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Apart from the regular programmes, Leiden University offers the possibility to follow online programmes and courses. Read about the best known forms of online education at Leiden University.

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PhD at VU Amsterdam

Follow our youtube channel at  Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam  and  VU Amsterdam International Student .

At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam we provide three or four year research intensive PhD programs, or part time PhD programs with a duration above four years, organized in graduate schools of nine VU Amsterdam faculties. We expect our doctoral graduates to become internationally engaged scientists with transferable skills and opportunities to plan a career in or outside academia. 

We offer customized training and supervision with a strong emphasis on the development of research as well as professional skills such as the ability to work in teams and collaborate. In short, we wish to develop engaged and responsible academics and future professionals who constantly explore and push back the boundaries of existing knowledge. Our doctorates are internationally-oriented, multi and interdisciplinary, curiosity and results driven, creating an impact in science, society and economy.

Earning a doctorate from VU Amsterdam often leads to a career as a scholar and researcher in universities, and non-universities (universities of applied sciences); non-profits and think tanks; consultancies and corporations.

At VU Amsterdam we have two types of PhD candidates: internal and external. Internal PhD candidates are paid employees of VU Amsterdam and enter into labor agreement with VU Amsterdam. External PhDs candidates undertake a PhD at VU Amsterdam with a foreign funding or scholarship scheme, or are self funded professionals or students. 

More about PhD at VU Amsterdam

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PhD at TU/e

• Open PhD positions
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• Becoming a PhD candidate
• Life as PhD
• After your PhD

Do you have a master's degree, and do you aspire to a career in scientific research? Then consider a PhD position at TU/e. For four years, you will conduct (paid) in-depth research within a specific field of research. At a top international university known for its strong ties with industry, right in the middle of Brainport (the smartest region in the world).

What does a PhD at TU/e entail?

In four years, you will become an excellent, independent researcher. A professor will assist you in conducting in-depth, groundbreaking research in the field of your choice. You will work together with other research groups, industrial partners, and research institutions, depending on the subject of your research. After successfully defending your dissertation, you will be awarded the PhD title.

A PhD program offers you a great deal of freedom to conduct research into socially relevant topics. You can develop your ideas in an environment with state-of-the-art research facilities. 

• Explore our research groups

Why become a PhD candidate at TU/e?

If you choose to pursue a PhD at TU/e, you will be given the space and support to excel in your field. In addition, our small-scale and personal approach makes it easy to communicate and collaborate with other departments and research groups. Also, PhD candidates are valued employees at our university. Most have an employment contract and therefore receive a salary during their training.

Meet some of our PhD candidates

Open culture.

The Netherlands has an open, friendly culture and a population that speaks English well. At TU/e you will find students from more than 80 different countries, who come together in one of the many communities. We embrace diversity and inclusion, as it adds to our success and pleasure in education and research. TU/e is a university where students and lecturers know each other on a first-name basis and work together on innovative projects with real-life significance.   

State-of-the-art research facilities

To conduct groundbreaking research, to attract outstanding scientific talent, and to train new generations of engineers, we have ultramodern research labs and facilities at our disposal. Some of our labs are unique in the Netherlands, or even in the world.

PROOF program

As a PhD candidate, you will plunge into an intensive learning experience over a period of four (or five) years. Learning takes place all the time, both consciously and subconsciously: on the job, when interacting with others, while (informally) researching, and during courses and workshops. To support and facilitate the development of your competences, TU/e offers a dedicated training program for PhD candidates.

Is a PhD track right for me?

To successfully pursue a PhD, you must be able to work and write independently. In addition, you have an above-average interest in technology, are a go-getter, and can think analytically. Of course, you enjoy doing research and finding out the underlying cause of things. Finally, you need to have a suitable prior education. 

• More information about requirements

Or an EngD (Engineering Doctorate)?

Do you want to continue your education, but not spend four years doing in-depth research? In that case an EngD program might be something for you: a two-year, paid, full-time program to become a technological designer. You will expand your technological knowledge, gain practical experience with the latest methods, and work on your professional skills. The main difference between an EngD program and a PhD track is its focus. A PhD is aimed at establishing yourself as an independent researcher. On the other hand, an EngD prepares you for a high-level position in industry. 

• More information about EngD

CHAT WITH OUR STUDENTS

They are happy to answer your questions and share their experiences!

Events and information for PhD's

Watch the program video where a PhD candidate and an EngD trainee will tell you more about their experiences at TU/e. Ask your question(s) directly to one of our PhD students. Or visit our Graduate School Event on campus!

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Program videos

Want to know more about our bachelors, masters, EngD or PhD programs? Watch one of our program videos presented by our staff and students.

