What is a PhD fellowship in Norway, and are PhD fellows considered employees or students?
PhD Fellows, University of Oslo: As a PhD fellow you are considered an employee with a three-year contract solely for research, under the supervision of a team. You are not working for them; the team’s job is to assist you in having a successful and good PhD. You can extend your position for up to four years in total if you take on extra duties (e.g., teaching or supervision etc.).
You are a taxpayer, and you have rights and protections from a trade union, which it is recommended to enrol in.
What has been your experience of being a PhD fellow in Norway?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: It has been a good experience. I have enjoyed working with my supervisors as equals. The somewhat flatter hierarchy in Norway is a big plus. There aren’t many administrative hurdles either.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: Norway is probably one of the best countries to do a PhD in. Having three years exclusively for research in a non-hierarchical work environment with fair pay is fairly unique for a PhD position.
What makes Norway an attractive place to pursue a PhD?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: It is a beautiful country and has something for everyone, whether you love nature and seclusion or brightness and city life.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: Great working conditions, flat social structure, fair pay, small communities which can make it easier to connect.
How would you describe the work-life balance and research culture in Norway?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: It is very comfortable. There are methods in place to ensure your physical and mental wellbeing while you finish your research. There is no pressure or a race. They give you space and time to figure things out, to fail and get up again.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: Academia always has some stressful periods, but a great emphasis is put on ensuring work-life balance in Norway and that also counts for research. So outside of the paper deadlines, a sustainable work environment and balanced life are actively encouraged and enabled.
What opportunities have you had through Integreat beyond your own PhD project?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: There are regular seminars where you get to meet renowned and interesting scientists and build connections.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: Integreat is an interdisciplinary project, hence, learning and collaborating across disciplines is the big plus of Integreat.
What has your experience been of working and conducting research at UiO or UiT?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: It has been a positive experience. The flat hierarchy means you can approach almost anyone, and people are generous with their time and expertise. Research itself is collaborative and ideas are shared openly.
Is English sufficient for research, work, and everyday life in Norway?
English is definitely enough for research, work and everyday life in Norway. Pretty much everyone speaks English, no matter the age. However, certain things definitely become easier and more accessible if you speak or at least understand Norwegian, such as becoming friends with Norwegians or enjoying some of the cultural life (e.g., theatre).
What has it been like to live in Oslo or Tromsø as an international researcher?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: Oslo has been a comfortable and welcoming place to live. It is safe, clean, and well connected, with easy access to nature, music, and culture, so there is always something to do whether you prefer the outdoors or city life. The pace is calm and the quality of life is high. There is a sizeable international community here, which makes settling in much easier. The main adjustments are the cost of living and the long, dark winters, but both become manageable once you find your routine.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: Oslo is well-connected in the Norwegian research community and a lot of scientific events are located in the city. There are also a lot of internationals amongst the research community, making it easy to connect and establish a nice and supportive network.
What support and practical assistance did you receive when relocating to Norway?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: The international office at UiO, ISMO, expedited a great deal of the administrative process and provided a lot of assistance. They help with the practical hurdles that feel overwhelming when you first arrive, such as residence permits, registration, and tax cards. Having a single point of contact for these things made the move far less stressful than I expected.
What advice would you give to someone considering moving to Norway for a PhD?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: Come with an open mind. Norway offers an excellent research environment, strong protections as an employee, and a genuinely good quality of life, so you are in good hands professionally. Be prepared for the social side to take a little longer than the professional side. The warmth is there, but it can be quiet, and friendships at work build slowly. Learning some Norwegian helps you cross that gap, though it is also fair to hope the people already inside the room make a little room for you. Join a trade union, say yes to seminars and social events, build your network, and give yourself time. The first winter is the hardest, and it gets easier after that.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: Get a warm winter jacket and lean into the winter (e.g., pick up skiing and sauna), and be very very active socially in the first couple of weeks. Making friends in a Scandinavian city requires some effort, but once you reached that stage, they're friends for life. :)
What employment benefits and social protections are available to PhD fellows in Norway?
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Asia: As an employee you are entitled to strong social protections. If you are part of a trade union there is a lot of protection and representation. The public healthcare system is great, and NAV, the labour and welfare administration, provides a lot of assistance across situations such as sick leave, parental leave, and pension contributions. You also accrue holiday pay and have clearly defined working rights, so you are protected in the same way as any other employee in Norway.
PhD Fellow, University of Oslo moved to Norway from Europe: If you get a Norwegian address, you are automatically in the public health insurance. Additionally, UiO has some benefits, such as their own employee health services or access to the gym once a week. Overall, the academic system in Norway is fairly non-hierarchical, everyone is employed equally at the university and in my experience, most people on all levels keep an eye on preventing exploitation. Moreover, you can become unionized enabling you to take a part in the decision-making process between the state and employee body regarding working conditions and salary. And you can also get beneficial insurances through your union.