Becoming a PhD candidate
You have several options for pursuing a PhD at the Eindhoven University of Technology. Namely, you can become a PhD candidate with or without employment. Most PhD candidates are employed by TU/e. However, you can also become a PhD candidate by seeking funding yourself. Some PhD candidates work part-time on their PhD. Read on for more information about the admission requirements, the different options to get a PhD, and the support for international candidates.
What requirements do I have to meet?
The most important admission criteria are your scientific qualities: you must be familiar with the theory and methodology of your field of study. In addition, an education requirement applies. You must have a Dutch master's degree (old-style doctoral degree) or a foreign equivalent. Not every foreign preparatory and/or master's program automatically gives you access to a Dutch PhD track. This will be assessed per candidate. Since English is the working language in science, we expect a C1 level from our PhD candidates. Please read the job description(s) carefully for any additional requirements.
Employed by TU/e
Most PhD candidates join the university to complete a PhD program. In that case, you start by applying for an announced and specific PhD position. If you are accepted, you will have the status of an employee during your training. As a PhD candidate, you are a valued member of TU/e’s staff. You will receive a salary and excellent employee benefits. PhD candidates employed by the university spend a minimum of 10% of their time on teaching tasks.
A full-time PhD typically lasts four years. Sometimes you can apply for a PhD-TA (Teaching Assistant) position. In other cases, you may be able to change your contract to a PhD-TA track later. Naturally, in consultation with your supervisor and only if the department can facilitate this. A PhD-TA track takes five years. You can spread this extra year, which is entirely devoted to teaching, over the entire contract period.
Open PhD positions
Are you interested and do you meet the requirements? If so, we look forward to your application!
Follow the link below to discover all available PhD positions, and filter by department for example. You can also find more information about the application process on our working-at website.
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PhD on new microfluidic designs for continuous sweat analysis within textiles
PhD-studentMechanical EngineeringSweat analysis has emerged as a promising avenue for non-invasive monitoring of athlete performance and tracking various health parameters. However, collecting sweat from the skin for analysis within wearable sensing devices presents a significant challenge. This process is crucial before conducting…
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PhD on Novel glaucoma implant for real-time intraocular pressure monitoring
PhD-studentMechanical EngineeringGlaucoma drainage devices are vital in treating glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause visual field loss and blindness. These devices are surgically implanted to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor in glaucoma, by creating an alternative outflow pathway for the fluid produced by…
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PhD in Statistics
PhD-studentMathematics and Computer ScienceWe are pleased to announce that the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the Eindhoven University of Technology is opening a PhD position in Statistics. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a background in Mathematics/Statistics to join the Statistics Group and…
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PhD's on neuromorphic computing & engineering: algorithms&hardware architectures
PhD-studentElectrical EngineeringThe Neuromorphic Edge Computing Systems (NECS) Lab at the Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for multiple Ph.D. positions from passionate and innovative young researchers. Our mission is to overstep the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks, challenging…
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PhD on Deep Learning Perception for Automotive 4D Imaging Radar
PhD-studentElectrical Engineering• Are you inspired by the prospect of shaping the future of autonomous driving? • Are you fascinated by the latest developments in self-supervised learning and generative models? • Are you excited to work on perception tasks for safety-critical systems using the next-generation automotive…
Without an employment contract
You can also become a PhD candidate without an employment contract at TU/e. In that case, you might have another agreement with TU/e or a third party to follow a PhD program. For example, you could have an employer who supports you financially. Or you receive a scholarship from another organization. You also have the option of not entering into a collaboration with a third party. However, you can sometimes receive material and/or financial support in that case.
If you do a PhD alongside other work, this usually extends your PhD track. Without an employment contract, you have no teaching obligations at TU/e.
Supervisor
Without an employment contract, you are responsible for finding a supervisor yourself. The first step is then to find a professor who is willing to advise you on your project. Depending on the type of research, TU/e may also appoint a supervisor.
Tuition fee
PhD candidates that are not hired by TU/e are required to pay an annual tuition fee. This fee covers educational and operational costs.
Type of PhD not on TU/e payroll (NOP) | Annual tuition fee | Annual tuition fee using expensive technology |
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CSC scholarships | Not applicable | Not applicable; use of expensive technology only after approval |
Scholarships | € 15.000 | € 35.000 |
Externally financed | € 15.000 | € 35.000 |
Externals | € 5.000 | € 25.000 |
Note that the managing director of the department may grant a (partial) waiver of the tuition fee. Possible reasons to grant a waiver can be:
- not working fulltime on the PhD track
- having a small scholarship
- not using the campus facilities or labs