Master's Open Day

Visit the TU/e during the open day of our Graduate School

Fact & Figures PhD candidates

1650 phd candidates.

About 1650 people are working as a PhD candidate at TU/e.

PhD Defenses

Every year about 225 PhD’s defenses take place.

Male Female Ratio

About 33% of the PhD candidates are women, 67% are men.

International environment

About 60% of our PhD candidates have an international background. The other 40% have Dutch nationality. English is our working language.

Average duration

On average, the duration of the PhD trajectory at TU/e is one of the shortest in the Netherlands.

Satisfaction

PhD candidates assess their PhD trajectory on average with a 7.5 (on a scale of 1-10).

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Online education

At Utrecht University, we offer several online education programmes.

Open online courses

Our free 'massive open online courses' (MOOCs) are courses which are open to anyone. These can be taught to groups of thousands of students.

Online Master's

Looking for a postgraduate programme that focuses on epidemiology? Utrecht University offers a complete online Postgraduate Master's Programme in this field. The modules of this Master can be followed separately.

Online and blended learning at Utrecht University

Through the Centre for Academic Teaching and Learning (CAT), Utrecht University supports its lecturers in the integration of digital technology in education. You can contact the CAT for example for support in the practical use of IT tools, but also for educational advice on the (re)design and development of online and blended courses. And are you interested in developing a MOOC? For this, you can also come to the CAT.

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

PhD students at a distance

In the Netherlands, PhD students ( promovendi ) are formally considered academic researchers rather than students.

If you are independently funded (research time made available by your employer, your own funds, student loan, grant from your home country etc.), you can apply directly to the "Graduate Programme in Mathematics and Statistics" to become a PhD student. For this, you use the KdVI-PhD Application Form at the bottom of this page.

Target group

Typically, young mathematicians (recent MSc), working at an institute of higher education, who wish to pursue a PhD at the KdV Institute. However, the programme is in principle open to mathematicians with an MSc degree.

Concept of the programme

Candidates do their PhD studies and preparatory work mostly at their home institution. They will visit the KdVI for a period of two to three months per year to consult with their advisor. KdVI will in general not be able to provide funding for these visits. It is possible, and it is encouraged by KdVI, that part of the daily guidance is done by qualified members of the home institution.

Requirements

You need a Dutch Masters degree in mathematics or stochastics, or a degree in an adjacent field with sufficient mathematics. Foreign degrees which are equivalent to such a Dutch master degree also give access to the PhD Programme. The Doctorate Board of the University decides whether a foreign degree is equivalent to a Dutch one.

Tuition fee

The tuition fee is € 1000 euro per year. Students will get a guest status at the KdVI, which includes electronic library facilities. During their visits to KdVI they will have a desk, library and computer facilities. Note that PhD students do not have student status in the Netherlands! In special cases the department may waive the fee.

The first year and the academic mentor

Each accepted student will be assigned an academic mentor. The mentor will give the student instructions about the work and studies he/she should do in the first year. The mentor will also play a crucial role in the evaluation. In consultation with the student, the mentor will look for a PhD-supervisor. The mentor is not to be confused with a PhD thesis supervisor (even though the mentor can become the PhD thesis supervisor).

After the first year, the PhD student will be evaluated by the mentor and the director of KdVI. The evaluation is based on the general performance of the student. A student can only be positively evaluated if he or she has found a PhD thesis supervisor or topic. Positively evaluated PhD students are accepted for three more years.

Years Two to Four

After the evaluation, the main emphasis is on the independent research in the PhD thesis project. To get an impression of possible PhD thesis topics, you can look in UvA Dare. See the link below.

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PhD Programme

Welcome to the pages for Wageningen University & Research PhD candidates! Your starting point to find the information you need.

About the PhD programme

Learn more about the PhD programme at WUR and its rules & guidelines.

Practical information

All practical information about the WUR PhD programme, required documents, procedures & info about housing in Wageningen and visas for and residence in the Netherlands.

Contact & support

The Doctoral Service Centre manages the admission and immigration of new doctoral candidates at Wageningen University, the PhD and EngD skills course program and the logistics regarding the PhD and EngD defence.

Why choose Wageningen University & Research?

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has a name for innovative and ground-breaking research. When it comes to research and providing education, Wageningen University & Research enjoys an outstanding international reputation. As a PhD candidate at WUR, you will develop knowledge that serves mankind and society at large.

Searching and Organising Literature for PhD Candidates

Adobe Illustrator - scientific artwork & infographics

Phd defences.

