Routes to the award of a PhD

I. Advertised PhD positions

Such positions become available through research awards held by members of the teaching and research staff at the university. The university publishes these vacancies throughout the academic year on the internet and elsewhere. For the latest information, please see: GSH-PhD Research Positions.

The call for applications for the annual intake of PhDs usually falls in January each year. You must make a formal application via the channels stipulated in the advertisement. If you are successful you will join a team of researchers working on a research project under the supervision and leadership of an individual member of staff. Needless to say, these PhD positions, which attract a stipend, are hugely competitive.

II. PhD places awarded to candidates holding scholarships

These PhD places concern candidates that hold a scholarship either outside or within the EU/EEA. If you (expect to) hold a scholarship, or if you need a letter of support for an application for a scholarship, then you must make a formal application to study for a PhD. It is only when we receive your application, together with the necessary paperwork, that you are deemed to have made a formal application to study for a PhD at the GSH.

Scholarship holders are expected to pay a fee to the University of Groningen. Tuition fees for PhD study are € 2060,- per year.

III. PhD places are awarded to third party- or self-funded

Some PhD places are awarded to those wishing to pursue a self-funded (or third party-funded) track of either a part- or full-tim study. This group of potential applicants are advised to contact a possible supervisor before making a formal application. Depending on the academic merit of the application and the nature of your income, the University of Groningen may offer a whole or partial fee-waiver. Please see the Guidelines in order to make an application.

Language of application

Where candidates intend to write their PhD in English we prefer applications to be submitted in English. When candidates intend to write their PhD in Dutch, then it is a requirement that applications are submitted in Dutch.

English language proficiency

In the case of non-native users of English, a statement of competence/certification in written and spoken English must be submitted. This official documentation should include e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores or the Cambridge Certificate. This usually means a minimum score of 7.0 on IELTS, or 600 on paper-based TOEFL (or 250 computer-based TOEFL, or 100 internet-based TOEFL).

Starting date of PhD trajectory

The starting date of any PhD trajectory will usually be 1 September, barring (necessary) exceptions.