phd in the netherlands system

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PhD programmes

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

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

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

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

Read more about Studying for your PhD .

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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.

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PhD at TU/e

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• After your PhD

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

What does a PhD at TU/e entail?

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

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

• Explore our research groups

Why become a PhD candidate at TU/e?

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

Meet some of our PhD candidates

Open culture.

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

State-of-the-art research facilities

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

PROOF program

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

Is a PhD track right for me?

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

• More information about requirements

Or an EngD (Engineering Doctorate)?

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

• More information about EngD

CHAT WITH OUR STUDENTS

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

Events and information for PhD's

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

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Program videos

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

Master's Open Day

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

Fact & Figures PhD candidates

1650 phd candidates.

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

PhD Defenses

Every year about 225 PhD’s defenses take place.

Male Female Ratio

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

International environment

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

Average duration

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

Satisfaction

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

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Types of PhD programmes

Are you considering starting as a PhD candidate at our faculty? At FASoS, there are different types of PhD programmes you can follow. Check below what the degree requirements are, what the employment type of PhD candidates at Dutch universities is and what types of PhD programmes FASoS offers. You can also navigate via the box on the right.

• Employment as a PhD candidate

Degree requirements

Phd training & education, internal phd positions, external phd positions, phd with a scholarship position.

• Visiting PhD candidate

Employment as a PhD Candidate

The Dutch PhD system differs from the situation in many other countries. In most cases, PhD candidates in the Netherlands are employed by their respective universities to do research and conclude this research with a PhD thesis. Usually PhD candidates are also involved in teaching. Since PhD candidates are employed by the university, they receive a salary. 

If you start as an internal PhD candidate at our faculty, you will be offered a salaried position. In coordination with your supervisor and your department head you may also do some limited teaching in one of our study programmes. As an internal PhD candidate, you will be part of one of our research programmes and/or centres . Within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences internal (paid) PhD candidates are mainly recruited by way of externally funded projects. Vacancies therefore are usually only advertised when a professor has obtained an external grant.

For external PhD candidates the situation differs: They have to find funding for their living expenses through other sources and in most cases will be required to pay tuition fees. They also are not formally part of the research programmes, even though they are welcome to attend their respective meetings.

More information can be found on the UM website .

The key to success for any PhD candidate is an academic attitude and the ambition to become an excellent researcher. In addition, you should have the relevant educational background and skills required in the specific field you have chosen. You have completed a research master (MPhil) or an equivalent degree. In some cases, applicants may have to acquire additional qualifications, for example by entering the second year of one of the faculty's two research masters: European Studies (RMES) or Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST). Students with a regular master may be accepted in exceptional cases. Each application will be assessed by the selection committee. 

Our PhD programme focusses primarily on offering you education, training and supervision to enable you to become an excellent researcher. You will also have the opportunity to develop a broad range of academic skills. Training and education consists of the following elements:

• an orientation course introduces you to the university, the faculty, the teaching system, the staff and of course your fellow PhD candidates
• a training programme offered by one of the national graduate schools enables you to acquire research skills and specific knowledge in your field of research (see below)
• an additional training programme organised by the Faculty’s own graduate school focuses on general research skills, e.g. academic writing, insight into academic life, English and publishing
• intensive supervision
• discussion with and feedback from other PhD candidates and senior staff both inside and outside the faculty by presenting your work in seminars, workshops and conferences
• participation in the faculty’s seminar series.

PhD places may be opened in research projects at FASoS funded by for example the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) or European funding bodies. These places are always tied to a specific research topic. Vacancies will be announced at the faculty’s web pages  and on  Academic Transfer .

External PhD candidates are not employed by UM. If you consider applying for an external PhD position, you first need to find a professor who is willing to supervise you. You are expected to have a research topic for your PhD project in mind. When contacting a potential supervisor, please give a short explanation of the kind of research you would like to do and attach a research proposal and CV.

An overview of our professors and associate professors and their expertise is available here .

After you have found a supervisor, you can register at our Graduate School by sending us:  

• An Admission Application form for PhD candidates ;
• Your list of grades of both bachelor's and master's degree;
• Proof of English language proficiency;
• An endorsement letter by the supervisor(s).

