Financing
Note: The information on this page is intended to provide a general overview of PhD funding in the Netherlands. However, PNN cannot provide individual advice on specific grants, subsidies, or funding opportunities.
Scientific research cannot, of course, be carried out without financial resources. In the Netherlands, funding for scientific research is provided by the government, industry, and other organizations such as foundations. Within the system of research funding, there are three main funding streams:
- First funding stream: an annual amount of around two billion euros provided directly by the government to the various universities. Universities are free to allocate this money to research as they see fit.
- Second funding stream: also an amount of around two billion euros, allocated by the government to organizations such as KNAW and NWO. These organizations then distribute the funds to research institutions in the form of grants.
- Third funding stream: financing that does not come directly from the Dutch government, but from Brussels (European funding), industry, civil society organizations, or private institutions. Funding from these sources is referred to as third-stream funding.
For most PhD candidates, the funding for their appointment and (part of) their research costs will already have been arranged at the start of their PhD project. However, in some cases it may be necessary for the PhD candidate to apply for a grant to cover part of the appointment or research expenses. In addition, PhD candidates may need to apply for a grant towards the end of their trajectory in order to continue their academic career after completing their doctorate.
Beyond grants for carrying out research in the Netherlands, there are also grants available for (temporary) research stays abroad, organizing academic meetings, or attending conferences.
Are you currently experiencing issues during your PhD that you need help with?
Most institutions have a number of contact points for help. This compass is designed to help you find the right support.
In the drop-down menu you can select the institution that you are doing your PhD at. Then the roadmap will show you available contact points. In most cases it makes sense to start by considering contact points in your immediate work environment first and then progress to higher levels (like institutional or national).
At the bottom of the page you can find some examples of problems you can run into and a list of descriptions of each contact point.
Your first contact points
Colleagues: Sometimes it can already help to talk with your colleagues about the issue you are experiencing. This will help you judge the severity of it and can provide you with allies in taking further action.
Daily supervisor*: Naturally, your daily supervisor is the first contact point for all issues. They can help you determine the next steps. Of course, you may not feel comfortable discussing everything with your supervisor, or maybe your daily supervisor is involved in the issue. In these cases have a look at the other available contact points.
Promotor or Co-Supervisor*: Especially, in cases of issues with your daily supervisor, consider reaching out to your promotor or another member on the supervision team and ask for a one-on-one meeting. Maybe they can (temporarily) step-up and help you resolve the issue.If you have a conflict with your supervisor(s), you can also have a look at the PNN PhD supervisor conflict roadmap.
*Note that your annual review talk with your supervisory team is a good opportunity to address issues or suggestions for improvement.
National contact points
Labor unions: Organizations representing the interests of academic staff, offering support on employment-related matters, rights, and fair treatment.
NWO Scientific Integrity Desk: A specialized desk addressing scientific integrity concerns in projects related to or funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Netherlands Board of Research Integrity (LOWI): An independent body handling complaints related to scientific integrity, providing a platform for fair investigation. If you feel like the local scientific integrity committee at your institution did not handle a case correctly, the LOWI can be the next contact point.
Making a police report: In cases involving a criminal offense, please consider contacting local law enforcement to report incidents and seek assistance.