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At Maastricht University, a PhD degree is not just a study but a serious research project that adds new knowledge to a given field. There are three ways to become a PhD candidate at UM, which are outlined below. As a PhD candidate, you’ll spend most of your time conducting original research and writing a dissertation. You might also follow courses relevant to your research or have teaching responsibilities as well. Most candidates take four years to complete their dissertation and earn their degree. Requirements for our PhD programmes vary, but you will at least need a master’s degree, a high level of English proficiency and a strong academic record.

There are three ways to obtain a PhD at Maastricht University:

Apply for a paid phd position.

As a paid PhD candidate, you’ll be an employee of the university and will conduct research in conjunction with a faculty, research school or institute. You can search for a PhD vacancy on Academic Transfer or contact a faculty directly.   Paid PhD positions

Note: FHML/MUMC+ discerns 4 types of PhDs.

Enrol in a PhD training programme

Several of our graduate schools and research institutes offer PhD training programmes. In these programmes, you will follow a number of courses as well as write a dissertation. We have both full-time and part-time programmes.

  PhD training programmes

Obtain external funding & pitch your idea

Do you have a specific research proposal that does not match one of our vacancies? Then you can also obtain external funding and pitch your idea to one of our faculties, graduate schools or research institutes.

  Externally funded PhDs

Why Maastricht University?

The Netherlands ranks second worldwide in the number of publications per researcher and third worldwide in the impact of research publications, according to the Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education (NUFFIC). At Maastricht University, PhD candidates are respected as full-fledged members of our research community. You'll be treated as a peer and will be given all the support you need for your research. There is a high level of interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cooperation at UM, and PhDs often complete their dissertation alongside their career. Such a commitment requires hard work and fortitude. And it especially requires the capacity to innovate, to come up with new ideas and new ways of seeing and applying knowledge.

International environment

Maastricht University was the first university in the Netherlands to strive for internationalisation. Almost half of our students and 40% of our academic staff come from abroad. Each faculty, school and institute has extensive international partnership networks and the university encourages international research collaborations. Students and researchers have many opportunities to study and work abroad, and our graduates are eagerly sought in the international labour market and research community.

Active PhD community

At Maastricht University, we have a vibrant PhD community. There are many ways to connect with your peers on a social and professional level:

• PhD Academy Maastricht
• Young Researchers Academy
• Central PhD Candidates Platform
• PhD candidates Network (PNN)
• Meet & Greet Maastricht
• Representative participation for UM
• ProVUM Maastricht
• European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc)

Current PhD candidates

In the overview for current PhDs, you can find more information on:

• additional courses
• professional development opportunities
• practical matters
• Scholarships

  Overview for current PhDs

Research master's

Have you finished your bachelor’s and would like to pursue a PhD? Then you should consider one of our research master’s programmes, which specifically prepare you to be successful as a doctoral candidate. In some of these programmes, more than 90% of the students go on to become PhD candidates. You can find the research master's programmes in our master's overview.

Master's programmes

Defending your thesis

A PhD Defence ceremony is a formal occasion with strict protocols governing each person’s role, responsibility, and even the language used. It all works a bit like a trial, hence the term ‘PhD defence’. If you are a PhD candidate at the end of your trajectory you need to formally request permission for a public defense ceremony soon. In this website you find information on practical matters you need to arrange before and during your doctoral research and explains how to go about your your PhD defense.

  More information

One step closer to an anti-stress pill

Why are some people more sensitive to stress than others? Dennis Hernaus was hired as a PhD candidate to study the relationship between stress and dopamine levels of patients using PET scanners. He found that low dopamine levels are associated with increased sensitivity to stress and vice versa.  

Wrestling with medical-ethical dilemmas during WWII

Is it okay for a doctor to make someone ill or appear ill if it saves them from being boarded on a train and sent to a death camp? Hannah van den Ende studied the experiences of 534 Dutch-Jewish doctors who wrestled with this type of ethical dilemma during WWII.  

Studying HIV-related stigma in virtual reality

Stigmatising behaviour is often unconscious. People don't usually realise that they treat HIV patients differently. But the consequences are real. Henna Toppenberg and her PhD supervisor Rob Ruiter are using virtual reality to gain more insight into this behaviour so they can help bring about change.  

A Beginner's Guide to Dutch Academia

Detailed information on Dutch research and higher education can be found in  A Beginner's Guide to Dutch Academia. 

Hortense Jongen winner of The 2018 Dissertation Prize

The 2018 Dissertation Prize, this year awarded for the best doctoral dissertation from the inner city faculties, went to Hortense Jongen from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Her thesis is entitled: ‘Combating corruption the soft way: The authority of peer reviews in the global fight against graft.’

