phd defence netherlands

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Defending your PhD in the Netherlands

As I write this post, it's been more than seven years since I defended my PhD. Since then, I've developed a particular interest in everything related to the PhD defense. On my blog PhD Talk, I run a series of guest posts "PhD Defenses around the World", in which I gather testimonies from people who have defended their PhD in different countries, different fields, and different universities.

If I recall the origins of the beginning of this series well, it was after comparing  a colleague's defense in the Netherlands ,  my husband's defense in the US  and  my defense in the Netherlands  in blog posts that  Veronika  mentioned some oddities in Scandinavia related to the defense (and how new doctors are celebrated) and suggested I start compiling testimonies from PhD defenses.

As I read more testimonies about PhD defenses, I became more and more fascinated by the topic. A defense brings together your academic knowledge, strong emotions (you worked for many years on your research), as well as human interaction in a stressful setting. As I was finishing up the two-volume book set on load testing of bridges, I received an email from  Helen Kara  to see if I would be interested in writing a book about the PhD defense together with a coauthor for a series of books for PhD students on Routledge. I teamed up with  Olga Degtyareva  to delve even deeper into the topic of the defense, which included plowing through the scientific literature on the topic as well as analyzing the guest posts on my blog. Through all this reading, I started to wonder if there is a link between the defense format and the perception of the doctoral student of the defense - so I started to actively research this topic. I'm in the thick of this research and hope to share my results in a preprint sooner rather than later.

With this background information, I am confident I can answer the question about what it is like to defend your PhD in the Netherlands, and how this practice differs from other countries. Here are a few important things to know about the defense in the Netherlands:

1. You defend your thesis and propositions

Not many countries require that the PhD defense includes the defense of propositions. Propositions are statements from your research, your field, and society in general which you should be able to argue in favor of during your defense. So, if you prepare for your thesis defense, don't forget to prepare for defending your propositions.

2. The defense is very formal

Caps and gowns. A beadle who is in charge of following the protocol. Old-fashioned ways of addressing the committee members in Dutch (even though you or your committee members do not speak Dutch). The Dutch defense follows some elements that have not changed over a long period of time - so it feels like a very formal event.

3. The defense is a mere formality

At the same time, the Dutch defense is just a formality. You can't fail your defense, and your thesis is already accepted, printed, and distributed. It's a day of celebration of your achievement, yet not without getting examined in depth by your committee.

4. You will be anxious before your defense

Even though you know you virtually can't fail, you will still be nervous. You will be put under pressure to answer hard questions by some of the most knowledgeable people in your field, on a topic in which you poured your heart and soul for the last three to ten years. It's normal to be nervous, stressed, and/or anxious before your defense.

5. The defense is fully public

Your friends, family, and colleagues all get to attend your defense! The good news is that you get to celebrate together with your loved ones. The bad news is that their presence may add an extra layer of stress and insecurity, since you don't want to "fail" in front of them. Failing here would mean to appear nervous, not being able to properly answer a question, or otherwise perform at less than your best.

6. You graduate on the day of your defense

At the very end of the defense, you walk away with a large red tube which holds your PhD thesis (including a giant wax seal). There's nothing left to do after your defense but celebrate. In other countries, you may need to wait months after your defense to go through commencement, but in the Netherlands, it all happens on the same day.

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PhD at Utrecht University

Phd programmes.

At Utrecht University, earning a PhD is a hands-on process that involves relatively little coursework.

You will conduct research from day one, which will allow you to develop your own ideas within the research group's theme. You will remain in close contact with your supervisors throughout the programme.

All information for both prospective and current PhD students can be found in the PhD Manual (pdf).

About PhD Programmes

Interested in a PhD programme in Utrecht?

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

Info about PhD Defences

The public defence of a PhD thesis and award of the title “doctor” is taking place under the mandate of the Doctorate Board (by Dutch law WHW art. 7.18 and 7.19 ) and the Doctoral Regulations of the University of Twente. A PhD dissertation reflects the work of, on average, four years of scientific research and training. UT recognises diverse forms and formats of dissertations, including those based on designs, publications, and books. It should be emphasised that the quality and not the quantity of the chapters should determine the assessment by the Graduation Committee. UT does not impose a minimum or a maximum number of chapters. For more details, we refer to the Doctoral Regulations mentioned above and the PhD Charter , particularly Article 4.

