phd external candidate

How to apply for External PhD candidates

Application and admissions procedure, exemption from programme requirement, request for admission to the phd programme, tuition fee, 1. finding a (principal) supervisor.

No recruitment of External PhD candidates generally takes place. If you have a specific topic in mind and would like to purse a PhD in it (as an external candidate), you must in most cases write a research proposal and seek contact with a professor you deem suitable to supervise your PhD research.

More information and contact details of the various research groups, and professors

2. Submitting a proposal to the Admissions Board

Once you have found a professor willing to supervise your research using one of the aforementioned methods, you may submit a request for admission to the PhD Admissions Board through this application form . This must include, at minimum:

• A cover letter
• A research proposal (max. 5 pages excl. bibliography) – use this format to draft your proposal
• A previously written paper
• Names and contact details of two (academic) referees
• A brief description of current professional responsibilities and the extent to which this will allow sufficient time to initiate and complete the PhD research within a period of, in principle, 6 years.

Additionally, your supervisors will have to fill out an endorsement form  and submit this to [email protected] before the deadline.

The PhD Admissions Board reviews requests for admission two times a year. For a request to be reviewed in October, it must be received no later than 1 October . For March requests, the deadline is 1 March .

3. Selection and provisional admission

Requests are reviewed based on the following criteria:

• whether the PhD candidate can be embedded in a research group
• the track record of the supervisors
• the quality and viability of the research proposal

A favourable recommendation by the selection committee results in provisional admission to the PhD Programme in Law.

4. Definitive admission

Provisional admission only becomes definitive once you have been admitted by the UvA Doctorate Board ( College voor Promoties , or CVP). This is essentially an administrative procedure that can only be started once you have received your conditional admission decision. To be admitted, you must submit a request for admission . If you are not in possession of a Netherlands Master’s degree (or an old-style initial university degree), you will need to request an exemption from that programme requirement before submitting a request for admission.

This procedure only needs to be followed if you are not in possession of a Netherlands Master’s degree (or an old-style initial university degree). Incidentally, it makes no difference whether this is a law or a non-law degree.

The first step involves performing a “quick scan” for which the PhD Secretariat needs the following documents.

• Completed online form Request for exemption from the legal educational requirement
• Copies of all academic diplomas received
• Copies of a list of marks or a list of programme components for those diplomas. A certified translation by the educational institution or a sworn translator must be also be submitted for documents in languages other than Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish or Italian.
• Copy of passport or ID-card (front and back)

A favourable recommendation following the “quick scan” results in an immediate decision to grant exemption, provided that certified copies of the aforementioned diplomas and lists of marks have been submitted. This assessment can take 2 to 4 weeks. If non-certified copies have been submitted, the secretariat of the Doctorate Board will once again invite you to provide certified copies, or make an appointment so that you can present the originals. You may submit your request for admission once you have been notified of a decision to grant exemption.

For provisional admission to become definitive, you will need to submit a request for admission to the CVP. The following documents must be provided to the PhD Secretariat:

• Completed online form Request for admission to the doctoral programme with original signatures of candidate and (co-) supervisors (signature copies not accepted)
• Certified copy of Netherlands Master’s diploma or initial university degree diploma OR exemption decision. If you are not in possession of certified copies of your Netherlands diploma, you can make an appointment with the PhD secretariat to present the original in person.
• Copy of passport or ID-card (front and back) UNLESS an exemption decision is also attached.

The PhD Secretariat procures the signature of the Dean and then forwards your application to the Doctorate Board. An admissions decision is taken within 2 to 4 weeks, which, if favourable, results in your provisional admission becoming definitive.

Researchers with a scholarship, externally financed PhDs, external PhDs / doctoral candidates who have been appointed at the Faculty of Law on or after 1st January 2023 pay an annual tuition fee. The tuition fee rate in 2023 is € 2.000 per year. New rates will be determined every year. The fee is for use of the research facilities, supervision and training. If the PhD student is unable to pay the fee, the research group may decide to pay the fee.

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Externally funded phds.

If you would like to conduct PhD research mostly on your own terms and with independent funding, you might consider an externally funded PhD position. Once you have the funding, you can pitch your idea to one of our staff members to see if they'll agree to supervise your research. You must be willing to hammer out a programme with your supervisor that works in accordance with our research standards, regulations and principles. Along with the supervision, you'll have the benefits of being able to access our research community, international network and facilities while completing your PhD research.

If you have the framework for an innovative, well-thought-out PhD research project that fits with one or more of our research themes, you should contact one of our faculties directly. They can help put you into contact with the appropriate supervisor and answer general questions about research at Maastricht University.

To get a better idea of the ongoing research we conduct at Maastricht University, you can: 

• visit the research section of our website
• look through our list of research institutes
• contact our faculties directly
• browse through our Research Magazine  

How our research is organised

At the PhD level, most research training at Maastricht University is organised by a faculty's graduate school . Most faculties have one or more graduate schools, depending on the degree of specialisation. The graduate schools are often linked to inter-university research schools, which are inter-institutional innovation centres that are structured for the training of young researchers. They usually cater to a larger number of PhD candidates, making it feasible to take more specialised courses. For some PhDs, the graduate school is linked to a research institute, which takes care of the supervision and training. Read more about the general structure of Dutch academia in A Beginner's Guide to Dutch Academia .

Feel free to contact the faculty directly regarding your research proposal, and they can put you in touch with the right person at the right graduate school, research institute or research school.

Practical matters

In the support section, you can find out more about practical matters, such as:

• accommodation
• visas & work permits
• professional development
• living in Maastricht

  Visit support for PhDs

Facilities for PhDs

As an external PhD candidate, you'll have access to the research facilities at Maastricht University. That includes everything from one of the most advanced brain research facilities in the world to the extensive professional networks of our staff. Whether you do your research in Maastricht or abroad, you'll be part of our supportive research community. Your supervisors and colleagues will help you connect to the right people and attend conferences that will boost your career. See what our PhDs have to say in the video. 