Your PhD programme

We know you have a passion for research and science (that’s why you are reading this page). Joining a PhD programme at TU Delft might be the right choice for you. As a PhD candidate, you have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of research areas, spread across eight faculties. During the four years of the PhD programme you will be conducting research, developing new knowledge and writing your dissertation. An inspiring environment and challenging programme that will help you become an independent researcher and a skilled professional. Academic excellence starts in Delft.

TU Delft is a prestigious university

At TU Delft you will be working at a top university in an international environment, surrounded by talented people with a passion for science, design and technology. During your PhD programme at TU Delft you will delve into a research field that fascinates you, under supervision of a professor leading in this field. One thing is for sure: in Delft you will be optimising your expertise and talent, allowing you to contribute to solving (future) challenges in our society. Explore our faculties and disciplines .

5 reasons to choose a PhD programme at TU Delft

• Advanced laboratory and experimental facilities that are unique in the Netherlands, and are used to conduct advanced research for the scientific field, and for business and industry
• International acclaimed supervisors to coach and guide you with your training and research activities
• Small group-based training and peer interaction (leading to a flourishing academic community and furthering peer learning)
• Customised Doctoral Education programme to cater to your individual learning needs
• Support to realise your personal and professional ambitions

Is a PhD track the right choice for you?

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you…

• Have an above-average interest in science, engineering and design
• Want to explore a scientific area in-depth and contribute to the scientific field
• Get excited about the possibility of contributing to solving societal issues by means of your research project
• Possess strong analytical skills and look forward to the possibility of conducting research independently
• Are a problem solver and a critical and innovative thinker
• Need to have a university master’s degree in a relevant field

By the numbers*

2.999 phd candidates, 431 phd defences, 31% female, 69% male, 69% from abroad, phd experience at tu delft: 7.9, * tu delft facts and figures 2021 and phd alumni survey 2021.

Engineering Doctorate: a practice-based alternative to a PhD Do you want a more design-oriented approach? Check out our EngD positions (Engineering Doctorate). This two-year design-traineeship offers you an application-focused alternative to a PhD position, and provides you with a solid basis for an accelerated start of your industrial career.

In six steps towards your PhD

In general, a PhD programme at TU Delft will take four years. In order to guarantee the quality of the PhD process, TU Delft has implemented a tailor-made PhD Development Cycle that covers the different stages in your PhD research. This cycle starts on the first day of your PhD and consists of six steps leading to your doctoral defence ceremony. Check out our infographic to learn more about your steps.

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PhD at TU/e

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Do you have a master's degree, and do you aspire to a career in scientific research? Then consider a PhD position at TU/e. For four years, you will conduct (paid) in-depth research within a specific field of research. At a top international university known for its strong ties with industry, right in the middle of Brainport (the smartest region in the world).

What does a PhD at TU/e entail?

In four years, you will become an excellent, independent researcher. A professor will assist you in conducting in-depth, groundbreaking research in the field of your choice. You will work together with other research groups, industrial partners, and research institutions, depending on the subject of your research. After successfully defending your dissertation, you will be awarded the PhD title.

A PhD program offers you a great deal of freedom to conduct research into socially relevant topics. You can develop your ideas in an environment with state-of-the-art research facilities. 

• Explore our research groups

Why become a PhD candidate at TU/e?

If you choose to pursue a PhD at TU/e, you will be given the space and support to excel in your field. In addition, our small-scale and personal approach makes it easy to communicate and collaborate with other departments and research groups. Also, PhD candidates are valued employees at our university. Most have an employment contract and therefore receive a salary during their training.

Meet some of our PhD candidates

Open culture.

The Netherlands has an open, friendly culture and a population that speaks English well. At TU/e you will find students from more than 80 different countries, who come together in one of the many communities. We embrace diversity and inclusion, as it adds to our success and pleasure in education and research. TU/e is a university where students and lecturers know each other on a first-name basis and work together on innovative projects with real-life significance.   

State-of-the-art research facilities

To conduct groundbreaking research, to attract outstanding scientific talent, and to train new generations of engineers, we have ultramodern research labs and facilities at our disposal. Some of our labs are unique in the Netherlands, or even in the world.

PROOF program

As a PhD candidate, you will plunge into an intensive learning experience over a period of four (or five) years. Learning takes place all the time, both consciously and subconsciously: on the job, when interacting with others, while (informally) researching, and during courses and workshops. To support and facilitate the development of your competences, TU/e offers a dedicated training program for PhD candidates.

Is a PhD track right for me?

To successfully pursue a PhD, you must be able to work and write independently. In addition, you have an above-average interest in technology, are a go-getter, and can think analytically. Of course, you enjoy doing research and finding out the underlying cause of things. Finally, you need to have a suitable prior education. 

• More information about requirements

Or an EngD (Engineering Doctorate)?

