PhD In Netherlands: Universities, Scholarships, Cost & Job Opportunities

Most Dutch PhD students work for their research institution. This blog will discuss PhD programs in Netherlands, PhD scholarships in Netherlands, and more about PhD education Netherlands.

Many international students choose Netherlands for PhD degree for its open-mindedness, modernization, and international exchange of ideas. International PhD students in the Netherlands can undertake independent research under university faculty supervision. Dutch PhD students present their findings to a panel of experts.

Why Study PhD Programs in Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, all PhD programs are part of a graduate school or research institution. Research schools are collaborations of various research universities and institutes, whereas graduate schools are organized within universities. The following are the advantages of pursuing a PhD in Holland:

• Coursework is Limited: PhD Education Netherlands is a program that focuses solely on research. Some universities in the Netherlands have established doctoral schools, which require students to take a number of courses. Some of these courses are associated with: research skills and others are associated with preferred field of study.
• Dutch PhD is highly regarded: PhD studies in the Netherlands are highly respected due to the excellent academic standards. Once your thesis has been approved for publishing, students will attend the event of their study/reserach and be awarded the PhD in a traditional rite.
• People Treat their PhD Like a Job: International students who apply for a PhD in the Netherlands treat their studies as if they were a profession with a set schedule. It may also be necessary for you to be in your office between firm chunks of time. University buildings often have set hours of operation.
• You Are a University Employee: When your PhD is sponsored by a research project, getting employed as a university employee is rather usual. There are numerous advantages to working as a university employee, including employee protection, social security, and the ability to save for retirement.

Top Universities in Netherlands for PhD

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

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

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

1. University of Amsterdam

The thriving PhD program at the University of Amsterdam provides a strong foundation for engaging in high-quality teaching and research. The research acknowledged by the UvA’s academic community is among the best in the world. The university wishes to compete for an inspiring international educational environment in which staff and international students can maximize their talents.

• QS World University Ranking 2022: 55
• Type of University: Public
• Top PhD Courses: PhD in Science, Economics and Business
• Average Tuition Fee: 13,300 EUR/ year

2. University of Groningen

The Groningen Graduate School offers an excellent postgraduate program at the University of Groningen. Students are provided with a complete PhD training program, which includes the career outlooks series, which assists students in preparing for future employment options. Their promotor and supervisor will provide expert guidance to the researchers.

• QS World University Ranking 2022: 128
• Type of University: Public
• Top PhD Courses: PhD in Economics and Business, Arts, Behavioural and Social Science, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Engineering
• Average Tuition Fee: 11,766 EUR/ year

3. Maastricht University

PhD students are treated as full members of the scientific community at Maastricht University. At the university, there are three ways to get a PhD degree: enroll in a PhD training program, apply for a paid PhD post, obtain external funding, and pitch your proposal. PhD programs primarily emphasize education, training, and supervision in order to prepare students to become exceptional researchers. They will also be able to advance a wide range of academic skills.

• QS World University Ranking 2022: 233
• Type of University: Public
• Top PhD Courses: PhD in Psychology and Economics
• Average Tuition Fees: 4000 EUR/ year

4. Radboud University

Radboud University provides a variety of courses for PhD students to increase their scientific skills as well as their personal effectiveness and development. Radboud University’s research profile is divided into two parts: academic and societal. The academic profile describes the university’s involvement in academic corrections as well as the sub-disciplines in which it excels. The sociological profile addresses the societal issues with which the university is involved through its academic studies.

• QS World University Ranking 2022: 220
• Type of University: Public
• Top PhD Courses: PhD in Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology
• Average Tuition Fees: 12,500 – 16,500 EUR/year

5. Leiden University

It is the top PhD program in the Netherlands for international students. The PhD program at Leiden University focuses on PHd students who devote a portion of their work time to scientific study on a topic related to their professional practice. The center assists individuals in advancing research ideas, providing training, confirming that their research is in line with disciplines and graduate schools, and corresponds to the research of a potential supervisor.

• QS World University Ranking 2022; 112
• Type of University: Public
• Top PhD Courses: PhD in Computer Science, Chemistry and Mathematics
• Average Tuition Fees: 19,600 EUR/ year

6. Delft University of Technology

The TU Delft Graduate School helps and develops doctorate students to become highly qualified, self-sufficient leaders in research and skilled professionals. The PhD program is critical for preparing for your doctorate and future job. It also ensures and improves the development of scientific quality as well as the necessary interpersonal skills. At the PhD Thesis Defence ceremony, you will be awarded a Doctoral Education Certificate for finishing the PhD program.

• QS World University Ranking 2022: 57
• Type of University: Public
• Top PhD Courses: PhD in Engineering & Technology, Art Design & Architecture
• Average Tuition Fee: 11,000 EUR/ year

Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements for Universities in Netherlands for PhD

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

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

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

1. Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in a relevant subject area is a standard requirement for PhD admission in the Netherlands. Students of Dutch PhD researchers may be required to go through additional application processes and submit more documents than a typical PhD student.

2. English Proficiency Test

To pursue a PhD in Holland as an international student, one must submit an English language exam result. It involves either the IELTS or TOEFL exam. The IELTS exam requires a minimum score of 6.5, while the TOEFL exam requires a minimum score of 90 (Internet Based).

3. Netherlands Student Visa

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

Documents Required for PhD in Netherlands 

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

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

Application Process for Universities in Netherlands for PhD

PhD admission criteria are rigorous and prospective students must have a good background in the theory and techniques of their subject, as well as a recognized master’s degree. Admission to a PhD program in the Netherlands for international students consists of several steps, which are outlined below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of Studying PhD in Holland

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

Average Tuition Fees for PhD in Netherlands

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

Cost of Living

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

Living Expenses and Estimated Monthly Cost:

• Health Insurance – 120 EUR/ per month
• Rent – 500 – 1,000 EUR/ per month
• Study Material – 30- 65 EUR/ per month
• Food & Groceries – 180 EUR

PhD Scholarships in Netherlands for International Students

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

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

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

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

Career Options after PhD in Netherlands

After completing PhD in the Netherlands, international students must apply for an Orientation Year residency visa. To stay in the country for more than a year, the student must be registered in the Personal Records Database, have a Citizen Service Number, and pay a charge of 174 EUR. In addition, students can apply for long-term residence in the Netherlands. Following the PhD program, some job choices include:

Job Options and Average Annual Salary:

• Associate Professor of Finance – 79,069 EUR
• Technical support specialist – 43,449 EUR
• PhD Graduate Lecturer – 36,759 EUR
• Researcher – 5,503 EUR

The Netherlands holds its universities’ research in high regard, and the country and its scholars have an impressive track record in global research. You will be a researcher as a doctoral graduate from a Dutch university.

FAQs

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

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

• How much are PhD candidates paid in the Netherlands?

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

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

Some of the popular PhD courses to study are:

1. Economics
2. Business & Psychology
3. Medical Sciences
4. Social Sciences

• Is PhD free in the Netherlands?

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