How to Get a Fully Funded PhD in the Netherlands (2026 Guide)

The Netherlands offers some of the best-funded PhD positions in Europe. Unlike most countries where PhD students are students who pay tuition, Dutch PhD candidates are employees of the university with full salary, benefits, and pension contributions.

Why the Netherlands?

Dutch PhD positions are unique because you are hired as an employee, not enrolled as a student. This means you receive a salary (typically €2,900–€3,700 per month gross), holiday allowance, and a pension. There are no tuition fees — your employer covers all research costs.

How Dutch PhD Funding Works

Employment Model (Most Common)

PhD positions are advertised as jobs on academictransfer.com, the central Dutch academic job platform. You apply with a CV and motivation letter, interview with the research group, and if selected, sign a contract.

• Duration: 4 years (full-time)
• Salary: €2,900–€3,700/month gross, increasing annually
• Benefits: Holiday pay (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%), pension
• Status: Full employee with sick leave, parental leave, and vacation days

University Scholarships

Some Dutch universities offer specific scholarship programmes for international PhD candidates:

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarship — University of Amsterdam
• Utrecht Excellence Scholarship — Utrecht University
• Leiden University Excellence Scholarship — Leiden University
• TU Delft Scholarship — for engineering PhD candidates
• Radboud Scholarship — Radboud University Nijmegen
• Maastricht University Holland High Potential Scholarship

These typically cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend.

Dutch Government Funding

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) funds PhD positions through research grants awarded to universities. Talent Programme grants include PhD positions for specific projects.

Where to Find Positions

• AcademicTransfer (academictransfer.com) — The primary Dutch academic job board. Most PhD positions are posted here first
• University career pages — Each university posts vacancies on its own website
• NWO website — Funded projects that include PhD positions
• EURAXESS Netherlands — EU-wide researcher mobility portal
• ScholarshipHunter — Browse our PhD listings for Dutch and European positions

Application Process

1. Find an advertised position on AcademicTransfer or a university website
2. Submit a CV, motivation letter, and transcripts through the online portal
3. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (often via video call)
4. The interview includes a presentation of your Master's research
5. If selected, you receive a contract offer with a start date

Requirements

• A Master's degree in a relevant field (almost always required)
• Strong academic record
• Research experience (thesis, publications, or lab work)
• English proficiency (TOEFL 90+ or IELTS 6.5+)
• Some programmes require a research proposal

Tips for Success

• Apply early — positions on AcademicTransfer are competitive and close when filled
• Tailor your motivation letter to the specific project description
• Mention relevant technical skills that match the project
• If possible, visit the lab or arrange an informal video call before applying
• Dutch universities value independence and initiative — show how you can contribute to the group's research

Tip: Dutch PhD positions close when filled — apply early and tailor your motivation letter to the exact project description.

The Netherlands offers one of the best PhD funding models in the world. As an employee with full benefits and no tuition fees, PhD candidates enjoy financial security rare in academia.