Many foreign PhD students enroll at the Graduate School of Medical Sciences with a scholarship from external agencies. The University of Groningen (UG) and the University Medical Center Groningen may provide a top-up to certain PhD students with an external scholarship (conditions apply).
The Top-Up policy is subject to change and depends on institutional decisions, legal frameworks, and the availability of funding. Nothing on this page should be interpreted as creating an entitlement to financial support.
Q: What is the Top-Up Program?
A: The Boards of UG and UMCG have agreed on a Top-Up policy effective 1 September 2024. Under this policy, selected PhD students may receive an additional monthly allowance for the nominal duration of their PhD trajectory. If selected and if funding remains available, students are intended to receive a combined allowance that exceeds the minimum immigration requirements. This measure helps facilitate the immigration process for PhD students coming to the Netherlands and supports them in focusing on their research.
The policy and its implementation may be amended, suspended, or discontinued; any Top-Up remains subject to continued availability of funding and institutional approval.
Q: What is my monthly allowance as a PhD Scholarship student with a Top-Up?
A: For PhD students selected for the Top-Up, the intended combined net amount is currently EUR 1,875 per month, provided the Top-Up remains available. This amount may change and is subject to applicable rules, institutional decisions, and available resources.
The following conditions apply:
- You must have acquired an external grant to carry out a PhD project at UG through a selective process and be admitted to the UG PhD program.
- The external grant must be from a UG-approved scheme qualifying for the Top-Up. Less familiar external grants may be subject to further review by the Graduate School and the UG PhD Scholarship Desk.
- Your scholarship must be below the standard combined allowance of EUR 1,875 per month.
- You must have gone through the selection process to receive the Top-Up.
- The award is subject to the availability of resources and may be changed, paused, or discontinued due to institutional decisions, legal/regulatory requirements, or other circumstances.
If you are selected:
- You can receive the Top-Up only during the period of your PhD research at Groningen while you hold your external scholarship.
- You may receive the Top-Up for the nominal duration of your PhD program, which is a maximum of 48 months for a full PhD and 24 months for a Sandwich PhD.
- Continuation is conditional on ongoing compliance with the conditions and on the Top-Up remaining available.