics, strategic studies, civil-military relations, and the use of force in modern society. Students benefit from access to world-class faculty members, research facilities, and a vibrant international academic community.
Program Overview
- Host Country: Sweden
- Host Institution: Swedish Defence University
- Program Level: PhD (Doctoral Studies)
- Field: War Studies
- Duration: 4 Years Full-Time
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- Eligible Applicants: International Students and Domestic Students
The doctoral program comprises 240 ECTS credits, including coursework and dissertation research. The primary objective is to produce an original doctoral thesis that contributes significantly to the field of War Studies.
Financial Benefits
One of the most attractive aspects of this opportunity is that doctoral students are employed by the university during their studies. Unlike many PhD programs worldwide, students receive a salary rather than paying tuition fees.
Benefits include:
1. Monthly Salary
Doctoral students receive a starting salary of approximately SEK 31,500 per month, which increases during the course of the doctoral studies according to university regulations.
2. No Tuition Fees
Students admitted to the program do not pay tuition fees for their doctoral education.
3. Research Funding
Doctoral candidates receive access to a research budget of up to SEK 30,000 annually for expenses related to travel, books, conferences, and other research activities.
4. Employment Benefits
Since PhD candidates are university employees, they receive:
- Social security benefits
- Insurance coverage
- Office space
- Paid employment status
- Access to university resources and facilities
These benefits make the program one of the most attractive doctoral opportunities in Europe.
Research Areas
War Studies is an interdisciplinary social science field focused on war and the use of force. Research themes may include:
- Military strategy and operations
- Security studies
- International relations
- Defence policy
- Civil-military relations
- Crisis management
- Modern warfare
- Peace and conflict studies
- Military organizations
- Gender, peace, and security
- Information warfare
- NATO and international security
- Urban warfare
- Contemporary armed conflicts
Students are encouraged to develop innovative research proposals addressing current global security challenges.
Structure of the PhD Program
The doctoral program consists of:
Coursework (60 ECTS)
Mandatory courses include:
- War Studies: Theories, Development and Modern Research Debates
- Research Methods in the Study of War, Security and Crisis
- Ontologies of War
- Research in Sensitive Contexts: Ethics and Secrecy
Students may also choose elective courses related to their research interests.
Dissertation (180 ECTS)
The doctoral thesis represents the core of the program. Students may choose to write:
- A traditional monograph dissertation, or
- A compilation thesis consisting of several publishable research articles
Throughout the program, students receive supervision from experienced academic researchers and present their work in seminars and conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy both general and specific requirements.
General Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- At least 240 ECTS credits, including 60 credits at the advanced level.
Academic Background
Candidates should possess relevant educational backgrounds in fields such as:
- War Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Security Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Sociology
- Related social science disciplines
Typically, applicants should have:
- 90 ECTS credits in a social science discipline
- 30 ECTS credits in War Studies or a related subject area
English Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate excellent written and spoken English proficiency. International students may be required to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent proof of English language competence.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to submit:
- Cover Letter/Motivation Letter
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal (3–5 pages)
- Master’s Thesis or Research Writing Samples
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificates
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if required)
The quality of previous academic work and the proposed research project play a major role in the selection process.
Selection Process
Applications undergo a rigorous evaluation process. The admission committee assesses candidates based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Quality of research proposal
- Analytical and methodological skills
- Communication ability
- Relevance of previous studies
Top-ranked candidates may be invited for interviews before final admission decisions are made.
Why International Students Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for students interested in:
- Defence and security research
- International conflict analysis
- Military studies
- Peacebuilding and strategic studies
- Policy-making careers
- Academic and research careers
The program provides international exposure, generous financial support, access to leading scholars, and the opportunity to contribute to important global debates on war, security, and peace.
Application Deadline
Applicants should regularly check the Swedish Defence University’s official vacancy page for updated deadlines and application instructions. The university typically opens doctoral admissions annually, with programs commencing in January of the following year.
Conclusion:
The Swedish Defence University PhD Students in War Studies 2026 program is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking a fully funded doctoral position in Europe. With a competitive salary, no tuition fees, research funding, and access to a globally respected institution, this program offers everything needed to build a successful academic and professional career in security and strategic studies.
If your interests lie in understanding conflict, warfare, military organizations, security policy, or international relations, this fully funded PhD in Sweden could be the perfect next step in your academic journey.
Apply now and become part of one of Europe’s leading research communities in War Studies.
Swedish Defence University PhD Students in War Studies
Nabeel Akhter is an international education advocate and scholarship mentor dedicated to helping students access global academic opportunities. He studied in the United States at the University of Massachusetts Amherst through the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Inspired by this journey, Nabeel now actively mentors and guides students in finding and applying for scholarships, exchange programs, and global learning opportunities, helping them navigate pathways to study and grow internationally.