This is the first call for nominations of PhD students to participate in the Exchange Programme between the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and the University of California Berkeley (UCB).
Purpose
This programme provides PhD students at KTH with hands-on research experience and exposure to cutting-edge research at UCB by working on specific research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors.
By taking part in this programme, PhD students will also develop professional networks and gain valuable experience for future academic and industry pursuits.
Eligibility
KTH PhD students from all academic disciplines with a strong academic record and a genuine interest in international research are eligible to be nominated.
What the call offers
A maximum of 2 PhD students at KTH will be selected to participate in this programme. The call offers funding for a research visit of a maximum of 6 months, as agreed upon with the KTH and UCB supervisors. In addition to the research experience, the programme offers:
- Financial support, up to 25,000 SEK per month, up to 6 months to cover accommodation and flight tickets. The funds will be transferred to the student’s main supervisor at KTH.
- During the exchange, students will be covered by KTH insurance for students travelling abroad1
Important information for KTH Faculty Nominators
KTH faculty who are members of Digital Futures can nominate PhD students for this call. Each faculty member may nominate only one student, the KTH faculty member must have ensured that a UCB faculty member has agreed to supervise the student during the research stay at UCB. This partnership must be confirmed prior to nomination.
Application process
- Nomination:
KTH faculty members need to email to call@digitalfutures.kth.se the name of the nominated PhD student and the potential supervisor at UCB who has already confirmed his/her participation in the program. Each faculty member can only nominate one student.
- Documents’ submission:
Once the PhD student has been nominated, the following documents must be submitted by the PhD student to call@digitalfutures.kth.se:- CV, including publications
- Research statement: A summary of the student’s past and current research activities (one-page maximum)
- A motivation letter explaining why the exchange is relevant to the PhD research career, and to strengthen the relationship between the universities
- Proposal of research activities (max 1 page, excluding references): Should include research questions, objectives, methodology, and significance for the field and Digital Futures
Practicalities
- Students are responsible for booking their own economy-class flight tickets and accommodation. Digital Futures will guide students and support them in preparing the necessary documents to register at UCB and apply for the visa.
Important dates
- Deadline for nominations & submission of documents: December 9, 2025
- Decision: Mid-January 2026
- Visit period: Up to 6 months during 2026 as agreed upon with the KTH and UCB supervisors.
Contact & Questions
Contact call@digitalfutures.kth.se for further questions. Please include “KTH-UC-PhD” in the subject of your email.