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PhD Programmes

Types of phd positions.

At Utrecht University, there are different ways to do a PhD: as an employee of the university or UMC Utrecht, or without being employed by the university or UMC Utrecht. The same entry requirements and dissertation quality requirements apply to all doctoral students.

Obtaining a PhD position as an employee

As an employee at the university or UMC Utrecht, in many cases you work on an established project within a larger research project. In some cases, your work is based on a research proposal submitted by yourself through, for example, NWO .

You can apply for one of our vacancies, or contact the Graduate School to inquire about other opportunities.

The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities applies to employed doctoral students.

Obtaining a PhD position without being employed by Utrecht University

In addition to pursuing a PhD as an employee of the university or UMC Utrecht, there are other opportunities to work on a PhD.

A PhD on a scholarship

A PhD on a scholarship does not have an employment contract with a university, but receives funding for doctoral research from an external scholarship provider. In addition to the requirements that a scholarship program places on applicants, it is also a prerequisite that you are admitted to the PhD program at Utrecht University. This means that you must meet the entrance requirements, and that you have a prospective supervisor. The Graduate School can advise you on this.

Externally funded PhD

Externally funded PhDs may conduct their doctoral research in the time of their own employer (e.g., a government or research institute). They are often released from part of their appointment for the research. So the salary is paid by their own employer, but the PhD research is supervised by a supervisor from Utrecht University or UMC Utrecht. Ask your own employer about the possibilities. The Graduate School can advise you on finding a prospective supervisor.

A PhD as an external PhD candidate

External PhD candidates do not receive funding for their PhD research in the form of a salary or grant, but do their PhD in their own time based on their own resources. As an external PhD candidate, you are supervised by a supervisor from Utrecht University. Often, research is done part-time and there is no permanent workplace at the university, so as an outside PhD candidate you are at a slightly greater distance from the university. This demands a great deal of independence from the PhD candidate. However, the same requirements are placed on the quality of supervision and the dissertation as in the other types of doctoral programs.

Due to its part-time nature, the track of an external PhD candidate is often planned over a longer period of time than the other tracks. The intensity of supervision is adjusted accordingly. For this reason, however, it is very important to make agreements with your prospective supervisor about progress. As with the other types of tracks, after about a quarter of the PhD track an evaluation interview is held to determine whether the research is of such quality that it can lead to a PhD, the so-called go/no-go interview.

Are you interested in a PhD as an external PhD candidate? The Graduate School can help you find a prospective supervisor.

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

We have 424 external PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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external PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Epsrc dtp phd studentship in mathematical analysis of runaway electrons in tokamak reactors, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Self-folding Origami ”Robots” for Cognitive Smart Materials

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Ultra-stable Hollow Core Fibre Photonics

Neurovascular transmission in carotid arteries (fountains_u25bhf), funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Mathematical Modeling Ph.D.

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Three-dimensional hybrid composites for repair and recycling PhD

Development of sustainable, earth-abundant all-solid-state batteries, study of ionospheric propagation disturbances, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Modelling and adaptive robust control of an unmanned electric Underactuated bicycle

From 3d digital documentation to structural interventions for historic masonry structures, study of zero-order processes in quantum electrodynamics with unstable vacuum via asymptotic methods, rapid internal heating of lithium-ion batteries, competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Ageing and body clock rhythms: The importance of a social network

Self-funded phd- re-engineering golgi dynamics in plants – investigating the role of myosin receptors, self-funded msc r- re-engineering golgi dynamics in plants – investigating the role of myosin receptors.

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Being an External PhD Scholar is a separate and different type of arrangement from the Visiting Research Student arrangement. Unlike the Visiting Research Student arrangement, the External PhD Scholar arrangement does not require an ongoing in-person presence in Cambridge.

Instead, as a PhD student at another university, you will be able to engage in remote collaborative research with a Cambridge Judge faculty member while allowing for occasional in-person visits, if needed. 

You will be eligible to apply for a position of External PhD Scholar for a period of up to one year, if you are: 

• registered as full-time PhD student at another university
• pursuing joint research with a Cambridge Judge Business School faculty member
• not physically present in Cambridge on an ongoing basis 

You will need the support of a  Cambridge Judge Business School faculty member , who must agree to be your host. The faculty member will apply to the Director of the PhD programme on your behalf, outlining the proposed joint research and target journals for a joint publication. 

Following provisional approval by the PhD Director, you must contact the PhD office to provide:

A supporting letter from your academic supervisor at your current university.

The dates you wish to be registered as an external PhD scholar.

The provisional dates of your in-person visit(s), if any.

The fee, in advance, is £250 to cover administrative expenses. There might be additional fees if you plan to attend departmental activities such as seminars and conferences while visiting in person.

Coming to Cambridge

In-person visits / visa.

It is possible to visit Cambridge for a short time whilst registered as an External PhD Scholar. The PhD Director may limit the number, length, and frequency of in-person visits, as appropriate.

If you are from outside the UK, you would be likely to need a Visitor visa and such visits would need to be supported by a visa letter from Cambridge Judge Business School.

We recommend that you research any country-specific limitations on the frequency and duration of such visits. Proof of funding may be required and private medical insurance is strongly recommended.

Visit the “Short period of study” page on the International Students website for advice . If you are subject to visa fees, you would need to cover these yourself; Cambridge Judge Business School will not cover your visa fees.

As an External PhD Scholar you will not be allocated an ID card, a desk or a PC at Cambridge Judge Business School. Your supporting faculty member would need to make access arrangements for you, subject to ongoing access conditions. 