Support office Doctorate Board / Graduation Phase (Hora Finita)

The support office is the right place for questions and regulations concerning your Doctoral Defence, the publication of your PhD thesis or the verification of a PhD Diploma/Certificate. Mariska Buurman / Astrid Scholtens-Hofenk Email: [email protected] Phone: +31 53 489  4242 Office: Ravelijn, room 5244

Opening hours:  Monday - Friday

Beadles / Pedellen

Defences and other ceremonies of the University of Twente are accompanied by the Beadles / Pedellen. Public defences are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:45, 14:45 and 16:45 hr.

Wim Koehorst / Raymond Linderhof Email: [email protected] Phone: +31 53 489  5899   Office: Waaier, room 269

Upcoming defences

In general, the defences take place in the Waaier building. Exceptions are mentioned in the list below.

See all upcoming defences 

For help with the publication of your doctoral thesis contact the Library's Info desk: +31 53 489 2777 or [email protected] .

• Doctoral regulations of the UT ( English  / Dutch ) 
• Intake form public defence  (pdf)

Note about the manuscript title pages:  as soon as your manuscript gets approved by the assessment committee, you will receive an email about the title pages.  The email will contain a link which will take you to the page in Hora Finita where you will be able to download the correctly formatted and filled-in manuscript title pages.

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PhD Graduate School of Archaeology

Defence Ceremony

When, after four years or more, you have finished your manuscript, it is time to request the Graduation Formalities to start the defence procedure.

The PhD Regulations set out which criteria the dissertation has to meet. 

Consistent with these PhD Regulations, you must take steps in a formal procedure leading to the public defence of a PhD dissertation. 

These steps have to be taken by you and your supervisor in LUCRIS GSM .  Please carefully follow this procedure overview  and consult the manuals if you have any questions. 

Also, see the information about practical matters concerning the defence ceremony .

Doctoral school

PhD examining committee and day of the defence - Amsterdam UMC/VU

PhD candidates who have been admitted to the defence after approval of the manuscript

The supervisor defines the order of the PhD examining committee and (if applicable) guest opponents. Defend your PhD thesis

Start no later than four weeks before the confirmed date of the defence ceremony (preferably earlier)

The order of the PhD examining committee and (if applicable) guest opponents needs to be submitted in Hora Finita no later than three weeks prior to the defence date

• The supervisor first polls the candidate members on willingness and availability to attend the PhD ceremony and fills out the Hora Finita tab ‘PhD examining committee’ (‘oppositie’) (titles and names, affiliation, discipline, email addresses)
• Both the Office of Doctorate Affairs Amsterdam UMC (Bureau Promotiezaken) and the Dean, assess the composition of the committee
• After approval a letter with relevant data will be sent to all the members of the committee from Hora Finita

Necessary documents:

Day of the defence.

Check for practical information the VU Amsterdam website (in English & in Dutch )

The official language allowed to be used during the ceremony is Dutch, English, French or German. Another language is possible if the VU Amsterdam Rector Magnificus gives permission

Information about how to generate media attention for your PhD thesis and conferral can be found on the Amsterdam website (in Dutch) and on the VU website (in Dutch)

• Professors wear gown and beret with dark clothing / shirt with dark tie, dark (socks and shoes) underneath. That means, among other things, no jeans, no shorts, no T-shirts, no sweaters, no colored pumps, no sneakers
• Co-supervisors and opponents who are not professors wear dark, occasion-appropriate clothing / tenue de ville / shirt with jacket and dark tie. That means, among other things, no jeans, no shorts, no T-shirts, no sweaters, no colored pumps, no sneakers
• During the PhD ceremony, the PhD candidate and paranymphs wear full dress suit or other clothing suitable for the occasion (tenue de ville). Appropriate clothing can also be understood to mean appropriate traditional clothing from the country of the PhD candidate. The PhD candidate conforms to the judgment of the beadle

Due to the tight schedule of the ceremonies, a laudatio by the (co)supervisor of max. 4 minutes is allowed

Please find current policy on defence ceremonies on the VU-website; links below

Invitation: Workshop 'Finishing my PhD trajectory'

