Obtaining a PhD position

As a PhD candidate in the Netherlands, you are not a student but a university employee in most cases. Utrecht University offers several options for PhD candidates.

Admission

The primary criterion for admission to a PhD track is the applicant's quality. To be admitted to a PhD programme, applicants must meet stringent academic requirements. You need to have a solid background in the theory and methods of your field, hold a recognised Master’s degree (or equivalent) and demonstrate a good knowledge of English. For more information on admissions, read the Doctoral Degree Regulations Utrecht University (pdf).

Employment or other funding

There are different options for obtaining a PhD at Utrecht. As a PhD candidate in the Netherlands, you are not a student but a university employee in most cases. Please bear in mind that Utrecht University offers very limited PhD opportunities for people who are not employed at a PhD position. Most PhD candidates will be employed by Utrecht University. If we cannot employ you, you may want to look for funding in your country of residence for private scholarships.

There are different options for obtaining a PhD at Utrecht:

• Obtaining a PhD as an employee
• Obtaining a PhD without being employed by Utrecht University