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External Phd candidates

Although not provided a stipend, external students are considered, for all extents and purposes, full doctoral candidates and have access to UvA facilities and resources. They are also given a limited amount of research/travel funding. For information as to how to enroll as an external PhD candidate in ARTES, consult the AIHR web page via the link below.

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Doctoral school

External phd candidates (amsterdam umc/vu).

Supervisors whose PhD candidates are following a PhD trajectory outside of the AmsterdamUMC / VUmc

To support external PhD candidates in obtaining an Amsterdam UMC e-mail address and to be aware of the Amsterdam UMC monitoring procedures for external PhD candidates

At the beginning of the PhD trajectory

Within three months after the external PhD candidate has started the PhD trajectory

Inform the PhD candidate on the following subjects:

The PhD candidate needs an Amsterdam UMC / VUmc personnel number for instance (1) to get an @amsterdamumc.nl email address, (2) to be able to work in the view environment, (3) to get access to the VU University Library and (4) to register for Doctoral School courses

• The Human Resource department can help. HR contact details: Phone: +31(0)204446000Location: PK 7Z 190 (VUmc); Monday-Thursday
• In case of any questions on ICT items, the PhD candidate can contact the ICT-service desk . Contact details: Phone: +31(0)204440777 Location: ZH -1 A 14.3 (VUmc); Monday-Friday 8.00 - 12.00 & 12.45 - 16.00
• Show the PhD candidate where to find information on the specific  Research Institute  to which the corresponding research project will be embedded
• Invite the PhD candidate to  register  with the Amsterdam UMC Doctoral School
• Draw attention to the  PhD plan  and discuss it together with the PhD candidate
• Show him/her how to find the Amsterdam UMC Doctoral School. Send the link of this  Doctoral School website  to the PhD candidate and invite her/him to navigate through the various articles
• 1.5 years after the start date, the external PhD candidate should follow the  PhD Progress & Consultation  procedure, together with the (co-) supervisors. However, if the external PhD candidate is following a trajectory at Sanquin or at , (s)he is probably already involved in a local PhD monitoring system. Since we do not want PhD candidates to be engaged in redundant activities, our PhD Progress & Consultation procedure is not applicable to them. They should merely send us a copy of their Progress Report and report of the meeting with the PI's, instead

Necessary documents:

• See the information in the links below

Also check the information in ' How to guide a new PhD Candidate ' AND information for PhD Candidates in Orientation and in step 1 (Starting your PhD) in PhD trajectory and in step 2 (Request for admission) in PhD graduation

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HRM matters for PhD candidates and AIOS (in Dutch)

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• TUM Graduate School
• Technical University of Munich

External Doctorate

At the Technical University of Munich (TUM) you may also pursue your doctorate as a so called „external” doctoral candidate. In an external doctorate, you are employed either by a non-university research institution (for instance a Max Planck Institute or a Helmholtz Center) or a company while the academic supervision of your dissertation is provided by TUM. 

Please note the "Recommendations for doctoral projects in cooperation with universities of applied sciences, non-university research institutions, and companies" . 

Non-university research institution

Non-university research institutions, e.g. the Max Planck Society, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft oder the Helmholtz Association offer an excellent research environment and research conditions. However, in Germany non-university research institutions do not have the right to award doctoral degrees themselves and therefore have to collaborate with universities entitled to such an award. TUM has excellent relations with non-university research institutions, some of them even located on TUM’s largest campus Garching-Forschungszentrum. TUM with its TUM Graduate School actively promotes close scientific collaborations of researchers with those from non-university research institutions through joint Graduate Centers and joint doctoral research projects. These joint doctoral research projects are supervised by both a senior researcher from the non-university research institution and from TUM. 

Doctoral candidates based at non-university research institutions will usually be employed as research associates at the respective institution or receive a doctoral scholarship. Open positions and doctoral programs are announced directly on the website of the institutions.

Please note that in case of successful application at a non-university research institution, you still have to have a TUM professor who will supervise your dissertation at TUM. Usually, your new research institution will support you with finding a suitable TUM supervisor. However, sometimes you still have to search for a TUM supervisor yourself. Kindly consider our information sheet on “How to find a supervisor” . 

Please also note that you always have to apply for doctoral admission at TUM. Further information on how to apply for a doctorate can be found in the section  “application” .   

You may also do your external doctorate at TUM while working at a company. In this case, your doctoral project may or may not be related to your actual job.

Many companies offer job positions in research and development that are generally suitable for doctoral projects. These doctoral research at companies are often very hands-on, and let you become part of the industry at an early stage. However, the strong focus on applicability also means you do not have the same level of academic freedom or academic depth as when performing basic research at a university. In addition, external doctoral candidates are less involved in the work of their TUM chair/research group. Due to the fact that companies are not entitled to award doctoral degrees, you need to have a professor at TUM who will supervise your work academically and who will take care of your involvement in the TUM academic environment.

Please note that you need to find a TUM professor who will supervise your research project. Kindly consider our information sheet on “How to find a supervisor” . After you have found a supervisor at TUM, please apply for doctoral admission by the entry into the doctoral candidacy list. Further information on how to apply for a doctorate can be found in the section  “application” .

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Difference between internal and external doctoral studies in Germany

As I am looking for a PhD scholarship in Germany, I've come across an internet site which contains a database of scholarships. One of the questions asked there is whether I am pursuing "interne Promotion" or "externe Promotion".

According to my colleague, the internal doctoral studies might mean that I am fully occupied at the university, whereas the external studies would occur if I were employed in industry and had to visit the university occasionally for getting feedback from my professor.

Is the explanation of my colleague correct? Are there any further nuances?

Also, why would it be asked for a scholarship?