Interesting for PhD candidates whose manuscript is about to be assessed

Ellen Dijkstra (Amsterdam UMC Doctoral School) will inform you on practical matters in the run-up to, during and after your defence. For instance on how to prepare for the defence and the Laymen's talk, where to find information on media attention for your thesis, on reimbursments to which you might be entitled, the structure of the ceremony. In terms of information this workshop will be complementary to the 'Meet the Beadle' meeting (below). You are very welcome to join one of these online meetings; to sign up, please send an email to [email protected] :

• Thursday 18 April 2024, 11.00 - 12.00
• Tuesday 14 May 2024, 10.00 - 11.00
• Tuesday 20 August 2024, 14.00 - 15.00

Invitation: Meet the Beadle

The VU beadles Ellis Verkerk and Eef Bergs (Beadle’s Office) and VU PhD policy advisor Fernie Maas (Institutional Affairs) organize ‘Meet the Beadle’ sessions. You are very much invited to join them. During the session, Ellis Verkerk and Eef Bergs will explain all about the PhD ceremony and take you to the sites that will be relevant: the Aula and Auditorium, the promovendus room and the Forum room. Explore the Aula and Auditorium and experience how it feels to be on the stage! You will also learn about the technical equipment. And of course: plenty of opportunity to ask your questions to the Beadles. An excellent way to prepare for your defence!

• Wednesday 17 April 2024, 16.00 in the Aula VU Main Building - Auditorium
• Wednesday 4 September 2024, 16.00 in the Aula VU Main Building - Auditorium
• Wednesday 6 November 2024, 16.00 in the Aula VU Main Building - Auditorium

If you want to join one of these sessions, or in case of questions or comments, please contact Fernie Maas ( [email protected] )

Note: places are limited. Registrations are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. The session is open to all VU PhD candidates, particularly PhD candidates who are approaching their defence date

Note: Please be aware to update your email address in Hora Finita, at the moment this changes. For example when you are no longer a VUmc (or Amsterdam UMC) employee. If we don't have a current email address, we won't be able to reach you

Information on the VU website:

• Preparation of the ceremony
• Information on the defence: on Campus / hybrid and online
• Defences and inaugurals live via You Tube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/VUBeadlesOffice

Back to "PhD Graduation VU"

The day of the defense ceremony

The doctoral candidates and their assistants shall wear a dress suit or other clothing appropriate for the occasion. Appropriate clothing may also be understood to mean traditional clothing of the doctoral candidate's country. The doctoral candidate conforms to the judgement of the beadle as to whether certain clothing is appropriate to the occasion.

During the degree ceremony, the candidate will be assisted by two paranymphs. Colleagues, friends or family members aged 18 and over are eligible for this ceremonial role.

SWEATING ROOM

At least half an hour before the ceremony, the host(ess) expects the doctoral candidate and the assistants to be received in the "Sweating Room", room 1C-21 in the Main Building. Here the candidate and his/her assistants can change clothes and prepare for the ceremony.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Taking photographs during the degree ceremony is allowed. During the defence, flash photography is not allowed.

Given the official nature of the ceremony, children under the age of 8 are not allowed.

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

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

Apply for a paid phd position.

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

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

Enrol in a PhD training programme

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

  PhD training programmes

Obtain external funding & pitch your idea

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

  Externally funded PhDs

Why Maastricht University?

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

International environment

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

Active PhD community

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

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

Current PhD candidates

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

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

  Overview for current PhDs

Research master's

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

Master's programmes

Defending your thesis

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

  More information

One step closer to an anti-stress pill

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

Wrestling with medical-ethical dilemmas during WWII

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

Studying HIV-related stigma in virtual reality

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

A Beginner's Guide to Dutch Academia

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

Hortense Jongen winner of The 2018 Dissertation Prize

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

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Submission and defence of your dissertation

You have chosen to do a PhD at Leiden University. The 2021 PhD Regulations, which were established by the Doctoral Board, specify what you must do to earn a PhD. Here you will find out more about the procedures relating to submitting and defending your dissertation and which forms you will require.