Do you want to continue your education, but not spend four years doing in-depth research? In that case an EngD program might be something for you: a two-year, paid, full-time program to become a technological designer. You will expand your technological knowledge, gain practical experience with the latest methods, and work on your professional skills. The main difference between an EngD program and a PhD track is its focus. A PhD is aimed at establishing yourself as an independent researcher. On the other hand, an EngD prepares you for a high-level position in industry. 

• More information about EngD

CHAT WITH OUR STUDENTS

They are happy to answer your questions and share their experiences!

Events and information for PhD's

Watch the program video where a PhD candidate and an EngD trainee will tell you more about their experiences at TU/e. Ask your question(s) directly to one of our PhD students. Or visit our Graduate School Event on campus!

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Program videos

Want to know more about our bachelors, masters, EngD or PhD programs? Watch one of our program videos presented by our staff and students.

Master's Open Day

Visit the TU/e during the open day of our Graduate School

Fact & Figures PhD candidates

1650 phd candidates.

About 1650 people are working as a PhD candidate at TU/e.

PhD Defenses

Every year about 225 PhD’s defenses take place.

Male Female Ratio

About 33% of the PhD candidates are women, 67% are men.

International environment

About 60% of our PhD candidates have an international background. The other 40% have Dutch nationality. English is our working language.

Average duration

On average, the duration of the PhD trajectory at TU/e is one of the shortest in the Netherlands.

Satisfaction

PhD candidates assess their PhD trajectory on average with a 7.5 (on a scale of 1-10).

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PhD admission

If you wish to obtain a PhD at Leiden University, you first have to be admitted to one of the Graduate Schools. This means that you have to meet specific requirements, including a prior education requirement.

The admission procedures for the Graduate Schools are given on the various websites . Although each Graduate School has its own admission procedure, you must in any case:

• have been awarded a master’s degree or an equivalent master’s degree from another institution, or who have passed the ‘old style’ doctoral (doctoraal) examination of a government-funded or appointed Dutch university.
• give the name of a professor (or associate  professor with ius promovendi*) at Leiden University who is willing to be your supervisor. 
• have a second supervisor. This can be either another professor (supervisor) or a co-supervisor with a PhD, in either the same or a different faculty. If you have not already found a second supervisor, the dean will appoint a co-supervisor, to ensure that you are supervised by at least two individuals.

PhD regulations

The admission requirements are specified in the PhD regulations, together with options if you do not meet all the requirements.

Non-Dutch degree

If you have a degree from a non-Dutch university, your certificate will first have to be verified. After this, the dean will decide whether you can be admitted to the PhD track.

*Ius promovendi

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PhD programmes

A PhD track consists of original scientific research under the supervision of a professor, which takes on average 4 years.

Every year, around 400 PhD candidates defend their dissertation at Leiden University, spread across all the University’s different disciplines.

A PhD track consists of original scientific research under the supervision of a professor, which takes on average 4 years. Many PhD candidates are employed by the University, but a number are subsidised by a grant that they have acquired themselves. The University also has a large number of external PhD candidates, who generally work part-time on their research. 

Every PhD candidate is enrolled in one of the University Graduate Schools.

Read more about Studying for your PhD .

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Phd in the netherlands for international students.

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Pursuing a PhD in the Netherlands is an attractive prospect for many international students. The Netherlands is known for its progressive higher education system, with top universities, research institutes and industry partners. With a diverse range of research opportunities, excellent facilities and an open and welcoming environment, international students can benefit from a unique and rewarding experience. 

The Netherlands also offers financial support for PhD students, making it an attractive destination for those looking to further their studies. With an excellent quality of life and a vibrant cultural atmosphere, the Netherlands is the perfect place to take the next step in your academic journey.

Table of Contents

Is it worth doing a PhD in the Netherlands?

In the field of education, the Netherlands has an impressive reputation. And numerous benefits make it the ultimate destination for students seeking an international PhD experience. 

Some of the reasons to study in Holland include: 

• Outstanding graduate schools 
• Wide range of research programs 
• Excellent research facilities and world-class universities with 10 of the top Dutch universities being in the top 200 international ranking.
• Most PhD candidates get a paid contract as university employees.
• Top ranked worldwide when it comes to the number of publication per researcher (2nd) and the impact of research publication (4th)

And there is the accreditation. Usually, it’s up to the university to grant the degree and ensure the quality and content of each student’s doctoral training. However, when it comes to the quality of the PhD process, the Netherlands and Flemish Accreditation Organization ( NVAO ) is in charge of ensuring you earn a worthy degree.  

Structure of a PhD in the Netherlands

The Netherlands being part of the European Higher Education Area, a PhD program in the country accounts for a third-cycle qualification. The doctoral research then focuses on a specific topic and ends up with a thesis that presents the student’s results and conclusions. 