2 Answers 2

One general point.

This answer won't cover the situation at any German university and can't reflect all possible variations of PhD programs, due they can strongly vary from university to university. There is (in exception to the rest of this over-regulated national state) no regulation or law about how universities have to offer PhD programs. They are free to decide what to expect from a doctoral candidate. This also means, that offering external doctorates is optional for the universities, there exists no legal claim to force a university to accept external candidates.

German "Mittelbau"

Usually in an internal doctoral study you are affiliated with the university as a kind of assistant of your supervising professor inside the so called "Mittelbau" (translation via dict.cc: non-professorial teaching staff). This means the university may expect you to work in a laboratory or teaching (e.g. holding seminars for in substitute to your supervisor). As @Aeismail pointed out this is mostly connected with a labor contract with the professorial chair or an institute. To reflect @O.R. Mapper 's comments: I do not mean that someone becomes the professors lapdog.

universities' interests

One problem I experienced: It's difficult to join such a "Mittelbau" position as a person from outside a given university. These staff positions are particularly founded by third party (e.g. industry) funding and particularly from the public foundation of the (state-)university. In result the expectation toward the professorial chairs or institutes often is to fill open positions with own graduates/alumni. Some universities try to privilege internal candidates to "breed" their own scientific juniors with any legal option they find.

As @DCTLib pointed out in his/her comment: The universities know their own (master-) students better: their working performance, interests and so on. Compared to unknown external candidates this is less obvious. For a board committee it's harder to evaluate someones value for an internal university staff position compared to an alumnus that is well known.

Another factor is that the funds run out at some point of time. One external (even foreign) applicant could fit well into a research project that enables funding of a doctoral position, in case his research field and experiences match the needs of an open position. In such a situation the chances to be employed as a candidate from outside the university may rise.

external = more personal responsibility

The track of an external doctoral study leaves you alone in some points:

teaching: Some universities will expect a doctoral candidate to prove teaching experience. As an external candidate you're not involved in the university teaching, so you need to provide proof of teaching skills in another way.

funding: You have no labor contract with the university, so you have to find another way to cover your living expenses, conference fees, travel & accommodation for yourself. Scholarships can be one way, but difficult to gain as long as you and your topic are unknown to the scientific community.

matriculation optional: You may not need (in some cases you won't be allowed) to matriculate at the university in an external doctorate. Without matriculation you cannot benefit from a student's status (public travel, discounts e.g. for conference fees). With a current matriculation you cannot receive German social transfer benefits in case you get unemployed during your doctoral phase (if you are a valid to receive them at all...).

internal = often more structure

A lot of universities offer structured graduation programs available to the members of the "Mittelbau" (internal candidates). These programs include for example:

• workshops and tutorials (scientific writing, intercultural training, good scientific practice etc.)
• covering of conference costs (fees, accomodation, travel expenses)
• summer schools (for international exchange)

visual help

The ideas this images tries to visualize are the following:

• internal candidates have less affiliation to their universities (maybe no affiliation with the exception of the mentoring of your doctor-father/mother)
• internal and external (here called affiliation) and structuredness are like two dimensions of doctoral programs
• most internal candidates join a structured program (but not all)
• most external candidates work more on their own like independent researchers

• 1 To readers unfamiliar with German universities, "assistant of your supervising professor" may sound very misleading (at least for some fields). Or maybe it's just me to whom "assistant of your supervising professor" sounds like someone who tags along wherever the professor goes, cleans the blackboard, and does not do a single movement without being instructed to do so, etc. ;) –  O. R. Mapper Commented Jul 27, 2015 at 16:13
• 1 On a more serious note, the second paragraph in your answer comes as a bit of a surprise (in terms of text structure), given that the topic of structured programs was not asked about (at least in my understanding of the question), and also, it seems a bit incomplete unless the distinction of structured vs. unstructured doctoral studies is explained. In a way, structured vs. unstructured programs are orthogonal to internal and external doctorates. –  O. R. Mapper Commented Jul 27, 2015 at 16:18
• 2 Allow me to state an alternating oppinion to the "Picky universities" section. In many cases, external applicants (especially from abroad) are more wanted than the local ones. The problem lies elsewhere: The "local" Master students typically have already participated in the lectures of a research group they later join - this helps a lot with getting started with research quickly. Also, the research group leader knows already what to expect from them, so they are "safe hires". For external candidates, this is less obvious. Also, in some cases where third-party funding is used .... –  DCTLib Commented Jul 28, 2015 at 9:12
• 2 ... the money expires at some point, so often positions are to be filled "as soon as possible". Future PhD students from countries from which a working visa for Germany is required however need a lot of time for this preparation. Finally, because the course of study are different in every University, it is hard to suited as well for the respective research project as a "local" applicant. Yet, applicants who come from elsewhere but are a good for a third-party-funded project anyway shouldn't miss the chance to apply. –  DCTLib Commented Jul 28, 2015 at 9:13

Keep in mind that most German PhD positions are not funded through "scholarships" but instead through standard labor contracts . Consequently, any listing of "scholarships" will likely include all forms of funding for graduate students. Filtering by internal or external positions will allow the database to select if you are being "employed" by either a university (internal) or a company (external).

There may be some nuances and particular issues depending on the school and faculty with respect to residence time, composition of your thesis committee, and format of the defense (among other issues) according to whether you're doing an interne Promotion or an externe Promotion . However, it's hard to say in advance if you'll run into this or not.

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The difference between doctoral students and doctoral candidates

This article was updated on January 2, 2024.

By  Brian Fairbanks

In this article

Doctoral candidate vs. doctoral student, phd vs. practitioner doctorate.

