art phd netherlands

art research

3rd cycle program:.

PhDArts offers an international, high-level doctorate in art and design. The four-year PhDArts research trajectory consists of two elements: individual research and participation in the doctoral study program.

The doctoral study program, which consists of monthly lectures, seminars, training, and workshops, is an essential part of the research environment in which the student undertakes his or her research. Participation is mandatory. An appropriate team of supervisors is sought for each doctoral student. The supervising team consists of the Directing Supervisor and one or two assisting supervisors. The role of the supervisors consists of helping students to develop a suitable research environment.

The requirements to apply are:

• A Master’s of Arts degree or proof of study at a comparable level.
• Proficient in both speaking and writing in English
• A strong and independent artistic practice as a visual artist or designer.

PhDArts does not award any scholarships or grants, but there are no tuition fees for PhDArts, for EEA and non-EEA students alike.

For more information, visit the website .

PhDArts, international doctorate program in art and design, is a collaboration between Leiden University Academy of Creative and Performing Arts and the Royal Academy of Art (KABK) in The Hague.

autonomies practice design English visual arts

Prinsessegracht 4 2514 AN Den Haag The Netherlands

T: +31 (0)70 315 47 55 [email protected]

expertmeeting 3rd cycle models in Europe – 28.06.2021

expert meeting on third cycle models in Europe In the online expert meeting on June 28th, 2021 we looked into the differences and similarities between (artistic) PhD’s and PD’s in Europe, and the insights from the international Creator Doctus project – and what we can learn from this as a community. The meeting was attended […]

Research platform GRASP (Groningen Research Arts and Society Platform) is a collaboration of Hanze University (UAS) and the University of Groningen. Artistic research yields unique knowledge and methods within the research domain of art and society, this can be of value for research practices in other domains. Participants can obtain a PhD in GRASP and it is part of the Graduate School for Humanities (GSH) of the University of Groningen in cooperation with the Research Centre Art&Society of Hanze UAS.

MERIAN (the Maastricht Experimental Research In and through the Arts Network) is an environment in which selected PhD candidates from all art and scientific disciplines can do a PhD trajectory in ‘Maastricht style’ artistic research. MERIAN, is a collaboration in the field of artistic research between Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Maastricht University and the Jan van Eyck Academy.

facilitating program:

THIRD is a twoyear program to prepare theatre, choreography and performance artists for 3rd cycle research. THIRD aims to bridge the gap between master and 3rd Cycle education.

Creator Doctus

Creator Doctus is a three-year research trajectory for visual artists and designers. It is a relatively new trajectory within the third cycle and was set up by the Gerrit Rietveld Academy. When the three-year trajectory is completed and judged sufficient by the evaluation committee the participant will be awarded the title Creator Doctus (CrD).

docARTES is an international inter-university doctoral program for practice-based research in musical arts, designed for musician-researchers. It is primarily intended for gifted musicians in the fields of performance and composition, whose artistic work raises questions or problems that can only be addressed through research

research platform:

ARIAS was established as a research platform by five higher education institutions in Amsterdam based on the conviction that merging academic and artistic research by unlocking new perspectives, can contribute to important 21st-century research questions about issues like digitalization, technologization, and internationalization.

Erasmus+ program:

Adie – artistic doctorates in europe.

Artistic Doctorates in Europe: Third cycle provision in Dance and Performance (ADiE) project is investigating Practice as Research (PaR) inquiries within research level degrees in Dance and Performance.

Advancing Supervision for Artistic Research Doctorates

Advancing Supervision for Artistic Research Doctorates is an Erasmus+ program that produces intellectual outputs ready to use for those involved in doctoral supervision across all art disciplines. Innovative formats like an interactive mindmap, exhibitions and essays, a non-normative guide book, a web based tool kit and a prototype for a training module deal with all […]

• About PhDArts
• The PhDArts Doctorate
• PhDArts Doctorate Programme

VIII Art of Research Conference

PhDArts candidates will attend and present their research at the eighth Art of Research conference from 30th November - 1st December 2023 at Aalto University,…

Public Defense Spiritual Corporeality: Towards Embodied Gnosis through a Dancing Language

Dancer and choreographer Suzan Tunca publicly defends the research project entitled 'Spiritual Corporeality: Towards Embodied Gnosis through a Dancing Language'. On 31 October…

There are no current events.

Dissertations

• Requirements
• Application Procedure
• Application Form
• Privacy Notice
• Royal Academy of Art (KABK)
• Leiden University

Select language

Art History

Doing a Phd

If you have completed your Master's programme, and you are enthusiastic about doing research in your field, then maybe doing a Doctorate (PhD) might be something for you. A Doctor’s degree is the highest academic degree awarded by a Dutch university. You start as 'assistant in training' (aio) or 'researcher in training' (oio).