Moreover, like in any research work, students will work closely with a supervisor to oversee their doctorate and approve their thesis for submission. Supervision involves progress check, review points among other things. Students also can have a co-supervisor if needed. 

Is a PhD in the Netherlands paid?  

The answer is yes. Most doctorate candidates in the Netherlands have the status of professional researchers. In other words, they get a salary during their doctorate and in return they’ll have various tasks as researchers and to contribute to the university’s academic work and operation, such as teaching, and some administrative responsibilities. 

Students can find most PhD positions listed on job boards, on universities’ notice boards, or in scientific journals. 

How long does it take to do a PhD in the Netherlands?

Doing a PhD in the Netherlands requires you spend a minimum of 4 years to conduct research and write your dissertation. This is due to the employee status of the doctorate candidate, which require them to ensure other bonus tasks along with their research work. 

In the case the doctoral candidate is not associated to a university, like for an external candidate, it will take longer to complete the PhD degree. 

Dutch PhD defense ceremony

To defend your PhD thesis the Dutch way, there is a protocol you need to follow to the letter. As a matter of fact, the PhD defense in the Netherlands is not an examination but rather a ceremony. It serves the same purpose as a viva voce examination but with a more formal process in front of a traditionally dressed committee!

During this unique ceremony, the student also wears a full academic dress and uses formal titles. Moreover, the protocol stipulates what happens at each step, what the student should say at the beginning and how they should address their opponents. An officer of the university, a beadle, opens and closes the ceremony using a ceremonial staff. 

The doctoral committee consists of at least 3 academics. They are there to assess the student’s thesis and determine if it’s worthy of a doctorate. It may include a professor – a ‘most learned opponent’, or a post-doctorate academic, a ‘learned opponent’. Other invited individuals can also ask questions to the student. 

Another distinctive traits of the thesis defense in the Netherlands is the fact that students can have 2 supporters to accompany them. They served in the old days as “bodyguards” in case things got heated. Nowadays, they are more of a moral support and a practical assistance.

Lastly, PhD candidates need to publish their thesis as a book before the defense ceremony takes place. 

How to apply for a PhD position in the Netherlands?

PhD’s candidates in the Netherlands are part of the academic staff of a research school or a graduate school. Research schools consists of partnerships between several research universities and institutes. Graduate schools on the other hands are organizations within universities. However, only research universities and in some cases research institutes can award PhD degrees. 

Application can be done 2 ways: either you apply for an advertised PhD program or you submit your own research proposal. If you see a PhD position that interests you, contact the university directly to inquire about the application procedure. 

In the case you have a specific proposal but can’t find a vacancy that matches your intended project, the process is to pitch your idea to universities or research groups who work in the relevant field and able to provide the funding you need. 

Admission requirements 

The criteria for admission to doctoral positions are rigorous. And prospective candidates must have a strong background in theory and practices in their field. They also must have a master’s degree in a relevant subject area. International students must ensure their master is recognized in the Netherlands. 

To check a degree equivalency, you can go either on the website of the Dutch Organization for Internationalization in Education (Nuffic) or check with your choice university. Furthermore, since most international candidates choose to write their thesis in English, they need also need to provide a proof of a good command of the English language. (TOEFL or IELTS scores in most cases). 

Additional entry requirements vary depending on the research subject and the university. 

Check also our guide on how to apply to universities in the Netherlands .

How much does a PhD cost in Netherlands?

Since PhD students are university employees who receive a salary, many Dutch doctoral programs apply no tuition fees. At least not in the literal sense. However, some universities may charge statutory fees for the enrollment, supervision, examination, administration or access to the research facilities of the institution. 

Each university is free to decide how much fees they charge. Usually, this varies depending on the institution, the discipline of study, the cost of lab equipment etc.

Netherlands PhD funding

In the Netherlands, there are 3 ways to fund your doctoral studies: 

• Through an employment contract with your research university or institute
• With a fellowship or grant 
• With a sponsorship from an employer

The first option is the most common. Moreover, around 17% of PhD candidates get a funding from a fellowship or grant from abroad. These organizations offering grants can be found on the website of Euraxess . The last option is to study for your PhD part-time while working. In this case, your employer provides the necessary funding for your doctorate. 

Read also our guide on the scholarships in the Netherlands .

Netherlands PhD visa

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not require any visa for a PhD study in Holland. Non-EU/EEA citizens on the other hand need to arrange for a long-stay entry visa. Usually, your host university should offer you assistance for your application. If this is not the case, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the university’s international office or HR department. You’ll be able to collect your entry visa at a Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country.

