Why International Students Should Consider Pursuing a PhD in the Netherlands in 2025
TL;DR
- Despite recent political changes, the Netherlands remains an attractive destination for international PhD students.
- Dutch universities offer an employment-based PhD system, providing students a salary and benefits instead of tuition fees. PhD programs are structured, highly collaborative, and open to interdisciplinary research, especially in fields like biotechnology, environmental science, AI, and public health.
- Although competition is stiff, institutions are actively seeking international talent, especially in fields critical to the country’s economic and technological growth. The application process is straightforward: identify a potential supervisor, submit a research proposal, and provide academic credentials.
- With a focus on high-quality research and innovation, the Netherlands is a great choice for aspiring PhD candidates in 2025.
The Netherlands’s right-wing ruling party was able to push its restrictive policies on international students for less than six months from the time of its July 2024 swearing-in. On January 16 this year, moderates re-asserted and the parliament adopted by a solid majority a resolution that requires the government to draw up an action plan for the retention of international students and talent based on best practices from EUREGIO and other European member states.
The Dutch law-makers want international students to be encouraged through investments in education, knowledge clusters, university-corporate tie-ups, and new housing construction and they are concerned that the Netherlands is not getting benefits from the international students whose education has been supported by tax money… meaning they want university graduates to stay and contribute to the country’s economy.
Indian students who supposed that the Netherlands’ doors had closed should now restore Dutch universities to their “possibles” list.
In any case, even when the loudest anti-international student thunder was rumbling, the restrictions were aimed at bachelor’s level study. Typically, Indian students complete their bachelor’s– and often master’s – from Indian universities and only then start looking for opportunities abroad.
Just as in the past, Dutch universities continue to welcome the best and the brightest regardless of nationality BUT … the doctoral system in the Netherlands is NOT like the system in India, USA, UK, or anywhere else.
Seven unique features:
See:
https://www.findaphd.com/guides/phd-study-in-netherlands
https://www.uu.nl/sites/default/files/PhD-Manual-EN-January-2021
Employee Status:
PhD students are employed by the university, which means they receive a salary and benefits, rather than paying tuition fees. This allows students to focus on their research.
International Focus:
Dutch universities have a strong tradition of international collaboration and exchange. Many programs are taught in English.
Structured Programs:
PhD programs are highly structured, with clear guidelines and regulations. Students work closely with their supervisors and are part of a supportive academic community.
Open Science and Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
PhD students are encouraged to collaborate across different fields and to make their research accessible to the public.
Ceremonial Thesis Defense:
One unique tradition is the ceremonial defense of the PhD thesis, where students defend their work in front of an assessment committee. In some cases, this defense is accompanied by ceremonial bodyguards, a tradition that dates back centuries.
Quality Assurance:
Dutch universities are meticulous about ensuring the high standard of PhD programs. They conduct regular evaluations.
Joint Doctorates:
There are opportunities for joint doctorates in collaboration with foreign universities, allowing for international partnerships and broader research networks.
Dutch universities do NOT churn out PhDs in masses. In 2024, the total number of PhD degrees awarded across all institutions of higher education in the Netherlands was 4,800, up from 4,700 in 2023. This includes degrees from research universities, universities of applied sciences, and other higher education institutions. In 2024, approximately 40 percent of all PhDs were received by international students.
How and where?
Since a PhD candidate in the Netherlands is employed by the university, how and where does one look for these university PhD “jobs”?
1. Keep watching these sites:
Academic Job Portals:
Monitor these websites for PhD openings for PhD positions across various universities and research institutions:
Websites:
- Most Dutch universities have dedicated sections on their websites for PhD positions and vacancies.
- Besides universities, research institutes such as the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) also offer PhD positions.
Social Media and Professional Networks:
2. Take the initiative:
- Send emails: If you find a professor whose research interests align with yours, reach out to him/her directly via email. Express your interest in their work and inquire about PhD opportunities.
- Network: Attend academic conferences, seminars, and workshops related to your field. Networking with professors, researchers, and fellow PhD candidates can lead to information about open positions.
- Consult the university career counselor: If you’re already enrolled in a master’s program in the Netherlands, your university’s career services office can provide guidance and support in finding a PhD position.
The Process
Once a student has spotted an opening, here’s what he/she will need to do:
Step 1: Check the target university’s website
It will contain information, including email addresses, on research groups and professors. Select the group or professor that most closely fits your research interests. This group/professor may turn out to be your supervisor. Look up the university’s PhD coordinator too.
Step 2: Email the potential supervisor
Write a clear subject line. Describe your research interests and why you believe the supervisor would be a good fit. Attach your CV and mention any relevant experience. CC is the PhD coordinator of the institute as well. Supervisors receive many emails so it may take some time for them to respond. If two weeks pass with no reply, send the email again.
Step 3: After getting a positive response from a potential supervisor, submit the formal application.
The application process may vary slightly between institutions so check the target university’s specific requirements. You will certainly need to include your CV, academic transcripts, research proposal, letters of recommendation, and IELTS or TOEFL certification. Some programs may require an interview as part of the selection process.
Country-wise data is not available for persons awarded PhDs in the Netherlands but we do have the break-up for students at the bachelor and masters level. The PhD picture probably looks similar.
YUNO LEARNING’s advice:
While competition for places in Dutch universities is stiff, PhD students will find no government policy standing in the way of admission. Institutions are keen to attract international talent. In particular, the country places high value on doctoral graduates in fields that are considered crucial for the country’s economic growth, technological advancement, and societal well-being.
Chances are bright for research students aiming at the following specialties:
Natural Sciences and Engineering:
- Biotechnology: genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, medical devices.
- Environmental Science: sustainability, climate change, renewable energy.
- Nanotechnology: Innovations in materials science, electronics.
Health and Life Sciences:
- Medical Research: new treatments and understanding diseases.
- Neuroscience: the brain, nervous system.
- Public Health: health policy, epidemiology, healthcare systems.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT):
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): machine learning, robotics, data science.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting information systems, and networks.
- Software Engineering: software solutions and technologies.
Social Sciences and Humanities:
- Economics: economic policies, market behavior, financial systems.
- Sociology: social behavior, institutions, societal changes.
- Cultural Studies: cultural identities, media, communication.
Agriculture and Food Sciences:
- Precision Farming: technology to optimize agricultural practices.
- Food Safety and Quality: safety and quality of food products.
- Sustainable Agriculture: environmentally friendly farming methods.
Education and Pedagogy:
- Educational Technology: Innovations in teaching methods, and learning tools.
- Curriculum Development: Designing effective educational programs.
- Teacher Training: Preparing educators for modern classrooms.