Doing your PhD at UT

Doing a PhD will probably be the most influential time in your personal development to prepare you for your future career

In the Netherlands, only research universities like the University of Twente offer the third cycle of higher education leading to a PhD. A PhD involves spending four years of in-depth studying and researching in a particular area. You can do this within one of our research groups .

Programme overview

Your tasks as a PhD researcher include research activities, attending training courses and teaching and supervising activities (in principle only for employees). Your research activities will provide you with skills and experience you need to become an independent researcher. Part of your research also involves disseminating the knowledge you acquire, for example, through publications in academic journals.

During the 4-year PhD programme you do at least 30 credits worth of PhD courses or hands-on activities. These cover academic skills and career development, in depth disciplinary and wide-ranging courses. An integral part of a PhD is writing your PhD thesis and then, of course, presenting and defend your research in public. After successfully completing your PhD, you will be awarded the title of Doctor (Dr., equivalent to PhD).

  • TGS brochure
  • Double Badged / Joint PHD Programme RMIT University - UT (2019-2023)
  • Joint PHD Programme Maquire University (MQ) - UT (2018-2028)
  • A beginner's guide to Dutch Academia A guide for foreign researchers who would like to work in the Netherlands.

Interested?

Are you interested in becoming a top notch researcher at the University of Twente? Then please first make sure you meet the admission requirements . If you're sure you fit the bill, then it's time to apply for a PhD position .

If your passion lies more in design than in research make sure to find out more about our EngD programmes .

Pursuing a PhD means spending a minimum of four years conducting original research and writing a dissertation. Throughout this time, PhD candidates work in close collaboration with their supervisor. A PhD is not regarded as study, but as serious research and PhD candidates in the Netherlands are often in paid employment.

Pursuing a PhD in the Netherlands

Admission and funding, why choose the netherlands for your phd.

The Netherlands has:

  • excellent graduate schools;
  • a large variety of research fields and extensive interdisciplinary collaboration;
  • world-class research: ten Dutch research universities are ranked in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022;
  • mostly paid employment contracts for PhD candidates.

Research schools and graduate schools

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.

A Dutch PhD is highly regarded

Once your dissertation is approved for publication, you will attend the public defence of your research and will be awarded the PhD at a ceremony steeped in tradition. A PhD from a Dutch university is highly regarded because of the high academic standards. The Netherlands has an excellent international ranking for the number of publications per researcher (2nd) and for the impact of research publication (4th).

Where are PhDs offered?

In the Netherlands, research is carried out by research universities, research institutes and companies, but only research universities can award PhD degrees. Other research institutes that work in close collaboration with a research university may also offer PhD positions.

Most PhD posts will often be advertised on job boards, such as AcademicTransfer , in scientific journals, or on notice boards at other institutions. If you see a PhD position that interests you, contact the institution directly about the application procedure.

Your own research proposal

If you have a specific research proposal of your own and cannot find a vacancy to match it, you may pitch your idea to universities or research groups that conduct research in the relevant field and are able to provide funding.

Admission criteria for PhD positions are rigorous, and potential candidates must have a solid background in the theory and methods of their field as well as a recognised master’s degree. PhD students from other countries generally choose to write their dissertation in English and will therefore need to demonstrate a good command of English idiom and grammar before the dissertation begins.

Funding your PhD position

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

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

Tuition fees

Some Dutch institutions charge fees for enrolment, supervision and access to laboratories and other facilities. Each research university is free to decide on how much it charges and fees do vary from one discipline to the next, depending on whether expensive equipment is required or not.

The EURAXESS website provides detailed practical information useful for researchers (including PhD candidates) coming to the Netherlands, covering immigration procedures, social security, taxation, healthcare insurance, etc. If you need an entry visa, your prospective institution will advise you on the correct procedure for your particular situation.

phd program netherlands

PhD at TU Delft

TU Delft is the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands: an institution where we perform world-class research by combining science, engineering and design in a socially responsible manner. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth (paid) research in your chosen field. With this degree you will definitely have impact for a better society. Welcome to TU Delft Graduate School!

Directly to:

  • Course enrollment current PhDs
  • Portal for current PhDs

phd program netherlands

PhD programme

phd program netherlands

Career perspectives

phd program netherlands

Campus life

phd program netherlands

PhD programmes at EUR

phd program netherlands

From award winning scientists to PhD students, everyone at Erasmus University Rotterdam is engaged in creating new knowledge. Pursue your career in research by starting a PhD track in our multidisciplinary, international setting with social relevance in mind. Where disciplines meet, knowledge is advanced.

From master to PhD researcher

Each year more than 300 academics complete their PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam. All faculties have their own doctorate programme, which normally amounts to a four-year track during which you perform research on a particular subject under the supervision of a professor.

Completing a PhD programme is a requirement to become a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields. In the course of your PhD you will follow courses and workshops, and attend conferences, all geared towards enhancing your research and networking skills.

  • How our research is organised

Excellent academic reputation

Erasmus University Rotterdam has an excellent academic reputation and maintains a high position in international rankings. According to the QS ranking, the EUR scores the best in the field of Accounting and Finance and Business and Management. The University also ranks high in many different areas. 

  • View position of EUR in rankings

Facilities for PhD students

There is a wide range of training possibilities for employees within Erasmus University Rotterdam. The training courses and programmes are given in the  Training and Development Platform , TOP. In addition to coordinating the range of training courses with other universities, This platform is where all practical, substantive and innovative activities relating to training and development take place. Three courses are specifically offered for PhD employees;  Stress management ,  Lab of life: Work-Life Balance  and The art of change .

Furthermore, EUR also offers PhD candidates guidance and counseling, for example by offering the services of a PhD psychologist.

More about EUR

Incoming international staff.

phd program netherlands

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access

phd program netherlands

Erasmus Sustainability Hub

Four team members from the Erasmus Sustainability Hub pose smiling

Meet our PhD students

Weys qaran – public administration.

Weys Qaran

  • "Contributing to knowledge that might improve the labour market positions of these vulnerable groups is really motivating"

Georgia Antonopoulou – Law

Georgia Antonopoulou

  • Research on business courts

Andrea Reina Tamayo – Psychology

Andrea Reina Tamayo

  • "There aren’t many studies of work engagement at the moment level. It’s something quite ‘out of the box.’"

Riccardo Valboni - Business & Management

Ricardo Valboni

  • Strategic management and entrepreneurship

What Makes Them Tick? Pieter van den Heede about his research on WWII and games

phd program netherlands

PhD in the Spotlight: Emma van Gelder

phd program netherlands

Siri Driessen about her research on war memorial sites

Siri Driessen about her research on war memorial sites

Share this page

Compare @count study programme.

  • Duration: @duration

We have 7 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Netherlands

All disciplines

Netherlands

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Netherlands

Executive phd programme in private sector development, self-funded phd students only.

The PhD opportunities on this programme do not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Netherlands PhD Programme

A Dutch PhD usually takes 4 years and focusses mainly on research towards your thesis. This will be assessed by external examiners before being presented at a ceremonial public defence, rather than a private viva voce. Many programmes are delivered in English and students are often employed as salaried staff with teaching responsibilities.

PhD Candidate: Computational Cognitive Neuroscience – Decision Confidence

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Candidate: Computational Cognitive Neuroscience – Multisensory Perceptual Inference, Learning and Attention

Phd position (f/m/d): pioneering simulations of offshore wind farm turbulence, phd position (f/m/d): large-scale weather effects in wind farm simulations, 10 phd fellowships within horizon europe marie curie doctoral network programme praetorian, funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network

Marie Curie Action Innovative Training Networks are set up by the European Union to provide joint PhD opportunities involving universities and industrial partners from at least two different countries. Students receive generous funding as they move between participating institutions to complete unique research and training opportunities.

DBA with Audencia in collaboration with Wittenborg

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

  • Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
  • The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
  • Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
  • Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
  • Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

phd program netherlands

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

  • Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
  • Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
  • Hear about our upcoming study fairs
  • Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

phd program netherlands

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Filtering Results

 alt=

Doctoral programme

Doctorate regulations .

In the Doctorate Regulations, the UvA' s Doctorate Board has set out the procedures, tasks and responsibilities associated with obtaining a doctorate. Every PhD candidate and doctoral conferral at the UvA must comply with the provisions of these regulations. You must therefore familiarise yourself with the provisions of these regulations before embarking on your doctoral programme. The Doctorate Regulations (incl. the roadmap) summarise what you need to do when.

From 1 September 2020 the new Doctorate Regulations 2020 will be effective. The Transitional arrangement explains what this means for your doctoral programme.

Expansion gown privilege

From 15 January 2024, all members of a doctoral committee, including those who are not professors, may wear a gown. Read more regarding the wearing of gowns at PhD ceremonies .

Extension of the right to supervise PhD candidates

As per 1 September 2017, the right to act as supervisor to PhD candidates ( ius promovendi ) has been extended to staff who are not full professors. Previously only full professors held this right. The Doctorate Board has laid down the arrangement in the Regulations extending ius promovendi.

PhD research in the arts

The Doctorate Board has decided to adopt provisions that make it possible to facilitate doctorate research in the arts. These provisions have been included in an addendum to the 2020 Doctorate Regulations.

Cookie Consent

The UvA uses cookies to measure, optimise, and ensure the proper functioning of the website. Cookies are also placed in order to display third-party content and for marketing purposes. Click 'Accept' to agree to the placement of all cookies; if you only want to accept functional and analytical cookies, select ‘Decline’. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking on 'Cookie settings' at the bottom of each page. Also read the UvA Privacy statement .

  • Interesting for you
  • My settings

Netherlands

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Netherlands in 2024

Browse all phd programmes in netherlands.

  • Sep-Jul Academic Year
  • 25 Listed Institutes
  • 16 Ranked Universities
  • 125,000 Int. Students
  • 937,000 Students
  • 17,211,000 Population

Why study in Netherlands

If you ask us, we think the Netherlands and international students are a perfect match ! The Netherlands is the best country to study abroad because of its diverse population, the abundance of English-taught degrees, and top-notch higher education.  

Below we list four more reasons why international students choose to study in the Netherlands :  

  • A truly international environment. Every year, the Netherlands welcomes international students from more than 160 nationalities . The country is also home to many highly skilled migrants. Additionally, more than 95 per cent of Dutch citizens can speak English, making the Netherlands even more attractive and internationally friendly.  
  • Student life and community. Universities in the Netherlands seek to foster student communities by organising events and activities. Whether you’re interested in a sport, enjoy exploring the nightlife or want to expand your academic knowledge, Dutch universities have many student hubs, associations and parties to suit different tastes and interests.  
  • Interactive and independent learning. The lecturers will provide the necessary materials but leave planning how and when to study up to you. In the Netherlands, students are responsible for being active in classrooms and, in turn, they get the freedom to share their ideas and opinions.  
  • Casual relationship with professors. Dutch value flat organisation structure over hierarchical. Because of that, everyone is encouraged to be critical and express their opinion. Without the unnecessary formalities, you can expect to maintain a casual and friendly relationship even with your teachers.  

If you're looking to study at a university in the Netherlands , you will find a range of study programmes, with a variety of quality universities to choose from. Dutch Higher Education is well-recognized, whilst the tuition fees and living expenses are relatively lower than in English-speaking countries. Because the Dutch society is internationally-minded and English-fluent , foreigners feel welcomed no matter where they land in the Netherlands.  

Furthermore, Dutch universities honour high worldwide rankings and are recognised for their top-notch Business, Engineering, Law and Medical schools. The country is known for their Water Resource Management programmes as well as other engineering and technology-related disciplines. No matter your interests, whether you wish to pursue a more traditional  discipline, such as Law, or learn more modern subjects like Cybersecurity, the Netherlands definitely has a suitable degree for you to enjoy.   

Culture in Netherlands

People in the Netherlands don’t like to beat around the bush. They value honesty and choose to communicate directly about what they think and feel. While for some people, the direct nature of the Dutch may at first seem a little confrontational, it’s merely a shared characteristic that allows locals to maintain transparency and clarity in their communication. Thanks to this directness and openness to different opinions, Dutch people are approachable and easy to connect with.  

Dutch society is culturally diverse and open, increasing the chances of falling in love with this country. The Netherlands is generally a welcoming country in which people with different religions, sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds coexist in harmony.  

Languages spoken in the Netherlands.  

The country’s national language is Dutch, but most Dutch citizens are bilingual. They are true language wizards, oftentimes also able to speak fluent English, French and German. 

Dutch food culture.  

Compared to other European countries, Dutch cuisine is definitely a humble one. You can expect different variations of sandwiches for lunch and a wide choice of deep-fried snacks paired with a variety of beer options. Nevertheless, the Netherlands never stops surprising, and before you know it you’re going to be enjoying fries in a Dutch way - by dipping them in mayonnaise. 

Weather in the Netherlands. 

