Doctor’s degree

The doctor’s title is the highest academic degree one can obtain at a university in the Netherlands. This third phase in education takes a minimum of about four years to prepare for a PhD. The title of ‘doctor’ (which entitles you to use the letters ‘dr’ before your name) is awarded once you have succeeded in publicly defending your doctoral thesis or dissertation (Dutch: proefschrift or dissertatie) for a PhD committee. This thesis must describe, and have resulted from original scientific research supervised by an officially recognised PhD supervisor (Dutch: promotor), usually a full university professor. The process of obtaining a doctorate is called 'promotie' in the Dutch university system.

 

Dissertation

The main task of a PhD candidate at Dutch universities is the researching and writing of a good scholarly thesis which can be completed within the allotted time and will contribute to the advancement of learning in the discipline. Candidates are supported by an excellent staff of highly motivated scientists and cutting-edge facilities. Postgraduates receive a formal programme of training alongside the writing of a PhD thesis. The content of the training is usually organised by national research schools. PhD candidates are expected and encouraged to publish in international scientific journals before finishing their thesis. As a result, they contribute significantly to the university’s scientific productivity and impact.

 

Equivalence

A candidate who has passed his Master’s degree examinations can be selected for a doctorate degree (PhD). The Master's degree examinations conclude a full-time university programme of four years or longer. Those who hold a Bachelor's degree obtained abroad will normally not be accepted as a PhD candidate in the Netherlands. E quivalence is established by official assessment of the applicant's previous education and certificates. This evaluation takes place during the application procedure.

  

Other relevant links

All PhD candidates of the University of Groningen can join the Groningen Association for PhD Students , Grasp! .

Further information on scholarships can be found here.