At Utrecht University

At Utrecht University you take part in education in one of the Graduate Schools and often also teach students. During the four-year PhD programme you work under the guidance of a professor on creating a research project that results in a dissertation or a series of articles in scientific journals. You can search for positions on research projects on offer or a position whereby you are free to submit your own research proposal. Read more on doing a PhD at Utrecht University. 

Other options

The best way to find a PhD position is through networking with the professor in the field you wish to specialize. Another option is to search via www.academictransfer.nl . Here you can also find more information on doing PhD research in the Netherlands. 

Follow Utrecht University

Cookie-usage

This site uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. For more information see our cookie policy .

Manage cookie preferences

apply cookie preferences

Please review the information below and select the cookies that you want to enable. You can continue to the site without accepting these cookies but certain features may not be available or function properly. More information about the cookies set by the KABK and those by third-parties can be found in our Cookie Policy .

Please select your cookie preferences

Necessary cookies are essential for the operation of this website. These cookies do not collect or report any personal information. The website cannot function properly without these cookies (these are opted in by default).

Statistical cookies provide information about how this website is being used. They do not collect or report any personal information. These cookies allow us to understand visitor usage patterns, identify and diagnose problems and further improve the quality of our website.

Marketing cookies provide us with more insights about visitor behaviour on our website and allow us to create custom audiences for displaying campaigns that are relevant and engaging to the specific users.

The website will be back online shortly...

Doctorate in the Arts

ARIAS advises post-MA researchers on the possibilities for doctoral degrees in the ARIAS network, usually on the basis of a written research proposal. ARIAS can’t appoint doctoral degree positions. On this page: > What is doctoral research in the arts? > Possibilities for 3rd cycle trajectories > Further reading

What is doctoral research in the arts? Definitions of what a doctoral degree (PhD, or alternative degrees like Creator Doctus) in the arts is, and understandings on how it should be implemented and assessed, still widely differ since it got introduced in Europe by the Bologna declaration in 1999. The definition ARIAS is using is as follows: A doctoral degree in arts is a degree awarded based on research conducted through the arts – by the means of art / art practice – on the highest level. It is an artistic research doctorate that gives a remarkable and extraordinary contribution to the field of art, and proposes (a) different insight(s) to existing ways of knowing. Artistic Research Research conducted ‘through the arts’ means that an artistic discipline is used as the field that provides ways of thinking and knowing; using the art practice’s methods, tools, materials, and so forth to do research. Artistic Research is an extraordinary realm of research particularly suited to engage with a diversity of subject-fields and thus for addressing inter- and trans-disciplinary issues. Doing Artistic Research is therefore concerned with experimental processes of knowing and their articulation. Ways of knowing Artistic Research brings with it an embrace of particular ways of knowing and of thinking about knowledge. It is therefore more about enacting processes of knowing than it is about the accumulation of knowledge. It uses a diverse range of approaches and methods from for example science, arts, and social embodied practices. As such artistic research problematizes the demand for knowledge production by entering and generating different ways of knowing as spaces for thinking.

Possibilities for 3rd cycle trajectories As mentioned above, ARIAS does not have its “own Doctorate-in-the-Arts trajectory”, although it acts in the role of mediator in between WO (Academic Education) and HBO (Higher Professional Education) institutions within the ARIAS network for post-MA researchers interested in obtaining a doctoral degree in the arts. Below is an overview of different trajectories for: pre-PhD’s and third cycle trajectories; PhD’s with artistic component; and doctoral degrees in the arts, within the ARIAS network. To obtain a doctoral position the general requirements follow: 1. Have an MA-degree (exceptions can be made – check the Universities promotion regulations.) 2. Write a +- 1000 word summary of a research proposal.

(See for example the ASCA guidelines ). 3. Find a ‘promoter’ (supervisor) willing to supervise. 4. Be accepted by one of the research schools or centers of the University, for which a PhD-proposal has to be prepared following the rules dependent on the chosen research school. Tip → Ask the supervisor about their understanding of a doctorate in the arts. It’s crucial that the promoter is willing to stand behind the research and help make way for it in the institution. Especially when bringing in artistic methods into academic contexts; specific conditions are needed and some institutional ideas challenged.

WO Partners The University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam do not offer practice-based doctoral degrees in the arts as defined above. Enrolling into a promotion trajectory at either of these universities demands the writing of an academic dissertation. It is however possible to set up a connection with one of the art academies and give shape to a PhD with an artistic component. We are here to think along about the particular conditions your research might need and mediate in making suitable connections within our network. The possibilities at UvA and VU differ:

University of Amsterdam | UvA Since 2017 at the University of Amsterdam, it is possible to obtain a PhD degree with an artistic component which asks the candidate to write an academic PhD dissertation and to also produce a “high quality artistic performance”. An advisor from the field of arts can be added to the commission on a motivated request. In the promotion regulations of the UvA a supplementary regulation on ‘Doctorate in Arts’ can be found that describes the conditions further in detail. Find here the download links for the Doctorate Regulations. Find here more information about doing a PhD at the UvA. Find here step-by-step overviews from admission to completion. Find here information on obtaining a position with or without employment.