Unpredictable is the best way to describe this country’s climate. Sometimes, in a span of an hour you can experience sun, rain, wind and clouds. Nevertheless, Dutch summers are relatively warm, generally reaching higher than 20 degrees Celsius, while winters are moderately cold, ranging between 1 to 6 degrees Celsius on average.  

Dutch culture and lifestyle.

Dutch people enjoy a great work-life balance. They like to spend their free time being active and enjoy taking part in the many markets, parades, carnivals and festivals happening in the country throughout the year. Nothing better describes the activeness of the Dutch than the fact that there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands . So if you plan to study here, prepare to tone your leg muscles while getting around by bicycle.  

How to choose a university in Netherlands?

It can become overwhelming when deciding on where to study in the Netherlands. Worry not! We are here to make it easier for you. We have explained how to choose a university in the Netherlands in the following checklist: 

1. Decide between the two different levels of higher education offered by the Netherlands: 

  • Research oriented education, in Dutch, known as wetenschappelijk onderwijs (WO), is offered by research universities. These institutions provide what is traditionally considered an academic university programme. They teach students academic and scientific skills and aim to prepare them for both the future employment and the undertaking of independent research.  
  • Higher professional education, known as hoger beroepsonderwijs (HBO), is offered by universities of applied sciences. Programmes at these universities prepare students for particular professions and are more practically-oriented.  

2. Take into account the cost of living in different areas in the Netherlands: 

  • If you choose to live and study in the Randstad area, your living expenses will be the highest compared to other regions in the Netherlands. The Randstad area involves big cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, and almost half of the country’s population lives here. In this region, you can expect the highest accommodation and eating-out prices.  
  • If you’re on a tighter budget, studying in another region in the Netherlands is more affordable. Consider cities outside the Randstad area, such as Tilburg, Enschede, Wageningen, Eindhoven or Groningen, to save some money on accommodation.  

3. Choose a university according to the discipline you wish to study. 

In the Netherlands, universities are known for the different subjects they excel at. For instance, Tilburg University is recognised for its Law disciplines, while the University of Twente focuses on Technology, and Behavioural and Social Sciences. Furthermore, research how well a university performs in your field of interest by checking THE World University Rankings by subject.  

What are the best universities in the Netherlands? 

You may not know it yet, but the Netherlands is home to some of the best universities in the world . In fact, according to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2023 , these five universities in the Netherlands feature among the top 80: 

  • Wageningen University & Research . Situated in the heart of the country, this university specialises in agricultural and environmental science.  
  • University of Amsterdam . It’s the third oldest university in the country, based in the capital city of Amsterdam. The university ranks especially high for arts, humanities and social sciences programmes. 
  • Utrecht University . This Netherland’s most prominent research university each year attracts thousands of international students  with its wide range of English-taught programmes.   
  • Delft University of Technology . It’s the oldest and largest public technical university in the country. Founded by the royal academy for civil engineers, Delft University is known for its science and engineering programmes.  
  • University of Groningen . Located in the city of Groningen, this university offers 180 English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  

>>> Click here for the full list of university rankings in the Netherlands.  

What are the top student hubs in the Netherlands? 

Because of many inhabitants in the Netherlands, even the smallest cities can feel lively and relatively crowded. However, as a student, it’s nice to live in a city where at least one university is located. This way, you know there’s a student community around you, organising activities and events to mingle and find fellow students at.  

To give an idea of where all the students gather, we list top student hubs in the Netherlands: 

  • Randstad area - the region with the biggest cities attracting the most international students. Study in Amsterdam , Rotterdam , Leiden , Utrecht or The Hague to get the most out of your student life.  
  • North Brabant - another Dutch province where locals very humbly like to call themselves the friendliest Dutch in the country. Experience student life in Eindhoven and Tilburg , two major student hubs in the region.  
  • And let’s not forget Groningen and Nijmegen - home to a number of research and applied sciences universities. These cities are known for their youthful atmosphere, where student parties and other activities run all week long. 

Tuition Fees in Netherlands

Here is all the main information about tuition fees in the Netherlands so you can easily sail through the bureaucracy and better understand the Dutch tuition fee structure.  

Besides public universities, there’s also a limited number of private ones in the country, and these charge higher tuition fees. Unsurprisingly, for this reason, public universities in the Netherlands are the first choice for international students. To illustrate what we mean, here is a brief overview of the tuition fees: 

  • For a public university you can expect to pay approximately between 2,000 and 20,000 EUR per academic year. Typically, students coming from the EU/EEA pay lower tuition fees for public universities, but we will come back to this further in the guide.  
  • Meanwhile, for private universities, yearly tuition fees can go as high as 30,000 EUR.  

Since private universities determine their own pricing, we will focus on explaining the differences between the two types of tuition fees for public universities: statutory and institutional. Generally, European and Dutch students pay lower tuition fees in the country compared to non-European students. But more on that in the following text.  

Statutory tuition fees 

These fees are determined by the government and adjusted to the inflation each year. For instance, for the academic year of 2022-2023, the statutory tuition fee is €2,209, and in 2023-2024 it is expected to increase to €2,314. 

Students that qualify for the statutory tuition fee need to meet the following criteria: 

  • Be of Dutch nationality or a national of any other EU/EEA country, Switzerland or Suriname. Or you hold one of the listed Dutch residence permits . 
  • Enrol in a government-funded programme. 
  • At the start of the academic year, you do not hold a comparable degree from a government-funded Dutch university. For example, you haven’t already obtained a Master’s degree when starting a new Master’s programme.  

Institutional tuition fees 

If you don’t meet the criteria above, you will most likely need to pay the institutional tuition fees. Compared to the statutory tuition fees - the institutional ones tend to be much higher. Since every university can set its own institutional tuition fee, the prices vary between €6,000 and €20,000 per academic year depending on the institution, programme and degree level (for instance, Master’s degrees are typically more expensive than Bachelor’s). 

Overall, the cheapest tuition fees for international students tend to be found in universities of Applied Sciences. Medicine, Dentistry, and Business degrees usually cost more than other university programmes. Also, universities listed higher in the global rankings tend to be more expensive. 

Tuition fees deduction 

The Netherlands has, what we call, a tuition fee lottery for statutory fee payers - you can get two degrees for the price of one and also pay a reduced first-year tuition fee. 

According to the new regulation, when you pay a statutory tuition fee for your first enrolment in a Bachelor's or Master’s programme and decide to enrol into another degree at the same time, you will only pay the tuition fee for the first programme. This applies only to Dutch public universities, but you can choose to study within the same or two different universities.  

Another great news is you might qualify for halved tuition fees for the first year of higher education if you meet the following conditions: 

  • You’re enrolling in a Dutch public higher education institution;  
  • You will do a Bachelor’s degree or associate degree programme;  
  • You meet the requirements for paying the statutory tuition fee. 

People who wish to study a Master’s degree in Teaching can also receive a reduced tuition fee, but only if they have first entered higher education in 2018/2019 or later. For more information on the tuition fee deduction, check out the Government of the Netherlands page . 

How you can pay your tuition fees in the Netherlands 

Tuition fees can be paid either in one go, before the beginning of the academic year, or in five to ten instalments via a direct debit card. The latter option is only possible when the fee is paid with a bank account from the Netherlands or a country belonging to the Single Euro Payments Area ( SEPA ). You might also need to pay additional Dutch university application fees of €75-€100, but, fortunately, only once. 

>>> Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee by clicking the top right Sort button.  

Can I study in Netherlands for free?

We hate to break it like this, but there is no free education in the Netherlands for international nor local students. However, Dutch citizens can apply for study loans and receive supplementary grants to ease their study budget. International students can also get a tuition fee loan , but the amount of it will depend on the type of tuition fee that they need to pay. Furthermore, only the citizens of EU/EEA can receive a supplementary grant if they meet additional requirements.  

Scholarships are always a great way to ease the financial burden of studying abroad. In the Netherlands, there are many scholarship options for foreign students. Check our article about tuition fees and funding and continue grabbing insights from our guide. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Netherlands

Luckily, the Netherlands doesn’t leave you hanging in financial havoc . Instead, it offers plenty of scholarships, grants, student loans, and even rent subsidies and support for your health insurance and living costs. 

Types of scholarships on offer 

There are several types of financial aid in the Netherlands. But, mostly, you will find: 

  • Scholarships for good academic performances, funded by universities or the Dutch government. 
  • Bursaries and grants given by the government based on students’ financial needs. For more specific information visit the Dutch government’s page on student finance . 
  • Student-specific scholarships for students coming from certain backgrounds.  
  • Loans offered by the Dutch government to cover study tuition fees.  

Each scholarship or grant has different application criteria, so be sure to read the requirements thoroughly. There is no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for. Explore our article on how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad , get your laptop and start applying! 

Where to find scholarships? 

To start, you can search for  scholarships and grants to study in the Netherlands on our Mastersportal . Likewise, you can find hundreds of scholarships provided by NGOs, governmental or private institutions, and universities. 

Examples of credible sources where you can apply for scholarships and find financial aids include: 

1.  Studyportals Scholarship  

International Distinction Award, open to all international students – see FAQ about the award here.  

2. University websites. 

Often, you can find scholarships offered by universities on their official websites. Some examples are: 

  • Leiden University Excellence Scholarship  
  • University of Twente Scholarship  
  • Utrecht Excellence Scholarships  
  • VU Amsterdam Fellowship Programme  
  • Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarships at TU Delft  

3. Government-funded scholarships. 

Some examples are: 

  • Holland Scholarship - for international non-EEA students 
  • Orange Knowledge Programme - open to mid-career professionals from specific countries 
  • Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme - for citizens of India or Indonesia 
  • More options can be found on the study in NL website . 

4. Erasmus+

Students coming from European Union countries, Erasmus+ offers to support their study in other EU countries, including the Netherlands. 

5. Private organisations and NGOs 

Such institutions sometimes offer scholarships to study abroad. 

How to apply for scholarships in the Netherlands? 

After you’ve made your choice on the scholarships, it’s time to start applying. The scholarship application process may seem foreign and intimidating, but we’re here to make it easier for you. Follow these steps and learn how to apply for a scholarship in the Netherlands: 

1. Check the eligibility criteria - make sure you fit all the requirements for the scholarship. Bursary or grant application process may differ from the scholarship. 

2. Gather all the necessary documents. Examples of what you may need: 

  • Motivation letter; 
  • Proof of low income; 
  • Proof of academic or other achievements; 
  • Acceptance letter from a university; 
  • Translation of documents that are written in a different language. 

3. Complete the application - ensure you have filled in all the questions. 

4. Submit the application and wait for an official response! 

If you are still unsure, read through our article on how to apply for a scholarship to study abroad . 

What to include in your application? 

Depending on the scholarship or financial aid you are applying to, you might need to include additional documents. For example, you might be asked for: 

  • Samples of your academic writing; 
  • Recommendation letters, typically written by your former teachers, employers, professors, etc.; 
  • Financial, personal and academic information; 
  • A portfolio of your work; 
  • Honours, awards and other certifications. 

Moreover, in almost all cases (except for applying for supplementary grants or tuition fee loans given by the government), you will be asked to explain why you are applying for the financial aid and how it can help you to achieve your goals. In other words, you will need to present a motivational letter for applying for a scholarship. Learn from our guide on how to write a scholarship essay . Use the guide to prepare a motivational letter for scholarship and knock the judging committee's socks off with it. 

Interested in scholarships for Netherlands? Check out our scholarship search page.

Apply to university in Netherlands

Applying to a Dutch university doesn't have to be intimidating! We, as former international students, want to make sure you have an easy and stress-free experience while getting prepared. In the following sections we answer all the typical questions about how to apply for universities in the Netherlands and the study visa process . 

How to apply for Dutch universities online? 

First and foremost, always check the official website of the university that you wish to apply to. On these pages, information about the application process is listed. Keep in mind that the requirements and application processes may differ per institution.  

Furthermore, for the majority of the programmes, you will be required to first register on the Studielink tool (similar to the UCAS system in the UK) to proceed with your application. Studielink Studielink is an official registration and enrolment portal where you can manage your applications to Dutch higher education institutions. The platform is fairly easy to navigate. But if you struggle to create an account and apply to programmes, you can find step-by-step instructions by Studielink . 

Here are a few things you need to know before applying for universities via Studielink: 

  • You can apply to up to four courses per academic year.  
  • You can change the courses you want to apply to any time before the enrollment deadline. 
  • If you are rejected by one university, you can select and apply to another one.  

Applying to programmes with a limited capacity 

For some courses in the Netherlands, there is a limited number of available places. The programme capacity is determined by education institutions and is called Numerus Fixus (read more about it here ). 

There are three things to note when applying to Numerus Fixus programmes: 

  • For Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Hygiene and Physiotherapy programmes you can only submit one application per programme, per academic year. 
  • For the rest of the Numerus Fixus programmes, you can only apply to two courses at a time. 
  • The application deadline is earlier. If you’re applying via Studielink, the last day to apply is around the 15th of January. 