Dissertation submission

Once you have received confirmation from the dean that you may defend your dissertation, and have notified the beadle of your intention to do so, you can start reproducing the non-scientific component of your dissertation and the propositions. The beadle must approve the titlepage of the dissertation in good time. 

No later than three weeks before the PhD ceremony you are responsible for:

• Handing in two copies of the dissertation with the propositions enclosed on a separate sheet of paper to the beadle’s office. Delivery during office hours or send: Rapenburg 73, 2313 GJ Leiden.
• Providing a number of copies of the dissertation for the Dean.
• Providing copies for all members of the examining committee.
• Providing four copies for the University Library.
• You must also submit an electronic copy of your dissertation for the University repository.
• A licence granting the University non-exclusive permission to publish the dissertation in electronic format for University use. This can be under a temporary embargo. Sign the standard licence agreement for this in form B .

Reimbursement of some of the costs

You may be eligible for the reimbursement of some of the costs. For more information, please contact [email protected] , or call 071 - 527 1525 .

Examining committee

In the meantime, your supervisor submits a written proposal to the dean regarding the members of the examining committee. The dean informs you, your supervisor and the beadle of who will sit on the examining committee. You may now defend your dissertation to the examining committee.

Dissertation defence

You defend your dissertation in public to the examining committee. Although your supervisor does not sit on the examining committee, he or she may participate in the opposition. After the oral defence, the examining committee retires to deliberate. The supervisor attends the deliberations and recommends whether to award the PhD but does not have a say in the deliberations. If the examining committee decides to award the PhD, the supervisor is authorised by the Rector to do so. It is possible to award the predicate ‘cum laude’ to the PhD. The rules governing this are specified in Article 29 of the PhD Regulations. The procedure is described in the Cum Laude Regulations, which you will find in form D .

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The day of the PhD defence

PhD defence ceremonies at the Erasmus University Rotterdam take place at the following locations and days:

Two paranymphs must be present at the PhD ceremony to accompany the doctoral candidate. These can be colleagues, friends or family members. This is strictly a ceremonial function. They may, however, be asked to read out a proposition.

The Waiting Room (Zweetkamertje)

About half an hour before the PhD ceremony, the doctoral candidate and the paranymphs are expected in the "waiting room".

It is tradition to place your signature in the waiting room prior to the ceremony. Markers are available at both locations. From the sweat room, you and your paranymphs will be escorted to the hall by the Beadle.

Due to the solemn nature of the ceremony, we recommend that children under the age of 6 not be brought to the ceremony. If you choose to do so, we recommend that they are only allowed into the room during the second part of the ceremony.

PhD defence ceremony

The Beadle will pick you and your paranymphs up and escort you to the hall. There you will wait until the doctoral committee takes its seat. As soon as the doors close, the Chairman opens the ceremony and invites you to give an introduction. This introduction, also called laymen's talk, is mainly intended to make clear to the audience what the dissertation is about. The laymen's talk can be no more than 15 minutes long. You are asked to tell what has been researched, why the research has been carried out and what results the research has yielded.

This is followed by questioning by the committee. This takes 45 minutes. The order is generally: external committee members, internal committee members, supervisors and co-supervisors.

After the 45 minutes of questioning, the beadle enters the room and shouts 'HORA EST'. The person who is speaking must then stop. The chairman suspends the meeting and the committee withdraws for deliberation. When the committee returns, the meeting is reopened and the doctoral candidate receives his/her degree, followed by a 'laudatio', after which the meeting is closed.

Accompanied by the Beadle, the Committee leaves the room first. Subsequently, the doctoral candidate - possibly with his or her partner - and his or her assistants are escorted out of the hall to the reception area. The Doctoral Committee is the first to congratulate them there..

ADDRESSES DURING THE CEREMONY

Hora finita.

For promovendi at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Erasmus MC

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Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad

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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PhD Programme

Welcome to the pages for Wageningen University & Research PhD candidates! Your starting point to find the information you need. Foto: Koen Manusama – ko-en photography

About the PhD programme

Learn more about the PhD programme at WUR and its rules & guidelines.

Practical information

All practical information about the WUR PhD programme, required documents, procedures & info about housing in Wageningen and visas for and residence in the Netherlands.