Nutrient cycling by mussel seed collectors

Selective ion removal with electrodialysis from fundamental understanding to process design

From from to functions: drone-based mapping of peatland vegetation patterns as ecological indicators

Battling invaders with allies: Sustainable control of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

Wageningen graduate schools.

PhD & Postdoc courses

Learn more about all Wageningen Graduate School courses.

PhD Vacancies

Phd position on recyclable polycarbonates by dynamic-covalent chemistry, phd position: nanotechnology to super-charge immune cells, postdoc in urban water disaster reduction in the netherlands and india, phd position: behavioural and ecological determinants of social strategies in great tits, phd position: chicken natural killer cells and avian influenza virus, phd evolutionary engineering of synthetic microbial communities.

PhD Programme

Psychology Research Institute / PsyRes

• Application and Admission

Project & activities

During your PhD appointment, which typically lasts three to four years, your primary focus will be conducting research for your doctoral dissertation. However, we also encourage you to engage in other activities such as taking courses offered by the PhD Training Programme, teaching undergraduate courses in the Departments of Social Sciences, and actively participating in the research community, both within PsyRes and at national and international levels.

Close-knit community

As a PhD student at PsyRes, you will be part of a vibrant community that values your growth and development. We offer coaching, training, and a strong PhD Community to support you throughout your doctoral journey. We encourage our students to publish their research early in their careers, enhancing their academic profiles and fostering their future career prospects.

Programme Groups

You will be assigned to a programme group where you will conduct your research and be immersed in a supportive and collaborative environment. We are excited about newly interest in pursuing a PhD at the University of Amsterdam and look forward to welcoming postgraduate students to our dynamic academic community at PsyRes.

The Brain and Cognition programme aims to gain understanding of cognitive phenomena based on neurobiological principles, and has a focus on using cognitive research to understand clinical phenomena and to develop assessment tools or interventions for specific patient groups. The focus is thus on both typical and atypical brain functioning and cognition. The group has a relatively large number of PhD students and therefore there is ample possibility for interaction with other PhD students, both for research purposes (e.g. asking questions about methods or complicated analysis) as well as for social purposes. Interaction with other members of the program group, i.e. post docs and staff members, is actively encouraged through weekly program group meetings in which plenary talks are given by members of the group from all levels.

There is a strong research-oriented atmosphere and new experimental projects are generally discussed in smaller group settings to foster discussion and collaboration. PhD students are supervised by at least two staff members (promotor and co-promotor) and often part of the Amsterdam Graduate Network, a network organization with PhD students from both the UvA and the VU (in case the PhD project is mostly on the nature of human cognition and its neural basis) by a graduate school of choice (in case the PhD project is in the domain of clinical neuropsychology).

Should you have any questions about pursuing a PhD in the Brain and Cognition group, please click on the link below.

PhD students in Clinical Psychology are always supervised by at least two staff members (promotor and co-promotor) and participate in the teaching programme of the School of Experimental Psychopathology (EPP).

Individual studies of PhD students are generally discussed in small group settings. In these meetings, not only their own studies are discussed, but also major articles in the field. Further, PhD students are encouraged to present their work on international conferences.

Should you have any questions about pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology, please click on the link below.

The research group consists tenured staff and about 50% PhD students and postdocs. PhD students are supervised by at least two staff members and become a member of a lab group in which research is discussed in a constructive atmosphere. The interaction between PhD students and other staff is encouraged actively which results in considerable cross-fertilization between several themes of the program.

PhD students and their supervisors prepare a training program at the start of the PhD project, which includes taking courses, for example those offered by research schools like EPP or IOPS. Although PhD students are recruited on the basis of a research proposal, students are encouraged actively to make an independent contribution, especially during the final stages of the project. The progress made by PhD students and postdocs is continuously monitored by their supervisors, and on a yearly basis by the research institute.

Should you have any questions about pursuing a PhD in Developmental Psychology, please click on the link below.

Many topics are initiated by PhD students, who fulfill an important role in our research culture. Fortunately, in the last years the number of PhD students increased due to NWO funding. Generally, PhD students are supervised by at least two staff members.

Each month plenary talks are held. The objective of the internal collaboration is to increase the quality and productivity of the group and to improve the unity of the research. Finally, PhD students participate in activities organised by the  Interuniversity Graduate School of Psychometrics and Sociometrics (IOPS) , the institute for the advanced dissertation training in psychometrics and sociometrics.

Should you have any questions about pursuing a PhD in Psychological Methods, please click on the link below.

The Social Psychology research group has a relatively large group of PhD students, which generates a research-oriented atmosphere. Individual experiments are generally discussed in small group settings; these discussions focus on design and measurement issues.

