Doctoral Programme of Turku School of Economics - Admission Criteria and Instructions for Applicants

The Doctoral Programme of Turku School of Economics offers the following postgraduate degrees:

• Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, D.Sc. (Econ. & Bus. Adm.) (for applicants with a Master's degree in Econ. and Bus. Administration)
• Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D. (for applicants with a Master's degree in a closely related field to business science)
• Doctor of Social Sciences, D.Soc.Sci. (Econ.) (for applicants with a Master's degree in Economics)

In the application, the applicant needs to present the major subject they are applying to. The degrees Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy can be completed in the following disciplines:

• Accounting and Finance
• Accounting and Finance, Pori
• Management and Organisation
• Management and Organisation, Pori
• Marketing
• Marketing, Pori
• International Business
• Operations & Supply Chain Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurship, Pori
• Economics
• Business Law
• Economic Geography
• Quantitative Methods in Management
• Information Systems Science
• Futures Studies
• Health Economics (in the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research)

Doctor or Social Sciences degree can be completed in the major of Economics. Health Economics can be chosen a major at Turku School of Economics and the students belong in the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research.

Our programme aims at training of experts for the needs of business, society, and academic community. We are known of four distinctive profile areas in research: entrepreneurship, management control, networks in business, and economic policy and markets. A strong emphasis is on the themes of innovation, foresight and responsibility.
 
In the research and teaching portfolio, our programme covers a multitude of disciplines related to business, economy and future studies. In the programme the doctoral degree can completed in four years. Please read more about the research areas of each major on their web pages.

The applicants must fullfill the eligibility criteria of Turku School of Economics. You can also check the general instruction about applying from the webpages of the Graduate School UTUGS.

In addition to the selection criteria of Turku School of Economics, the Doctoral Programme of Turku School of Economics will publish before the beginning of each application period a call for applications that can be found from this webpage.

• Call for applications for Spring 2025 (application period 3 - 14 March, 2025 (4pm Finnish time)), the autumn call for applications is published at the end of June
• Instructions for filling in the application form in Studyinfo

1. a research plan, including a realistic funding plan and schedule of the research and studies (max 10 pages (excl. cover and list of references), Times New Roman 12 pt, line spacing 1.5) in PDF format)

   By attaching the research plan to the application form, the applicant gives permission to check the research plan with Turnitin OriginalityCheck software (a system for electronic plagiarism detection). Useful information on preparing your research plan is available on the Doctoral training website of TSE: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/turku-school-of-economics/research/doctoral-training/applying.

2. copies of the degree certificates
3. copies of the transcript of records
4. copies of the official translations (to Finnish, Swedish or English) of the degree certificates and transcripts of records if the official documents are not written in English, Finnish or Swedish
5. a letter of motivation, including your career plans after graduation (e.g. with regards to academic career / in Finland or elsewhere)
6. curriculum Vitae
7. a possible certificate of language proficiency
8. A copy of your passport if you do not have a Finnish ID number

Applications are assessed based on the eligibility and selection criteria for postgraduate studies at TSE. The applications are processed in the major subjects and by the Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE. Approximately 29 % of the applicants are selected to the programme which means that only the best applications with a high quality research plan can succeed.

The study right for a doctoral degree is granted by the Dean of Turku School of Economics. All applicants will be informed of the results of the admission. The admission decisions for postgraduate studies are made by the end of November in the Autumn term and the study right begins on 1 January. In the Spring term, the admission decisions are made by the end of May and the study right begins on 1 August.

According to the Universities Act (558/2009) 82 § and the University of Turku Regulation on Studies those who are dissatisfied with the selection of students for a degree may make an appeal for rectification from Turku School of Economics within 14 days of the results being published.

UTUGS positions 2024

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 119 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (28.8.–13.9.2024). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 22 applications for external review. Three positions of up to 4 years, and 22 months of funding for the year 2025 were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 18 November 2024 made a proposal for selection to the doctoral researchers positions. The heads of the departments of Turku School of Economics have confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Robert Pylkkänen (1.3.2025-31.8.2028), Economics
• Tarja Matikka (1.3.-31.8.2025), Information Systems Science
• Pratik Sapkota (1.1.2025-31.12.2028), Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Asfand Yar Khan (1.8.2025-31.7.2027), Economics
• Nasim Arayannejad (1.1.-31.12.2025), Entrepreneurship
• Ville Kukkonen (1.3.-31.12.2025), Accounting and Finance
• Md Khaled Hossain Rafi (1.1.-31.12.2025), Accounting and Finance
• One applicant has requested to remain anonymous
   

