European PhD earnings vary sharply, Scandinavia and Benelux pay most

A new Eurodoc report shows that first‑year doctoral candidates in 2024‑25 earn very different amounts across 26 European nations, with Scandinavian and Benelux countries offering the highest pay. The study, released in September, is the first continent‑wide comparison of PhD remuneration and highlights gaps that may push students toward richer regions. Norbert Bencze, Eurodoc president and co‑author, notes that gathering comparable salary data is tough but the goal is to expose these imbalances. Co‑author Pil Maria Saugmann, a former Eurodoc president, says the figures help explain a brain‑drain trend that favours Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. Estonia provides a counterexample: a 2022 reform swapped a €8,000 annual stipend for a guaranteed salary about 2.5 times higher, sparking more doctoral applications and stronger industry ties. Remuneration structures differ – some candidates are hired as employees, others receive tax‑free scholarships, and a few have mixed packages. Taxed salaries mean lower net pay but may include pensions and parental‑leave benefits, whereas scholarships are exempt from tax but lack extra perks. Cost‑of‑living differences further widen the picture. Denmark and its Nordic neighbours continue to attract many PhD students from elsewhere in Europe, according to a recent image caption. ## Context These disparities matter because they influence where talent chooses to study and stay, affecting research capacity and innovation balance across the continent.