Copenhagen Business School (CBS), one of Europe’s leading business universities located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in the field of Marketing. This exceptional opportunity is designed for highly motivated researchers worldwide who aim to contribute to cutting-edge academic work and pursue an advanced research career in marketing.
Whether you envision a future in academia or research-driven roles outside the university, this scholarship provides the financial support and research environment to accelerate your academic journey.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Copenhagen Business School (CBS) |
| Department | Department of Marketing |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Program Start Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding Type | Fully funded salaried PhD employment |
| Monthly Salary Range | DKK ~29,691 to ~36,180 (depending on seniority) |
| Pension Contribution | Approx. 18.07% |
| Teaching Obligation | 416 work hours over 3 years |
| Tuition Fee Coverage | Included |
| Office, Travel, and Course Costs | Included |
Why This PhD Opportunity Matters
About Copenhagen Business School and the Marketing Department
CBS is a globally respected public university known for its strong research culture and international impact. Its Department of Marketing fosters rigorous, interdisciplinary research and emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. PhD students at CBS become part of an academic community that values high-quality theory development, empirical investigation, and real-world relevance.
Marketing PhD students work within research clusters such as Branding, B2B Marketing and Sales, Consumer Research, Digital Marketing, and Tourism and Hospitality Management. This diversity supports a broad range of scholarly interests and emerging topics.
Scholarship Details
Full Funding and Benefits
This PhD scholarship is a fully salaried position under the Danish national collective agreement. Selected candidates receive:
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- A monthly salary that increases with experience, ranging roughly from DKK 29,691 to DKK 36,180.
- A pension contribution of about 18.07%.
- Coverage of tuition fees and associated PhD costs such as office space, approved course fees, and travel to conferences or research visits.
- Structured teaching and research responsibilities totaling 416 work hours.
- Immersion in a strong international research community.
Research Topics and Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to propose research within the core marketing domain. Example thematic areas include:
- Rethinking branding in digital and consumer contexts.
- The influence of artificial intelligence on consumer judgment.
- Interactions between frontline personnel and intelligent systems.
These are illustrative and not exhaustive; candidates may propose other topics anchored in marketing theory and practice.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a completed Master’s degree (Bologna 3 + 2 system or equivalent) before the PhD start date.
- Preferably have an academic background in social sciences or a related field.
- Demonstrate fluency in English (spoken and written).
- Be physically present in Copenhagen for regular participation in the department’s research environment.
Proficiency in Danish is considered an advantage for teaching obligations but is not mandatory.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their materials through CBS’s electronic recruitment system by February 28, 2026. Complete applications include:
- Letter of Motivation (max 250 words).
- Proposed PhD Project Description with title, abstract, detailed narrative, and timeline.
- Cooperation Document outlining your desired supervision style.
- Degree Fulfillment Documentation showing how your qualifications meet CBS’s standards.
- Academic Transcripts and Master’s degree certificate.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Sample Written Work (e.g., master’s thesis).
- Two Recommendation Letters or contact details.
Standardized test scores (e.g., GMAT, GRE) and English proficiency proofs (e.g., TOEFL) are recommended for non-native speakers.
Selection and Timeline
After the February 28 application deadline, a recruitment committee will shortlist candidates for review. The evaluation will focus on the quality and fit of the research proposal as well as academic readiness. Final decisions are expected by late May 2026, with the program commencing on September 1, 2026.
Diversity and Inclusion
CBS is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive academic community. Applicants from all backgrounds including varied gender identities, ethnicities, cultures, and abilities are encouraged to apply. Support and accommodations are available to ensure equitable participation in the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Prepare your materials well in advance and ensure they adhere to CBS’s detailed requirements. Applications are submitted online through the official CBS recruitment portal. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered, so early preparation is highly advisable.