UTUGS positions 2023

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 119 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (28.8.–15.9.2023). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 18 applications for external review. Four positions of up to 4 years, one position of up tp 2 years and 29 months of funding for the year 2024 were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 20 November 2023 made a proposal for selection to the doctoral researchers positions. The heads of the departments of Turku School of Economics have confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Salla Westerstrand (1.1.2024-31.12.2025), information systems science
• Marianna Birmoser Ferreira-Aulu (1.1.2024–31.12.2026), futures studies
• Pasi Keski-Pukkila (1.1.2024-31.12.2027), futures studies
• Joakim Laine (1.1.2024–28.2.2026), information systems science
• Mikko Mononen (1.9.2024-31.7.2027), economics
• Javad Rajabalizadeh (1.6.2024-31.12.2025), accounting and finance
• Dan Ha Le (1.1.-31.12.2024), international business
• Yufeng Ding (1.1.-31.12.2024), accounting and finance
• Nasim Aeyannejad (1.1.-31.12.2024), entrepreneurship
• Ali Fereydooni (1.1.-30.6.2024), accounting and finance

Reserve list:

1. Isadora Gasparin
2. Siyada Witoon
3. Sidath Alwis
4. Elena Sivolapova
5. Jagannath Kafle
6. the applicant has requested to remain anonymous
7. Ting Chen
8. Asfand Khan

Congratulations!

UTUGS positions 2022

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 78 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (29.8.–16.9.2022). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 15 applications for external review. Three positions of up to 4 years, and 41 months of funding for the year 2023 were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 21 November 2022 made a proposal for selection to the doctoral researchers positions. The heads of the departments of Turku School of Economics have confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Marianna Birmoser Ferreira-Aulu (1.1.–31.12.2023), futures studies
• Ville Kaukonen (1.1.2023–31.12.2026), accounting and finance
• Joakim Laine (1.1.–31.3.2023), information systems science
• Anna Lunden (1.1.2023–30.6.2026), marketing
• Tarja Matikka (1.1.–31.12.2023), information systems science
• Elena Sivolapova (1.1.–31.12.2023), international business
• Julius Zachariassen (1.8.2023–30.6.2026), economics
• one applicant has requested to remain anonymous

Reserve list:

1. the applicant has requested to remain anonymous
2. Regina Casteleijn-Osorno
3. Siyada Witoon
4. Habeeb Yahya

Congratulations!

UTUGS positions 2021

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 52 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (30.8.–17.9.2021). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 17 applications for external review. Three positions of up to 4 years, one position of 2 years, and 33 months of funding for the year 2022 were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 22 November 2021 made a proposal for selection to the doctoral researchers positions. The heads of the departments of Turku School of Economics have confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Eljas Aalto (1.3.2022–30.6.2025), economics
• Kaisa Aro (1.1.–31.10.2022) marketing (Pori)
• Yasith Hirimburegama (1.1.–31.12.2022), business law
• Tuukka Huhtala (1.3.2022–31.8.2025), economics
• Javad Rajabalizadeh (1.1.2022–31.5.2024), accounting and finance
• Oskari Rintala (1.7.–31.12.2022), operations and supply chain management
• Zachary Sherman (1.1.–31.12.2022), accounting and finance
• two applicants have requested to remain anonymous (1.7.2022–31.10.2022 & 1.8.2022–31.7.2024)

Reserve list:

1. Kaisa Aro (2 months of funding coming available in 2022, if any)
2. Tarja Matikka
3. the applicant has requested to remain anonymous
4. Mia Salo
5. Regina Casteleijn-Osorno
6. Elena Sivolapova
7. Elorm Damalie
8. Marianna Ferreira-Aulu
9. Jagannath Kafle

Congratulations!

UTUGS positions 2020

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 62 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (1.-18.9.2020). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 17 applications for external review. Four positions of up to 4 years and 36 months of funding for the year 2021 were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 20 November 2020 made a proposal for selection to the doctoral researchers positions. The heads of the departments of Turku School of Economics have confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Kaisa Aro (1.1.–31.8.2021) marketing (Pori)
• Mohamed Farhoud (1.1.2021–31.12.2022), entrepreneurship
• Yasith Hirimburegama (1.1.–31.12.2021), business law
• Eetu Kauria (1.8.–31.12.2021), economics
• Katariina Mattila (1.1.–31.12.2021), marketing
• Jeremias Nieminen (1.8.2021–31.7.2024), economics
• Morgan Shaw (1.1.2021–31.12.2024), futures studies
• Zachary Sherman (1.1.–31.12.2021), accounting and finance
• one applicant has requested to remain anonymous (1.1.2021–31.5.2022)

Reserve list:

1. Kaisa Aro (4 months of funding coming available in 2021, if any)
2. Tarja Matikka
3. Anna Elkina
4. the applicant has requested to remain anonymous
5. Laura Pouru
6. Eeli Friman

Congratulations!