VU Amsterdam | VU In 2019 the VU Amsterdam adapted their PHD-regulations on two points, with regards to practice-based components as part of the academic doctorate.

1. The doctoral thesis can be combined with an artistic or technological component included in the theses as being crucial to knowledge development; one could think of an exhibition, dataset, or artistic work. The commission acknowledges this as part of the overall doctoral thesis and reviews it as such, the artwork will thus not be examined separately as the product of research in and of itself. (See article 16.2 of their promotion regulations.) 2. Usually a commission consists of members that have obtained the PhD title themselves. On a motivated request of your promotor the dean can decide to add an advisor without such title to the commission because of the needed expertise they bring: from for example the arts, the industry, civil society.

(See article 13.7 of their promotion regulations). Find here general information about doing a PhD at the VU. Find here the promotion regulations of the VU (in Dutch). Find here info about the Graduate School of the Humanities. Interdisciplinary research schools and LAB’s at the VU: Hybrid Forms CLUE+

HBO Partners Within the Dutch educational system art schools are not considered Universities, they can’t grant PhDs. Gerrit Rietveld Akademie (GRA), Amsterdam University of the Arts, (AHK), and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) offer higher professional education in the arts and applied sciences. These knowledge institutions have the potential to be collaboration partners in setting up a doctoral degree in the arts between WO and HBO. ARIAS assists potential PhD candidates in creating a connection between such institutions. On some occasions these HBO’s offer other interesting third-cycle education (meaning studies on doctoral level) trajectories or research programmes – listed below. Find an overview of research groups (lectoraten) in the academies here .

Gerrit Rietveld Academie | GRA Creator Doctus (CrD) Creator Doctus (CrD) is set up by the Gerrit Rietveld Academie as a pilot for a whole new doctoral degree in the arts (equal to but not the same as PhD*). It is a three-year research trajectory within the so-called third cycle of higher education for doctorate embodied artistic research. The promotion results in a series of artworks that answer research questions formulated by the artists within the context of a framework provided by a commissioning societal partner. At the end of the three years the results are presented to an evaluation committee, the involved partners and the public. If judged sufficient the artist will be awarded the title Creator Doctus (CrD). The title will serve to help promote the degree of profession and skill of the artist. To obtain European recognition the title is developed in collaboration with several European partners. Read more about CrD here and here .

Amsterdam University of the Arts | AHK docARTES docARTES is an international inter-university doctoral programme for practice-based research in musical arts, designed for musician-researchers. The Conservatorium of Amsterdam (part of AHK) participates in docARTES. Read more about admission to docARTES here . DAS Research | THIRD – 3rd Cycle DAS Graduate School (AHK) houses several MA programmes besides a department for research for post-graduates called DAS Research. DAS Research leads a 3rd Cycle programme called THIRD that facilitates artists interested in pursuing post-graduate education. Since 2016, THIRD has hosted cohorts (research groups) of each seven fellows exploring research opportunities for artistic research at the PhD or PhD equivalent level. This peer-to-peer learning environment takes place over the course of 3 years with four quarterlies (meetings of 4 days) per year. Currently, few programmes in Europe cater to performing arts research in higher education. Though DAS Graduate School cannot bestow a terminal degree of PhD yet, they support performing artists who wish to expand their knowledge(s) by supplementing PhD candidatures in the Netherlands and abroad. The aim of the THIRD is to prepare, coach, and facilitate individual artists working in or in relation to the performing arts in articulating a long-term research project for enrollment in a university PhD or Research Fellowship programme. Read more about DAS Research / THIRD here .

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences | HvA The HvA is one of the largest schools of the Benelux, connected to ARIAS through its faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industry (FDMCI). The research groups (lectoraten) related to design, digital media, and visual culture based there are vivid and engaged actors in our network. These lectoraten bundled in CREATE-IT, the department for applied research, work together with other in-school Labs and external partners from different industries. After being taken on as a doctoral candidate by a supervisor at one of the universities, PhD researchers can be co-promoted by the HvA and hosted within their research department. Find more information in our network & research group overview. Find more information about CREATE-IT .

Further Reading For further reading on artistic research we refer to our library . Specifically recommended: The E-flux article “ The Academy is Back: On Education , the Bologna Process, and the Doctorate in the Arts” by Dieter Lesage (2009), for a more historical and contextual understanding of doctoral degree developments for the arts (in relation to the Bologna agreement). “ ANTI THESIS ” by Janneke van Leeuwen (2020), an insightful view of a recently promoted researcher on embedded artistic research. Find an overview of research groups on our network page.