The fee for external PhD’s is €500 per year and include the following services:

• UM email and UM card;
• UM Library subscription;
• Graduate School meetings (attendance not mandatory);
• Formalised connection to FASoS, i.e. can mention their FASoS connection when in the process of trying to get papers published;
• Evaluation of research plans by Director of external PhDs.

Subscription to a national research school is not included in the fee.

The modalities for registration with fee include the following:

• Subscription is on an annual basis and for a full year (i.e., 12 months);
• Subscription is possible at any time in the period after the supervisor has agreed to supervise the external PhD candidate up to the defence – thus, at any time in the PhD trajectory;
• The subscription will be automatically prolonged on an annual basis – cancellation is possible up to 2 months before the start of the next 12-month period;
• The subscription is automatically terminated in the month following the PhD defence.

Formally, you can register with the FASoS Graduate School without paying a fee but this means you cannot use any of the services mentioned above.

More information on how to obtain a PhD at Maastricht University as an externally funded PhD, can be found here .

You may also want to consider the  PhD for Professionals programme  at our Brussels Campus which is focused on European Studies. 

If you want to pursue your PhD and you have a scholarship, the tuition fee amounts to around €7,000 per year. Your scholarship preferably covers both the tuition fee and living expenses, but you can also apply if your scholarship only covers parts of these costs. 

If you consider applying for an external PhD position, you first need to find a professor who is willing to supervise you. You are expected to have a research topic for your PhD project in mind. When contacting a potential supervisor, please give a short explanation of the kind of research you would like to do and attach a research proposal and CV.

After you have found a supervisor, you can register at our Graduate School by sending us:

• Your list of grades of both Bachelor and Master;
• Scholarship agreement.

Please note: the faculty does not offer scholarships for a PhD position. For scholarships, please check the NUFFIC grant finder .

Visiting PhD Candidate

As a potential Visiting PhD you should first get in contact with one of the full professors of the faculty to discuss supervision possibilities by submitting:

• An Admission Application form for visiting PhD candidates ;
• A letter of recommendation by the PhD supervisor of the home institution;
• An endorsement letter by two FASoS sponsors.

Please note that in some circumstances it is also possible to be supervised by an associate professor.

The minimal duration of a stay is 2 weeks.

PhDs arrange their own housing during the visit and they are responsible for their living and housing expenses.

FASoS calculates with a contribution by visitors of € 475 per month for overhead costs and participation in the GS. In case that you have no sufficient own funding to cover these costs, parts or all of these costs may be covered by the department you visit. This should be discussed with your FASoS sponsors. Visiting FASoS without paying a fee remains possible as an exception.

• Top Universities for PhD Study in the Netherlands in 2024

Written by Ben Taylor

Despite its relatively small size (both in terms of area and population), the Netherlands has long had a reputation for research excellence, which is reflected by the strong performance of its universities across the main ranking systems. As the birthplace of the renaissance scholar Erasmus, who lends his namesake to the European exchange programme, the Netherlands is also extremely well-connected to international research networks.

This page summarises the best universities in the Netherlands according to three of the main ranking systems, showing how they stack up against institutions around the world.

Top ranked Dutch universities for PhD study

These are a selection of the top Dutch universities, according to global rankings. For more information on how they work, check out our guide to PhD rankings .

So, how good are universities in the Netherlands for PhD study?

Dutch universities represent an excellent choice for international PhD students. The Netherlands has seven institutions in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which is testament to the quality of research its universities produce. This is extremely impressive given the size of its higher education sector.

Research universities in Holland benefit from advanced facilities and generous government investment, making them a great destination for researchers.

Search for a PhD in the Netherlands

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse PhDs in the Netherlands on FindAPhD.com or read our guide to studying a PhD in the Netherlands .

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.

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.

Holland and the Netherlands are a welcoming destination for international PhD study with historic and globally-renowned research universities. Our guide covers admissions, visas, fees and funding.

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PhD at VU Amsterdam

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At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam we provide three or four year research intensive PhD programs, or part time PhD programs with a duration above four years, organized in graduate schools of nine VU Amsterdam faculties. We expect our doctoral graduates to become internationally engaged scientists with transferable skills and opportunities to plan a career in or outside academia. 

