Pre‑qualification proposals for 2026 PhD education outside universities (DFF)

The Royal Danish Academy hereby invites pre-qualification proposals for the 2026 call “PhD education outside the universities” (DFF – The Danish Independent Research Fund).

The 2026-call will be announced by DFF in June 2026. The Royal Danish Academy expects to be allowed to support up to three proposals.

The deadline for pre-qualification applications is April 27 2026 at noon.

No supervision is offered for the pre-qualification proposal.

All interested potential applicants may participate in a 30 minute online information meeting via Zoom. The online meeting will be held on Monday April 13, 13.00-13.30. Please access the meeting using this link: https://kglakademi.zoom.us/j/66863601272

Formal requirements

The following elements must be included in the application:

1. Name of the potential host institute at the Royal Danish Academy that the candidate considers most relevant to the proposed project.
   • No pre-confirmation from the institute is needed. If the proposed host institute does not match with the project idea, this will be corrected after we have received your proposal.
   • Find overview of institutes here: Subject Areas and Institutes | Royal Danish Academy
   • If a proposed host institute is not clearly stated, the proposal will not be taken into consideration.
   • Name of potential host institute must be stated in the title of the 2-page project description.
2. 2 pagesproject outline (1 page = 2400 characters spacing included).
   • The 2-pages project outline should contain a short abstract, main research objective(s), 1-3 academic research questions, state of the art (i.e. which academic debates do you position your project within), theoretical background, research methodology, research design, expected academic contributions and societal relevance.
   • Name of potential host institute (see point A above) in the title of the project description.
   • Project outlines exceeding two pages will not be taken into consideration.
3. Literature list (no limit)
4. Time plan for the 3-year PhD project, 1 page.
5. CV incl. own publications if applicable, max 2 pages.
   • Max two pages. Please use a formal style focusing on substantiating your background.
   • Please include a short biographical introduction (up to 5 lines) expressing your particular motivation for pursuing a PhD at the Royal Danish Academy.
   • CVs exceeding two pages will not be considered.
6. Copy of educational diploma documenting master level education including full exam result transcript including grades and or GPA.

Please notice: The 2-pages project outline replaces the “cover letter” in the application system. No separate cover letter or motivational letter should be uploaded. Any such documents will not be included in the review process.

The application material must be uploaded online.

To apply please follow the “Apply for position” button in the advertisement.

Deadline

April 27 2026 at noon.

Proposals sent after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.

Process

April:

• April 27: deadline for submission of pre-qualification applications.

May-June:

• Review of all applications that meet the formal requirements.
• Late May/Early June: Invitation of up to three candidates. Rejection letters.

June:

• DFF expected to announce call.

June-August

• Full proposal writing. Contact with prospective supervisor, administrative support including budgeting.
• The Royal Danish Academy is closed in July and the candidate works independently on a full proposal.

September:

• Final approval of application by the PhD Committee.
• DFF deadline, final proposal.

If you have questions please write to phdschool@kglakademi.dk.