Tip → This page aims to guide you in your orientation and consideration of what is best suitable for the kinds of research you want to conduct. Ask yourself if doctoral research – both artistically and scientifically – is actually what you want to be busy with for a longer period of time (3 – 4 years at least). Maybe there is an answer to doing artistic research as either a PhD at one of the Universities in collaboration with an art HBO, or rather in another form or degree at one of the alternative routes.

In exploring possibilities and creating your own way, stretching the limits of how research is thought, you help pave the road for others that come behind. At ARIAS we help you to try and find those new possibilities. Doctoral degrees in the arts ‘are young’, yet we remain hopeful for the future in that exciting and innovative ways are developing through our collaborative efforts.

Left with questions after reading this page? Please contact us!

ARIAS focus in on Amsterdam. If you want to make a connection between one of our partner’s institutions and another Dutch knowledge institution, the platform kunst = onderzoeks provides a shortlist of third cycle options. If you want to connect with an international partner refer to this overview by ELIA is a good start. See also the Artistic Doctorate in Europe website for more info, case studies, and insights on research other possibilities.

A Daily Practice

Embodied Lines: Movement as a method of inquiry for imagined, perceived and temporal bodily lines

The Plant-Machine Project

• Home »
• Search »

Postgraduate Courses in Art in The Netherlands - 48 Courses

• Refine your search:
• Calligraphy
• European art
• Graphic arts
• Printmaking

University of Amsterdam Graduate School of Humanities

• Arts and Culture: Art Studies (research MA)
• Arts and Culture: Artistic Research
• Arts and Culture: Cultural Analysis (research MA)
• Arts and Culture: Dutch Art
• Arts and Culture: Dutch Golden Age (research MA)
• Arts and Culture: Musicology
• Arts and Culture: Theatre Studies
• Arts and culture: International Performance Research

Amsterdam University College (AUC) AUC's Academic Programme

• Liberal Arts and Sciences

ArtEZ Institute of Art Art and Design

• Fashion Design - ArtEZ Fashion Masters
• Fashion Strategy - ArtEZ Fashion Masters
• Typography Workshop

Erasmus University Rotterdam Faculty of History and Arts

• Art and Culture Studies
• Sociology of Culture, Media and the Arts

Fonty's University of Applied Sciences - Tilburg Campus Single tier structure

• Circus and Performance Art
• Special and Inclusive Education (Master of Arts): Ism Roehampton University Londen

University of Groningen Faculty of Arts

• Art History and Archeology
• Arts, Culture and Media

Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen School of Fine Arts and Design

• Fine Art and Design MA
• Media, Art, Design & Technology MA

Leiden University Faculty of Humanities

• Arts and Culture
• Arts and Culture (Research)
• Liberal Arts & Sciences: Global Challenges

Maastricht University Faculty of Arts and Social Science

• Art, Literature and Society (label: Arts and Culture)
• Arts and Culture (B.A)
• Arts and Heritage: Policy, Management and Education (label: Arts and Culture)
• Politics and Society (label: Arts and Culture)
• Research Master in Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology (label: Arts and Culture)

Maastricht University University College Maastricht

• Liberal Arts and Sciences - (B.Sc)

Radboud University Faculty of Arts

• Arts and Culture MA
• Arts and Culture: creative industries MA
• Arts and Culture: tourism and culture MA
• Historical, Literary & Cultural Studies (Research): art and visual culture (Research) MA
• Netherlandish Art and Architecture in an international Perspective

Saxion University of Applied Sciences School of Applied Art and Technology

• Art & Technology
• Art & Technology (Short Degree Programme)

Tilburg University School of Humanities

• Culture studies - Specialisation: Art, Media and Society MA

Utrecht School of Arts Faculty of Arts and Economics

• Arts Management

Utrecht School of Arts Faculty of Music/Utrecht Conservatory

• Master of Music (MMus)

Utrecht School of Arts Sinlge tier structure

• Master of Arts in Design
• Master of Arts in Fine Art

Utrecht University Faculty of Arts and Humanities

• Art History of the Low Countries in it's European Context

Utrecht University Roosevelt Academy

• Liberal Arts

Utrecht University University College Utrecht

Vu university amsterdam faculty of arts.

• Arts and Culture (Research): Visual Arts, Media and Architecture
• Arts and Culture: Comparative Arts and Media Studies
• Arts and Culture: Design Cultures

Webster University Leiden Media Communications

• Art with an Emphasis in Studio Art - (B.A)

Search for art by...

