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Industry-employed doctoral students

Being an industry-employed doctoral student at KTH is an opportunity for individuals and organisations outside KTH to develop their expertise and exchange knowledge with those inside the academic world.

KTH has a long tradition of attracting doctoral students who are employed by companies or organisations - and particularly those working for industrial companies. Having these industry-employed doctoral students is an effective way of strengthening long-term relationships with the wider community and increasing our understanding of society’s challenges.

Industry-employed doctoral students are normally funded by the salary they receive from their principal employer. It is also common to obtain external funding. 

How to become an industry-employed doctoral student

An industry-employed doctoral student at KTH normally has an extended employment contract with an external employer but is enrolled as a doctoral student at one of KTH’s schools. He or she conducts research studies at KTH for at least 50 percent of a full-time position.

The rules that apply for acceptance as a doctoral student apply to industry-employed doctoral students as well. The extent and scope of research studies may vary over time, but it is preferred that doctoral students spend most of their work hours in the academic environment with other doctoral students and researchers. The target degree for industry-employed doctoral students can be either a licentiate or doctorate.

Read more about being a doctoral student at KTH

Industry-employed doctoral students at KTH

Page responsible:nickyr@kth.se
Belongs to: Business and Community
Last changed: Mar 02, 2026
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