PhD’s are always supervised by at least two staff members and are encouraged to participate in the summer school of the European Association of Experimental Social Psychology (EAESP), and to present their work not only at international conferences but also in smaller scale, more informal, meetings such as those of ESCON (European Social Cognition Network) or CERE (Consortium of European Researchers on Emotions); and in incidental small group meetings sponsored by the EAESP (European Association of Experimental Social Psychology.

Should you have any questions about pursuing a PhD in Social Psychology, please click on the link below.

PhD students in Work and Organizational Psychology work in a cooperative, research-oriented environment and are specializing on various topics in W&O psychology. PhD-students in our group are always supervised by at least two staff members (promotor and co-promotor), with whom PhD-students together actively discuss research ideas and papers. PhD-students also participate in the Work and Organizational Psychology teaching programme in the Bachelor and Master.

Individual studies and papers of PhD students are often discussed in our monthly research meetings with a large section of the programma group. Further, PhD students are encouraged to present their work on international conferences. Finally, they become a member of the Dutch research school Kurt Lewin Institute (KLI), where they follow courses and meet PhD-students (and faculty) from all over the Netherlands.

Should you have any questions about pursuing a PhD in Work and Organizational Psychology, please click on the link below.

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• Top Universities for PhD Study in the Netherlands in 2024

Written by Ben Taylor

Despite its relatively small size (both in terms of area and population), the Netherlands has long had a reputation for research excellence, which is reflected by the strong performance of its universities across the main ranking systems. As the birthplace of the renaissance scholar Erasmus, who lends his namesake to the European exchange programme, the Netherlands is also extremely well-connected to international research networks.

This page summarises the best universities in the Netherlands according to three of the main ranking systems, showing how they stack up against institutions around the world.

Top ranked Dutch universities for PhD study

These are a selection of the top Dutch universities, according to global rankings. For more information on how they work, check out our guide to PhD rankings .

So, how good are universities in the Netherlands for PhD study?

Dutch universities represent an excellent choice for international PhD students. The Netherlands has seven institutions in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which is testament to the quality of research its universities produce. This is extremely impressive given the size of its higher education sector.

Research universities in Holland benefit from advanced facilities and generous government investment, making them a great destination for researchers.

Search for a PhD in the Netherlands

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse PhDs in the Netherlands on FindAPhD.com or read our guide to studying a PhD in the Netherlands .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Ben worked in the FindAPhD content team from 2017 to 2022, starting as an Assistant Content Writer and leaving as Student Content Manager. He focused on producing well-researched advice across a range of topics related to postgraduate study. Ben has a Bachelors degree in English Literature from the University of Sheffield and a Masters from the University of Amsterdam. Having also spent a semester at the University of Helsinki through the Erasmus programme, he’s no stranger to study abroad (or cold weather!).

You may also like...

The Netherlands can be an affordable place for PhD study. The page will take you through all the information you need about PhD funding in the Netherlands.

Read about the language requirements and recognised tests for PhD study at Dutch-speaking universities in the Netherlands and elsewhere..

What's it like to live in the Netherlands during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

Holland and the Netherlands are a welcoming destination for international PhD study with historic and globally-renowned research universities. Our guide covers admissions, visas, fees and funding.

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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).

• TGS brochure
• Double Badged / Joint PHD Programme RMIT University - UT (2019-2023)
• Joint PHD Programme Maquire University (MQ) - UT (2018-2028)
• A beginner's guide to Dutch Academia A guide for foreign researchers who would like to work in the Netherlands.

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 .

PhD research

PhD research is at the heart of what we do as a University. Around 2000 PhD candidates are involved in research and education at the UvA and around 400 doctorates are conferred each year. Two-thirds of these are in the Sciences or Medicine.

PhD vacancies

Getting your PhD at the UvA

UvA Staff Housing

The guide to doing your PhD at the UvA brings together all kinds of information about the PhD process, from the regulations and different steps in the process to terms of employment and facilities you can make use of as a PhD candidate.

Doctoral programme: from admission to completion

Documents and forms, phd contact information, central phd council, cookie consent.

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PhD at TU Delft

TU Delft is the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands: an institution where we perform world-class research by combining science, engineering and design in a socially responsible manner. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to conduct in-depth (paid) research in your chosen field. With this degree you will definitely have impact for a better society. Welcome to TU Delft Graduate School!

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PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam

Existing for over more than a century, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) has developed into an inspiring place where talented researchers from the Netherlands and abroad have the opportunity to obtain a PhD degree. Read how you can become a PhD candidate at Erasmus University Rotterdam and what this trajectory can look like.

A PhD degree is a necessity for researchers in academia and the first step in academic research. Also, society at large profits from PhD candidates taking up positions in companies, non-profit organisations and governmental institutions. 