Moreover, they also need to apply for a residence permit for study purpose from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). And lastly, upon your arrival in the Netherlands, you absolutely need to register with the local council of residence. This serves as a registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP) in order to get a Citizen Service Number (BSN). 

Get more details in our article on the student visa in the Netherlands .

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On commencement of your doctoral programme you must submit a request for admission to the doctoral programme . A check will be made to determine whether you meet the legal educational requirement. In other words, you must have a Dutch Master's degree (or an old-style initial university degree). Do you have a different Dutch qualification or a foreign qualification? If so, before applying for admission to the doctoral programme, you must apply for an exemption from the educational requirement . Since this request for exemption may result in a rejection, you must submit this request as soon as you start your doctoral programme.

Once you have submitted your request for admission to the doctoral programme, your supervisors (principal supervisor and co-supervisor) will be chosen. You must have a minimum of two supervisors: two principal supervisors or one principal supervisor and one co-supervisor. It will also be decided which faculty your doctorate will come under.

N.B. Please note, you will need the latest version of Adobe Reader (Adobe XI) to fill in the forms. 

Specific admission requirements

Besides the UvA-wide requirements (Doctorate Regulations) and the legal requirements (qualifications), there may also be additional specific requirements for admission to a doctoral programme. The contact person for the relevant Graduate School or research institute will be able to advise you further on this.

Joint doctorate

What does a joint doctorate entail.

It is possible to obtain a joint doctorate from the UvA. Under a joint doctorate, you obtain your degree from two or more universities simultaneously. 

Your doctoral research is carried out under the joint responsibility of the partner universities and your doctoral thesis is prepared and assessed jointly by the partner universities, leading to a joint doctorate. These arrangements are set out in an agreement between the universities concerned (partnership agreement or equivalent document) which must be approved by the Doctorate Board.

How do I arrange a joint doctorate?

Joint doctorates can only be initiated with the explicit consent andsupport of of the faculty in question. Please contact your faculty or research institute as soon as possible. You cannot request a joint doctorate by yourself.

Like the exemption from the legal educational requirement (where necessary) and the admission to the doctoral programme, the joint doctorate must be agreed at the start of the doctoral programme. A period of grace of a maximum of one year will apply. The dean must submit a formal request for a joint doctorate to the Doctorate Board within a year of commencement of the doctoral research. If this is not or no longer possible, the option of pursuing a joint doctorate with the University of Amsterdam as a partner will no longer be available. The partnership agreement must be signed by all parties involved within a year of the Dean's request.

More information

More information can be found in the 2020 Doctorate Regulations and the  Joint Doctorates Operational Regulations . If you have any questions, please contact your faculty or research institute or the secretariat of the Doctorate Board.

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PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam

Existing for over more than a century, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) has developed into an inspiring place where talented researchers from the Netherlands and abroad have the opportunity to obtain a PhD degree. Read how you can become a PhD candidate at Erasmus University Rotterdam and what this trajectory can look like.

A PhD degree is a necessity for researchers in academia and the first step in academic research. Also, society at large profits from PhD candidates taking up positions in companies, non-profit organisations and governmental institutions. 

The PhD candidates who start their PhD research at EUR are diverse, in terms of their age, background, gender, nationality and in the way their research is financed.

What you do as a PhD candidate

As a PhD candidate, you work on a research project under the supervision of a professor, which results in a dissertation or a series of articles in scientific journals. In addition, PhD candidates follow courses at the graduate schools or institutes of Erasmus University Rotterdam. They often teach bachelor or master students. Teaching requirements vary depending on a research school and the type of your PhD trajectory.

A PhD degree at EUR can be obtained in various ways

Apply for a paid phd position, enrol in a structured phd programme, obtain an external funding & pitch your idea, what your trajectory may look like.

• You develop a Training and Supervision Plan (TSP)
• You formalize the research proposal of your PhD thesis
• You register yourself in Hora Finita

• You revise the research proposal
• You collect data
• You might submit articles for publication

Year 3 and 4

• You analyse your data
• You write, write, write...
• You finalise the PhD thesis
• You might revise and submit articles for publication
• You might contemplate your next step after the PhD

The final stage

• You finalize your PhD Dissertation
• The supervisors review your work and the PhD committee assesses your work
• You defend your PhD dissertation

Why Erasmus University Rotterdam?

Erasmus University Rotterdam has an excellent academic reputation and maintains a high position in international rankings. 

PhD in the Spotlight: Emma van Gelder

Our PhD community

There are many ways to connect with fellow PhD candidates and researchers of our university. 

