Prospective PhD candidates

There are different options for obtaining a PhD position at Utrecht University. As a PhD candidate in the Netherlands, you are not a student but a university employee in most cases. If we are not able to employ you, you may want to look for funding in your country of residence for private scholarships.

A master or equivalent degree is needed to be admitted to the PhD track. If you do not possess a Master (or equivalent) degree, you need to follow a different procedure (pdf).

You should have a supervisor before you can start your PhD. Please visit websites of the PhD programmes, Life Sciences institutes and research groups to find out if your research interest is available in Utrecht. You can contact the researchers to discuss possibilities for a PhD position. Also have a look at the current vacancies of Utrecht University.

Please note that PhD applicants have to demonstrate mastery of English before being accepted into one of our programmes. The programmes require EMI-experienced level, with proof and exceptions as defined for UU Master students. Proof of proficiency must be provided before selection or acceptance. English proficiency should also be assessed as sufficient for scientific discussions and daily informal conversation, by the selection committee during the selection/acceptance interview.

Minimum test scores EMI-experienced level:

• TOEFL, iBT. Minimum scores:
  • Overall score: 93 (Internet based. Institutional scores are not accepted.)
  • Writing: 20
  • Speaking: 20
  • Reading: 24
  • Listening: 22
• IELTS, Academic Module. Minimum scores:
  • Overall score: 6.5
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE). Minimum scores:
  • Overall score: 176
  • Writing: 169
  • Speaking: 169
  • Reading: 169
  • Listening: 169
• Cambridge C1 Proficiency (CPE). Minimum scores:
  • Overall score: 180
  • Writing: 169
  • Speaking: 169
  • Reading: 169
  • Listening: 169

You can find more information on how to obtain a PhD at Utrecht University at the PhD website of the university.

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  Obtaining a PhD position at Utrecht University