We offer customized training and supervision with a strong emphasis on the development of research as well as professional skills such as the ability to work in teams and collaborate. In short, we wish to develop engaged and responsible academics and future professionals who constantly explore and push back the boundaries of existing knowledge. Our doctorates are internationally-oriented, multi and interdisciplinary, curiosity and results driven, creating an impact in science, society and economy.

Earning a doctorate from VU Amsterdam often leads to a career as a scholar and researcher in universities, and non-universities (universities of applied sciences); non-profits and think tanks; consultancies and corporations.

At VU Amsterdam we have two types of PhD candidates: internal and external. Internal PhD candidates are paid employees of VU Amsterdam and enter into labor agreement with VU Amsterdam. External PhDs candidates undertake a PhD at VU Amsterdam with a foreign funding or scholarship scheme, or are self funded professionals or students. 

More about PhD at VU Amsterdam

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PhD education

A PhD programme at HIMS takes 4 years of independent research, supervised by a professor. Most PhD candidates in the Netherlands are employees of the university. As a PhD student, you contribute to the development of knowledge in your field of expertise. The programme is concluded by a thesis (dissertation) and/or a series of articles in scientific journals.

• Current open PhD positions are listed among the vacancies at HIMS. 
• An overview of theses by HIMS PhD students can be found in our thesis galleries .
• The University of Amsterdam provides more information on obtaining a PhD .
• For self-funded or scholarship PhD students (bursaries), HIMS offers limited opportunities. More information can be found on our bursaries page .

Research schools

The Dutch PhD trajectory includes courses taught within the framework of national research schools. These are collaborative research and PhD training institutions in specific domains. HIMS participates in two of these:

• Holland Research School of Molecular Chemistry (HRSMC) HRSMC is a consortium of three Dutch Universities: the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU) and Leiden University (UL). It provides an extensive training programme for PhD students in inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry, crystallography and mass spectrometry. More information can be found on the HRSMC website .

Netherlands Institute for Catalysis Research (NIOK) NIOK is a virtual institute consisting of Dutch university groups active in all areas of catalysis. It fosters the advancement of both higher education and research and stimulates collaboration between scientists of different disciplines and Universities. NIOK also acts as the platform and sparring partner for national and international contacts on catalysis with academia, industry and government. More information can be found on the NIOK website .

Other PhD education initiatives

Adding to the education in the framework of the national research schools, HIMS researchers are also involved in other initiatives providing PhD education:

• COAST-ANAC PhD Education Program The Dutch national organisation for COmprehensive Analytical Science and Technology (COAST) offers courses for PhD students who want to broaden or deepen their knowledge in analytical science techniques. Courses are offered throughout the year, as summer courses or as a one -or two-day topical courses on weekdays and/or Saturdays. Read more on the COAST-ANAC website .
• MolSim school This yearly school on Molecular Simulation of the Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling teaches its participants to understand and apply molecular simulations; to obtain insight in the underlying theory; and to develop skills by carrying out elementary simulations. Read more on the MolSim website .
• PhD skills development Besides gaining scientific knowledge and research skills, PhD candidates are expected to develop communication skills, personal effectiveness and didactic skills. To this end, the Faculty of Science offers a skills development programme. More information can be found at the staff pages (for current PhD students only).

Guide: Doing a PhD at the University of Amsterdam

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PhD admission

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

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

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

PhD regulations

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

Non-Dutch degree

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

*Ius promovendi

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How to apply for a PhD postion at UT

All PhD candidates are required to have attained a Master of Science degree or equivalent education. There are two ways to enter a PhD research programme at UT, each with its additional application requirements. 

In all cases, the decision to admit an applicant to a doctoral programme is made by the thesis supervisor (this should be a full professor), after the approval of the faculty dean.

Doctoral candidates with a non-Dutch qualification are admitted if they have sufficient command of the English language. Official documents with test results are required for candidates who did not complete their secondary and tertiary education in the English language. The UT accepts the following English-language tests:

• An academic IELTS test (International English Language Testing System) showing a total band score of 6.5
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) via the internet (TOEFL-iBT) of at least 90
• Cambridge CAE-C (CPE)

REGULAR PHD POSITION

Most PhD researchers in the Netherlands are paid employees, often working directly for the university. Research projects are defined by the chair of the research group, and for these projects, graduate students are recruited to carry out the research.