Contact & support

The Doctoral Service Centre manages the admission and immigration of new doctoral candidates at Wageningen University, the PhD and EngD skills course program and the logistics regarding the PhD and EngD defence.

Why choose Wageningen University & Research?

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has a name for innovative and ground-breaking research. When it comes to research and providing education, Wageningen University & Research enjoys an outstanding international reputation. As a PhD candidate at WUR, you will develop knowledge that serves mankind and society at large.

New PhD Programme website

CV Checks l WUR Career Week

CV / LinkedIn photoshoot l WUR Career Week

Phd defences.

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions on Dutch dairy farms - integrated evidence from behavioural and efficiency models

Nutritional programming of white adipose tissue and mitochondrial function: Fat quality matters

Company reflexivity for plastics circularity: The transformative potential of reflexive environmental legislation in the EU

Adaptive strategies of Listeria monocytogenes: Evolved variants with altered stress resistance and fitness

Wageningen graduate schools.

PhD Vacancies

Phd position on multi-breed multi-trait beef cattle international genomic evaluations for novel traits and small populations, phd position - evaluation of restoration measures for fish in the river meuse, post-doc position on modelling antarctic tourism regulation, phd in decision support system for designing transition pathways towards circular hospitals, phd position - salt marsh survival, phd position in machine-learning-enabled substrate specificity analysis of carbohydrate-acting enzymes from the gut microbiome.

Netherlands, Lithuania to Practice Patriot Air Defense Systems in Eastern Flank Exercise

The Netherlands will send Patriot weapon systems to Lithuania for a bilateral exercise at NATO’s eastern flank.

The activity supports ongoing military cooperation between Amsterdam and Vilnius to fortify air defenses in the region.

Under the forthcoming exercise, the Lithuanian and Dutch armed forces will train “side-by-side” to improve their “agility and speed” in operating the Patriot air defense platforms.

The event will also include preparations for rapid transport of corresponding equipment and ground troops during deployments.

The Dutch government wrote that some of the drills will be facilitated on “specific terrain” managed by NATO.

The exercise will commence in the summer and will run for several weeks.

“With this exercise in Lithuania, the Dutch unit contributes to the preparedness of NATO air defense,” Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren stated .

“It is also an important signal to our allies on the Eastern flank: you can count on the Netherlands, also for the defense of the airspace.”

NATO Rotational Air Defense Model

The bilateral exercise also aligns with NATO’s Rotational Air Defense Model introduced at the organization’s Vilnius Summit last year.

This framework promotes rehearsals for “smooth and quick transitions” related to air defense tasks, bolstering the alliance’s capabilities to secure the aerial domain.

Lithuania said that the Rotational Air Defense Model will operate alongside NATO’s existing Air Policing Mission in the Baltic States.

“Exercises of such character support implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model approved at the NATO Summit in Vilnius,” Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas stated .

“We are thankful to the Netherlands for consistently contributing to the Baltic, and especially Lithuania’s security.”

“Deployment of Dutch servicemembers to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania, Baltic Air Policing Mission, NATO Force Integration Unit is vital for the Baltic states’ security. This step is also a boost to our cooperation on air defence.”

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Netherlands Switches Quick Reaction Mission From F-16 To F-35

The Netherlands has withdrawn the F-16 from the Benelux air policing mission and handed the role to the F-35.

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PhD Defense: Theoretical and Practical High-Assurance Software Tools for Quantum Applications

IRB IRB-4107

Quantum computing promises to transform our approach to solving significant computational challenges, such as factorization and quantum system simulation. Harnessing this quantum power in real life necessitates software stack support. This talk focuses on the critical challenges encountered in the software for quantum computing, aiming to shape high-assurance software stacks for controlling quantum computing devices in the immediate future and beyond. First, I will present software tools we have developed for Hamiltonian-oriented quantum computing, encompassing a pioneering framework for Hamiltonian-oriented programming and a theoretical approach to the differentiation of parameterized quantum systems. Then I will demonstrate the application of formal methods in ensuring quantum software correctness for circuit-oriented quantum computing, including a formally certified implementation of Shor's factorization algorithm and a theoretical framework for algebraically reasoning about the equivalences of quantum while programs. Our work illuminates the path to achieving practical quantum applications in the near term with a high-assurance software stack.