There are some emails you read once, and there are others you read over and over because they completely change your future.

Mine was the message confirming that I had been selected for a PhD Research Fellowship at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). After months of developing my research proposal, refining every section of my application, speaking with potential supervisors, and wondering if I was good enough, everything finally paid off.

I still remember staring at the screen for several minutes before it truly sank in. I wasn’t just being admitted into a doctoral program—I had secured a fully funded research position, complete with a competitive salary, research funding, and the opportunity to spend the next three years working alongside leading academics in one of Norway’s top universities.

If you’re considering applying for the NTNU PhD Research Fellowship 2027, let me share what the experience really feels like, what surprised me the most, and the lessons I wish someone had shared before I submitted my application.

My First Impression of NTNU

Before applying, I knew NTNU had an excellent reputation in Europe. What I didn’t fully understand was how much emphasis the university places on independent thinking.

From the beginning, nobody expected me to simply continue someone else’s research.

Instead, they wanted to know:

What research question genuinely excites you?

Why does your project matter?

How will your work contribute to your academic field?

That was refreshing.

Unlike many PhD opportunities where applicants simply join an existing project, this fellowship encouraged me to design my own research proposal while connecting it with one of the department’s research groups.

That meant the application wasn’t just about grades. It was about ideas.

Why I Chose NTNU

Several universities offered doctoral opportunities, but NTNU stood out for a few reasons.

First, the university has an international research culture.

Researchers from across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Latin America collaborate daily.

Second, Norway invests heavily in higher education and research.

As a PhD fellow, you’re treated as an employee, not simply a student.

That completely changes the experience.

Instead of worrying about tuition fees or surviving on limited scholarships, you’re employed by the university and receive a salary while conducting your research.

That level of financial stability allows you to focus on producing meaningful work.

The Research Environment Was Better Than I Expected

The Department of Art and Media Studies isn’t limited to one discipline.

Researchers work across areas such as:

Drama and Theatre Studies

Film Studies

Media Studies

Art History

Digital Media

Artificial Intelligence and Media

Museums and Cultural Heritage

Environmental Humanities

Socially Engaged Art

Medieval Studies

I quickly realized that collaboration is encouraged rather than competition.

Senior researchers were approachable.

People actually wanted to discuss ideas over coffee.

Nobody treated doctoral students as outsiders.

Choosing the Right Research Group Was More Important Than I Thought

One mistake many applicants make is choosing a research group simply because it sounds impressive. I almost made that mistake.

Instead, I spent weeks reading published papers from different research groups.

Eventually, I found one whose research interests genuinely matched mine.

That decision made writing my proposal significantly easier.

When your research naturally fits the department, every part of the application becomes stronger.

Contacting My Supervisor Early Changed Everything

This is probably the biggest lesson I learned.

Many applicants wait until the final weeks before the deadline.

I reached out months in advance.

That gave me enough time to:

discuss research ideas;

improve my proposal;

understand departmental expectations; and

receive confirmation from a supervisor willing to support my project.

Without that early conversation, my proposal would never have been as strong.

Building the Research Proposal Took Longer Than Expected

Writing the proposal wasn’t simply about describing an interesting topic.

Every section had to answer practical questions.

I had to explain:

why the research matters;

what gap exists in current knowledge;

which methods I would use;

how the project could realistically be completed within three years; and

how my work aligned with NTNU’s academic priorities.

Every paragraph required revision.

Sometimes I rewrote the same page five or six times.

Looking back, that effort was worth it.

Academic Excellence Matters but It Isn’t Everything. Yes, strong grades are important.

NTNU generally expects applicants to have:

a relevant Master’s degree;

excellent academic performance (normally euivalent to a B grade or higher);

strong English communication skills; and

eligibility for admission into the university’s PhD programme.

However, grades alone don’t secure the fellowship.

Your research proposal carries enormous weight.

A brilliant proposal with genuine originality often stands out far more than a perfect transcript.

Living in Trondheim Was One of the Biggest Surprises

Before moving, I imagined Norway as a quiet country with beautiful scenery.

That turned out to be true but there was much more.

Trondheim combines modern technology with centuries of history.

Within a short walk you can move from cutting-edge research facilities to charming historic streets.

The city is clean, organized, safe, and surprisingly student-friendly.

Public transport is reliable.

Nature is always nearby.

During weekends, it’s easy to escape into forests, mountains, or fjords.

The work-life balance also felt completely different from what I had experienced elsewhere. People genuinely value personal time.

Salary and Financial Support

One of the biggest advantages of this fellowship is that it is a paid academic position.

Successful fellows receive:

an annual salary of approximately NOK 550,800 (subject to qualifications and university policies);

employee benefits;

pension contributions;

dedicated research funding of up to NOK 100,000 for project implementation;

mentorship opportunities; and

access to world-class research facilities.

Instead of worrying about tuition or living expenses, I could focus entirely on research.

That alone removes a huge amount of stress.

Daily Life as a PhD Fellow

People often imagine PhD students spending every day buried in books.

The reality is much more varied. A typical week included:

literature reviews;

meetings with supervisors;

seminars;

academic workshops;

conference preparation;

writing sessions;

teaching-related activities (for some fellows);

collaboration with researchers; and

refining research methodologies.

Every week looked slightly different.

That variety kept the work interesting.

Skills I Developed Beyond Research

Unexpectedly, the fellowship strengthened skills I hadn’t anticipated.

These included:

academic writing;

project management;

presentation skills;

interdisciplinary collaboration;

public speaking;

critical thinking;

leadership;

grant writing; and

networking with international scholars.

These transferable skills are valuable whether you remain in academia or move into industry, government, media, or the nonprofit sector.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for candidates who:

have completed a relevant Master’s degree;

want to pursue original research;

enjoy independent thinking;

are comfortable working in an international environment;

possess strong English communication skills; and

are motivated to contribute new knowledge to their discipline.

Applicants should also be prepared to work consistently over a three-year research period.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants typically need to prepare:

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts;

an updated academic CV;

a detailed PhD project proposal;

confirmation from an eligible NTNU supervisor;

two academic or professional references;

supporting academic documents where applicable; and

recognition documents for foreign qualifications, if required.

Preparing these documents early makes the application process much smoother.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

What impressed me most wasn’t just the funding. It was the trust.

From day one, the university treats doctoral researchers as professionals.

You’re expected to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop independent research.

That level of responsibility accelerates both personal and professional growth.

My summary

Looking back, applying for the NTNU PhD Research Fellowship was one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.

The process demanded patience, careful planning, and more revisions than I can count, but every hour invested proved worthwhile.

Beyond the salary, the research funding, and the international reputation, what truly makes this opportunity special is the chance to spend three years asking important questions, working with exceptional scholars, and contributing meaningful knowledge to your field.

If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to begin your doctoral journey, this fellowship deserves serious consideration.

The application process is competitive, but it is absolutely achievable for candidates with a strong academic background, a thoughtful research proposal, and genuine curiosity.

NTNU PhD Research Fellowship 2027 at a Glance

Host Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Location: Trondheim, Norway

Programme: PhD Research Fellowship

Fields: Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Art History, Media Studies, and related research areas

Employment Duration: 3 years

Estimated Annual Salary: Approximately NOK 550,800

Research Support: Up to NOK 100,000 for project implementation

Language Requirement: Excellent written and spoken English

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Whether your passion lies in film, media, theatre, digital culture, museums, or the humanities, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to conduct impactful research while building an international academic career in one of Europe’s most respected universities.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity visit the official applications portal to apply

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