You can apply for a regular PhD position at  our vacancies website . All relevant additional requirements are described in the respective vacancy descriptions. For international applicants, additional language requirements (see box above) apply.

OWN FUNDING

Another way of enrolling on a PhD programme at UT is by arranging your own funding, for example, using a  scholarship  or sponsorship from your employer. In this case, all research projects are initiated based on proposals submitted by graduate students as part of their application procedure.

Please note: we will only consider a proposed research plan after you have made clear that an application to  a scholarship provider  or any other way of funding has been submitted or planned. UT cannot offer fellowships or similar funding for PhD candidates. The department of your envisaged PhD supervisor may be able to help you with a letter of academic eligibility to apply for (scholarship)funds.

If you're funding the PhD track yourself, you can contact the professor under whose supervision you want to obtain your doctoral degree directly. You must, however, first have completed a relevant Master's degree and meet all other admission requirements to start a PhD phase.

How to apply

To be considered for a PhD project under your funding or with a scholarship, you need to contact the head of the research group you would like to join, indicating your qualities, intended research topic and motivation (at least the first three items on the list below).

A full professor must indicate interest to become your PhD supervisor. In that case, you can start to complete all documents listed below. You may ask the department of the prospective PhD supervisor for a letter of conditional admission (i.e. academic eligibility), that you may use to apply for a scholarship. If the final decision of the full professor (who is willing to be the prospective PhD supervisor) and the faculty dean is positive, the department will register you as a guest researcher and arrange your arrival (including your visa).

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

• Statement of interest and motivation
• Curriculum Vitae (listing the time of education/degrees and work experience and any relevant scientific publications)
• Outline of research proposal (2 pages)
• If English is not the native language, language requirements (see above) apply. 
• Two letters of recommendation from scientists who are familiar with the candidate’s academic work and can judge his or her potential as a PhD student
• Copies of exam results (both bachelor's and master's) and transcripts of certificates
• Optional: Copies of (up to 5) scientific works, including master's thesis
• Name of the provider to whom you have applied/will apply for funding or who has granted already

Policy about fees and waivers non-employed doctoral candidates:  All faculties apply a fee of €15,000 per year. Every faculty defines their own policy with regard to waivers on their website.

This fee compensates for the following components:

• Administration: facilities, library, intranet, workspace
• Education and training: graduate school, courses, memberships, etc
• Research: labs, fieldwork, data (benchfee)
• Supervision by university staff

The Tuition fee and waiver policy faculty of Engineering Technology (ET):  Research support: ET Research support services | Faculty Engineering Techmology (ET) | University of Twente | Service Portal | University of Twente (utwente.nl)

The Tuition fee and waiver policy faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC):  PhD at ITC | Home ITC

PhD programmes at EUR

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.

IDEA Center

Erasmus Sustainability Hub

Meet our PhD students

Weys qaran – public administration.

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

Georgia Antonopoulou – Law

• Research on business courts

Andrea Reina Tamayo – Psychology

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

Riccardo Valboni - Business & Management

• Strategic management and entrepreneurship

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

PhD in the Spotlight: Emma van Gelder

Siri Driessen about her research on war memorial sites

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Compare @count study programme.

• Duration: @duration

Number of doctorate degrees (PhD degrees) compared internationally

• Switzerland has the highest amount of obtained PHD degrees by scientists in the age of 25-34 year per 1,000 inhabitants in the same age category.
• In the age category 25-34 year olds, the Netherlands has an average of 1,7 awarded PhD degrees per 1,000 inhabitants (2019).
• Most of the PhD degrees are obtained in the scientific fields Health, Nature and Technology.

How many scientists aged 25-34 obtained their doctorate degree in 2019, per 1,000 inhabitants in the same age category?

