1. PhD Scholarship Applicants (external funding)

Many of our international PhD students have the opportunity to apply for PhD scholarships from external sources, such as governmental funding agencies in their home countries. As a PhD scholarship student, you will design your research project in close collaboration with your PhD supervisors.

The GSMS will support your external funding application, provided that one of our researchers has formally agreed to supervise you. In addition, the University of Groningen offers a unique top-up policy for students who have successfully secured an external scholarship.

• How do I obtain a Letter of Acceptance?
• What is the University of Groningen top-up policy?

Consult this webpage about the funding agencies the GSMS has most experience with. Note though that the listing is non-exhaustive, in case of questions, contact us.

2. ATTP Sandwich PhD

Sandwich PhD candidates typically complete half of their PhD training at an international partner institution and the other half at the University of Groningen/University Medical Center Groningen. Each candidate is supervised by at least two supervisors, one at each institution.

As part of the ATTP Sandwich PhD process, the candidate must compile an application package. This package is submitted to the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) by the UMCG supervisor.

ATTP Sandwich PhD structures are highly flexible and may lead to either a Double Degree or a Joint Degree, but always culminate in the awarding of at least a doctoral degree with the thesis defended at the University of Groningen.

To learn more about the structure, eligibility, and application process, visit: www.groningenbiomed.com/attp-phd

3. (Research) Master to PhD

The most talented students who have completed one of the 2-year selective master programs at the GSMS have the opportunity to apply for a fully funded 3-year PhD education and training program. In the final stages of your master you will write and defend your own PhD project proposal. The most excellent projects are awarded funding.

4. Self-Funded PhD Candidates (non-EU, full-time at UMCG)

This category applies only to non-EU candidates who are fully self-funded and will be based full-time at UMCG for the duration of their PhD. These candidates cover all their own living and research costs and do not receive any salary or scholarship from the University of Groningen, UMCG, or any other organization.

Because these candidates are full-time and reside in the Netherlands, the GSMS supports the visa process. Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to meet Dutch immigration requirements.

Consult this FAQ page to find out more about this option, or contact the Graduate School.

These candidates are a subtype of Category 8. Other categories of self-funded candidates are not coordinated through the GSMS — see Category 8 below.

For more information about the PhD opportunities listed below, please visit the indicated websites or contact the persons mentioned under each category.

5. Regular 3 or 4-year PhD positions

Individual researchers or research groups may offer 3 to 4-year PhD positions if they have acquired personal or project grants, for example from the EU (H2020), the Dutch national research foundation (NWO/ZonMW), Industry, or another source. PhD researchers on these types of grants, if selected, will usually be employed and thus receive a salary for the duration of the PhD project. Applying to such a position resembles applying to a regular job.

Information on these types of positions does not reside with the Graduate School but may be found on the UMCG website. Alternatively, you may contact the PhD supervisor of your choice directly to inquire about opportunities.

6. (D)MD/PhD Program

The (D)MD/PhD program offers students the opportunity to combine their (D)MD and PhD training to ultimately obtain a (D)MD and PhD degree. In this program students spend an additional two years (i.e. 6+2) on scientific research alongside their regular medical or dental educational program. The (D)MD/PhD is very flexible and gives students the possibility to, in addition to their clinical training, develop a wide variety of research skills and competences in their field of interest.

Note that this option is open to students who have enrolled in the Groningen (D)MD program. An international version of the (D)MD/PhD is part of the ATTP Sandwich PhD as outlined under point 2, see for example this international MD-PhD program with partner Universidad de Antioquia.

More information: Dr. Sophia Bruggeman

7. Externally Employed PhD Candidates

Externally financed PhD candidates are not employed by the University of Groningen or UMCG, but are appointed and funded by an external institution or employer. An examples is a PhD candidate employed by a a company conducting research relevant to their organization.

Their income is provided by their external employer. While supervision and doctoral registration take place at the GSMS, the employment relationship and financial arrangements are managed by the external organization.

The UMCG supervisor and hosting department oversee the process, with arrangements coordinated directly between the candidate, the external agency, and the supervisor.

8. External PhD Candidates

External PhD candidates (buitenpromovendi) are not employed by, nor do they receive funding from any organization for their doctoral research. They typically carry out their research in their own time and at their own expense, without a salary or research allowance tied to the PhD.

Unless a candidate will be conducting full-time research at UMCG and holds non-EU nationality, the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) does not manage these PhD trajectories. The responsibility for the process lies primarily with the UMCG supervisor and the hosting department.