Brazilian Researcher, Stangherlin, Awarded the Danish Government Scholarship to Conduct PhD Research in Innovation and Sustainability at Aarhus University, Denmark

My name is Stangherlin. I am Brazilian and currently based in Brazil, working as a corporate sustainability consultant, professor, and researcher. My academic trajectory is rooted in a commitment to understanding how organizations navigate complex sustainability challenges. I completed my PhD in innovation and sustainability at a Brazilian university.

Given the demands of my research and my interest in advancing my methodological and theoretical grounding, I chose to spend two years in Denmark. I was hosted by Aarhus University, in the Department of Management, one of Europe’s leading centers in sustainability and organization studies. This decision was motivated by the university’s strong international research networks and its reputation for excellence in circular economy studies.

During this period, I deepened my research in the field of circular economy, working closely with internationally recognized scholars. This proximity to interdisciplinary teams not only strengthened my theoretical foundation but also redefined my professional pathway. I published three peer-reviewed articles, contributed a book chapter, participated in writing retreats designed to sharpen academic production, and engaged actively with diverse groups of students and researchers. This immersion in a highly collaborative academic environment significantly expanded both my intellectual and professional horizons.

Danish Government Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Danish Government Scholarships under the Cultural Agreements (2019–2020). This scholarship is designed to foster academic exchange and strengthen cooperation between Denmark and partner countries. It covered full tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students at Danish higher-education institutions.

In addition to tuition exemption, the scholarship provided a monthly stipend of DKK 6,500 over a period of twelve months to support living expenses during my stay at Aarhus University. This financial structure enabled me to dedicate myself fully to research activities, academic writing, and integration into the academic community without the additional burden of funding concerns.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also selected for the CAPES–PRINT Scholarship, offered by a major Brazilian federal agency that supports international mobility and collaborative research. The scholarship covered a six-month period and is aimed at strengthening internationalization strategies within graduate programs. Although this scholarship overlapped in time with my Danish Government Scholarship, it played an important role in reinforcing institutional partnerships and fostering international collaboration between Brazil and Denmark.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Innovation and Sustainability. These academic experiences provided a solid foundation in organizational theory, innovation management, and sustainability transitions. Throughout my academic journey, I consistently sought to connect conceptual frameworks with real-world organizational challenges.

My previous training equipped me with methodological rigor, familiarity with scientific writing, and a clear understanding of how sustainability demands interdisciplinary approaches. This background was essential for positioning myself competitively in the scholarship process and for demonstrating my capacity to contribute meaningfully to research groups abroad.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Aarhus University?

All information about the scholarship was publicly available on the Danish Government’s official website. The process was transparent and direct, and communication with the institutions was efficient. The annual publication of the call for applications, combined with the fact that several colleagues in Brazil had previously applied, made it easier to understand the requirements and expectations. This combination of official guidance and peer knowledge created a reliable foundation for navigating the application process.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes. The application required proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL ITP exam. My preparation involved reviewing academic vocabulary, practicing reading comprehension, and completing sample tests to familiarize myself with the format, which helped ensure a strong performance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Danish Government Scholarship?

The application required meticulous organization. The scholarship demanded a large set of documents, which meant planning ahead, verifying translations, and ensuring that everything met the official authentication standards required by the Danish authorities. My submission included:

1. Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Statement of Interest articulating my research objectives and expected contributions
4. Detailed Programme for the Study Period in Denmark outlining methodologies, expected outputs, and academic engagements
5. Certified and translated copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas
6. Certified and translated transcripts from Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD coursework
7. Proof of Current Enrollment, confirming my status as a doctoral student
8. English Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL ITP) with original documentation and translated copies
9. Letter of Invitation from the host institution at Aarhus University
10. Two recommendation letters from professors familiar with my academic work

Preparing these materials required significant coordination between institutions in Brazil and Denmark, as well as careful articulation of my research vision to ensure clarity and academic coherence.

How Was Your Experience at Aarhus University?

My experience at Aarhus University was transformative. The institution offered an academic environment marked by intellectual openness, methodological diversity, and strong support for international collaboration. My time there reshaped how I understand research design, empirical fieldwork, and theoretical development. I gained exposure to research cultures that value both depth and interdisciplinarity.

Living in Denmark, one of the world’s leaders in sustainability, also expanded my understanding of the social, political, and cultural dimensions of sustainable development. This immersion influenced not only my research agenda but also my professional practice. I refined my approach to sustainability consulting, broadened my analytical frameworks, and developed a more systemic understanding of how organizations transition toward regenerative futures.

How Do You Rate Aarhus University Academically and Why?

I strongly recommend Aarhus University for its academic excellence and its commitment to supporting international scholars. The university fosters a highly collaborative environment, where researchers at all career stages are encouraged to participate in seminars, research groups, and interdisciplinary initiatives.

I was fully integrated into the department’s activities, treated as a member of the academic community rather than a temporary visitor. This inclusive culture enabled meaningful collaborations, including co-authorships with Danish faculty members who are leading voices in circular economy and sustainability research. The institution’s emphasis on quality, dialogue, and scientific rigor contributed decisively to my development as a scholar.

How Does Aarhus University Support International Students?

Aarhus University, as well as Denmark more broadly, places strong emphasis on making international students feel welcomed and supported. The university offers orientation programs, cultural integration activities, and administrative assistance for essential processes such as housing, visas, and health insurance. These initiatives create a stable environment for academic immersion and everyday life, helping students adapt smoothly to Danish society.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English?

Yes. All academic activities related to my research period were conducted in English, including seminars, meetings, conferences, and collaborative projects.

Would Students Face Difficulties Not Knowing Danish?

No. I did not speak Danish at the time, and this was never an obstacle. English is widely spoken across university settings and in daily interactions throughout the country. Denmark’s high level of English fluency makes it fully accessible to international scholars.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

A significant factor was the pre-existing relationship between my research group in Brazil and Aarhus University. This institutional connection facilitated communication, signaled alignment between research agendas, and strengthened the credibility of my application. My supervisor in Brazil had previously worked at Aarhus, which created a natural academic bridge and likely contributed to a smoother approval process.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

Looking back, I would have explored opportunities to remain in Denmark after the scholarship ended. Extending my stay could have consolidated partnerships even further and allowed for additional collaborative research outputs.

What Advice Would You Give to Those Applying for a Similar Scholarship?

Apply. It is a genuinely transformative experience, both academically and personally. My suggestion is to seek institutions where there is already some degree of academic connection or correspondence, as this can strengthen your application and facilitate communication. Most importantly, approach the process with openness. International research experiences broaden perspectives, deepen methodological skills, and expand professional horizons in ways that are difficult to anticipate but invaluable in the long term.