Contact & general FAQ's

General FAQ's

• WHAT DOES IT MEAN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PHD CANDIDATE?

  At the VU Amsterdam we have two types of PhDs: internal and external. Internal PhDs are hired VU Amsterdam employees. Please consult a list of vacancies for PhD projects.

  External PhD candidates are self funded, usually on scholarships and working professionals.

• WHICH DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY?

  You will need a certified proof of your Master or Research Master degree, a CV, copy of your ID, research proposal and in some cases language proficiency test scores. Our graduate schools and faculties can ask for more documents upon admission so please check their requirements carefully.

• HOW MUCH DOES THE DOCTORAL PROGRAM COST?

  The cost of the doctoral program differs per faculty/graduate school. For more information please contact the graduate school directly.

• HOW LONG DOES THE DOCTORAL PROGRAM LAST?

  The doctoral program usually lasts from 3-4 years. We encourage and provide extensive support for our PhD candidates.

• FUNDING OPTIONS FOR PHD STUDIES?

  Please consult our website on funding opportunities for more information. We provide national and support application to international scholarship providers.

• WILL I BE TEACHING DURING MY DOCTORAL STUDIES?

  Teaching is an optional component of your PhD program. Essentially all internal PhDs have some teaching responsibilities. External PhDs are also encouraged to teach in courses at their departments and in VU Amsterdam Graduate Winter School.

• IS YOUR QUESTION NOT ON THIS FAQ?

  Send an e-mail to phd@vu.nl. Our doctoral education adviser will answer your questions.