- Fully funded — living stipend or salary plus no (or waived) tuition for the advertised track and duration. Travel or equipment may still be separate.
- Partially funded — tuition waiver only, short stipend, year-one support only, or “self-funded welcome with fee reduction”.
- Bring your own funding — admission is possible if you win an external fellowship (national grant, MSCA, foundation). The institute may host you without paying the stipend itself.
Typical meanings
What to read in the small print
- Duration of funding vs duration of the degree (3 vs 4 years is a common mismatch).
- Whether health insurance and social security are included.
- Fee status for non-EU / overseas candidates.
- Whether the post is contingent on a grant that is not yet awarded.
- Teaching or service expectations tied to the funding.
How partial funding can still work
Some candidates combine a fee waiver with an external fellowship, or accept a lower stipend in a cheaper city. Others start on a short contract and re-apply for project extensions. Document the gap before you relocate: savings runway, partner income eligibility, and visa proof-of-funds rules.
Do not confuse partial PhD funding with a junior researcher staff grade that has no doctoral enrolment — that is a different career path (see junior researcher roles).
Official “full funding” patterns
- NMBU: admission requires financing for the entire PhD period — not a one-year promise. Source: NMBU PhD education.
- Ifremer: careers board lists doctoral and research openings separately from university doctoral schools — read which call you are in. Source: Ifremer careers.
- WUR: “Employed PhD” vs “Scholarship PhD” are different packages on the same admission page — both can be fully financed, but rights differ. Source: WUR admission requirements.
- Ifremer (France): doctoral and research openings appear on the institute careers board — verify each call. Source: Ifremer careers.
Browse with intent
Use PhD Scholarships landings and funding notes on institute pages, then open the official programme PDF. Paid, deadline-bound calls usually state whether the position is salaried or stipend-based under Open PhD Positions. Compare realism with PhD Living Costs.
Frequently asked questions
What does fully funded usually mean?
Enough support to cover fees (if any) and basic living costs for the stated duration. Wording varies — read what is included: tuition, stipend, travel, or insurance.
What is partial funding?
Fee waivers, one-year grants, or stipends below living costs. You may need savings, a second grant, or a job allowance — check eligibility before you apply.
Where can I filter funded programmes on this site?
Start at the PhD Scholarships hub and use country or field landings, then open institute pages for funding notes. Active paid calls also appear under Open PhD Positions.
What does “bring your own funding” mean?
The institute may admit you if you win an external fellowship, but it does not pay the stipend itself. Confirm visa proof-of-funds and insurance rules before you relocate.
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