When to apply to Dutch universities? 

Stay on top of your application timeline and make sure you submit before the deadline. Check out the official website of the institution for exact submission dates, but generally speaking, aim to have applied by these deadlines for universities in The Netherlands: 

  • 15 January for Numerus Fixus programmes. 
  • 1 May for most courses at research universities. 
  • 1 April for non-EU students. 

Note: different deadlines apply for courses that start in the middle of the academic year (for example, February).  

What’s the structure of the Dutch academic year? 

Generally, the Dutch academic year in universities begins in September and lasts until the end of June of the following year. Also, good to know that: 

In some cases, the academic year may start a week earlier, at the end of August, and finish off with exams taking place until mid-July.  

The academic year can be divided into: 

  • two semesters (the second semester starts in February), and one midterm per semester. The midterms happen in the middle of the semester and usually include one class-free week dedicated to exam preparation and another week for exams and assessments. 
  • or in four blocks/periods, each roughly 7 weeks long. Likewise with semesters, after each block/period follows a week of preparations and another week of exams.  

Sometimes, the academic year starts in February. However, this mostly happens in some Master’s programmes.  

You can find a detailed description of the academic year on the official website of the university in which you plan to study. 

Documents needed to apply for university 

While application requirements may vary per university, most of them require you to provide these documents: 

  • A passport or ID copy. 
  • A passport picture. 
  • Copies of obtained secondary school diplomas, certificates and/or grade lists. When in doubt, compare diplomas from different countries to Dutch diplomas to know what you need to provide.  
  • Transcript of records. 
  • Proof of English or Dutch language proficiency. 
  • Proof of payment of application fee. For most research and some applied sciences universities, you need to pay a non-refundable one-time fee of around €100. This fee will cover multiple programmes at the same university. 

Note: if any of these documents are not in English, French, German or Dutch, they need to be accompanied by an official English translation. 

Additionally, you may be asked to include the following documents in your application: 

  • Your CV or resume. 
  • One or more reference letters. 
  • Motivation letter. Learn from our article how to write a successful motivation letter . 
  • A portfolio of your academic or other work. 

Once you submit your application, all that's left to do is wait for the response. If you are lucky enough to receive a conditional or an unconditional offer, then it just means more good news is in store. A conditional offer simply implies that you need to meet certain requirements to be fully accepted. An unconditional offer, on the other hand, confirms that you are officially in and ready to kick off your studies! 

Language requirements

Are you a native English speaker? Lucky you! You likely won't need to take a language test if you're planning on taking a program at a Dutch higher education institution. However, if English is not your mother-tongue, never fear - there are several certificates that can prove your English proficiency and make sure you meet the necessary requirements: 

  • TOEFL  
  • IELTS  
  • Cambridge English  

 >>> To learn more about the different tests you can take, read this comprehensive guide we’ve put together. 

Since the requirements for the English test scores vary per university, visit the official website of your preferred study institution to learn how you can demonstrate proficiency in English.  

Furthermore, Dutch language skills are only necessary for those that want to pursue their studies in Dutch. Then, passing the Dutch TUL intermediate exam or holding a Dutch NT2-II diploma is required. 

Student housing in Netherlands

In most cases, students live off-campus when they study in the Netherlands. There are two common types of student accommodation off-campus:  

  • houses and apartments shared by several students 
  • private student housing apartments, and studios.  

Some Dutch universities offer on-campus housing, but such accommodation is scarce. Before arriving in the Netherlands, contact your university to see whether they can arrange a room for you, or you need to do it by yourself. The open spots for on-campus housing are reserved months before the beginning of the academic year, so be fast and apply as soon as possible. 

When to apply for student accommodation 

In many Dutch cities, especially in the larger student hubs, there’s a shortage of student accommodation and finding a good place to live can take a lot of effort and time. Hence, the most crucial advice is to start looking for student housing as soon as possible and before you arrive in the Netherlands. 

If you’re searching for off-campus student housing, there are several approaches to that: 

  • Look independently on online Facebook groups. For each big Dutch city, there’s a Facebook group where student accommodation options are listed. Usually, other students living in the accommodation are looking for new roommates.  
  • Use public and private housing providers to find a place. You can hire a private agent to search for accommodation for you, or you can sign-up on websites where landlords list their housing offers. In most cases, you need to pay for both of these options. 

Here are some organisations where you can look for student housing: 

  • Kamernet - an online marketplace that connects prospective tenants with landlords. A paid membership is required to use the platform. 
  • Pararius - a website listing rental properties. You can contact the accommodation owners directly via email or phone.  
  • The Social Hub - a student hotel offering all-inclusive temporary and longer stay accommodation.  
  • ROOM - an online platform listing student accommodation options around the Netherlands. A paid registration to the portal is necessary. 
  • Funda - an online marketplace listing different types of accommodation.  

When searching for a place to live in the Netherlands, be very cautious of the available offers. Many scams are happening in the Dutch housing market. Checking the reliability and quality of the accommodation providers is your own risk and responsibility. Make sure you take the following steps as a precaution when you’re searching for international student housing: 

  • Read your rent contract carefully. 
  • Pay for rent via bank transfers instead of cash. If you pay in cash, ask for receipts.  
  • Avoid paying big amounts of money before signing a contract. 
  • If you find the accommodation provider suspicious and vague, consider not renting from them. 
  • Before signing a contract, ask to view the housing online or offline. 

Cost of living in Netherlands

Depending on where you’re coming from, living costs in the Netherlands for both international and Dutch students can be relatively high. The cost of living in the Netherlands is on average lower than in some other European countries like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Ireland, and Denmark but higher than most other countries in Europe.  

Typically, students in the Netherlands spend, on average, between 800 EUR and 1200 EUR per month. The differences in living costs mainly depend on the city you choose to live in. For instance, Amsterdam has the highest cost of living in the Netherlands. In this city, rent prices in the private market often start from 750 EUR per month. Meanwhile, in smaller Dutch cities the cheapest student accommodation in a shared apartment/house can be as low as 250 EUR per month. Furthermore, eating out will likely be more expensive in big cities in the Netherlands, and you may need to spend more on local transport to get around the city. T​​​​​​he prices for other cost of living, such as groceries, are similar around the country.  

To give you a better understanding, we made a rough breakdown of general living expenses in the Netherlands: 

Accommodation will, generally, be cheaper in smaller cities than in bigger cities, but the average costs are: 

  • A room in a shared student house or flat: 250-500 EUR 
  • Private studio: 400-750 EUR 
  • Private apartment: 750-3000 EUR 

Utilities are usually not included in the rent and can make up to an extra 75-175 EUR per month. Prices for the Internet are 30-50 EUR monthly.  

Transportation costs depend on your lifestyle and travel distances: 

  • By using public transport you can expect to spend on average 35-70 EUR/month. 
  • Taking a bike, on the other hand, will save you a lot of money. You can rent a bike from Swapfiets for 19.90 EUR/month (+ get a student discount) or pay 50-200 EUR for a second-hand bike.  

Entertainment expenses will depend on the activities and how often you plan to do them, but some examples are: 

  • Cinema: around 12 EUR per ticket. 
  • Gym membership: around 30 EUR per month. 
  • Museum pass that allows you to visit 450 museums in the Netherlands: 64.90 EUR for a year. 

Cost of food in the Netherlands 

Eating at home is a fiscally responsible choice for students living in the Netherlands. Not only that, but it's easy to whip up a delicious pasta pesto meal and get major points on price, effort and taste! If Italian-infused cuisine isn't your thing, here are the average costs of food in the Netherlands: 

  • Chicken fillets (1kg) - 8.20 EUR 
  • Eggs (12 pieces) -  2.30 EUR 
  • Milk (1l) - 1 EUR 
  • Potatoes (1kg) - 1 EUR 
  • Loaf of fresh bread - 1.80 EUR 

Overall, students in the Netherlands spend approximately 180 EUR per month on groceries at local supermarkets. Meanwhile, eating out is more expensive. You can expect to pay around 15 EUR for dinner in an inexpensive restaurant. For more information on living expenses in the Netherlands explore our article.  

Work and study in Netherlands

Living in the Netherlands can be expensive, but having a side job while studying is a great way to increase your budget. Working part-time is incredibly common, and you can find rewarding jobs in hospitality and other service sectors. Moreover, it's a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet other students and make the most out of your student life.  

Are international students allowed to work in the Netherlands? 

Based on your nationality, there are different requirements and allowed working hours for international students in the Netherlands: 

  • EU/EEA students are not limited to a specific number of working hours and do not need a work permit. 
  • Non-EU/EEA students can work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week. However, they can work full-time in June, July and August. A work permit for these students is required, but only the employer can apply for it before hiring the student. The work permit must be requested via UWV Werkbedrijf and can take around 5 weeks to finalise. 

Additional information for non-EU/EEA students: 

  • For voluntary work in the Netherlands, a work permit is no longer required, and the so-called Volunteer Declaration (Vrijwilligersverklaring) is now enough. 
  • A work permit is also not necessary for relevant internships alongside your studies. However, you should sign a tri-party internship agreement between you, your academic institution and the internship provider. 

Where can I find jobs? 

You can look for a part-time student job by searching online on job listing websites such as Linkedin and Indeed . Also, try checking your university’s official website for any open positions on campus. 

If you’re seeking a side job in the hospitality industry, why not take the initiative and stop by some of the places in your city where you'd love to work? Think of it as an adventure - make a list of catering spots around town, print off multiple copies of your resume, and go visit! Dutch people will likely respond positively to your friendly approach; so don't be afraid to ask if they have any open positions. Read our article on how to find a part-time job for more good tips. 

Is Netherlands safe?

The Netherlands is generally considered a very safe country. However, just like in any other country, being mindful of certain safety measures is important: 

  • Remember the emergency number 112. 
  • Try not to walk around alone at night. 
  • Look after pick-pocketers.  
  • Beware of online scams in the housing market. 
  • Avoid areas that feel sketchy or unsafe. 

Student insurance in Netherlands

According to Dutch law, all students are required to have health insurance. However, the type of health insurance you need will depend on your circumstances. 

Here are the three most common situations: 

  • If you are in the Netherlands for study purposes only, you cannot take out Dutch health insurance. Instead, you need a student health insurance policy from your home country or you can take out private health insurance in the Netherlands. Students coming from the EU/EEA may can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which covers all the necessary medical costs. 
  • If you are not only studying but also have a job (both part-time or full-time) next to your studies, you need to take out Dutch health insurance. The cost of national insurance in the Netherlands is around 100 EUR/month, but you may be eligible for a healthcare allowance.  
  • If you are doing an internship you may be allowed to take out Dutch health insurance. In case your internship pays you at least as much as the minimum wage in the Netherlands, then you are required to have Dutch insurance.  

>>> Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.  

Support services available for international students

Being a student in a foreign country comes with challenges. But whatever you may need help with, your university is the first place to contact and ask for support. Dutch universities offer many student support services, including disability support, counselling and 

mental health, academic support, conflict and violence support and many more. Contact your university for help with any difficulties you may be facing during your education abroad.  

Moreover, here are other examples of student support services and more:  

  • Dutch Student Union - offers free legal advice for students in the Netherlands. 
  • Zorgverzekeringslijn - provides independent advice on solving health insurance-related problems. 
  • Het Juridisch Loket - gives legal advice regarding rent, work, debts, national policies and many other subjects. 
  • Frisse Gedachtes - helps students with their mental well-being by providing an opportunity to chat anonymously with fellow Psychology students. 

Student organisations

Being an international student in the Netherlands is a lot of fun because many other foreign students come to study here. Student life in the Netherlands is very rich. Students are encouraged to join different types of student associations in the country. There's a type of student association for everybody, from sports to religion, study to social. Although some of the organisations are run and joined mainly by Dutch students, others are open to internationals and can be a great way to make local friends. 

Overall, each university programme in the Netherlands has a relevant faculty organisation, so be sure to check it out on your university’s website. Moreover, here are some international student organisations to look into: 

  • International Student Network (ESN) - a non-profit organisation administered by students, helping international students make the most out of their study abroad experience. 
  • AIESEC - global student organisation helping students plan their exchanges.  
  • AEGEE - international student network operating worldwide. You can find the organisation in most Dutch cities and join their weekly get-togethers and parties.  
  • Amnesty International Student Group - a student community fighting for human rights. You can find the Amnesty Student Group in each city in the Netherlands. 

Things to do for students on a budget

When studying in the Netherlands, you’ll be surprised by how many different activities you can plan in this country. Below we suggest some cheap things to do in the Netherlands as a student.  

