New pay scale for doctoral students – how it works

With this change, Örebro University aims to create a fair and consistent salary progression for doctoral students and reduce the uncertainty that previously existed around pay increases and when they should occur.

Previously, the pay scale was based on completed credits, with the supervisor certifying that certain goals had been met before the doctoral student could move up a level. As of 1 September, the pay scale will instead be based on the student’s actual period of study. The calculation of the period of study will be handled by the school’s research administrators, and an advancement to the next pay level will be approved by the salary-setting manager. The doctoral student’s actual period of study refers to the amount of time a doctoral student has actively studied, excluding any extension-qualifying leave, such as parental leave, sick leave or compensation for administrative duties.

The reason for this change is that both doctoral students and supervisors have observed ambiguities and inconsistencies between schools under the previous model. This was highlighted in responses to a survey about the pay scale for doctoral students initiated by doctoral students at the HS faculty. As a result, analysts at the Faculty Office were tasked by the deans to conduct a review of the pay scale. The review included benchmarking other universities and gathering input from staff in both administrative and academic roles, as well as from Örebro Student Union. The outcome is a pay scale that is based on actual period of study instead of performance, making the system fairer, more transparent, and more predictable for doctoral students.

What does the change mean?

• The four-level structure remains unchanged, with an entry-level salary at level 1.
• Advancement occurs after an actual period of study of twelve months (study time excluding extension-qualifying leave).
• Advancement is handled by the school’s research administrators and approved by the salary-setting manager. The supervisor’s role in the process is removed.
• The new system applies to all doctoral students as of 1 September, regardless of when they began their doctoral studies.