# Offentlig sektor-ph.d. – doktorgradsprosjekt i offentlig virksomhet 2026

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Budget:** Kr 108 600 000 (total programme)
**Duration:** 36–48 months
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/utlysninger/2026/offentlig-sektor-phd-doktorgradsprosjekt-offentlig-virksomhet-2026/
**Last verified:** 19 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports PhD projects in Norwegian public sector organisations (OFFPHD). A collaboration between a public entity and a degree-granting institution; the doctoral project must be relevant to the public organisation and carried out by an employee.

## Summary

The Offentlig sektor-ph.d. (Public Sector PhD) scheme funds doctoral research projects conducted by public sector employees in collaboration with Norwegian degree-granting institutions, with projects typically spanning 36-48 months. The call is open to any Norwegian public sector organisation whose research is relevant to its operations and conducted by a current employee. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis starting 20 December 2024.

## Who should apply

- Employees of Norwegian public sector organisations (government agencies, public hospitals, municipal bodies, etc.)
- Applicants pursuing a doctorate at a Norwegian degree-granting institution
- Research projects directly relevant to the applicant's public sector employer and role
- Organisations with a formalised collaboration agreement between the public body and the university

## Key dates

- Rolling application window from 20 December 2024 onwards
- Project duration: 36-48 months

## Tips for applicants

- Align the doctoral project tightly with a concrete challenge or need in your public sector employer; reviewers assess policy relevance and institutional benefit.
- Secure an explicit collaboration agreement between your employer and the degree-granting institution before applying; vague partnerships will weaken the proposal.
- Emphasise how the research will improve decision-making or operations in your sector; the scheme prioritises applied relevance over basic research.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the Public Sector PhD scheme?

Employees of Norwegian public sector organisations pursuing a doctorate at a Norwegian degree-granting institution, where the doctoral project is relevant to their employer's operations.

### How long is a Public Sector PhD project?

Doctoral projects typically run 36-48 months under this scheme.

### Is the Public Sector PhD scheme continuous?

Yes, applications are evaluated on a rolling basis from 20 December 2024 onwards.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-offentlig-sektor-ph-d-doktorgradsprosjekt-i-offent-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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