Analysis The number of doctorate degrees per 1,000 persons aged 25-34 in 2021 is the highest in Switzerland with 3.0 doctorate degrees per 1,000 persons aged 25-34. Germany and the United Kingdom are in the group of 2 doctorate degrees per 1,000 persons in that age group. In 2022, the Netherlands had 1,9 doctorate degrees per 1,000 persons aged 25-34. 

In which field of science did these scientists obtain their doctorate ?

Analysis What is striking in the second graph is that the Netherlands has the largest share of doctorate degrees in the field of health sciences and in the field of agriculture. In addition, the Netherlands has a relatively small share of doctorate degrees in the fields nature, technology, humanities, IT and education.  

The excel-file contains more data concerning doctorate degrees in EU-countries, differentiated by men and women.

Definitions and abbreviations

For an explanation of the used definitions and abbreviations we refer to the webpage  Definitions for Science in Figures .

New doctorate degrees

file type xlsx - file size 21.17 KB

Related publications

• Share of graduates in science and technology in higher education compared internationally
• Share of women amongst doctorate holders in the Netherlands

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Graduate School of Life Sciences

At the start of your PhD journey, it is mandatory to register in MyPhD, the official PhD candidate tracking system of Utrecht University. It is important to register as soon as possible. This applies to all categories of PhD candidates (see Categories of PhD candidates ).

All the formal stages of your PhD journey will be recorded in MyPhD in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the Board for the Conferral of Doctoral Degrees. Please see the latest version of the manual for more information.

Via MyPhD you are also able to register yourself to the Graduate School of Life Sciences. This is one of the fields to be filled out in the registration form. In addition, please select one of our 15 PhD programmes in the field 'PhD program'.

Documents needed for registration

You need to have the following documents and information when registering in MyPhD:

• An electronic copy of your most relevant diploma, including the name of the institute, type of degree programme, type of diploma and date of diploma. If you have questions about the validity of foreign or other diplomas, please contact the Admissions Office ( [email protected] ).
• An electronic copy of a valid ID. If you wish, you may make your Citizens Service Number (BSN) illegible on the copy. Rijksoverheid.nl describes how to make a secure copy of your ID (only in Dutch).
• The working title of your doctoral thesis. You can adjust this at any stage of your PhD journey.
• Information concerning the members of your supervisory team. The particular information of supervisors with an employment contract at Utrecht University is automatically completed by MyPhD. For supervisors outside Utrecht University, you have to fill in the details yourself. These include full name, initials, title, name of institute, address of institute and e-mail address.
• Information concerning your mentor(s) .
• The PhD programme you will join. In MyPhD you have to select the Graduate School of Life Sciences and the PhD programme you will join (field ‘PhD program’).

Keyusers MyPhD

For more information regarding your registration in MyPhD, please contact your faculty keyuser for MyPhD (faculty to which your first promotor is affiliated). For more information about technical matters, please contact the IT Service Centre (ict-servicedesk[at]uu.nl; +31 (0)30 253 45 00).

Keyuser Faculty of Medicine/UMC Utrecht:

Renée Allebrandi - R.Allebrandi[at]umcutrecht.nl Research Office - gnkpromoties[at]umcutrecht.nl

Keyuser Faculty of Science:

Please contact the Management/Office Assistant of your department: Biology: Barbara Hendricx - biologie[at]uu.nl Pharmaceutical Sciences: Anja Elbertse Chemistry/Bijvoet Centre: Pauline van Elsdingen - science.MyPhD.chem[at]uu.nl

Keyuser Faculty of Veterinary Medicine:

Elisabeth Nagy, Jantine van Herk - dgkprom[at]uu.nl

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

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Phd in the netherlands for international students.

Herilalao Study in Netherlands Leave a comment

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

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

Table of Contents

Is it worth doing a PhD in the Netherlands?

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

Some of the reasons to study in Holland include: 

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

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

Structure of a PhD in the Netherlands

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

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

Is a PhD in the Netherlands paid?  

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

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

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

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

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

Dutch PhD defense ceremony

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

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

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

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

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

How to apply for a PhD position in the Netherlands?

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

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

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

Admission requirements 

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

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

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

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

How much does a PhD cost in Netherlands?

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

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

Netherlands PhD funding

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

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

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

Read also our guide on the scholarships in the Netherlands .

Netherlands PhD visa

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

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

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

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