PRIO Student Programme

PRIO is committed to supporting and developing the next generation of peace researchers. Each year, we welcome up to five outstanding master’s students to join PRIO’s vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research community while they work on their master’s thesis.

Eligibility and academic focus

To be considered for the programme, your thesis topic must be thematically aligned with one of PRIO’s ongoing research projects or relevant to the research interests of our researchers. You can learn more about PRIO’s research activities on our website.

Applicants must be in the second year of their master’s programme during their stay at PRIO. Preference is given to students writing a 60-credit (ECTS) thesis. The placement is granted for a maximum of nine months. In agreement with your PRIO contact person and the PRIO administration, it may be possible to extend the placement by up to two additional months, with the aim of further developing the thesis into an academic article.

Students from any university and with any relevant disciplinary background are welcome to apply. Please note, however, that participants must be based in the Oslo area for the duration of their placement and be regularly present at PRIO headquarters. PRIO is not able to offer any financial assistance nor assist with residence permits or related administrative processes.

As a student in the programme, you will be affiliated with one of PRIO’s research departments, and your master’s thesis may be connected to PRIO’s ongoing research activities. You will be assigned a PRIO researcher as your main contact person, provided with a workstation, and given access to PRIO’s facilities. You are expected to invest ample time and resources into working on your thesis, and we will do our part in supporting you to fulfil your academic potential.

Students in the programme will have opportunities to present their work-in-progress and research findings in PRIO’s internal academic activities, such as seminars, workshops, and other research forums. This provides valuable experience in presenting research to an interdisciplinary audience and receiving constructive feedback from experienced researchers.

Professional development opportunities

Opportunities for paid, temporary part-time work at PRIO is limited and subject to availability and institutional needs. There are no guarantees for work and potential work opportunities is offered on a case-by-case basis. Where available, such work may involve research assistance, administrative support, or contributions to PRIO’s communication activities.

All students in the programme will be offered the opportunity to participate in a thesis writing workshop led by PRIO’s in-house academic writing expert, Lynn Nygaard.

Timing and start dates

The standard start date for a master’s placement at PRIO is 1 September 2026 and the preferred duration is nine months.

Selection criteria

Selection is based primarily on academic merit and alignment with PRIO’s research agenda. PRIO also seeks to promote gender balance and diversity in the programme.