• Explore online doctorate programs

Many people who earn a doctoral degree will, at some point, be both a doctoral student and doctoral candidate. While these roles may seem mysterious from outside the (real or virtual) halls of academia, the distinction is fairly simple.

Before we cover the distinction, however, let’s get on the same page about doctoral degrees.

What is a doctoral degree?

In academia, one degree sits at the very top: the doctoral degree. Also referred to as a doctorate, a doctoral degree is the most advanced educational credential you can earn. Though some fields of study (like journalism) don’t have a doctoral degree, most typical academic fields do, as do the fields of health, medicine, law, education and business.

Doctoral programs can lead to a PhD in a variety of fields, such as literature, philosophy and history, or a practitioner doctorate in a field like business, health administration, nursing or education. Doctoral degrees involve years of intensive study, and many require a book-length dissertation. However, practitioner doctorates have different requirements and may not entail a dissertation.

Requirements of a doctoral program

Before graduate school, you must complete years of university courses, typically two degrees, before a program will consider admitting you. However, some programs have more lenient requirements than others.

Doctoral programs tend to be intentionally difficult and rigorous courses of study. As mentioned, there are several educational levels before a doctoral degree that both students and candidates will need to pass.

The requirements for a doctoral student include:

• Prerequisite degrees: Doctoral programs usually require that students obtain a bachelor’s and a master’s degree first.
• Required coursework: Each program requires different courses, but most will be in the student’s area of study, with some focused on adjacent or complementary subjects. Additionally, foundational coursework prepares students to learn about the research process.
• Qualifying exams: Typically, students must pass qualifying exams to enter doctoral programs, but not all programs require entrance exams.

If a dissertation is part of the doctoral program, the doctoral candidate must:

• Select a dissertation advisor or committee: During your time as a doctoral student, you will come into contact with many instructors. You will typically only interact with the instructors who are your dissertation advisor or on your dissertation committee. The committee is the audience for the doctoral candidate and ensures the candidate demonstrates command of the literature and methodologies relative to their field.
• Choose your dissertation topic: This is a pivotal point in your journey to earning a PhD or doctorate. Many programs ask for a general topic as part of your initial application. Your advisors will help you to create a specific and unique dissertation topic that will fuel your work over the next several years.
• Write the dissertation: Your dissertation or thesis will normally take a couple of years to write and will be a book-length culmination of your learning and research.
• Defend your dissertation or thesis: After you submit your final draft to your dissertation committee, you will need to orally present your work to the committee, answer questions and defend your work.

The requirements for a doctorate take many years to complete. While some people complete doctoral degrees in three to five years, others take seven to 10 years. The time span depends on your specific area of study, whether you take classes on a full-time or part-time schedule and how long it takes to complete your dissertation. This also includes your level of focus and intent.

If you are interested in earning your doctorate, then it is important to understand the difference between being a doctoral candidate and a doctoral student.

What is a doctoral student?

A doctoral student is a person currently enrolled in a doctoral program at a university. Being a doctoral student involves completing a certain number of credits and coursework in an area of study and completing and passing several exams.

After students pass the qualifying exams (if the program requires it) and successfully complete required coursework, they become doctoral candidates.

What is a doctoral candidate?

A doctoral candidate leaves behind the structured learning schedule of a student. No longer does the candidate attend regular classes or take exams. Instead, they embark on a self-guided schedule for writing a dissertation. This culminates their studies and is tailored to their unique and individual areas of interest.

Doctoral candidates work closely with the advisors who make up their dissertation committee. The advisors provide guidance and critiques as the candidate writes a book-length dissertation. While the advisors can help along the way, what sets the candidate apart from the student is that, rather than simply learning what others have already discovered, they are conducting and writing about their own original, approved research — and then demonstrating what they’ve learned, as well as how it fits in the broader field of study or can be applied to tangible problems.

The meaning of candidacy in other doctoral programs

A PhD is not the only type of doctoral degree. There are also practitioner or professional doctorates, which may take the specific shape of medical doctorates, optometry doctorates, audiology doctorates, chiropractic doctorates, juris doctorates and others.

Such programs have their own conventions and terminology for various milestones. Some doctoral degrees, such as for law or medicine, focus on mastering the practice of a specific subject and the skills associated with that practice. As a result, terms such as candidate are not used universally among doctoral programs, and many of these programs do not include a dissertation.

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a doctoral degree that is focused on expanding and enriching an area of research. A PhD student typically focuses on developing new and original knowledge based on theory. 

In contrast, a practitioner doctorate prepares students for leadership roles in their desired profession by applying existing knowledge to solve problems in their field or community. The practitioner doctorate generally involves rigorous curriculum, culminating in a dissertation or applied project that addresses a particular real-world problem.

Requirements of a practitioner doctorate and many practitioner programs

The requirements of a particular practitioner doctorate will vary according to the institution and the field of study. This makes sense when you consider that practitioner doctorates vary from juris doctorates to doctors of physical therapy.

While there may be similar experiences involved in the course of study, such as residencies or internships, the requirements are unique to the specific degree.

Doctorates at University of Phoenix

While University of Phoenix (UOPX) does not have PhD programs, we do offer several online doctorates. Students might choose the UOPX programs because classes are flexible and offered online, and because of our unique “ Scholar-Practitioner-Leader model .”

