As a PhD candidate, you are a researcher in training

• You conduct independent academic research under the supervision of experienced researchers.
• You also follow courses and training sessions, for example in your discipline, career orientation, academic and non-academic skills, and transferable skills.
• Some PhD candidates also have teaching responsibilities.

Doctoral thesis

When you complete your PhD, you present your results in a doctoral thesis (dissertation). Once your supervisors have approved your manuscript, it is submitted to a PhD committee for assessment. If the evaluation is positive, you may publicly defend your thesis before this committee. If the defence is successful, you are awarded a doctorate and may use the title Doctor or PhD.

Different types of doctoral programmes

1. Pursuing a PhD as an employee

PhD candidates who are employed are members of staff at the UvA. You have an employment contract and receive a salary.

You can apply for one of our vacancies or contact one of our faculties to inquire about other possibilities.

2. Pursuing a PhD without employment

It is also possible to pursue a PhD without an employment contract. For example, you may receive a scholarship from an external funding body, have other financial resources, or pursue a PhD in your own time without financial compensation.

You may also conduct research as an external PhD candidate. External PhD candidates do not receive funding for their doctoral research in the form of a salary or scholarship, but pursue their PhD in their own time using their own resources.

Duration of the doctoral programme

A doctoral programme usually takes four years (full-time). It is also possible to pursue a PhD part-time.

More information

Download the Guide to a PhD journey in the Netherlands (PDF, 8 p.p.)