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PhD in Netherlands – Your Complete Guide

The Netherlands is one of the prestigious destinations for all international students for higher education. It has some of the well-known and top-ranked universities in Europe. It is a country that has developed rich traditions of artistic, cultural, and scientific achievement. The country’s multicultural and multilingual population also means that most of its doctoral programmes are taught in English.Like in the UK, PhD in Netherlands is carried out on a specific topic and documented in a thesis that presents the student’s results and conclusions. In most countries, a doctoral candidate is considered a student who studies and does research. But in the Netherlands, PhD candidates are traditionally researchers employed by a university to complete a dissertation or thesis. Since these jobs allow you to complete your PhD degree while earning a salary and without paying tuition fees, they are highly competitive. Once you are hired, your research will be conducted on the topic specified in the vacancy and in conjunction with a faculty, research institute or research school. Most candidates complete their PhD within four years. So, this means you have social security, build up retirement funds, pay taxes, and are expected to perform like an employee, fulfilling certain functioning criteria.

All PhD candidates are part of a graduate school or research school. Research schools are partnerships between multiple research universities and research institutes, while graduate schools are organised within universities. Both provide an inspiring research environment, offering tailor-made study programmes, master classes, seminars and conferences.

PhD Supervision in Netherlands

PhD students have a supervisor, who is an expert academic university professor, responsible for overseeing your research and thesis writing. They will also need to approve your final thesis for submission.

Depending on the specific structure and requirements of your doctoral programme, this supervision may involve regular progress checks and formal review points. You may also have a co-supervisor.

Length of PhD in Netherlands

PhD in Netherlands generally lasts for a minimum of four years. This is partly due to the employment status as a doctoral researcher and the additional teaching and administrative responsibilities that this entails.

Doctoral researchers that are not formally associated with a university (i.e., external doctoral candidates) may take longer to complete their studies.

Cost of PhD in Netherlands

Most PhD students in the Netherlands are considered  university employees  and therefore receive a salary to fund their research. Therefore, there are  no traditional tuition fees  for doctoral candidates or doctoral fellows.  However, there are other types of doctoral candidates that may not be considered university employees. These are:

• contract doctoral research associates  have their research sponsored by an external source such as a scholarship or external employer
• external doctoral candidates  are self-funded and work on their PhD research in their free time

Scholarships/ Funding for PhD in Netherlands

In Netherlands, there are generally 3 ways to fund PhD studies:

• employed by the PhD-awarding institution;
• with a fellowship or grant awarded by a supporting body;
• with sponsorship from the employer.

Employed by an institution The majority of PhD candidates in the Netherlands have an employment contract with the institution where they will be conducting their research.

Fellowship or grant About one-sixth of PhD candidates in the Netherlands find funding in the form of a fellowship or grant, and many of these come from abroad. Once you have found a fellowship or grant, you will need to find a supervisor at a research institution willing to support you. Organisations offering fellowships and grants can be found on the EURAXESS website and at our Finances overview.

Sponsored by your employer It is sometimes possible to study for a PhD part-time while working. If you and your employer are interested in this option, you should contact the institution of your choice for more information.

Application Process for PhD in Netherlands

Admission for a Ph.D. programme in Netherlands involves various steps which are discussed below:

• Finding a supervisor: the PhD programme involves one-on-one interaction with the supervisor and the college or university may not assign a faculty for your guidance. You should make sure that you find a guide in your area of study from the college/ university that you want to apply for.
• Once the supervisor agrees to act as your guide and to support your application for the School’s Ph.D. programme, you will be required to submit an official application to the university.
• You will be asked to provide your contact details, curriculum vitae and supporting documents including the research proposal, personal statement, transcript and references.
• Prepare a Research Proposal : This holds the key in the application process for the Ph.D. programme. Normally a proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words. The proposal should explain your area of study, the aim of your research and your hypothesis.
• Personal statement:  The most important challenge is to put down in words the reason for pursuing the particular programme, what attracts you to the subject area and how your studies or work experience has influenced you to take up PhD studies. It is a very important document and holds a lot of value in eyes of the admission committee.
• References : All programmes will ask for referees who can provide details about your academic abilities and motivation. In some cases, there will be specific referee forms available on the school site. And in other cases, a referee may be asked to provide a letter of reference in his/her own words.

Post-Study Work Visa in Netherlands

Graduates of higher education or university studies (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees) can apply for a  Dutch orientation year visa  within three years of graduating. This gives you one year to look for employment, during which time you can work without any restrictions or the need for an employer to hold a work permit for you.

Family visa norms in Netherlands

This depends on the conditions of the residence permit held by your partner in the Netherlands. The back of your own residence permit will tell you if you are allowed to work in the Netherlands, and if so, under what conditions.

Broadly speaking (but not always – see below), as a non-EEA spouse/partner of a person based in the Netherlands, you will be given the same rights to work as your partner.

If your partner is a Dutch citizen, whether, by birth or acquisition, the back of your residence permit should state the words ‘ arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist ’, which means “work freely allowed. TWV not required”. TWV stands for ‘ tewerkstellingsvergunning’,   which means work permit.