Our doctoral programs are:

• Doctor of Business Administration :  Gain the strategic vision and skills to position yourself as a business leader. This program teaches skills such as how to solve organizational problems, design and conduct research studies, introduce innovative business ideas to the industry and more.
• Doctor of Management : This program equips you with critical thinking skills to find creative solutions to complex problems, so you can bring out the best of your leadership skills.
• Doctor of Education : Learn how to use analytical, critical and innovative thinking to improve performance and solve complex problems in education.
• Doctor of Health Administration : If you’re a health professional who is seeking greater responsibility in shaping the future of the health sector, the Doctor of Health Administration can help you get there. You’ll study the challenges inherent to today’s healthcare landscape, including economic fluctuations, burgeoning patient needs and industry-changing legislation.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice : This program is designed for working nurses who require a doctorate for advanced practice or nurses who desire their terminal degree. It does not prepare students for professional certification or state licensure as a nurse or as an advanced practice nurse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Fairbanks is a freelance writer with a background in SEO content creation and blog article development

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

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Leiden Law School

Doctorate Study

Successful completion of the procedure to obtain a doctorate culminates in the conferral of the academic degree of Doctor in a specific subject.

In order to obtain a doctorate degree independent and original research must be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor and co-supervisor. This period of research generally takes 4 years in the case of a full-time appointment as a PhD student (doctoral candidate). The results of the research are presented in a doctoral thesis or dissertation.

The faculty has various categories of doctoral candidates: doctoral candidates who are employees and external doctoral candidates.

The doctoral candidates who are employees are divided into two categories:

• PhD Candidates (formerly known in Dutch as ‘assistenten in opleiding’ or AiOs ) , paid for with the first (government funded), second (research council funded) or third (contract funded) flow of funding, with a contract for four years in principle and with a teaching component of 10%;
• PhD Fellows , with a contract for six years in principle, and a teaching component of 30%.

External Doctoral Candidates are not employed by the faculty. The two most important categories are:   

• the contract doctoral candidates , who receive a grant from their country of origin to carry out full-time doctorate research;
• the external doctoral candidates , who write a doctoral thesis in their own time with guidance from a supervisor at the faculty.

In order to become an External PhD Candidate you should have a research proposal which fits within the research carried out in the research programmes of the faculty. 

A decision on an application for admission to the PhD programme can only be made on the basis of the completed and submitted online form  including the required attachments. The full application must include:

• a specific, innovative and fairly elaborate proposal;
• the name of a possible supervisor (professor) whose research interests and area of specialization fit your research proposal ( more information about research and potential supervisors );
• a completed master's degree which should be the equivalent of an LLM or masters degree obtained in the Netherlands including the corresponding list of grades;
• an English language test score of 100 (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS), unless the candidate is a native speaker;
• at least one published article/chapter relevant to the field of the proposed research.

External PhD Candidates have to make their own arrangements for the funding of their research and living costs. External funding possibilities can be explored with your supervisor(s). Paid positions as employed PhD candidate at Leiden Law School are advertised .

Becoming an external PhD candidate at Leiden University in most cases does not involve paying a fee.

However, as of 1 April 2018 the International Institute of Air and Space Law ,  The Van Vollenhoven Institute  and the Grotius Center for International Legal Studies  offer PhD tracks (see below). Training  

PhD candidates, PhD fellows, contract doctoral candidates and external PhD candidates in a PhD track follow the Graduate School’s PhD Training programme . External PhD candidates do not follow the PhD Training programme. They only follow the mandatory course ‘ Scientific Conduct ’.

More Information

The PhD Training Programme . More questions about the PhD programme can be sent by mail to the Graduate School.

The exit qualifications for the PhD Training Programme are laid down in the university PhD Regulations.

It includes components such as methodology, research design, academic accountability and academic integrity. The training is composed primarily of the guidance provided by the supervisor and other co-supervisors.  In addition, the training includes an obligatory training requirement amounting to 840 hours.  The Graduate School’s training programme consists of three components: 1) research skills, 2) transferable skills, 3) individual part of the training programme.

1.  Research skills (at least 420 hours)

Out of the 840 hours in total, the Graduate School prescribed that half of the courses followed (420 hours) are aimed at acquirement and improvement of methodological knowledge and skills. There are only two courses within this category that are compulsory: Scientific Conduct (15 hours), and Data Management Training Leiden Law School  (28 hours). Compulsory courses can only be replaced (by other courses) in consultation with the dean of PhD studies. For the remaining hours, PhD researchers are free to choose any of courses offered by the Graduate School, but they can also take courses outside the Graduate School.

The Graduate School of Law currently offers the following courses: - Philosophy of Science for Lawyers (140 hours) - Legal Methodology (140 hours) - Qualitative Empirical Research Methods in Law (84-140 hours) - Quantitative Empirical Research Methods in Law (140 hours) - Scientific Conduct for PhDs in Law (15 hours) 2.   Transferable skills (at least 140 hours) According to the PhD Guidelines, at least 140 hours worth of courses of must be followed in the area of transferable skills. Examples include Project management for PhDs, Introduction to teaching for PhDs, Communication in science, Academics and (social) media, and Speed Reading. PhD researchers can make use of the offer within the University Training program PhDs' . All PhD researchers with teaching tasks should follow the course ‘introduction to teaching for PhDs’, or at least one of the 5 modules of the University Teaching Qualification (BKO).  3.  Individual part of the training PhD researchers can follow various training courses that benefit their personal development or that offer more in-depth substantive knowledge connected to the topic of their dissertation. Examples include courses from Master programs, language education (e.g., in relation to data collection abroad), Summer Schools, and conference participation.

As of 1 April 2018 the faculty has three so-called PhD tracks: at the Van Vollenhove Institute , the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies and the International Institute of Air and Space Law .

• All PhD candidates on a PhD track will participate on the obligatory training programme unless they have been granted an exemption by the PhD Dean.
• Together with the PhD Dean the department can develop a tailor-made training programme (“e-learning”) for exempted PhD track candidates.

Office space and travel allowance

All PhD candidates on a PhD track will in principle also get an office space and a travel allowance which can be necessary for the research or are fitting in the light of progress achieved.A different arrangement can be agreed upon at a preliminary stage.