• Attendance :
• All attendance types
• All qualifications
• Masters/Diploma/PG Cert
• Research/PhD
• All countries
• Europe (any country)
• EU (any country)
• Czech Republic
• Republic of Ireland
• The Netherlands
• Europe non-EU (any country)
• Northern Ireland
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• North America
• UK Location :
• All regions
• East Midlands
• East of England
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and the Humber

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Complete Our Destination Survey

Take 2 minutes to complete our Destination Survey for the chance to win a Postgrad Study Bursary worth £2,000.

All we need to know is:

• Your university
• Your PG course

16 Best universities for Art History in the Netherlands

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the Netherlands ranked based on their research performance in Art History. A graph of 105K citations received by 9.16K academic papers made by 16 universities in the Netherlands was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. Erasmus University Rotterdam

For Art History

2. University of Amsterdam

3. Utrecht University

4. University of Groningen

5. Leiden University

6. Radboud University

7. Delft University of Technology

8. Free University Amsterdam

9. Eindhoven University of Technology

10. Wageningen University

11. Tilburg University

12. Maastricht University

13. University of Twente

14. Rotterdam University

15. Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Professional Education

16. Utrecht School of the Arts

The best cities to study Art History in the Netherlands based on the number of universities and their ranks are Rotterdam , Amsterdam , Utrecht , and Groningen .

Art & Design subfields in the Netherlands

• PhD Study in the Netherlands - A Guide for 2024

Written by Chris Banyard

The Netherlands has one of the most prestigious university systems in Europe. It’s also a country that has developed and shared rich traditions of artistic, cultural and scientific achievement.

PhD study abroad in the Netherlands is a popular choice for those looking to tap into this culture of open-mindedness, innovation and international exchange of ideas. The country’s multilingual population also means that most of its doctoral programmes are taught in English.

This page covers everything you’ll need to know about doctoral research in the Netherlands. It includes important up-to-date information about the Dutch university system and the structure of a typical Dutch PhD programme. We've also covered key facts on tuition fees, funding and visa requirements.

Why study a PhD in Netherlands?

Universities in the Netherlands have an impressive reputation.. The Dutch university system dates back to the 16th century and boasts many famous artists, thinkers and scientists.

Doctoral researchers are highly regarded by Dutch universities. Keen to attract talent from around the world, they offer many benefits for international students.

• Employee status – most PhD students in the Netherlands are paid a salary as university employees
• International student population – the Netherlands has a proud tradition of international exchange, with around 10% of students coming from abroad
• Historic university system – the Netherlands has several universities dating back to the 16th century
• Global recognition – Dutch universities consistently rank in the top 200 in global rankings.

In addition, Holland is the only country in which PhD students defend their thesis accompanied by ceremonial bodyguards (no, really).

*Most PhD researchers are paid employees and do not pay traditional tuition fees

Pick the right programme for you

There are lots of choices, let us help you to make the right one. Sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest advice and guidance from our team of experts.

Where can you study a PhD in Netherlands?

There are three main types of higher education institution in the Netherlands. As a PhD student you’re most likely to be studying at a Dutch research university , but the three categories are as follows:

• Research universities are the main academic institutions for PhD-level research. They have advanced facilities and expert faculty available to train doctoral students
• Universities of applied sciences or HBO institutions ( hogescholen ) specialise in practical Arts and Sciences. They do not offer PhD programmes
• Institutes for international education are designed specifically for international students, and focus on intercultural knowledge exchange. Currently, only the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education offers a PhD programme

Although Dutch PhD programmes are offered by research universities, your study will take place in either:

• dedicated Graduate Schools (associated with an individual university) or
• Research Schools (often formed by a consortium of institutions to pursue ongoing projects and areas of investigation).

Dutch university cities

There are several cities in the Netherlands with one or more universities and large numbers of students:

• Study in Amsterdam
• Study in Delft
• Study in Eindhoven
• Study in Groningen
• Study in Leiden
• Study in Nijmegen
• Study in Rotterdam
• Study in Tilburg
• Study in Wageningen

Dutch university rankings

The university system in the Netherlands is highly regarded worldwide. Its universities are found in the upper reaches of the three major university world rankings, with over 10 in the top 200 for 2020/21.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

Structure of a PhD in Netherlands

A doctoral programme in the Netherlands is a third-cycle qualification, as defined by the Bologna process . As in the UK, Dutch doctoral research focuses on a specific topic and documented in the form of a thesis that presents the student’s original results and conclusions.

Employee status

Most PhD candidates are employed as professional researchers . This means you'll be paid a salary during your doctorate. In return, you will have various duties as a researcher and will need to contribute to your institution’s academic work and operations. This is likely to involve teaching responsibilities as well as other responsibilities.

A Dutch PhD lasts for a minimum of four years . This is partly due to your employee status as a doctoral researcher and the additional teaching and administrative responsibilities that this entails.

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

Supervision

Your research will be overseen by an expert supervisor. They will also need to approve your final thesis for submission.

