Copenhagen Business School (CBS) has officially opened applications for its PhD Scholarships in Finance 2026, inviting high-achieving international candidates to join one of Europe’s most respected finance research environments. This is a fully salaried PhD opportunity offered under both the traditional 3-year PhD track and the 4+4 integrated PhD scheme, with study and employment starting in September 2026 and extending into the 2026–2027 academic cohort.
What type of opportunity is this?
This is a fully funded PhD scholarship and employment position at the Department of Finance, Copenhagen Business School, designed for candidates aiming for academic, policy, or high-impact industry research careers in finance. The application process is joint, meaning all applicants are automatically considered across available PhD tracks and focus areas.
What does the Scholarship offer?
Successful candidates will receive a fully salaried PhD position, including:
- Monthly salary starting from approximately DKK 29,691 up to DKK 36,180, depending on seniority
- 18.07% employer pension contribution
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Office space, research funding, course fees, and travel support
- Supervision by internationally recognized CBS faculty
- Access to global conferences and visiting PhD opportunities abroad
- Teaching experience in finance and statistics at undergraduate and graduate levels
All scholarships initially cover three years, with extended funding options available for candidates pursuing an academic career.
Who is this opportunity for?
The scholarships are open to international and domestic applicants with strong academic backgrounds in finance, economics, or quantitatively intensive disciplines. CBS welcomes applicants interested in both theoretical and empirical research, including those working at the intersection of finance, data science, and public policy.
Fields and research focus areas
Applications are welcomed across all major areas of finance, including:
- Financial markets and asset pricing
- Corporate and entrepreneurial finance
- Risk management and financial institutions
- Household and behavioral finance
- Fintech and financial innovation
- Big data, machine learning, and ESG in finance
- Pension finance and life-cycle investment behavior
Special focus scholarships are available in:
- Big Data in Finance, linked to the Center for Big Data in Finance (Danish National Research Foundation)
- Pension Finance, linked to the Pension Research Centre (PeRCent)
- Household Finance, within a dedicated research group led by senior faculty
Eligibility Checks
You are generally eligible if you:
- Hold (or are close to completing) a Master’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field
- Are fluent in English
- Have an excellent academic record, especially in quantitative and financial economics subjects
- Demonstrate strong research potential through a clear and original PhD proposal
- Meet CBS requirements for either the 3-year PhD or 4+4 PhD scheme
Candidates with a strong quantitative background and top grades will be prioritized.
Apply: https://www.cbs.dk/en/about-cbs/job-and-career/vacant-positions/phd-scholarships-finance-2026
The last date to apply for the PhD Scholarships in Finance 2026 at Copenhagen Business School is 1 February 2026. Shortlisting, assessments, and interviews will take place shortly after the deadline, with final outcomes communicated to all applicants. Successful candidates are expected to begin their PhD studies in September 2026, covering the 2026–2027 cohort.