how long is phd in netherlands

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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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Your PhD programme

We know you have a passion for research and science (that’s why you are reading this page). Joining a PhD programme at TU Delft might be the right choice for you. As a PhD candidate, you have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of research areas, spread across eight faculties. During the four years of the PhD programme you will be conducting research, developing new knowledge and writing your dissertation. An inspiring environment and challenging programme that will help you become an independent researcher and a skilled professional. Academic excellence starts in Delft.

TU Delft is a prestigious university

At TU Delft you will be working at a top university in an international environment, surrounded by talented people with a passion for science, design and technology. During your PhD programme at TU Delft you will delve into a research field that fascinates you, under supervision of a professor leading in this field. One thing is for sure: in Delft you will be optimising your expertise and talent, allowing you to contribute to solving (future) challenges in our society. Explore our faculties and disciplines .

5 reasons to choose a PhD programme at TU Delft

• Advanced laboratory and experimental facilities that are unique in the Netherlands, and are used to conduct advanced research for the scientific field, and for business and industry
• International acclaimed supervisors to coach and guide you with your training and research activities
• Small group-based training and peer interaction (leading to a flourishing academic community and furthering peer learning)
• Customised Doctoral Education programme to cater to your individual learning needs
• Support to realise your personal and professional ambitions

Is a PhD track the right choice for you?

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you…

• Have an above-average interest in science, engineering and design
• Want to explore a scientific area in-depth and contribute to the scientific field
• Get excited about the possibility of contributing to solving societal issues by means of your research project
• Possess strong analytical skills and look forward to the possibility of conducting research independently
• Are a problem solver and a critical and innovative thinker
• Need to have a university master’s degree in a relevant field

By the numbers*

2.999 phd candidates, 431 phd defences, 31% female, 69% male, 69% from abroad, phd experience at tu delft: 7.9, * tu delft facts and figures 2021 and phd alumni survey 2021.

Engineering Doctorate: a practice-based alternative to a PhD Do you want a more design-oriented approach? Check out our EngD positions (Engineering Doctorate). This two-year design-traineeship offers you an application-focused alternative to a PhD position, and provides you with a solid basis for an accelerated start of your industrial career.

In six steps towards your PhD

In general, a PhD programme at TU Delft will take four years. In order to guarantee the quality of the PhD process, TU Delft has implemented a tailor-made PhD Development Cycle that covers the different stages in your PhD research. This cycle starts on the first day of your PhD and consists of six steps leading to your doctoral defence ceremony. Check out our infographic to learn more about your steps.

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Doctoral Education Programme

Career Perspectives

• Nederlands NL

As a PhD candidate at Maastricht University, you will spend most of your time conducting research and writing your dissertation. However, you may also take relevant courses or even teach classes yourself. There are many possibilities!

Three ways to obtain a PhD

Apply for a paid phd position.

Enrol in a PhD training programme

Obtain external funding and pitch your idea

Whether you are at the beginning of your PhD journey or approaching the end, the PhD Office serves as your main point of contact. We maintain a comprehensive record of all your documentation and are ready to assist with any organisational questions throughout your academic career.

  Click here for more information about the PhD Office.

Support for PhD candidates

At Maastricht University, PhD candidates are respected as full members of our research community. You will receive all the support you need for your research as well as for building your life in Maastricht.

  Click here for an overview of all our educational opportunities and services.

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PhD Programmes

About obtaining a doctoral degree.

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

Doing your own research

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

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

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

Growing as a professional

Courses and teaching

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

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

Interdisciplinary collaboration

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

Open Science

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

Do I need to understand Dutch?

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

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

Doing your PhD at UT

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

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

Programme overview

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

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

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Interested?

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

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

Obtaining a PhD at the UvA

Why do a PhD at the UvA?

Excelling in research

If you choose to do a PhD at the UvA, you will be joining an organisation that recognises the key importance of excellent doctoral research. Research carried out by the UvA’s academic community ranks among the best of the world, and the University competes very successfully for external research funding, both in the Netherlands and beyond. The UvA's  research priority areas  represent the very best the UvA has to offer in terms of research and are also areas in which the UvA is a worldwide leader.

Employment benefits and housing

Another important benefit of doing a PhD at the UvA is that most PhD vacancies are paid positions . This means that, while doing your doctoral research, the University employs you as a staff member. This means you benefit from the UvA's terms of employment . The UvA also has a housing service for international PHDs, postgraduates and UvA guests .

Stimulating environment

When you do research at the UvA you work in a stimulating and innovative environment where your talents can be optimally developed. The UvA has a critical, creative and international climate and welcoming atmosphere. Join a community of independent thinkers who love research and who have the courage to ask questions and disagree with one another.

European connections

Joining the UvA also means joining an international research community. As one of Europe’s major universities, the UvA is a member of various international consortia of universities and research institutes. It is also a member of the  League of European Research Universities  (LERU) and the global network  Universitas21 .

Facts and figures

• Around 500 doctoral degrees (PhDs) are conferred annually at the UvA.
• Two-thirds of PhD positions are in the sciences and medicine, and a third in social and behavioural sciences, humanities, economics and law.
• In total, around 2,000 PhD candidates carry out doctoral research at the UvA.

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