If your partner in the Netherlands is not a Dutch citizen, but they have a residence permit, the Dutch immigration service will give you the same work rights as your partner.

If your partner in the Netherlands requires a TWV to work, then you will also need a TWV to seek employment.

If your partner in the Netherlands is not permitted to work, then you will also not be able to work.

Can I work in Netherlands part-time during my studies?

Most PhD students in the Netherlands are employed by their universities, and therefore there may not be much scope for additional work. Nonetheless, in some cases, you may wish to undertake additional employment.

EU / EEA / Swiss students are free to work alongside PhD studies without restrictions. Other international students will require a work permit from the UWV (which is generally applied by the employer and not the student) and are permitted to work a maximum of 16 hours per week and full-time during the summer.

How can “Road to Abroad” help you?

We provide the best PhD Assistance across the globe. We provide the right guidance and support needed to complete the tedious and time-consuming PhD admission process. Our flawless track record and very high success rate have fulfilled the dreams of many students who aspire to gain a doctoral degree. We will help you secure a fully-funded PhD position and help you in all the steps from application to immigration. For more information, visit our PhD Consultation Page .

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Evaluation of a foreign qualification for study in the Netherlands

If you have a foreign certificate or diploma and want to study in the Netherlands, you need to have your qualification evaluated. Credential evaluation shows what Dutch qualification your diploma or certificate is equivalent to.

Why credential evaluation?

Credential evaluation shows whether:

• your foreign qualification meets the admission requirements of the study programme you want
• you are eligible to apply for the study programme

Schools and universities can use credential evaluation to decide whether:

• to admit you to the study programme
• to give you exemption from certain parts of the programme

Do I need credential evaluation?

Check the Nuffic overview of qualifications from over 95 countries and the Dutch equivalent to them .

• If your foreign qualification is not equivalent to the Dutch one required for admission to the study programme, you need to get your diploma or certificate evaluated.
• Even if your foreign qualification is equivalent to the Dutch one required for admission to the study programme, you will not be admitted automatically. The school or university may still ask for credential evaluation and may check if your diploma or certificate is genuine.

Applying for credential evaluation for admission to a programme of study

Through the educational institution of your choice.

Contact the regional training centre (ROC), institution of higher professional education (hogeschool) or the university offering the study programme you want. If they apply for evaluation of your diploma, it does not cost you anything.

On your own initiative

If the educational institution does not apply for evaluation of your diploma, or if you prefer to make the arrangements yourself, you can apply through IDW.nl , the information centre for international credential evaluation. In that case, you have to pay a fee.

Go to IDW.nl to find out more about:

• which documents you need for credential evaluation
• how much it costs and how to pay

A diploma can only be evaluated if you obtained it:

• in mainstream education at an institution that is accredited and recognised by the government of that country;
• after completing more than 1,000 hours (one school year) of education and/or training.

If your diploma is not in Dutch, English, German or French, you need to get it translated by a sworn translator. The Register of Sworn Interpreters and Translators (information in Dutch) has a list of all the sworn translators in the Netherlands.

How long will it take?

After the IDW has received all your documents and you have paid the fee (if applicable), the process can begin. A regular credential evaluation takes up to 4 months.

Lost your credential evaluation?

Have you already received a credential evaluation, but have you lost it? Choose your situation to see what you can do.

I received my credential evaluation less than 3 years ago

Did you receive your credential evaluation digitally less than 3 years ago? Download the credential evaluation via your Mijn IDW account . A digital credential evaluation remains available for download for 3 years.

I received my credential evaluation more than 3 years ago

Your credential evaluation is no longer available. Submit a new application for a credential evaluation.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Also useful

• Evaluation of a foreign qualification for work in the Netherlands
• Evaluation of foreign qualifications for civic integration in the Netherlands
• Applying for a Dutch academic title

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in the Netherlands

Salaries at Dutch universities are set at the national level and listed in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). An academic’s place on the salary scale   is determined by their position, qualifications, and experience. The salaries listed in this article are pre-tax. Dutch salaries are supplemented by an 8% holiday allowance (paid in May or June) and an 8.3% end-of-year allowance (paid in December). Income tax is high—either 36.5% or 52%—however foreign academics are often eligible for the 30% scheme which allows them to receive the first 30% of their salary tax-free.

Promovendus

A PhD student in the Netherlands is called a promovendus . A Dutch PhD usually takes four years to complete. As PhD candidates are seen as employees rather than students and usually hold the position of Assistant-in-Opleiding (AiO) or Onderzoeker-in-Opleiding (OiO).

A PhD student earns €2,448 to €3,128 per month.