• The standard fee is 10,000 euro a year with a maximum of four years.
• In the case of PhD candidates on a PhD track who are not entitled to office space and a travel allowance, an adjusted fee of 5,000 euro a year will apply with a maximum of four years.

Fee reduction

• Criteria for a fee reduction include: (1) a substantive connection, or other substantive synergies with existing research projects of the Centre/Department, which is obvious and which justifies the application of a reduction; (2) the candidate is of excellent quality; (3) financial need of the candidate.
• These criteria are applied cumulatively.
• If a reduction is awarded, the amount of the fee will be set at 2,500 euro a year with a maximum of four years.  

Most doctoral theses in the field of law are written in the form of a book, but they may also consist of a number of articles combined to form a coherent whole.  Once the supervisors have approved the dissertation, it is forwarded to a doctoral committee to be assessed. If the assessment of the doctoral committee is positive, the public defence of the doctoral thesis is scheduled.  The conferral of the doctorate degree entitles holders to use the title Doctor.

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Applying to the PhD Program

What you need to know to apply

If you are intellectually curious and like to be challenged by new ideas and experiences, consider a Kellogg PhD. Our students shift from being consumers of knowledge to being producers of new knowledge. Through their publications and teaching, Kellogg graduates contribute to business practice and society.

Preparing to apply

Each year, Kellogg receives over 850 applications to its eight PhD programs. On average 25 students enroll each fall.

PhD study requires strong quantitative skills to develop theories and manage and analyze data. This program is especially well suited to those who have previously studied social sciences (such as economics, political science, psychology and sociology), mathematics, natural sciences or engineering.

To be eligible for admission, you must hold a U.S bachelor’s degree — or a comparable non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution. You may be considered for admission before you finish your undergraduate degree, but you must complete that degree before you enroll at Kellogg. A three-year bachelor’s degree is also accepted.

Application review

During the admissions process, we will evaluate your application file and how your research interests align with the research expertise of our faculty. Also included in our review is the strength of your recommendation letters, academic record, and performance on standardized tests. Your application will help us understand if you are ready to seize all the opportunities that come with joining Kellogg.

Our faculty will assess your:

• Application responses

Transcripts

• Test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample (optional)

For international candidates, the committee also assesses:

• English language proficiency 

Master’s degree holders

A master’s degree is not required for enrollment in our PhD programs. For applicants with a master’s degree, note that the coursework taken in a master’s program will not shorten your time to degree. No transfer credit is provided with a master’s and students must satisfy their PhD coursework requirements in full while studying at Kellogg.

Opportunities for collaborative research across programs and schools at Northwestern University are always available; interdisciplinary research is our strength. However, Northwestern permits applicants to apply to one PhD program a year .

There is an exception through the dual application option with the Economics PhD Program, which is outlined below.

Academic experience

The Kellogg PhD Program offers eight distinct areas of focus, each with varying types of experience that are needed for success.

Economics-based PhD programs

• These include Accounting Information & Management, Finance, Financial Economics, Managerial Economics & Strategy, Operations Management, and Marketing (quantitative area)
• Evidence of solid training in math, econometrics and statistics within the application
• Recommended math courses include calculus, linear algebra, probability and mathematical statistics

Behavioral/Sociological-based PhD programs

• These programs include Marketing, Management & Organizations, and a joint program between Management & Organizations & Sociology
• Evidence of statistics for social scientists and quantitative thinking, as well as a strong understanding of central concepts of probability and statistics
• Background in social psychology and sociology

Dual application with Weinberg Economics

Applicants seeking to enroll in an economics-based doctoral program have the option to submit a second application for review to the Economics PhD Program. Kellogg PhD programs participating in this dual application option include, Accounting Information & Management, Finance, Managerial Economics & Strategy and Marketing (quantitative area).

More details about this option are available on The Graduate School website.

Financial aid

Kellogg offers a five-year financial aid package to all admitted doctoral students that includes a stipend, tuition scholarships, health insurance, moving allowance and a subsidy to purchase a computer.

Contact CollegeNET Technical support for help with its online application .

Get a sense for Kellogg faculty expertise, academic research and published work.

• Faculty directory
• Northwestern Scholars database
• To apply for a Kellogg PhD, you will need an updated version of your resume or CV, transcripts from all academic institutions, test scores, an academic statement, a personal statement and three recommendation letters.

How to write your application

Your resume or cv.

Your resume or CV should summarize all of your qualifications, honors, educational accomplishments, and if applicable, current research papers.

Please list all schools where you were registered for courses at the college level, including community colleges, study abroad institutions and current registrations whether or not in a degree program.

Provide one transcript from each college/university you have attended that documents each course taken beyond high-school level, whether or not within a degree program. Certification of degrees received, including the date the degree was awarded, should be noted on the transcript and/or diploma. Please note:

• The Kellogg PhD application requires unofficial transcripts . There is no need to send official transcripts prior to enrollment. Official transcripts are needed only if you decide to enroll
• For applicants who studied at international institutions, transcripts must be accompanied with an official English translation, if applicable

Form for courses taken

The Courses Taken form lets anyone applying to our economics-based programs highlight advanced university courses that directly support their chosen field of study and proficiency in the subject matter. The form allows for up to six advanced courses in each specific area. If you cannot access our form, you may create and upload a form that contains the same information in applicable areas of study.

Download the following forms if you plan to apply to one of these programs. Forms are required with your application submission:

• Accounting Information & Management
• Financial Economics
• Operations Management

If you plan to apply to either of these programs, we highly recommend you fill out one of these forms:

• Managerial Economics & Strategy
• Marketing (quantitative)

Standardized tests

All applicants are required to submit either the GRE or the GMAT regardless of previous experience and/or advanced degrees. We take a holistic approach to the application-review process, meaning there is no minimum score required for eligibility. Test scores are reviewed within the context of the entire application.

