Different PhD paths

PhD research takes place in or across all the disciplines covered at the UvA. The aim of a PhD is to complete a dissertation based on original research. This usually takes at least four years. International candidates must have an academic qualification equivalent to a Dutch Master's degree.

Pursuing a PhD in the Netherlands typically involves little course work, with research commencing from the outset. PhD students are affiliated with a graduate school or research institute. These centres of excellence provide an inspiring environment for research. Each PhD student is assigned a supervisor to provide guidance throughout the programme.

Students at the UvA pursue their PhD qualifications in different ways:

• as a ‘promovendus', which is in effect a researcher employed within a research initiative that has advertised for applicants,
• as an external candidate (with funding) who has proposed a research programme which has been accepted by the Doctorate Board,
• occasionally by enrolling in an existing formal study programme for which tuition fees are paid.

The EURAXESS website offers practical information for PhD candidates coming to the Netherlands.