After earning their PhD, many researchers go on to a postdoc often at another university or in another country. A postdoc is a continuation of the researcher’s training that allows them to further specialize in a particular field and learn new skills and techniques. A Dutch postdoc lasts two years.

The salary range for a postdoc is €3,821 to €5,230 per month ( scale 11 ).

Universitair docent

This position is equivalent to the rank of assistant professor and is the first permanent academic position. The initial contract is often for four years at which point the academic is evaluated and their position may become permanent. If the position becomes permanent, it is not uncommon to stay in this position until retirement.

Tenure-track universitair docent positions were initially introduced due to many Dutch academic jobs being temporary and job security being perceived very low. A more experienced candidate with the potential to become a universitair hoofddocent can become a tenure-track universitair docent . After four to six years their performance is evaluated and those who have published and received major grants are promoted to universitair hoofddocent .

The salary scales for a universitair docent ranges from €3,821 to €5,943 per month ( scale 11 and 12 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.

Universitair hoofddocent

A universitair hoofddocent is equivalent in rank to an associate professor. Traditionally to become a universitair hoofddocen t, a universitair docent had to apply for a vacant position. However it is now possible to be promoted to this position based on performance. This is a permanent position and it is not uncommon to remain a universitair hoofddocent until retirement.

The salary scales for a universitair hoofddocent ranges from €5,294 to €7,097 per month ( scale 13 and 14 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.

A hoogleraar is equivalent to a full professor and is at the top of the Dutch professorial hierarchy. They have substantial research accomplishments that have established them as an international or national leader in their field. The position is similar to that of a department chair in that a hoogleraar supervises all the other professors in their department or group. They are also the only ones who can supervise PhD dissertations. Unlike the American tenure system, there is no automatic promotion to hoogleraar . To become one, a universitair hoofddocent has to apply for a vacant position.

The salary scales for a hoogleraar ranges from €5,864 to €10,309 per month ( scale H2 and H1 ) depending on qualifications and experience level.  

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PhD in Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence

Job information, offer description.

The Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (UAI - http://uai.win.tue.nl ) group is research group embedded in the Data and AI (DAI) cluster at the Eindhoven University of Technology ( https://dai.win.tue.nl ). In the UAI group we aim at developing foundations of AI, including robust AI by using imprecise-probabilistic (IP) models. To get an idea of what this means, you may think of replacing one probability model with a set of probability models . In this PhD research, we will work with an uncertainty model called 'choice functions', which is a more expressive and arguably more exciting model, but still less tractable from a computational point of view.

In the UAI group, we develop tools and algorithms for efficient calculations and inference in IP contexts. Our group consists of a unique mix of experts and is therefore very well placed to perform such research. Members of our group, and therefore also you, provide state-of-the-art research in the foundations of robust AI.

As a researcher in our group, you will first familiarise yourself with the topic of imprecise probabilities. We will help you with this, and you may do this by working on some easier, but nonetheless interesting, IP models and networks. After this, we will work on the missing links that will make the theory of choice functions be applicable in general AI tools. Some of these missing links are:

• Studying concepts of independence using choice functions;
• Finding the joint choice function given a Bayesian network with local choice functions;
• Studying assumptions that make efficient inferences possible;
• Designing algorithms for inferences with this joint model (this will involve optimalisation).

As you see, there are many directions we might follow. The opportunities for fundamental research that will lead to applications are ample!

Requirements

The candidate should

• Have a master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field;
• Have excellent analytical skills and interests;
• Have excellent academic writing and presentation skills;
• Be proficient in English, both written and spoken;
• Desire to conduct excellent research and publish in high quality conferences and journals;
• Be an independent thinker, and be self-responsible;
• Have the ability and desire to collaborate and work in teams;
• Have the ability and desire to support teaching and to co-supervise bachelor and master students.
• (Having excellent coding skills (e.g. Python, PyTorch, Tensorflow) is desirable but not required.)

Additional Information

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Arthur Van Camp, assistant professor, [email protected] . Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application In your application, please submit

• A research statement, including research experience and interests, and a short outline of the preferred future research direction (max. 1 page).
• A CV, including education history, relevant courses and theses, research experience (if available), a list of publications (if available), and teaching experience (if available).
• A transcript of records for Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
• An electronic copy of (or a link to) Master thesis.
• An electronic copy of publications (if available; if more than 3, please submit top 3). If no publications are available, please submit some substitute, e.g. presentation slides of a given presentation.
• Contact details of (or recommendation letters from) 2 referees.

The position may be filled early if a suitable candidate is found, so do not wait until near the deadline to apply. Applications are only accepted via the dedicated web system (do not send applications via email). For further information concerning the position, please contact assist. prof. dr. Arthur Van Camp: [email protected]

Work Location(s)

Where to apply.