GRE required for:

• Management & Organizations & Sociology

GRE or GMAT required for:

• Management & Organizations

The Finance program prefers the GRE, but will accept the GMAT.

The GRE At Home and the GMAT Online exams are accepted. GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years from the date taken. The institution code for GMAT is: 6WZ-3J-54 (PhD Program, Kellogg). The institution code for GRE is: 1565 (Northwestern Graduate School).

Unofficial test score reports are used during the application review process; however, official GRE and GMAT test scores are required if admission is recommended.

English language proficiency tests

If your native language is not English, The Graduate School requires that you certify proficiency in the English language in one of the following ways:

If your native language is not English, Northwestern requires that you certify proficiency in the English language in one of the following ways:

• TOELF:  We accept 600 or higher on the paper-based exam, 250 or higher on the computer-based exam, or 100 or higher on the Internet-based exam. TOEFL scores through at-home testing service are accepted. The TOEFL institution code is: 1565 (The Graduate School)
• IELTS:  Unofficial score report, submitted at the time of application, for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) . The IELTS Academic test must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry (fall quarter). IELTS test takers should score 7.0 or higher. IELTS scores submitted through its at-home testing service are accepted
• MET:  We accept Michigan English Test scores of 70 or higher
• Earning an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English. Please note, Kellogg provides the waiver after an application is submitted and transcripts have been reviewed. No additional documentation is required. Applicants will see the waiver noted within their online account
• Automatically Waived:  Applicants that are citizens from the following countries where English is the native language will have the requirement automatically waived upon submission of the application (Australia, Barbados, Bermuda, Great Britain, Gibraltar, Israel, Jamaica, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)

Standardized exams must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry. Unofficial scores are used during the review process. Official test scores are required only if admission is recommended.

DuoLingo or TOEFL Essentials are not accepted. Kellogg does not require the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

This is your opportunity to share the depth and breath of your academic education. In addition to the tactical and practical elements, think about how each experience helped you grow into the candidate you are today.

Academic statement 

You have a max limit of 1,000 words to answer the following questions:

• What are your academic interests, and why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in this specific program?
• How has your academic and professional background prepared you for graduate study? (Include any research, training, or educational experiences that align with the program you are applying to)
• How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?
• What scholarly questions do you wish to explore in the program? (Make sure to include any specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own)

Personal statement 

Write a statement that addresses the following prompt (500 words max):

The Graduate School values diverse backgrounds, approaches, and perspectives, understanding them as essential ingredients for true academic excellence. As a Northwestern graduate student, how would you contribute to an intellectual community that prioritizes equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural humility?

Your answer may draw upon past or present experiences, whether in academic work, extracurricular or community activities, or everyday life.

While a paper is not required for admission to Kellogg’s PhD programs, the Sociology Department does require one, where the applicant is the sole-author, for consideration to the joint program in Management & Organizations and Sociology.

We do not require a writing sample to be submitted with the application; however, you may include one writing sample (30-page maximum) with your application. Hyperlink this paper and any other papers you have on your resume. *Please note: Only one writing sample will be reviewed. Do not upload more than one paper.

We require three letters. Additionally, we ask all recommenders to include Northwestern University’s Graduate Applicant Assessment Form found within the application. Recommendation letters from professors or instructors could include:

• A description of the nature of your relationship. Did you take one or more classes with the professor?
• A description of a research project or honors thesis, discussing the quality of the work, technical and writing skills, research methods used, data analysis, originality, depth of research undertaken, questions/problems raised, contribution to the field, etc.
• The letter should also provide a ranking — how you compared to other students

Recommendation letters from employers and business associates could include:

• Insights into your aptitude, character and working style — ability to work on your own, self-starter, complete a project on time, etc.
• Any research or data analysis you have done within the scope of your work

All letters must be submitted online through our web-based application, CollegeNET . Directions for uploading letters and accessing the Graduate Applicant Assessment Form will be sent to recommenders once the applicant has entered the contact information within the application. We are not able to accept recommendation letters by email.

A $95 non-refundable fee must be paid by credit or debit card within the online application. For those participating in the dual application option with the Economics PhD Program, the application fee is $175. The Graduate School (TGS) at Northwestern University administers the fee waiver program. If you wish to be considered for a fee waiver, please refer to The Graduate School’s website on Application Fees .

After you submit

You’ve invested time, energy and resources into completing your application, so no doubt you’ll want confirmation that your application was received. And we want you to have that peace of mind, too.

So, once you submit your application, you can log back into CollegeNet at any time to view the status and double check that all sections were successfully completed.

We welcome anyone who is interested in reapplying to the doctoral program. Additional time can frequently further cement your research goals and application strength. However, we are unable to provide specific application feedback if you applied in the past.

All candidates can reapply in future years, but you must submit a new application, supporting documents and application fee.

Application dates and deadlines

Application questions? We’re here to help

External PhD candidates with scholarship

As an external PhD candidate you have the possibility to finance your PhD trajectory with a scholarship. Please note that there are no scholarships for PhD candidates available at the Graduate School for Humanities and Digital Sciences.

List of possible scholarships you can apply to:

• CSC ‒ for Chinese students
• COLFUTURO ‒ for Colombian students
• Conicyt ‒ for Chilean students
• DIKTI ‒ for Indonesian students
• EUROSA ‒ for South African students
• JoinEU-SEE PENTA ‒ for Western Balkan students
• NFP ‒  development cooperation

More information on possible grants can be found at  Grantfinder .

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+31 (0)13 466 9111

Contact TSHD Graduate School

• E-mail address [email protected]  
• Phone number +31 (0)13 466 3494  
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• Postal address PO Box 90153 5000 LE Tilburg