Top 5 urban attractions for students in the Netherlands: 

  • Look around the beautiful canals in Amsterdam . It’s one of the most popularcities in the world , and for a good reason! The gorgeous Amsterdam architecture, historic buildings, and meandering canals make the city a sight to behold. Come explore all the beauty this Dutch capital has to offer - you won't believe how many spectacular sights await you! 
  • Get amazed by Rotterdam skylines. A city unlike any other in the Netherlands, Rotterdam can sometimes feel like a small European version of New York City. The astonishing skyline views from the Erasmus Bridge, yellow Cube houses and modern art museums make the city a dazzling jewel of the country.  
  • Visit the oldest city in the Netherlands - Nijmegen . Located in the heart of the country this city holds a rich cultural heritage. There are many Roman ruins and monuments that you won't want to miss. Plus, visit Nijmegen for two must-see events: the Nijmeegse Vierdaagse four-day walking festival and the Zomerfeesten summer party. 
  • Explore the political capital - The Hague . For those interested in politics, The Hague is the seat of government in the Netherlands, home to many embassies. It is one of the major cities hosting the United Nations. Another delightful The Hague activity is to take a tram from the city centre to Scheveningen beach and watch the sun dip below the horizon. 
  • Experience Eindhoven's amazing design and culture scene. Explore this fun, compact city on foot or by bike and discover the incredible industrial projects from all around the Netherlands. Join Eindhoven for awesome festivals like Glow Eindhoven (an international light festival) and Dutch Design Week (the largest design event in Northern Europe). Plus, don't miss Carnival - a celebration only found in the Southern and Eastern regions of the Netherlands. 

Top 5 Outdoor Attractions in the Netherlands: 

  • Experience a blast from the past and visit Zaanse Schans for an amazing, time-travel adventure to the 17-18th century. Located just 15 kilometres north of Amsterdam, you can hop on a train and be at this delightful, traditional Dutch village filled with old windmills in no time. And the best part? Admission is free! 
  • Escape the exam-period stress with a trip to Hoge Veluwe National Park —the perfect spot between Arnhem and Apeldoorn! Enjoy the breathtaking nature and wide open fields, reigniting your passion for the outdoors! 
  • Village of Marken - your next getaway destination! This charming Dutch village on a small island features traditional painted wood houses and historic fishing boats that make for an unforgettable trip. Hop on a bus from Amsterdam or take a quick ferry ride from Volendam; either way, you'll want to explore the Netherlands in style when you visit Marken. 
  • Windmills of Kinderdijk is an incredible, picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site with windmills that date back to the 18th century. It's located between Rotterdam and Dordrecht right on the River Noord. And if you time it just right, you'll get to witness these majestic windmills in motion - what a sight! 
  • Discover the grand Kasteel De Haar , just outside of Utrecht. It's an incredible sight and the biggest castle in all of the Netherlands! Enjoy a stroll around its beautiful gardens before venturing inside and exploring its impressive collection of artworks, fabrics, antiques and furniture. 

Travelling in the Netherlands 

The Netherlands is a great place for public transport - you can get to practically any city with a train in just a couple of hours or less! If you're studying in the Netherlands, then you'll love how easy it is to get around - a bicycle and the rails are all it takes! 

To make the most out of train rides, you can choose to get several discounts for the Dutch train system NS: 

  • If you travel with a group of 2 to 7 people, you can get a train ticket from 7,50 EUR. 
  • You can also buy a monthly 40% discount for weekdays, weekends or both.  
  • Or get a day train ticket and travel around the Netherlands only from 48 EUR. 

Visit the NS official website and find more ways to travel on a budget with trains in the Netherlands.  

Learning Dutch

Learning the Dutch language can be a fun activity that can enrich your experience of studying in the Netherlands. There are plenty of great private companies offering Dutch lessons for non-native speakers in the country. But we want to give you even more tips on how to learn Dutch: 

  • Ask to practise with a local. Dutch people get very excited when they see foreigners trying to learn Dutch, and they would be more than happy to help you practise their native language. 
  • If you’re registered in Amsterdam, the municipality of Amsterdam offers free Dutch language courses to all foreigners. Find more information about it here.  
  • Most Dutch universities offer Dutch classes to international students as an extracurricular activity or for extra credits. Contact your faculty to learn more about your options. 
  • Read, listen and speak in Dutch as much as you can. There is no better way to learn a language than by immersing yourself in it. 

Living as an expat in Netherlands

After you graduate from a Dutch university, there are a few paths you can take: continue your education and get a Master’s or a PhD degree, or start working in the Netherlands. If you decide it’s time to enter the labour market, you may need a new type of visa or residence permit to continue staying in the country.  

Living in the Netherlands as an expat is very common: there are many expat communities within the country as well as international and local companies open to hiring foreigners. If you want to stay and work in the Netherlands, you need to make sure you have Dutch health insurance and the right visa to continue your stay. Further in this guide, we’ll walk you through work visas in the Netherlands and share other tips for expats.  

Before moving forward, check out former international students’ stories about their experiences of living in the Netherlands after graduation.  

Expat communities in the Netherlands 

The Netherlands is a welcoming country and home to different nationalities. Although EU immigrants make up the majority, you're also sure to cross paths with people from the USA, UK, India, Turkey and so many other countries. It's no wonder why immigration figures are high in the Netherlands – it's a great place for expats to call home! 

To help you integrate in the Netherlands, there are several online expat websites with plenty of useful information - from finding expat health insurance, navigating Dutch taxes, tracking down accommodation and mastering the Dutch language, to discovering all the events happening across the country. Here are some examples of where to find these resources: 

  • IamExpat - the biggest Netherlands expat forum, sharing all the Dutch news and giving support to expats living in the country. 
  • Expatica - an online expat community that shares guides and information about living and working in the Netherlands.  
  • Britsoc - the British Society organising British-flavoured events and meetups for every English-speaking expat.  
  • Expat Republic - an online platform uniting expats living in the Netherlands and sharing useful tips on everyday matters.  

Nowadays, Amsterdam is not the only great place to live as an expat. There are many other cities with thriving international communities, like Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven, Amstelveen, Groningen, Hilversum, and many other smaller cities in the Netherlands.  

Netherlands Immigration rules

If you’re an EEA or Swiss citizen, after you graduate you are free to live and work in the Netherlands by default, without any visa. More tricky immigration rules apply to nationals coming from outside the EEA.  

How your immigration status changes after graduation 

Non-EEA students, after graduation, need to apply for a different type of visa or residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. This is the most common two-step route that students take after they graduate: 

1. Apply for an orientation year permit. 

This permit will give you a year after your studies to figure out what you want to do and find a job as a highly skilled migrant. Four things to note about this permit: 

  • You need to apply for it yourself, either before the expiration date of your student residence permit or three years after graduating.  
  • You can apply for the permit after obtaining your Bachelor’s and Master’s, and after each degree, you can get one orientation year permit.  
  • The permit is valid for 12 months and cannot be extended. Also, you won’t need any additional work permit and can take on any job.   
  • Although in most cases students from outside EEA are eligible for this permit, there may be some exemptions. Check if you can apply for an orientation year permit here . 

2. Get a residence permit as a highly skilled migrant. 

After your orientation year permit expires, you will need to get a residence permit if you manage to find a job in the Netherlands. As a highly skilled migrant, you need to find an employer who can apply for a residence permit for you. To be allowed to sponsor your residence permit, your employer must be recognised by the IND . For more information, read about permits for highly skilled migrants .  

Interested in learning about the different types of residence permits offered by the Netherlands? View a detailed explanation of the options. 

The Netherlands immigration process 

If you enjoy life and working in the Netherlands and can see yourself staying in the country long term, you have two options: get a Dutch permanent residency or apply for a Dutch nationality.  

You can apply for a Dutch permanent residency after you have lived in the country for at least five years consecutively (some exceptions may apply to this). To obtain a permanent Dutch residency permit, you will need to meet several other requirements and pass the civic integration examination. Check out the official Netherlands immigration website for more information on Dutch permanent residency . 

You can ask for the Dutch nationality through naturalisation. To apply for this, you will need to prove that you have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least five consecutive years with a valid residence permit, pass the civic integration examination and meet several other requirements. Explore the official Netherlands immigration website for more information on becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation .  

Immigration processing times 

The processing time for immigration applications in the Netherlands can vary depending on the type of visa or permit you are applying for, and other personal circumstances.  

In general, for most residence permit applications a legal decision period of 60 days applies. For long-term permits, such as Dutch permanent residency or nationality, a decision period can take between six months and one year.  

Job opportunities in Netherlands

The Dutch labour market scene is thriving. The unemployment rate is low, average wages are relatively high, and the Dutch work culture is pleasant. With many local companies expanding and international ones setting their headquarters around the country, there are plenty of job opportunities in the Netherlands for international students.  

Although you will likely find most job offers in bigger Dutch cities, some great ones may come from companies located outside the cities. To maximise your job hunt, you can take a look at these online websites:  

  • Linkedin - is a great platform to search for jobs after graduation. 
  • EURES (European Employment Services) has vacancies listed per European country. 
  • Page Personnel is a general employment agency. 
  • European Commission Traineeships Office (Bureau de Stages) is good for finding EU traineeships. 
  • NL lists companies in the Netherlands that are looking for new talent.  

The Netherlands is also a great place to be for the entrepreneurial-minded, with its bustling start-up scene . Innovation and entrepreneurship are highly esteemed here, so if you've ever wanted to take the plunge and launch your own business, this is the place to do it.  

Continue your studies in Netherlands

If you’re an international student soon to be a graduate of one of the Dutch universities and would like to continue to study, there are a few options for you: 

  • Pursue a Master’s degree. In the Netherlands, the transition from a Bachelor’s to a relevant Master’s degree is very well-organised. You can consult your study advisors and apply for a Master’s degree that matches your academic profile. Head over here to see over 1600 Master’s in the Netherlands . 
  • Go for a PhD. If you already have a Master’s degree in science and want to deepen your knowledge in a selected field, visit our PhD portal to find a suitable programme in the Netherlands.  
  • Enrol in a postgraduate diploma or certificate. These accelerated programs are tailored to give you focused instruction in a specific area and can be completed quickly, giving you the skills you need without taking as long as a full degree. 
  • Apply for a professional qualification. Whether you're looking to enter law, medicine, or psychology, professional organisations and regulatory institutions offer qualifications that can take your career trajectory to a higher level. 

Frequently asked questions

1.    do international students need a visa to study in the netherlands  .

Students coming from the EU/EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to study in the Netherlands. However, international students from outside the EU/EEA coming to the country to study a full-time university programme need a long-stay visa and a residence permit.  

2.    Is studying in the Netherlands worth it?  

The Netherlands has a wide range of English-taught programmes, a top-notch higher education system, an internationally friendly environment, a nice work-and-life balance and many part-time options for international students. It’s a great place for a study abroad venture! 

3.    What is the cost of studying in the Netherlands?  

For Master’s and Bachelor’s programmes, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese students pay a statutory tuition fee of €2,209 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Meanwhile, other foreign students need to pay institutional tuition fees that can vary between €6,000 and €20,000 per academic year depending on the institution, programme and degree level. 

4.    How much money is required to study in the Netherlands?

During your studies in the Netherlands, you will need an average budget of  800–1,200 EUR/month . This amount should cover your rent, food, transport and additional spending. The necessary monthly budget for studying in the Netherlands will depend based on the city you choose to live in.  

5.    Can I study in the Netherlands without IELTS?  

Unfortunately, to study an English-taught higher education programme in the Netherlands, you will need to prove that you are proficient in English. You can do so by taking one of the following language tests: IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English.  

6.    What are the requirements to study in the Netherlands?  

To study in the Netherlands, you'll need to gather all necessary documents for your application; this includes educational records, proof of English proficiency, a personal statement and references. Plus, depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a study visa and prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your studies. 

7.    What exams are required to study in the Netherlands?  

Usually, the education institution sets a minimum qualification requirement which can vary depending on the programme. You can check on this website how your diploma compares to the required diploma by the university. Furthermore, an English language test is necessary for higher education studies in the Netherlands.   

8.    How to get permanent residency while studying in the Netherlands?  

You can apply for a permanent residency in the Netherlands after you have lived in the country for at least five years consecutively. Moreover, you will need to meet several other requirements and pass the civic integration examination. 

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in netherlands, what subject to study in netherlands.

  • Agriculture & Forestry 0 Masters
  • Applied Sciences & Professions 1 Masters
  • Arts, Design & Architecture 17 Masters
  • Business & Management 27 Masters
  • Computer Science & IT 15 Masters
  • Education & Training 3 Masters
  • Engineering & Technology 42 Masters
  • Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 19 Masters
  • Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 0 Masters
  • Humanities 19 Masters
  • Journalism & Media 0 Masters
  • Law 7 Masters
  • Medicine & Health 21 Masters
  • Natural Sciences & Mathematics 34 Masters
  • Social Sciences 39 Masters

PhD Degrees in Netherlands

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 181 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

Discover other countries

Netherlands

Go to your profile page to get personalised recommendations!

