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Change of research environment

Change of research environment - Why?

Purpose

  • To maintain an international standard in the PhD degree programme, it is essential for PhD students to engage in extensive research stays abroad.
  • This requirement aims to enhance the students' research networks, expose them to diverse research traditions, and deepen their understanding of their project's context and relevance.
  • By incorporating these international research experiences, PhD students can enhance their academic and professional development, ensuring their research meets global standards.

Exposure to diverse research traditions

  • Students gain insights into different research methodologies and traditions, enriching their own research perspectives.

Contextualizing research projects

  • Understanding the global context and relevance of their research helps students to position their work within the broader academic community.

Duration and Timing

  • A minimum of two months in an active research environment abroad.
  • The total duration of overseas stays should not exceed one year.
  • Stays should not be scheduled in the final semester to ensure timely completion of the PhD dissertation.

Planning and Approval

  • The research stay must be planned early in collaboration with the main supervisor.
  • The PhD plan should reflect the intent and details of the international research stay.
  • The head of the graduate school may grant exemptions for academic or other significant reasons.

Please remember

Be inspired by previous research stays

  • When planning your research stay there are many things to consider and plans to be made.
  • Other researchers previous experiences can be a helpful tool in this process.
  • We recommend you read the individual postings in the database; You may be inspired and perhaps find tips and tricks useful in your own planning. See if you can find someone who has already been to the institution you are planning to visit on https://researchabroaddatabase.au.dk/.
  • Have you been on a research stay and would like to share your experience with others, please contact Anne Pletschette Langer
  • Aarhus University participates in a number of international alliances and networks dedicated to education, research and collaboration and thereby adding value and contributing to Aarhus University reaching its full potential. See more here: https://international.au.dk/collaboration/theaualliances

AU Credit Card – Information

AU Credit Cards You can apply for an AU credit card digitally at AU credit card application

Please note that you must submit the location code of your school/department (not the Graduate School’s) when you submit the application.

Do you need assistance?

Please contact your department secretary for help with accessing RejsUd or for any other information you may need. Refer to secretary details.

Travel booking

Financing research stays abroad

Coverage and Settlement of expenses in RejsUd

Coverage of expenses 

Documented expenses for accommodation are covered, but no more than the amount available for hotels: https://medarbejdere.au.dk/en/administration/finance/travel-booking-and-settlement 

Meals and other similar expenses are not covered for long-term trips. 

For more information: https://researchabroad.au.dk/coverage-of-expenses 

Settlement of Expenses 

  • Expenses must be entered in the RejsUd system as expense settlements. 
  • Please contact your department secretary for help with accessing and settling expenses in RejsUd. 

Travel grant for AU employed PhD students

  • The ordinary travel grant (DKK 40,000) is granted to help PhD students carry out the PhD plan, and can be used to cover travel expenses pursuant to the rules outlined in the guidelines on this site. 
  • PhD students employed at the Faculty of Arts are given a maximum credit of DKK 40,000, covering their entire project period, unless other specific agreements were made on their registration/appointment.
  • This credit is granted to help PhD students carry out the PhD plan, and can be used to cover travel expenses pursuant to the rules outlined below.
  • Up to 40,000 DKK for the full period of enrolment (corresponding to three years of full time study = three year full-time equivalent) has been earmarked for such purpose. If the period of enrolment does not correspond to three year full-time equivalent (e.g. in the case of credit transfer), the grant will be reduced accordingly. Part A of the 4+4 scheme equals one full-time equivalent (two years of enrolment).
  • Both the department and the PhD student are responsible for not exceeding the earmarked amount – up to 40,000 DKK.

Application for extra travel funding from the Graduate School, Arts

Extra travel funding from the Graduate School, Arts

  • In exceptional cases, travel funds beyond the ordinary travel grant for total or partial coverage of expenses for travels and tuition fees which are necessary for a PhD student’s completion of the PhD degree programme, can be provided from the graduate school.
  • You may only apply for extra grants if you can prove that you have applied for external financing from foundations or other sources.

Application - How to apply

  • The extra travel funding is managed by the graduate school. P
  • ThD students can apply for extra travel funding, if their travel account (up to 40,000 DKK) is about to expire. Applications can be submitted well in advance.
  • The application is submitted to the graduate school (please use separate application form: Danish form / English form) as soon as possible and no later than one month before the travel takes place.

Can I use my travel grant for conferences, courses and seminars?

Yes, it is possible.

  • Short stays (max. five days): Conferences, courses and seminars which have been approved in the PhD plan.
  • Expenses must observe the rules. Reasonable, documented expenses for meals (max. 5 days), but no more than those specified in the current rules for public servants covering transport expenses and unemployment benefit.
  • Expenses must comply with the following rules: https://medarbejdere.au.dk/en/administration/finance/travel-booking-and-settlement 
  • Expenses must be entered in the RejsUd system in the form of expense settlements

Insurance for PhD students employed by the Facuelty of Arts 

Are you externally employed?

Travel grant

  • Please note that externally employed PhD students and co-financed PhD students are only covered by these regulations if it is written in your enrollment letter.

 Insurance 

  • If you are not employed at Aarhus University please ask your employer for travel insurance.

Form: Change of environment abroad with a duration of 4 weeks or more

Form: Application for extra travel funding

Keep an eye on your budget

  • It is your responsibility not to exceed the 40,000 DKK limit.
  • Please make a note in a document every time you spend money from the travel grant.