Advice and Tips

New rules for PhD candidate salaries in the public sector

Modified: June 11 2026

There have been important changes to how salaries for PhD candidates are determined in the Norwegian public sector, including universities, university colleges and research institutes. If you are currently a PhD candidate – or considering becoming one – these changes give you greater flexibility to secure a competitive salary.

No centrally set minimum salary anymore

From 1 May 2026, the minimum salary for PhD candidates has been removed from the collective agreement in the government sector. This means there is no longer a centrally defined lower salary threshold for PhD positions.

Instead, salary must now be agreed directly between the employer and the PhD candidate.

Previously, candidates could also negotiate their starting salary. However, The Norwegian Society of Graduate Technical and Scientific Professionals has analysed its data and found that many PhD candidates were still placed at the minimum salary level. The organisation therefore hopes that removing the minimum rate will lead to higher salaries for its members.

You should negotiate your salary

Tekna members can—and should—ask for a higher salary when they are offered a PhD position. Referring to Tekna’s recommended starting salary is a constructive way to demonstrate the market value of our members’ skills and qualifications.

See Tekna’s recommended starting salaries.

Explore Tekna’s tips for negotiating your starting salary.

In-demand expertise should be reflected in your pay

Tekna’s PhD members are highly attractive in the labour market and often conduct research in areas with strong investment and demand. Their salary level should reflect both their expertise and the value of their work.

Minimum salary requirements for foreign employees

Even though there is no longer a minimum salary for PhD candidates in the central collective agreement, there is still an important lower threshold to be aware of.

The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) sets its own minimum salary requirements for foreign workers to prevent social dumping.

UDI requires that employees with a master’s degree must earn at least NOK 624,700 per year. More information on UDI website.

This requirement generally applies to all employees, including PhD candidates.