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

Provisional supervision

Unlike in other countries, a Dutch PhD supervisor’s position is technically provisional for most of your doctorate. They are only officially appointed before the ceremonial viva defence, where they will play a key role.

PhD defence ceremony

A unique aspect of the Dutch PhD is the ceremonial thesis defence . This serves a similar purpose to the UK viva voce examination. However, it is a much more ceremonial process and can be quite different to other PhD assessments.

All participants, including yourself, will be required to wear full academic dress and use formal titles and terms of address. The ceremony is opened and closed by an officer of the university, called the beadle (or pedel ) using a ceremonial mace. You can also be accompanied by two supporters ( paranimfen ). Traditionally, these acted as bodyguards if things got heated! Nowadays, they are there to provide moral support and practical assistance.

During the thesis defence, you will be assessed by an appointed Doctoral Committee of at least three academics. They will determine whether your thesis is worthy of a doctorate. These may include a professor, known as a ‘most learned opponent’ ( hoggeleerde opponent ), or a post-doctorate academic, known as a ‘learned opponent’ ( zeergeleerde opponent ). You could also be asked questions by other invited individuals.

The defence process is mostly ceremonial. The committee will have already read your thesis, and most likely, come to a decision on awarding your doctorate.

PhD candidates are normally expected to have published at least a part of their thesis before submission.

Accreditation

Dutch PhD degrees are awarded directly by each individual university. The universities are responsible for the quality and content of your doctoral training. However, quality assurance for the PhD process is overseen by The Netherlands and Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO).

Fees and funding for a PhD in Netherlands

Since PhD students are paid employees, many Dutch doctoral programmes do not have tuition fees. Where they are required, PhD tuition fees in the Netherlands are generally comparable to those across the rest of the EU. The fees remain the same for EU / EEA and Swiss-national students. There are also many PhD funding opportunities available for international students.

Dutch PhD tuition fees

Most PhD students in the Netherlands are university employees , and receive a salary to fund their research. This means there are no traditional tuition fees for doctoral candidates or doctoral fellows.

However, there are other types of doctoral candidates that may not be considered as university employees. These are:

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

These PhD students will usually have to pay some form of tuition fee. The specific amount can vary and depending on the research institution, the research itself, and the length of study.

Regardless of whether you have employee status or not, you may still need to pay statutory fees . These cover supplementary costs for supervision, examination, administration and university access. Amounts can vary depending on your university and discipline.

Dutch PhD funding

A selection of scholarships for PhD degrees are available. The following are good places to look for further information:

• Nuffic – The Dutch Organisation for Internationalisation in Education
• Study in Holland – an initiative of Nuffic
• Euraxess – an organisation that promotes academic mobility in Europe

Individual universities also offer funding options for their students. You can find what PhD funding is available on their websites.

PhD funding in the Netherlands

Our guide to PhD funding in the Netherlands has more information on scholarships and other options for international research students in Holland.

Applying for a PhD in the Netherlands

The PhD application process in the Netherlands is similar to the process in the UK but can differ in some key ways. Most applicants will either apply for an advertised PhD or propose their own project through a research proposal . You can find information on contact details by browsing PhDs in the Netherlands , or by visiting university websites directly. Because PhD candidates are employed doctoral researchers, you may also find PhD positions listed as jobs.

Admission requirements

In the Netherlands, a standard requirement for PhD admission is holding a Masters degree in a relevant subject area.

The Netherlands is a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This means it readily recognises Masters degrees from other European countries. Many equivalent foreign qualifications may also be recognised. You can check your degree equivalency at Nuffic (The Dutch Organisation for Internationalisation in Education) or at your prospective university’s website.

Additional entry requirements can vary depending on your university and discipline. Due to the status of Dutch PhD researchers as university employees, you may also be required to undergo additional application processes and submit more application documents than a typical PhD student. These could include a personal statement , CV , and strong academic and / or professional references .

PhD entry requirements

The general eligibility criteria for PhD applications in the Netherlands is similar to most other countries in the EU. Our guide explains entry requirements for a prospective PhD student .

Language requirements

Most PhD programmes in the Netherlands are taught in English. Non-native English speakers will be need satisfactory scores in English language tests . The typical scores required are below.

It is also possible to study a PhD programme taught in Dutch. In this case, you may be required to present satisfactory scores of Dutch language tests . Even if your studies are in English, it may be helpful to learn some Dutch! This will simplify daily life and communication with fellow Dutch researchers.

Application process

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.

Some university degree applications are made through the Dutch higher education portal Studielink . This is similar to the UCAS system for UK undergraduate students. The platform can also arrange the payment of tuition fees.

However, for many PhD programmes you will need to apply directly to your prospective university. The application process can differ depending on the specific research institution. You should always check the application procedure on the university’s website.