Select language

Promotieplechtigheid in de Senaatszaal van het Academiegebouw van de Universiteit Utrecht.

PhD Programmes

About obtaining a doctoral degree.

Do you want to continue your career in research after your Master's degree? A PhD track is an ideal way to challenge yourself and expand your academic skills even further. This is how you become an expert in a specific field of science.

Doing your own research

A PhD programme takes on average 3 to 4 years to complete. During this time, candidates undertake a research project which culminates in the writing of a thesis or a series of articles in scientific journals. The candidates work under the supervision of a full professor or a associate professor.

Onderzoeker aan het werk in een lab van het Gemeenschappelijk Milieu Laboratorium op het Utrecht Science Park.

At Utrecht University, earning a PhD degree is a hands-on process that involves relatively little coursework. You will conduct research from day one, which allows you to develop your own ideas within the research group’s theme. You will remain in close contact with your supervisors throughout the programme.

Doing a PhD at Utrecht University is a challenging undertaking. In order to succeed, you will need to be highly committed and motivated. PhD candidates make crucial contributions to research undertaken at Utrecht University. With your doctoral research, you will make an original contribution to your field of knowledge.

Growing as a professional

Promovendus Mr. Willem A. Janssen geeft een werkcollege aan studenten.

Courses and teaching

In addition to performing research, PhD candidates take courses at Graduate Schools . To a large extent, you choose your own development path. You can attend all kinds of courses, trainings and conferences inside and outside the university. In many cases, you will also teach students yourself. You will make agreements about this with your supervisors in the Training and Supervision Agreement .

You can also count on professional support in exploring your career prospects , teaching, creating social impact and seeking funding for future research .

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Interdisciplinaire samenwerking binnen de hub Entrepreneurship for Societal Challenges.

Collaboration stimulates knowledge breakthroughs. Especially in research that takes place at the interface between different disciplines. We encourage the sharing of ideas, methods and techniques. That is why research groups and PhD candidates meet regularly to present their latest research and exchange ideas. PhD students experience this collaboration with colleagues as pleasant, inspiring and constructive.

Open Science

As a university, we nurture important ambitions in Open Science . And funders are increasingly setting Open Science as a condition that researchers must meet. Open Science means that from the start of their research, researchers share their research process and research results, including data, as openly as possible. In this way, the researcher creates transparency and strengthens the scientific and societal impact of research.

Do I need to understand Dutch?

You do not normally need to be able to speak or understand Dutch: almost all of our academic staff are proficient in English.

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

  • Announcements
  • Research funding

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

Human resources.

  • Working hours
  • Business travel
  • CAO and regulations
  • Individual Choices Model
  • Terms of employment in short
  • Registration and contract
  • Practical issues
  • International staff
  • University doctor
  • Working with a functional limitation
  • Mental fitness
  • Work pressure
  • Leiden Healthy University
  • Self Service
  • Confidential counsellors and complaints committees
  • PSSC Service Point
  • Service Centre International Staff
  • Immigration and formalities
  • Social life and settling in
  • Taxes and social security
  • Getting around
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Career guidance and mobility
  • Teacher development
  • PhD candidates and postdocs
  • Code of conduct
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Diversity and inclusiveness
  • P&D interviews
  • Continuing education rules and regulations
  • Confidential counsellors
  • Staff ombuds officer
  • Complaints committees
  • Collective insurances
  • Unfit for work
  • Unemployment

Finance & Procurement

  • Expense claims
  • Other allowances
  • Invoice payments
  • Sales invoices, credit notes and receiving payments
  • Payments without an invoice (by bank transfer, VVV gift card or cash), taxable remuneration (IB47)
  • Payments to research participants
  • Conferences and seminars
  • Framework contracts
  • Procurement procedures
  • Service portal
  • Research equipment
  • Real estate
  • University finances
  • Financial planning and control cycles
  • Regulations and guidelines
  • Working for third parties
  • Financial project management
  • Department Financial Economic Affairs
  • FSSC Service point
  • Controllers
  • University Procurement
  • Audit department
  • Synchronising mail and calendar
  • Printing and copying
  • Software and online tools
  • Forgotten your password
  • Activating and managing your account
  • Additional authentication
  • Applying for a guest/external account
  • Office 365 and OneDrive
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Remote workspace
  • Secure online workspace from home
  • Application forms
  • Helpdesks and contact
  • Maintenance and incidents
  • Research data
  • IT and education > go to Education
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Archive management
  • Personal data
  • Working securely online

Buildings & Facilities

  • Workplace in the office
  • Reserving workstations
  • Requesting facilities for working from home
  • Laboratories
  • Environmental awareness at work
  • Post and Transport
  • Breastfeeding and quiet rooms
  • Reserving rooms
  • Service desks and receptions
  • Management and maintenance
  • Floor plans and house rules
  • Construction projects
  • Ordering catering
  • Faculty Club
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Vending machines
  • Event locations
  • Reporting unsafe situations
  • ERO coordinators
  • Health and safety coordinators
  • Servicedesk and receptions
  • Blended learning
  • AI in education
  • Digital tools
  • Tools for interactive learning
  • Lecture halls and computer rooms
  • Evaluation of education
  • The Programme Committee
  • Board of Examiners
  • Site visits and accreditation
  • Vision on education
  • Integrity and fraud
  • Student success
  • Degree programmes
  • Educational support units
  • ICT and education
  • Library and education
  • Internationalisation in education
  • Accessible Education
  • Tests and theses
  • Giving a presentation
  • Remote teaching
  • Reserving equipment
  • Referral options
  • Unacceptable behaviour
  • Training and workshops for staff
  • Training and workshops for students
  • Online self-help for students
  • Bringing students together
  • Background information on student well-being
  • CROHO and teacher's academy
  • Comenius programme
  • Teaching innovation
  • Contact about internationalisation
  • Arrange partnership and exchange
  • Sign up student and staff
  • Safety abroad and crisis management
  • Preparing for a trip: visa and Europass
  • Academic calendar
  • Course and Examination Regulations
  • Studying for a PhD
  • PhD ceremony
  • After your PhD
  • Career Platform
  • Confidential Counsellor and university doctor
  • Becoming a postdoc
  • Collaborating with renowned researchers
  • Training programmes, coaching and career guidance
  • Practical support for internationals
  • Confidential advisers, health & safety
  • Research programme data science
  • Collaboration Leiden-Delft-Erasmus
  • Research internationalisation
  • Find and prepare
  • Write your proposal
  • Submit your proposal
  • Grant awarded
  • Research Support Portal
  • Research Support Network
  • Data storage
  • Datamanagement
  • Research software
  • Sharing and sending files
  • Publication tools
  • Research from home
  • Roadmap and examples
  • Research visitations
  • Academic integrity
  • Ethics committees
  • Publishing your doctoral dissertation
  • Scholarly Publications and LUCRIS
  • Open Access
  • ORCID iD and DOI
  • Leiden University Press

Communications & marketing

  • Communication tools
  • Media relations
  • Science communication
  • Bachelor recruitement
  • Master recruitment
  • Recruitment international students
  • Alumni relations
  • Alumni database
  • House style
  • Writing and translating
  • Use of images
  • Making a presentation
  • Website and web editorial team
  • Social Media
  • Conferences and Events
  • Working securely: tips
  • Privacy and security policy documents
  • Learning platform
  • Incidents and dangerous situations
  • Safety in a lab
  • Working with hazardous substances
  • Emergency Response Officer
  • Risk Inventory and Evaluation

Select a different organisation

phd program netherlands

  • Supporting Partners

Eligibility Criteria

  • Guide for applicants
  • How to Apply
  • Supervisors

GROW in Research

The application has passed.

Deadline 31-01-2024 23.59 cet ., learn more about the grow programme and how to apply in the webinar that took place at 5 dec 2023 ., the programme in short.

We will offer 51 four year PhD positions at five renowned Dutch universities, ranging from such diverse research fields as Social Sciences & Humanities to Natural Sciences and Engineering.

All selected candidates will receive a full-time, employment contract with the hosting institute, including all conditions and remuneration in accordance with the Dutch collective labour agreement for PhD students. They will be facilitated and supervised in running their research project of choice, in alignment with GROW’s ambition to address the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.

All candidates will have a supervision team of Dutch and/or African academics and an advisory team of societal experts who understand the context of their research topic (e.g. NGOs, government, business etc.). In addition, all candidates will participate in a PhD training programme, peer to peer sessions with your fellow GROW PhD students and a secondment and/or fieldwork in the African context will be part of the programme. All of these elements will be further detailed by the supervisors and PhD student after selection.

The PhD candidate will apply with their own idea for an Africa - SDG oriented topic and motivate why they want to work on this topic. A detailed research plan is not necessary in the application phase, it will be further worked out after selection.

The application deadline was January 31 st 2024. Selection process will occur from February – April and the selected PhDs will start their PhD-employment from July 2024.

The GROW programme bases the selection of candidates on the following 3 equally weighted criteria:

  • Applicant Excellence, based on the academic / educational / professional career so far
  • Vision on emerging needs and challenges in Africa
  • Personal motivation, experience and affinity with Africa

No doctoral degree

Eligible candidates must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

Nationality

Candidates of all nationalities and countries of origin are eligible, unless national, international, or European legislation or embargos prohibit specific (combinations of (sub) disciplines and) countries of origin. The appointed PhD students must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the deadline of the co-funded programme's call. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention113 are not taken into account.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed a university degree that entitles them to embark in a doctoral programme in the Netherlands (Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), or Master of Laws (LLM)). The degree must be dated less than 10 years prior to the call deadline. The eligibility window can be extended by 6 months per child for the mother, (additional) maternity or paternity leave (actual time up to 6 months per child), training for medical specialists (3 years), compulsory and reserve military service (actual time), or for refugees/ researchers at risk (up to 3 years). Documentation providing evidence must be included with the application.

The Candidate must be available to enroll full-time in the PhD program at the Host institution in The Netherlands; eventual suspensions for family or personal reasons shall be discussed with the granting authority.

English Certificate

Doctoral Candidates are required to have high level in the English language (if not native speakers). English level of short-listed applicants can be assessed during the selection interview and a mandatory passed test could become part of the Go-No Go decision after year 1 of the project.

Affinity with Africa

Doctoral Candidates will need to demonstrate a strong connection with the African contintent and / or an understanding of the context of Low and Middle Income settings.

After selection, we expect the PhD students to actively participate in the events organized by the programme, such as training/network events, and outreach activities targeting different audiences. The candidates are aware of and adhere to the principles set out in the Commission Recommendation on the European Charter for Researchers.

phd program netherlands

Guide of Applicants

Get to work.

We strongly recommend to carefully read the Guide for Applicants . The guide contains a complete description of all the application criteria to follow, the selection procedure and information about the recruitment. All the applications which do not comply with the rules listed in the Guide for Applicants will be rejected automatically.

For your convenience we also - automatically - translated the Guide of Applicants into French. Download the Guide to Canditate here . The English version is leading.

How to apply

Using the application portal will be the only way to apply. Below you can find all participating supervisors so that you can decide which one(s) you would like to apply with.

By creating your profile in the application portal , you agree with the GROW Privacy Statement

GROW Supervisors

Here you can find all our great supervisors committed to GROW. To enlarge the table, click "view larger version" in the bottom right corner.

You can browse through the gallery. Also, you can search , filter or sort to find your ideal supervisor, based on various criteria.

It is also possible to download the static list as a table. The 10 January version can be found here.

GROW in Research

COPYRIGHT © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Terms of Reference

phd program netherlands

Funded by the European Union. Views and Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Study Destination

PhD in Netherla...

PhD in Netherlands: Top Universities in Netherlands for PhD, Scholarships for International Students, Cost of Studying PhD and Job Opportunities

Author_Image

PhD education Netherlands is a general choice for many international students looking to tap into this culture of open-mindedness, modernization and international exchange of ideas. Doing a PhD in the Netherlands permits international students to conduct autonomous research in the field of study under the supervision of skilled faculty at the university. At the end of research for a PhD in Netherlands, students present their paper or thesis in front of a panel of experts.

The majority of PhD students in the Netherlands have an employment contract with the institution where they will be conducting their research. A PhD in Netherlands for Indian students lasts for a minimum of 4 years. This is comparatively due to the employment status as a doctoral researcher and the additional teaching and directorial responsibilities. So, in this blog, we will be deliberating PhD programs in Netherlands, PhD scholarships in the Netherlands and much more about PhD education Netherlands.

Why Study PhD Programs in Netherlands?