The PhD candidates who start their PhD research at EUR are diverse, in terms of their age, background, gender, nationality and in the way their research is financed.

What you do as a PhD candidate

As a PhD candidate, you work on a research project under the supervision of a professor, which results in a dissertation or a series of articles in scientific journals. In addition, PhD candidates follow courses at the graduate schools or institutes of Erasmus University Rotterdam. They often teach bachelor or master students. Teaching requirements vary depending on a research school and the type of your PhD trajectory.

A PhD degree at EUR can be obtained in various ways

Apply for a paid phd position, enrol in a structured phd programme, obtain an external funding & pitch your idea, what your trajectory may look like.

• You develop a Training and Supervision Plan (TSP)
• You formalize the research proposal of your PhD thesis
• You register yourself in Hora Finita

• You revise the research proposal
• You collect data
• You might submit articles for publication

Year 3 and 4

• You analyse your data
• You write, write, write...
• You finalise the PhD thesis
• You might revise and submit articles for publication
• You might contemplate your next step after the PhD

The final stage

• You finalize your PhD Dissertation
• The supervisors review your work and the PhD committee assesses your work
• You defend your PhD dissertation

Why Erasmus University Rotterdam?

Erasmus University Rotterdam has an excellent academic reputation and maintains a high position in international rankings. 

PhD in the Spotlight: Emma van Gelder

Our PhD community

There are many ways to connect with fellow PhD candidates and researchers of our university. 

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130 Distance Learning PhD Programs in Europe for 2024/2025

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Distance Learning PhD Programs in Europe

In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

Online learning refers to use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. With online learning one has the flexibility to access their studies at any time and from anywhere they can log on.

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Executive phd, programme information.

Year one In year one of the programme, four workshops will be organised, two on-campus workshops in Maastricht, the Netherlands and two online. During these workshops, candidates will interact with faculty and fellow students, present and discuss their research. The workshops are scheduled to take place on-campus (3 days each) in May and November and online (1 day each) in September and February.   In addition, you have the opportunity to join the MSM part-time online Research Methods and Skills programme. This programme runs from 1 September - 25 November 2025 and provides you with more in-depth knowledge on the principles and techniques of conducting research, including drafting your research proposal, qualitative research methods and quantitative research methods. You can choose if you would like to join all modules or seperate modules.  All workshops and the (optional) Research Methods and Skills course are all aimed at preparing you to submit your research proposal in the first year of the PhD programme. Your supervisors (at least two) will also be assigned in year one of the programme. Twelve-fifteen months after admittance into the programme, the supervisory team will evaluate your progress. Upon successful completion of the first year, access to the next years of the PhD programme will be granted. Admission to this second phase depends on the successful assessment of the research proposal written by the candidate. Following years Each following year, we will provide one on-campus workshop (3 days) and three online workshops (1 day each). The on-campus workshops will take place in May and the online workshops in September, November and February. The workshops will be an opportunity to develop your research skills, network with fellow PhD students and faculty, and receive feedback on your work. The on-campus presence also give you the opportunity to meet with your supervisors and evaluate your progress. The general timeline of the MSM Executive PhD programme consists of four years. However, you can take up to 7 years to complete the programme, without extension. In case of exceptional circumstances, a maximum extension of up to 3 years is possible, meaning a maximum total duration of 10 years. Upon graduation, you will receive a doctoral degree by Maastricht University.

“The online workshops as part of the MSM Executive PhD are a very suitable format for a short update on the research status quo and to make sure everyone stays on track. Obviously, feedback from a broad academics field is very suitable. The online workshops help us to open up different perspectives and to sort our thoughts.” Mr. Christoph Pelzmann (Germany) current participant in the Executive PhD programme (intake 1)

Your profile.

We are looking for candidates with a Master’s degree who have strong academic records, professional and/or volunteer experience, affiliation with academic research and a special interest in private sector development. MSM welcomes candidates from all over the world from a wide wide variety of backgrounds, cultures and disciplines. The programme is tailored to synergise the various backgrounds. Participants in the programme have external work responsibilities (full-time, part-time, self-employed, independent consultant), leaving them less time for PhD research. Ideally, the PhD candidate’s employer offers support by allocating time and allowing the candidate to incorporate their studies into their work (by providing data, support, related assignments and the like). The programme is open for participants from emerging economies as well as developed countries. 

Reasons to follow this programme

• Advance the current state-of-the-art and produce new knowledge
• Combine your current career with obtaining a PhD
• Improve your career prospects
• Receive coaching from leading scholars

Ask Iris Weijenberg PhD Admissions Team

Doctoral regulations

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