Applying for a PhD

PhD applications in the Netherlands will require additional application documents and processes. These are similar to those in the UK. Our guide explains PhD applications for a prospective PhD student.

Student visas for a PhD in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a multicultural, cosmopolitan country that welcomes immigration applications from a range of countries. Students from elsewhere in the EU and EEA won’t normally need a visa to study at Dutch universities. Other international students will normally need to arrange entry visas and study permits.

If you do require a visa, your university will need to support your application. They should contact you to assist with this once you have enrolled. If this is not the case, you can contact your host institution’s HR department and / or international office for relevant information.

Visa information for UK students in the Netherlands

UK students will no longer be EU citizens from the 2021-22 academic year onwards. This means you may be considered an international student when studying in the Netherlands. You may be subject to different visa requirements and fee rates, unless otherwise stated.

Applying for an entry visa

If you are an EU / EEA / Swiss national, you will not require a visa for PhD study in the Netherlands. You can freely enter and leave the country and travel during your degree. Citizens of some selected other countries may also be exempt from requiring a visa. A full list is available from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Other international students will require a long-stay entry visa (MVV). Your university will usually apply for this on your behalf. You'll be able to collect it from a Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your home country before you travel. Depending on the specific conditions of your visa, you may be restricted to travel within the Netherlands, neighbouring countries (e.g. Belgium and France) or most European countries.

Applying for a residence permit

EU / EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a residence permit to study in the Netherlands, and do not need to report to the IND.

Other international students need to apply for a Provisional Residence Permit for study (VVR) from the IND. The application and its costs are usually competed by your university on your behalf. You will be able to collect it from a Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your home country before you travel. The residence permit is valid for the duration of your doctoral programme plus three months, for a maximum of five years. However, you can apply for an extension.

Registration with the local Dutch council

All foreign students, including EU nationals , must register with the local Dutch council of residence upon arrival in the country. The exact regulations can vary with different councils. You will be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) and given a Citizen Service Number (BSN) by the IND. You will normally need to present proof of identity (passport and certified copy of your birth certificate) and a record of your accommodation in the Netherlands.

EU / EEA / Swiss students will do this after registration with the IND by their university. Other international students will need to do so after receiving their entry visa and residence permit.

PhD life in the Netherlands

Want to know more about what it's like to live in the Netherlands during a PhD? Our detailed guide covers everything from living costs to culture and entertainment.

Health Insurance

To study in the Netherlands, by law you must have health insurance for the duration of your PhD.

EU / EEA students will normally be covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to healthcare in the Netherlands.

Non-EU / EEA students will either need to be insured with a provider in their home country (that is valid in the Netherlands) or take out private international health insurance. International students from some countries may need to take a medical test for tuberculosis (TB). This must undertaken with the Area Health Authority (GGD) within three months of receiving a residence permit. More information is available from the IND.

Travel document validity

The above documentation is only valid while you're doing your PhD. If you discontinue your programme, you'll need to apply for updated documents.

The Netherlands holds the research performed by its universities in high regard. Its academics have an excellent track record in world research. As a doctoral graduate from a Dutch university you’ll be a very employable researcher.

A Dutch PhD also provides professional experience of working more formally within higher education. Receiving your PhD in the Netherlands is an impressive academic qualification and an excellent gateway into further academic research.

Many Dutch research universities also have strong links with business and industry, offering additional professional training and partnerships.

Can I work in the Netherlands after my PhD?

EU / EEA and Swiss nationals do not require a residence permit or work permit (TWV) to work in the Netherlands after doctoral study – a valid passport or ID card is sufficient. You will need to maintain your residence registration.

Other international students will need to apply for an Orientation Year residence permit . To do so, you must be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP), have a Citizen Service Number (BSN). There is a fee of €174. To remain in the country for more than one year, you can apply for a longer term residence with the Netherlands’ Highly Skilled Migrant Permit .

Find a PhD in the Netherlands

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in the Netherlands ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

The Netherlands can be an affordable place for PhD study. The page will take you through all the information you need about PhD funding in the Netherlands.

Interested in studying your PhD in the Netherlands? In this guide we've collected some of the global university rankings to help you decide the best university to study at in Holland.

Read about the language requirements and recognised tests for PhD study at Dutch-speaking universities in the Netherlands and elsewhere..

What's it like to live in the Netherlands during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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.

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

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

• All categories

Academy of Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA)

The Academy of Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute within the Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University, where it offers composers, performing artists, visual artists and (graphic) designers the opportunity to perform research in and through artistic practice.

ACPA also offers education in the arts for Leiden University students, and provides academic electives for students of the University of the Arts The Hague.  