All PhD programs in Netherlands 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. The following benefits of PhD in Holland are:

  • Coursework is Limited: PhD Education Netherlands is a research-only program. Some universities in Netherlands for PhD have started doctoral schools, which require students to take several courses. Some of these courses are linked to:
  • research skills
  •  others are associated with preferred field of study.
  •   Dutch PhD is highly regarded: Study PhD in Netherlands is highly regarded because of the high academic standards. Once your thesis is permitted for publication, students will attend the event of their research and be awarded the PhD at a rite immersed in tradition.
  • People Treat their PhD Like a Job: International students who apply for PhD in Netherlands treat their PhD like a job with comparatively steady hours. It may also be a requirement that you are in your office between firm blocks of time. University buildings incline to have opening and closing hours.
  • You Are a University Employee: Getting hired as a university employee is relatively common when your PhD is funded by a research project. There are many benefits to being hired as a university employee, including employee protection, social security, building up retirement savings etc.

Top Universities in Netherlands for PhD

A doctoral program in the Netherlands is a research-focused third-cycle qualification, as defined by the Bologna process. There are various universities offering PhD programs in Netherlands, and some of them are:

  •       University of Amsterdam
  •       University of Groningen
  •       Maastricht University
  •       Radboud University
  •       Leiden University
  •       Delft University of Technology

So, these are some of the universities in Netherlands for PhD programs, Let’s know it in detail.

1. University of Amsterdam

The University of Amsterdam’s thriving PhD program provides the excellent groundwork for engaging in high-quality teaching and research. Research accepted by the UvA’s academic community ranks among the best globally. The university seeks to bid on an inspiring international educational environment where staff and international students can optimally advance their talents.

53

Public

PhD in Science, Economics and Business

13,300 EUR/ year

2. University of Groningen

The Groningen Graduate School bids an excellent program for postgraduate study at the University of Groningen. The students are offered a comprehensive PhD training program, including the career outlooks series, which helps students prepare for further career opportunities. The researchers will receive professional guidance from their promotor and supervisor. 

139

Public

PhD in Economics and Business, Arts, Behavioural and Social Science, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Engineering

11,766 EUR/ year

3. Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, PhD students are respected as full-fledged research community members. There are three ways to get a PhD degree at the university, i.e., enrol in a PhD training program, apply for a paid PhD position, obtain external funding, & pitch your idea. The PhD programs mainly focus on education, training and supervision to empower students to become excellent researchers. They will also have the opportunity to progress a broad range of academic skills.

256

Public

PhD in Psychology and Economics

4000                     EUR/ year

4. Radboud University

The Radboud University offers varied courses for PhD students to advance scientific skills and personal effectiveness and development. The research profile of Radboud University has two primary constituents: an academic and a societal profile. The academic profile covers the academic corrections in which the university is involved and the sub-disciplines in which it excels. The societal profile covers the societal themes the university is associated with through its academic research.

222

Public

PhD in Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology

12,500 – 16,500 EUR/year

5. Leiden University

It is the best university for PhD in Netherlands for international students. The Leiden University PhD program focuses on PHd students who dedicate a particular work time to scientific research on the theme of their professional practice. The centre helps them advance research plans, provide training, confirm that their study is in unity with the disciplines and graduate schools, and relates to the research of a potential supervisor.

126

Public

PhD in Computer Science, Chemistry and Mathematics

19,600 EUR/ year

6. Delft University of Technology

TU Delft Graduate School helps and trains doctoral students to become highly qualified, autonomous, leading researchers and skilled professionals. The PhD program is essential for preparing for the doctorate and your future career. It also ensures and enhances the growth of scientific quality along with the needed skill for interpersonal skills. After completing the PhD program, you will be awarded a Doctoral Education Certificate at the PhD Thesis Defence ceremony.

47

Public

PhD in Engineering & Technology, Art Design & Architecture

11,000 EUR/ year

Suggested: Cheap Universities in Netherlands

Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements for Universities in Netherlands for PhD

To get admission to universities in Netherlands for PhD, international students need to fulfil the criteria and admission requirements. The following criteria are:

  •       Master’s Degree
  •       English Proficiency Test
  •       Netherlands Student Visa
  •       Additional Requirements

These are some of the PhD requirements Netherlands that students need to follow to get admission efficiently. Let’s know it in detail:

1. Master’s Degree

For a PhD in Netherlands, a standard necessity for PhD admission is holding a master’s degree in a relevant subject area. Due to Dutch PhD researchers’ students may also be required to experience other application processes and submit more documents than a distinctive PhD student.

2. English Proficiency Test

Being an international student, one needs to submit an English language test score to do PhD in Holland. It includes IELTS or TOEFL exam. The minimum score for the IELTS exam is 6.5, and the TOEFL minimum score is 90 (Internet Based).

3. Netherlands Student Visa

An international student who wants to do PhD in the Netherlands and outside the European Union and European Free Trade Area needs to apply for an MVV Netherlands student visa .

Documents Required for PhD in Netherlands for Indian Students

There are some essential documents required for PhD from Netherlands the following documents are:

  •       Official academic transcripts including copies of secondary school diplomas and other certificates.
  •       Valid Passport
  •       Letter of Recommendations
  •       SOP
  •       Sample of academic written work
  •       Updated CV (Including two references)

Application Process for Universities in Netherlands for PhD

Admission criteria for PhD positions are demanding, and potential students must have a solid background in the theory and techniques of their field and a recognised master’s degree. Admission for PhD in the Netherlands for international students involves various steps, which are discussed below:

1. Before getting enrolled for PhD in Netherlands, find a supervisor in your area of study from the college/ university that you want to apply for.

2. Once the supervisor agrees to support you as your guide for the PhD program, you will be required to submit an official application to the university.

3. After that, you may be asked to submit some essential documents, including your CV, contact details, personal statement, research proposal, transcripts and references.

4. Prepare a research proposal; it holds the key in the application process for PhD programs.

5. Submit a document of personal statement mentioning the reason for pursuing PhD program, what appeals you to the subject area and how your studies & work experience helped you to take up PhD education

6. Ensure that the references you have should be valid, as all the programs will ask for referees who can present details about your academic abilities and motivation.

7. In other cases, maybe the referee can be asked to provide a letter of reference in their own words.

Cost of Studying PhD in Holland

To study PhD in education in Netherlands includes the tuition cost & cost of living for international students.

Average Tuition Fees for PhD in Netherlands

The tuition fees will vary as per the PhD Course selected by the students to study at the top universities in the Netherlands. The average cost of studying PhD in the Netherlands is 6000 EUR - 20,000 EUR.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Netherlands includes various expenses such as:

Health Insurance

120 EUR/ per month

Rent

500 - 1,000 EUR/ per month

Study Material

30- 65 EUR/ per month

Food & Groceries

180 EUR

Suggested: Cost of Living in Netherlands

PhD Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students

For PhD scholarships in Netherlands, there are 3 ways to fund PhD studies:

1. Fellowship or Grant: Most students interested in doing a PhD from Netherlands find funding in the form of fellowship or grant. After finding a fellowship, you will need to find a supervisor at a research institution willing to support you.

2. Sponsored by your Employer: Sometimes, it happens when you can afford to study PhD part-time while working. If you and your sponsor are interested in this option, you should contact the institution of your choice.

3. Employed by an Institution: It is one of the most preferred options by a student in the Netherlands to have an employment agreement with the institution where they will be conducting their research.

Career Options after PhD in Netherlands

After completing PhD in Netherlands, international students will need to apply for an Orientation Year residence permit. The student must be registered in the Personal Records Database, have a Citizen Service Number, and pay a fee of 174 EUR to be in the country for more than one year. Apart from it, students can also apply for long term residence in the Netherlands. Some of the career options after the PhD program are:

Associate Professor of Finance

79,069 EUR

Technical support specialist

43,449 EUR

PhD Graduate Lecturer

36,759 EUR

Researcher

5,503 EUR

The Netherlands holds the research achieved by its universities in high esteem, and the country and its academics have an outstanding track record in world research. As a doctoral graduate from a Dutch university, you’ll be a researcher. So if that sounds great to you, connect with our Yocket professional and get guidance for your further career aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Netherlands

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

It will take around 4 years to complete a full-time PhD Course in the Netherlands.

How much are PhD candidates paid in the Netherlands?

PhD candidates are usually paid 2,266 – 2,897 EUR per month.

What are the popular PhD courses to study in the Netherlands?

Some of the popular PhD courses to study are: 1. Economics 2. Business & Psychology 3. Medical Sciences 4. Social Sciences

Is PhD free in the Netherlands?

PhD students in the Netherlands are known to be “university employees” and therefore get a salary to account for their research. Therefore, there are no normal tuition fees for doctoral candidates.

More Topics

Top Premium Admits

The University of Edinburgh

students-admitted

Yocketers Admitted

students-admitted

Scholarships granted

university-image

Nandita Shekar

Columbia University

university-image

Sharwari Bhosale

Cornell University

university-image

Atharva Thodge

Articles you might like

The Indian Dream To Go For Higher Studies Abroad?

Hold all the aces before you depart for your higher studies

What After SAT / ACT Exam? | Things to do for Studies Abroad

Upcoming Events

Scholarships and Other Funding Strategies 2025

June 15th, 7:00 pm IST | 1hr

Fireside chat with Brown uni admitted student

June 21st, 3:00 pm IST | 1hr

Looking for Funding options: Scholarships, RA & TA are the way forward!

July 2nd, 5:00 pm IST | 1hr

Search term

Phd programme.

The interdisciplinary PhD programme in Sustainability Science and Policy (SSP) is designed to educate researchers, university teachers, and world leaders in the social, economic and natural science disciplines that underpin sustainable development.

The research produced by the programme’s doctoral dissertations will focus on integrative, interdisciplinary research that is needed to explore science and policy issues in sustainable development.

Integrated assessment methods and concepts (transitions, modeling, scenario analysis) will be instrumental to provide answers to the central questions of sustainable development.

Sustainability science is a new multi-disciplinary approach to science that recognizes the limitations of traditional scientific inquiry in dealing with the complex reality of social institutions interacting with natural phenomena.

Join the PhD programme

Paid PhD positions (employed researchers) If there are positions available, you will find the vacancies listed here.

PhD student with alternative funding If you have confirmed funding (an estimate of the tuition fee for a 4-year PhD programme is €20.000,-) for the PhD programme you are welcome to contact us for an application package.

Admission requirements

The programme is designed for an international student body and therefore we are interested in candidates from all over the world. The basic admission requirements are:

  • A master’s degree (or equivalent to) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in the following fields: economics, humanities, engineering, political science, or other natural/social sciences
  • Excellent written and verbal English language skills. Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to take the IELTS Test. A score of 7 or above is required
  • Applicants should demonstrate an ability to pursue independent research through their prior work and academic distinction
  • Upon graduation it is expected that the candidates will play an important role as scholars, policymakers and professionals in their home countries and in the international community, taking leadership roles in government, international organisations, non-profit organisations and business

More information about PhD programmes at Maastricht University

Current PhD projects

Better, not more – business strategies to enable sufficient consumption.

This PhD project focuses on the role that business can play in a transition towards sufficient, sustainable consumption. Sufficiency refers to consumption that enables prosperity for all while remaining within the boundaries of planetary capacity. Sufficient consumption is needed as the current economic system is based on the continuous consumption of new products, and overconsumption of resources, which creates negative environmental and social impacts.

Businesses are key creators of demand, through their product and service offering and advertising. While many businesses have recognized the need to work towards sustainability, these efforts remain largely confined to efficiency improvements and moves towards a circular economy (consistency). This, however, is insufficient in tackling sustainability challenges, as rebound effects swallow resource and emissions savings and overconsumption remains unchallenged. This research addresses the more radical proposition of businesses acting as leaders for sufficiency, supporting their consumers to reconsider their consumption behaviour and consume differently, less, or not at all.

a mannequin wearing a blouse in a window

Transboundary learning in higher education for sustainable development: Designing learning environments and competence assessments

In the past two decades, education for sustainable development has been increasingly discussed on global, national, and regional agendas, resulting in a blossom of sustainability-related programmes and courses. Higher education graduates are expected to deal with sustainability-related societal problems during their professional and personal lives. The challenge is that these multi-faceted problems cannot be solved by individuals or using a single perspective. To produce competent professionals and improve education quality, universities put effort into defining/adopting relevant competence frameworks that include specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, processes and impacts of learning still appear as Pandora’s box because: 1) Perspectives towards sustainable development are influenced by motivations, demographic, and intellectual backgrounds, but they remain inadequately assessed for the relevance to education; 2) interactions in learning environments can lead to both positive and negative outcomes for individuals, groups, and organisations, 3) complexities in real-world learning cannot be tackled without considering the direct and indirect impact of social, economic, and environmental factors.   

Successful crossing of disciplinary, cultural, and professional boundaries is an encompassing competence and a promising source of learning, which has become popular in designing learning environments. Although the patterns of interactions differ, study exchange, work placement, field trips, intervention workshops, student-stakeholder projects, university-led living labs, and start-up incubators are examples of learning environments that connect different perspectives and enable mutual learning. However, they risk failing to address students’ varying initial capacity and self-efficacy, group dynamics, support/hindrance in and outside the campus, the interplay of stakeholder interests, monitoring of career trajectories, and a lack of rigorous assessments overall.   