UTUGS positions 2019

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 70 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (2.-20.9.2019). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 15 applications to the external reviewers. Three 4-year positions and 25 months of funding for year 2020 were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 22 November, 2019 made a proposal for selection to the Doctoral Researchers positions. The Dean of Turku School of Economics has confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Mohamed Farhoud (1.1.-30.9.2020), entrepreneurship
• Jussi Honkanen (1.2.2020-31.12.2023), economics
• Kirsi Kari (1.1.-31.12.2020), accounting and finance
• Muddassar Malik (1.1.2020-31.12.2022), accounting and finance
• Wilma Nissilä (1.8.2020-31.7.2023), economics
• Katharina Schilli (1.1.-31.12.2020), international business

Reserve list:

1. Oskari Rintala
2. Kaisa Aro
3. Laura Pouru
4. Mariia Syväri

Congratulations!

UTUGS positions 2018

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 73 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (3.-21.9.2018). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 19 applications to the external reviewers. Two positions and 24 months of funding were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 23 November, 2018 made a proposal for selection to the Doctoral Researchers positions. The Dean of Turku School of Economics has confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Anna Elkina (1.1.2019-30.6.2021), entrepreneurship
• Akhgar Kaboli (1.1.2019-30.11.2020), futures studies
• Annika Nivala (1.9.2019-31.12.2020), economics
• Oskari Rintala (1.5.-31.12.2019), operations and supply chain management
• Juho Ruotsalainen (1.1.2019-30.6.2020), futures studies

Reserve list:

1. Elina Honkasalo
2. Muddassar Malik
3. Marjukka Parkkinen
4. Katharina Schilli
5. Elina Järvinen

Congratulations!

UTUGS positions 2017

The Doctoral Programme of TSE received 64 applications for the UTUGS-funded doctoral researchers positions during the application period (1.-20.9.2017). All applications were assessed by the major subjects who decided to forward 23 applications to the external reviewers. Three positions were available.

The Steering Committee of the Doctoral Programme of TSE has in its meeting on 24 November, 2017 made a proposal for selection to the Doctoral Researchers positions. The Dean of Turku School of Economics has confirmed the selection.

The following applicants were selected to the positions:

• Karinen, Matti (1.1.2018-31.12.2020), entrepreneurship
• Karjalainen, Joni (1.1.2018-31.12.2019), futures studies
• Peltonen, Risto (1.1.2018-31.12.2021), accounting and finance

Reserve list:

1. Mariia Syväri
2. Aarni Soppi
3. Juho Ruotsalainen
4. Minna Rantanen
5. Isabel Galvis
6. Akhgar Kaboli
7. Sari Laine

Congratulations!

Questions and answers concerning applying

Q: What is the difference between applying for a study right and applying for a study right and a funded position?

A: We have application periods twice a year for the study rights of doctoral degrees. Students admitted are granted a study right to conduct doctoral studies leading to the Doctor's degree.

We invite applications once a year (early Autumn) to University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) funded Doctoral Researchers positions. As a result of the selection process the best applicants are employed to doctoral researchers positions at the Turku School of Economics, University of Turku and granted a study right to postgraduate studies unless they already hold one. An applicant for the funded doctoral researchers positions who does not hold a right to pursue a doctoral degree must apply for the study right at the same time as he/she applying for the funded position (two different applications in two different systems). A study right is a precondintion for being appointed for a funded doctoral researchers position.

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Q: Do I need to contact a professor at TSE to agree on supervision before applying?
 
A: In general, contacting a Professor is not required but disciplines may have different preferences on how and when they wish you to approach them. Supervisors are appointed for each new doctoral student when admitted as a doctoral student to Turku School of Economics. Of course you need to see what kind of expertise we have here so please check the ongoing research at your chosen major at https://www.utu.fi/en/research-search?k=&organization_parent=1246 

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Q: I have several years of work experience as a university lecturer in English language from my home country. Do I need to prove my language skills with an English proficiency test?
 
A. All applicants are required to verify their English language proficiency. Read more information on English language proficiency requirements from Selection criteria to postgraduate studies at TSE.

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Q: Can you please check my transcript of records and degree certificate and tell me  if I am eligible for applying?
 
A: Unfortunately due to lack of resources we do not check previous studies before the application deadlines. The eligility of all applicants is checked during the admission process.

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Q: What should I include in my research plan?
 
A: A high-quality (max 10 page) research plan is essential for succeeding in the tough competition for admission. The research plan should be prepared baring in mind that TSE will evaluate the suitability of your research topic in relation to the research profile and expertise of the major subject and its faculty.

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Q: Does University of Turku provide funding for doctoral students?

A: Doctoral students are responsible for financing their own studies. University of Turku charges no tuition fees, but you have to finance your living costs as well as your own research. There are different possibilities to get funding for your doctoral studies:

• Scholarships from different foundations
• Working in a research project
• Full-time employment in University of Turku (TSE)
• Funding for international students e.g. CIMO
• Funding to visit foreign universities

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Q: Can I work elsewhere (outside the university) during my doctoral studies?

A:Yes, working alongside with your studies is possible. Please note, that the progression of your research and studies will probably be affected by this and the completion time of the degree will be longer. As a rule the doctoral degree can be completed in four years when studying full-time. In admission of doctoral researchers as a rule priority is given to applicants pursuing full-time doctoral studies.