• Academy of Creative and Performing Arts

PhD projects

• AI-SUPPORTED SYNTHESIS OF SHEPARD-RISSET FREQUENCY SETS
• Philosophy in sound: The aesthetic theories of Moses Mendelssohn and Johann Georg Sulzer in the Berlin salon music of the 1750–80’s

More research

Stay connected

Quick links

• PD Kunst + Creatief
• c/o Avans University of Applied Sciences — Caradt
• PO box 90116
• 4800 RA Breda
• The Netherlands

What is a PD-degree?

Pd is an advanced degree in universities of applied sciences.

PD stands for Professional Doctorate and it is the equivalent of the PhD for the Dutch Universities of the Applied Sciences. The difference is that a PhD programme at a university trains a professional researcher, while the PD programme at the Universities of Applied Sciences trains an investigative professional.

In 2022, universities of applied sciences will start with a first cohort of candidates in five domains, including the creative domain. More cohorts will be added until 2025.

The PD pilot Arts + Creative is organized by 15 Dutch arts and design schools. It is governed by a Graduate Board of school managers and a Graduate Committee of arts and design professors. The daily procedures and execution are executed by a dedicated taskforce with administrative support from the St. Joost School of Art and Design.

PhD Art & Art History programs in Netherlands

Arts and culture: early modern and medieval art.

Leiden University

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Art History and Archaeology

University of Groningen

Liberal arts and sciences, human movement sciences: sport, exercise and health.

Free University Amsterdam

Tilburg University

Arts, culture and media, circus and performance art (english).

Fontys University of Applied Sciences

Liberal arts.

Utrecht University

Art, literature and society.

Maastricht University

Spatial, transport and environmental economics (streem), comparative arts and media studies, archaeology of north western europe, art history of the low countries.

Hanze University of Applied Sciences

Art history, art history and archeology, media, art, design and technology, deadline information, best universities with art & art history in netherlands.

Bachelor Art & Art History programs in Netherlands

Master Art & Art History programs in Netherlands

Most Popular Art & Art History programs in Netherlands

PhD Art & Art History programs in Netherlands

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Their use improves our sites' functionality and enables our partners to advertise to you. By continuing to use our website or clicking on the I agree button you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Details on how we use cookies can be found in our Cookie Policy

Don’t miss out!

Sign up or Log in now to save your favorites.

Get updates on your chosen subjects and programs

Wishlist your ideal programs

Save time sending enquiries to programs providers

• Internships
• Scholarships
• Collections
• Bachelor programs
• Masters programs
• PhD programs
• MBA programs
• PostDoc programs
• Norway programs
• US programs
• UK programs
• Canada programs
• Germany programs
• Italy programs
• Netherlands programs
• Australia programs
• New Zealand programs
• Applied Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Clients and Partners
• Public relations

Art History

Medieval miniatures, still lifes from the Golden Age, the painting atelier and art dealership, architecture and video art: Art History at the UvA encompasses the complete history of Western art, and deals with Amsterdam both as it was in the 17th century and in its modern form. A close relationship with local and international museums, archives and art academies offers many research possibilities.

Kunstgeschiedenis

Art and Performance Research Studies

Curating Art and Cultures (Heritage Studies)

Kunstgeschiedenis (kunst- en cultuurwetenschappen).

Marta Pelacani faculty winner UvA thesis prize

ConNext 2024

Art, Freedom, and Decolonisation in the Global South

Hanneke Grootenboer appointed professor of Early Modern Art and Visual Culture

The Aesthetics of Geopower: Imagining Planetary Histories and Hegemonies

Mixtape No. 2: Practitheorising Counterinstitutions

Economic elites increasingly shape the art we see

Connext 2023.

Call for Papers - Urban Lives: Amsterdam Diaries and Other Stories of the Self

New ASCA Member: Assel Kadyrkhanova

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 .

• SHARE Conference Aarhus 2014
• 12th ELIA Biennial Conference, Vienna
• EUFRAD Vienna
• Brno Theatre PhD Conference
• EUFRAD Stockholm 2011
• SHARE/NIDA Summerschool
• SHARE#1 Helsinki Conference
• SHARE#2 London Conference
• SHARE#3 Brussels Conference
• 3ème Conférence annuelle SHARE
• Int'l Research Conference Tbilisi
• Graduate Schools
• Development 3rd cycle education
• Artists + Researchers + Supervisors
• Dissemination
• Bibliography
• Czech Republic
• The Netherlands
• Slovak Republic
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Supervisors
• SHARE Handbook for Artistic Research Education
• SHARE Advocacy Toolkit
• Boîte à outils de promotion SHARE
• Case Studies

Academy for Creative and Performing Arts

Leiden university and royal academy of art (kabk).

• the Master Photographic Studies and the Master Media Technology
• research projects of the staff of the Academy and the promovendi
• programmes for training and coaching of PhD-candidates: DocARTES (music) and PhDArts (art and design)
• Rietveld academy
• Utrecht School of the Arts / MaHKU