My PhD research contributes to fulfilling the said knowledge gaps, focusing on the design of learning environments and assessments for the competence of working across multiple boundaries:   

  • Tapping into insights from education and management sciences, specifically taking stock of knowledge in situations of boundary crossing, boundary spanning, and boundary work.
  • Linking different views on nature and ways of life from the Cultural Theory to perspectives on sustainable development (students, teachers, researchers, and stakeholders), quantifying the degree of diversity and change of perspectives before and after a study period.
  • Designing and experimenting with configurations of learning environments (i.e. alternative classrooms) to enable boundary interactions and learning from different perspectives, offering an open, authentic, inspirational and fun part of higher education for sustainable development. 

5 people smiling and walking on the grass

Overpassing the hot spot: Climate proofing with in a sustainable development strategy for Central America.

Central America faces decisive moments, not only by the challenges presented in terms of poverty, insecurity, vulnerability and institutional weakness, but also it is at a key time for taking the decisions and actions necessary to build a region of sustainable development.

The region has begun to implement climate proofing for public infrastructure, at national and local level, nonetheless, the region isn’t working to incorporate the climate proofing to the spatial planning, and even, the spatial planning is weak or absent in most of the region. At the same time, the Central American countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and also, have a large history of impacts thanks to extreme weather conditions.

In a region as vulnerable as Central America, is of high importance the use of strategies to climate proof their efforts towards its sustainable development. Climate proofing is a term considered new for the region, the Asian Development Bank define it as:

“identifying risks to a development project, or any other specified natural or human asset, as a consequence of both current and future climate variability and extremes, and ensuring that those risks are reduced to acceptable levels through long-lasting and environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially acceptable changes implemented at one or more of the following stages in the project cycle: planning, design, construction, operation, and decommissioning.” (ADB, 2005. P. 2)

The interest of this research is to document relevant international experience incorporating climate proofing strategies to the spatial planning as part of the efforts of adaptation to climate change in cities. Based on these experience, to build a proposal to strengthen the initial efforts of the region to climate proof public infrastructure, especially, elevating the scope to include climate proofing to the spatial planning in Central America’s cities.

phd program netherlands

The Role of Assumptions in Social Change Processes

This PhD project is concerned with the assumptions that individual actors or actor groups involved in change initiatives towards more sustainable, just and inclusive societies hold about what is at stake and about how change can be brought about. The focus is as much on assumptions that are verbalised explicitly as on assumptions that underlie actions taken and strategies pursued.

Cases considered range from government-supported behavioural change programmes and research projects to civil society social innovation initiatives and activist groups. Findings are evaluated against a range of theories on transformative, social change from across the social sciences.

phd program netherlands

The Role of Animals and Nature in Learning for Sustainable Development --a Chinese Perspective

Animals had many measurable benefits to both humans and society, such as enhancing physical and psychological well-being, reducing loneliness and depression, improving animal diversity and promoting sustainable nature and society development. From another point of view, the direct presence of public attitudes toward animals, which are somewhat influenced by human culture and knowledge, can contribute to animals’ healthy dietary and decent living environment, and eventually the construction of an optimum animal welfare system. Therefore, it is clear that a better understanding of public attitudes toward animals, animal emotions, as well as what effects the influential factors have on these attitudes, are of fundamental importance to both animals and humans.

My research mainly focused on the sustainable relationships between humans and animals in China, Japan, and the Netherlands. Through this research, I want to know how people attribute emotions to animals, and how the degree of attachment influences the attribution of emotions to animals in these countries. In addition, my research also aimed at finding out Chinese, Japanese and the Dutch people’s attitudes toward animals and their influential factors, such as culture, ethical ideologies, the degree of attachment and other possible variables. Furthermore, Ecological Paw Print as an important variable to measure sustainable development will also be included in my research. Through my research, I want to find out the current situation of animals and human-animal relationships in China (as well as in the Netherlands and Japan), and therefore find ways to improve people’s awareness of animal welfare.

phd program netherlands

Organisational Transformation and Systemic Change: Navigating pathways towards Sustainability for the University

How can universities effectively navigate pathways of transformation for sustainability? In order to answer this question, international case-study research on pioneering universities and their networks is developing and testing a tool to help evaluate and track fundamental transformation for organisations towards more actionable outcomes across diverse aspects of sustainability. These include but are not limited to: management performance, governance, intrapreneurship and innovation, sustainability in education, inter and transdisciplinary research, communications strategies, stakeholder management and social and environmental responsibility practices.

As part of an Action research approach, structured interventions will be applied to Maastricht University with the Green Office as the implementation agents, aiming to resolve system dysfunction and improve sustainability performance.

The project deliverables, aside from publications and a thesis, will include policy recommendations, management reviews, a transdisciplinary framework for organisational transformation for sustainability at universities, and – from a four year period of observations - executive reports on institutional governance for sustainability, longitudinal organisational assessments, and knowledge on increased social impact of academia through social entrepreneurship.

This PhD will work towards my core objective: to apply action research, for intentional change and improvement, in partnership with organisations that want purpose driven into their core and are committed to a fortuitous movement for sustainable development - whether in the public, private or social sectors. I will continue close participative research with the Green Office, and my network in social enterprise, in order to perform interventions for UM's sustainability performance in 2017. After 2017, the outcomes and continuation of this work will be primarily focussed and applied where there is the most traction and willingness to undertake necessary transformative change; external to ossified administrative, bureaucratic and political systems.

phd program netherlands

Are energy decisions about energy?

The most challenging element of the energy transition is to reduce fossil fuel energy consumption in the existing housing stock because of the complexity of the system of different actors and their social practices. In this PhD research an interdisciplinary socio-technical approach is used that goes beyond technology and individual behaviour and will also tackle the physical, economic and social context of the different actors. Empirical data is collected in the case-study of Parkstad Limburg (NL) and the results are used to develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness of energy transition policies and product offerings to residents.

Are energy decisions about energy?

Sustainability Assessment tools for Urban Mobility –policy lessons from a China-Europe comparison

This PhD research originates from the argument of The World Health Organization (2016), that ‘good health of all its citizens is one of the most effective markers of any city’s sustainable development’.  This calls for sustainable, health-promoting urban policies. In China, sustainable urban development (SUD) is stimulated by, for example, the National Development and Reform Commission’s ‘low-carbon pilot program’. In Europe, SUD is stimulated by, for example, the new ‘Urban Agenda for the EU’. However, decision-makers do not often apply a ‘health-lens’ to SUD policies. So how can the dual goals of healthy citizens and urban sustainability be integrated in decision-making? And how can we enhance the health co-benefits of existing and anticipated SUD policies?

Sustainability assessment (SA) is nowadays a widely used term that covers a broad range of approaches aiming to operationalize sustainability concepts for decision-making, mostly within but also outside governments. It emerged as a ‘marriage’ between environmental assessment and sustainable development (see Dijk et al 2017). These approaches may be formal or informal, legally prescribed or voluntary, science-driven or policy-driven, etc., and may carry different labels, such as sustainability appraisal, sustainability impact assessment or integrated assessment. A common feature is that they try to integrate various perspectives, interests, and types of knowledge. However, despite scholarly progress, Gibson (2016) concludes that in public and private sectors the speed of sustainable development has been rather slow in the last decade. An important way forward is the development of new and better Sustainable Assessment tools. In this project we focus on the improvement of Sustainability Assessment tools for urban mobility.

An SA is designed to form a logic sequence within an analytic and decision-making process, and within which a range of different methods can be applied. There is no single and commonly accepted procedure for sustainability assessment. A procedure may be formally prescribed by law, such as in environmental impact assessment (EIA) in many countries (but with great variety between countries) and as strategic environmental assessment under the EU SEA Directive (2001/42/EC). A broad range of methods has been applied in SA, with often combinations of methods being used within one study. However, in assessments in the public and private sector, the choice is often poorly explained and, when combining methods, often one method is clearly dominant and basically shapes the SA outcomes. A common problem identified in the literature is the lack of guidance on what methods can be used. Thus, research on how to organize and deploy tools and methods in assessments seems to have a lot of room for improvement.

Sustainability Assessment tools for Urban Mobility

Understanding Human-Ocean Relationships: A Multi-Perspective Analysis of Chinese Ocean Society

Throughout human history, the ocean has always been playing a crucial role in human society. How people view the ocean is strongly correlated with how they make use of the ocean, and subsequently, what the ocean looks like now. Are we considering human as the dominator of the ocean? Or are we regarding human society and ocean as equally important? Understanding human-ocean interaction would be helpful to build a healthy relationship between human society and ocean.

However, seldom studies look into this area in current academic community. Especially the conditions in developing countries, such as China, still remain unclear. On one hand, large-scale foreign trade and annual seafood consumption justify the significance of ocean to Chinese society. On the other hand, increasing maritime disasters and resource depletion indicate the environment is far from ideal.   

From three aspects, this research project targets at answering the question of how to understand and develop a sustainable human-ocean relationship. This research will assess how Chinese people perceive marine life, recognize marine economic development, and deal with modern maritime disaster. We will delineate a general picture of human-ocean relationship in contemporary Chinese society. And we would like to contribute to the discussion of how to shape a positive and robust relationship between ocean and human society.

Understanding Human-Ocean Relationships

Detecting and analyzing assumptions and behavioural changes on pro-environmental consumer behaviour in relation to waste management through Big Data Analysis (BDA)

This PhD research originates from the need to better understand the human behaviour in relation to waste management through the analysis of the huge amount of unstructured data available online (like social media and other free platforms).

Nowadays the attention to sustainable development (SD) issues is continuously increasing as demonstrated, at the supra-national level, by development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their inclusion in the national agenda of many nations. At the individual level, the focus on SD matters is addressed through enhanced education, improved attention to our lifestyle and to the impact of our routine actions, responsible purchasing, respectful behaviours, etc. These concerns are also demonstrated by the creation of new terms as green attitude, pro-environmental behaviour, eco-friendly attitude, green consumption, to highlight the importance of the individual behaviour in pursuing the SD, and to indicate that the development of an environmentally sustainable consumption is also dependant on consumers' willingness to engage in pro-environmental behaviours.

Actually the analysis of human behaviour is very complex and interdisciplinary, especially when considering pro-enviromental factors, as demonstrated by the huge variety of approaches and methodologies adopted by the existing scholars. In the latter years, novel expanded approaches have been proposed with the intention of including all applicable factors in the correct way. These activities are very challenging, and many scholars agree that human actions are the results of a complex economic, social, physical and psychological process, influenced by numerous and heterogenoeus factors related to environment, culture, laws, politics, geography, circumstances, emotions, intentions, just to name a few of them.

Nowadays the researches on human behaviour and its influencing factors can definitely benefits of the analysis of big data (BD). For example, it would be useful to understand from the posts on social media the reaction of the inhabitants of a town to the introduction of municipal novel waste measures, or to comprehend the influence and interactions of economic, social and psychological factors on human perceptions in relation to environmental issues.

Unfortunately the majority of data available on internet are unstructured, but they potentially contain very useful information offering a great opportunity for the advancement of researches on human behaviour.

This does not mean that the key for success is BD itself, but our challenge is to create value from it by creating transparencies and unvealing relsationships, to better understand the human behaviour thorugh the utilization of big data analysis (BDA).

For the above-mentioned reasons this research aims at understanding some specific aspects of the human behaviour by taking full advantage of the most recent big data analysis tools through an interdisciplinary approach open to the collaboration of scholars from different disciplines.

Detecting and analyzing assumptions and behavioural changes on pro-environmental consumer behaviour in relation to waste management through Big Data Analysis (BDA)

Network leadership for advancing transformative capacity of social innovation

Tim is working half-time as a PhD researcher, investigating learning processes in networks of transformative social innovation initiatives like Impact Hubs, Transition Towns, TimeBanks, Hacker Spaces and Ecovillages.

This research draws on involvement with the recently completed EU-funded TRANSIT project (2014-2017), which developed an empirically grounded theory on how such social innovations relate to transformative social change. The focus lies on better understanding how network leaders can effectively shape the learning processes at various network levels for social innovations to develop transformative capacity.

