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

Consult this FAQ page that is particularly relevant to prospective students who do not hold a European nationality, to find out more about this option or contact the Graduate School.

For more information on the following two PhD opportunities we would like to refer to the websites and/or contact persons listed below under points 5 and 6.

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