Network leadership for advancing transformative capacity of social innovation

  • Completed PhD Projects

Shared Value Creation and Inter-organisational Collaboration for Sustainable Business Model Innovation       Myrthe Velter

Spatially Modelling the Positive and Negative Effects of Nature on Human Health: a Focus on Optimizing Urban Green Infrastructure       Bram Oosterbroek

Global Sustainable Governance: Partnerships Between Fragmentation and Cohesion       Ceren Pekdemir

Organisational Transformation and Systemic Change: Navigating pathways towards Sustainability for the University       Alex Baker-Shelley

The OPEDUCA Concept - Basing schooling (from primary to higher) on Education for Sustainable Development in a local-to-global multi-stakeholder reality of Learning       Jos Eussen

Climate and ENSO variability effect on dengue incidence in Aruba       Marck Oduber

Certification contracts from an institutional economic perspective      Esther Sri Astuti

Learning for sustainability: the learning process      Anneloes Smitsman

Ecological Consequences of Globalization: Implications for Sustainable Development (2017) Lukas Figge |  Read more

Social and Economic Effects of Coffee Certification, with a Specific Focus on the Livelihood Effects for Farmers (2017) Ibnu Muhammad |  Read more

The Role of Governments on Sustainable Agriculture (2017) Atika Wijaya |  Read more

The Social and Economic Effects of Palm Oil Certification, with a Specific Focus on the Livelihood Effects for Farmers (2017) Nia Hidayat |  Read more

Religion and sustainable development (2017) Laura Kurth

The transition of farmers’ sustainable agricultural production behaviors:  comparative cases study in China and Netherlands Jing Wang

Climate change and health: consequences and adaptation in Europe (2015) Su-Mia Akin |  Download

Climate change and dengue transmission in Vietnam: an integrated assessment (2015) Toan Do Thanh | Download

A sunny future for photovoltaic systems in the Netherlands? An analysis of the role of government and users in the diffusion of an emerging technology (2014) Veronique Vasseur | Download

Stepping stone cities? Exploring urban greening and gardening as a viable contribution to global biodiversity conservation (2014) Carijn Beumer | Download

The Perspectives Method: Towards socially robust River Management. Maastricht University (2012) Astrid Offermans | Download

Regional sustainable development: Barries in Practice (Findings from policy, citizens, practitioners and monitoring) (2011) Annemarie van Zeijl-Rozema | Download

Living with Less: Prospects for Sustainability (2010) Jeanine Schreurs

Sailing on the winds of change. The Odyssey of Sustainability of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Maastricht University. (2010) Niko Roorda

Union democracy: The challenge of globalisation to organised labour in Ghana. (2010) Akua Britwum

Innovation in car mobility. Co-evolution of demand and supply under sustainability pressures. (2010) Marc Dijk

Climate change and tourism: Impacts and vulnerability in coastal Europe. (2010) Alvaro Moreno

The role of future studies in innovation processes Nicole Rijkens-Klomp

  • Laura Niessen Better, Not More – Business strategies to enable sufficient consumption
  • Ningna Xie Transboundary learning in higher education for sustainable development: Designing learning environments and competence assessments
  • Diego Ramírez Overpassing the hot spot: Climate proofing with in a sustainable development strategy for Central America.
  • Julia Backhaus The Role of Assumptions in Social Change Processes
  • Bingtao Su The Role of Animals and Nature in Learning for Sustainable Development --a Chinese Perspective
  • Alex Baker-Shelley Organisational Transformation and Systemic Change: Navigating pathways towards Sustainability for the University
  • Wendy Broers Are energy decisions about energy?
  • Xu Liu Sustainability Assessment tools for Urban Mobility –policy lessons from a China-Europe comparison
  • Mo Chen Understanding Human-Ocean Relationships: A Multi-Perspective Analysis of Chinese Ocean Society
  • Alessandro Concari Detecting and analyzing assumptions and behavioural changes on pro-environmental consumer behaviour in relation to waste management through Big Data Analysis (BDA)
  • Tim Strasser Network leadership for advancing transformative capacity of social innovation
  • All categories

phd program netherlands

Graduate School of Humanities

NWO call 'PhDs in the Humanities'

Up to and including 2024 the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) will be working with the ‘PhDs in the Humanities’ funding instrument.

The ‘PhDs in the Humanities’ offers talented researchers a paid PhD position. It is a so-called ‘open’ NWO instrument: applicants are free to choose their own research topic. Applications are granted funding on the basis of the excellence of the candidate and of the research proposal. More information on PhDs in the Humanities can be found in the call for proposals on the  NWO website .

Every Humanities Faculty in the Netherlands may nominate a selected number of candidates (Leiden University 4.5 FTE; 4 or 5 candidates) for this competition. The selection of candidates for Leiden University is made by the Committee for the Practice of Scientific Research ( Commissie voor Wetenschapsbeoefening)  plus a representative from the Faculty of Archaeology. Each Leiden Humanities’ institute may submit a limited number of candidates to the committee. Please check the NWO website for the specific deadline.

If you are interested in becoming a candidate for one of the institutes, you first need to find a supervisor. After the supervisor has confirmed to accept you as a PhD candidate, the institute will make a pre-selection. Please check with your institute’s management about the procedure, deadlines and your opportunities before the end of the (calendar) year.

Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities at Renowned European Universities

PhDEU

Fully Funded PhD Opportunities at Renowned European Universities in diverse fields forall nationalities!

Exciting Prospects Across Diverse Academic Disciplines for Applicants of All Nationalities

We are thrilled to announce a range of fully funded PhD positions available at prestigious universities throughout Europe. These exceptional opportunities span an array of cutting-edge fields, including:

  • Biochemistry
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Sports Science
  • Mathematics
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology

Elevate your academic journey and contribute to groundbreaking research at top-tier institutions such as:

  • University of Bordeaux
  • University of Galway
  • Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering POLYMAT Fundazioa
  • Universität Heidelberg
  • Grenoble INP - Institute of Engineering
  • Paul Scherrer Institut Villigen
  • Swansea University
  • Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics
  • Université de Namur
  • University for Continuing Education Krems
  • University of Cologne

This is your chance to be part of shaping the future of science and technology. Apply now for these fully funded PhD opportunities, open to applicants of all nationalities.

Explore diverse opportunities and take your academic and research career to new heights. Apply now for Doctoral (PhD) positions at these prestigious institutions.

PhD Student in Integration of morphological constraints in tomographic image reconstruction through deep learning: Application in Biology, University of Bordeaux (France)

PhD Student in Soil Molecular Microbial Ecology, University of Galway (Ireland)

PhD Student in Chemistry, Basque Center for Macromolecular Design and Engineering POLYMAT Fundazioa (Spain)

PhD Student in Machine Learning in Particle Physics, Universität Heidelberg (Germany)

PhD Student in electrochemistry - LEPMI, Grenoble INP - Institute of Engineering (France)

PhD Student in Creep of zirconium based nuclear fuel claddings, Paul Scherrer Institut Villigen (Switzerland)

PhD Student in Sports Science, Swansea University (United Kingdom) 

PhD student in Mathematics, Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics (Germany)

PhD student within the Laboratory for Computational Modeling of Functional Materials at the Namur Institute of Structured Matter, University of Namur (Belgium)

PhD Student in Biochemistry, University for Continuing Education Krems (Austria)

PhD Student in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Cologne (Germany)

Don't miss this opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research and advance your academic career in Europe.

#PhD #ResearchOpportunities #UniversityofBordeaux #UniversityofGalway #BasqueCenterforMacromolecularDesignandEngineeringPOLYMATFundazioa #UniversitätHeidelberg #GrenobleINP-InstituteofEngineering #PaulScherrerInstitutVilligen #SwanseaUniversity #WeierstrassInstituteforAppliedAnalysisandStochastics  #Postdoc

#UniversitédeNamur #UniversityforContinuingEducationKrems #UniversityofCologne

COMMENTS

  1. PhD Study in the Netherlands

    The Dutch academic year runs from September to August. The application deadline for most study programmes is 1 May. However, because PhD programmes are less dependent on coursework and exams, the application deadlines are usually flexible. You should check the application for your chosen course with your university.

  2. PhD programmes

    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 ...

  3. PhD Programmes

    From now on, everyone who asks questions to a PhD candidate during a PhD Ceremony of Utrecht University is allowed to wear gowns. Municipalities taking a different course in the reception and assistance of refugees. News. 11 December 2022. ... The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50 ...

  4. 204 PhD programmes in Netherlands

    9,000 EUR / year. 4 years. The Executive PhD at Maastricht School of Management allows working professionals and researchers with full-time or part-time jobs to combine their careers with obtaining a PhD. Ph.D. / Part-time / Blended. Maastricht School of Management Maastricht, Netherlands. Add to compare.

  5. PhD programme

    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 ...

  6. PhDs

    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). ... A PhD Defence ceremony is a formal occasion with strict protocols governing each person's role ...

  7. PhD research

    PhD research. PhD research is at the heart of what we do as a University. Around 2000 PhD candidates are involved in research and education at the UvA and around 400 doctorates are conferred each year. Two-thirds of these are in the Sciences or Medicine.

  8. Top Universities for PhD Study in the Netherlands in 2024

    184. 210. 401-500. Tilburg University. 201-250. =371. 701-800. Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information.

  9. PhD

    Doing a PhD will probably be the most influential time in your personal development to prepare you for your future career. In the Netherlands, only research universities like the University of Twente offer the third cycle of higher education leading to a PhD. A PhD involves spending four years of in-depth studying and researching in a particular area.

  10. Obtaining a PhD at the UvA

    If you choose to do a PhD at the UvA, you will be joining an organisation that recognises the key importance of excellent doctoral research. Research carried out by the UvA's academic community ranks among the best of the world, and the University competes very successfully for external research funding, both in the Netherlands and beyond.

  11. PhD

    A Dutch PhD is highly regarded. Once your dissertation is approved for publication, you will attend the public defence of your research and will be awarded the PhD at a ceremony steeped in tradition. A PhD from a Dutch university is highly regarded because of the high academic standards. The Netherlands has an excellent international ranking ...

  12. PhD

    PhD. TU Delft is the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands: an institution where we perform world-class research by combining science, engineering and design in a socially responsible manner. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth (paid) research in your chosen field. With this ...

  13. PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam

    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.

  14. PhD

    The Graduate School of Life Sciences offers 15 PhD programmes that together cover a wide range of research topics, from plants to patients, from molecules to populations. These PhD programmes are rooted in the focus of Life Sciences research in Utrecht. Currently over 2000 PhD candidates participate in our Graduate School. ... The Netherlands ...

  15. PhD programmes

    Facilities for PhD students. There is a wide range of training possibilities for employees within Erasmus University Rotterdam. The training courses and programmes are given in the Training and Development Platform, TOP.In addition to coordinating the range of training courses with other universities, This platform is where all practical, substantive and innovative activities relating to ...

  16. PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Netherlands

    The DBA is a 3-year, part-time programme developed to suit the lifestyle of executives who wish to combine their practical expertise with the highest level of management training. Read more. Funded PhD Programme (Students Worldwide) Netherlands PhD Programme. 1. Find a PhD is a comprehensive guide to PhD studentships and postgraduate research ...

  17. Doctoral programme

    In the Doctorate Regulations, the UvA' s Doctorate Board has set out the procedures, tasks and responsibilities associated with obtaining a doctorate. Every PhD candidate and doctoral conferral at the UvA must comply with the provisions of these regulations. You must therefore familiarise yourself with the provisions of these regulations before ...

  18. Study in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2024

    Pursue a Master's degree. In the Netherlands, the transition from a Bachelor's to a relevant Master's degree is very well-organised. You can consult your study advisors and apply for a Master's degree that matches your academic profile. Head over here to see over 1600 Master's in the Netherlands. Go for a PhD.

  19. About PhD programmes

    A PhD programme takes on average 3 to 4 years to complete. During this time, candidates undertake a research project which culminates in the writing of a thesis or a series of articles in scientific journals. The candidates work under the supervision of a professor. ... The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50 ...

  20. PhD admission

    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 ...

  21. Apply

    The application deadline was January 31st 2024. Selection process will occur from February - April and the selected PhDs will start their PhD-employment from July 2024. The GROW programme bases the selection of candidates on the following 3 equally weighted criteria: Applicant Excellence, based on the academic / educational / professional ...

  22. PhD in Netherlands: Top Universities in Netherlands for PhD ...

    Top Universities in Netherlands for PhD. A doctoral program in the Netherlands is a research-focused third-cycle qualification, as defined by the Bologna process. There are various universities offering PhD programs in Netherlands, and some of them are: University of Amsterdam; University of Groningen; Maastricht University; Radboud University

  23. MSI

    PhD programme. The interdisciplinary PhD programme in Sustainability Science and Policy (SSP) is designed to educate researchers, university teachers, and world leaders in the social, economic and natural science disciplines that underpin sustainable development. The research produced by the programme's doctoral dissertations will focus on ...

  24. NWO call 'PhDs in the Humanities'

    Graduate School of Humanities. NWO call 'PhDs in the Humanities' Up to and including 2024 the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) will be working with the 'PhDs in the Humanities' funding instrument. The 'PhDs in the Humanities' offers talented researchers a paid PhD position.

  25. Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities at Renowned European Universities

    Apply now for Doctoral (PhD) positions at these prestigious institutions. PhD Student in Integration of morphological constraints in tomographic image reconstruction through deep learning: Application in Biology, University of Bordeaux (France) PhD Student in Soil Molecular Microbial Ecology, University of Galway (Ireland)