
Pursuing a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) equips you to become a curious, innovative, and engaged academic researcher. You will develop expertise in your field, learn to look beyond disciplinary boundaries, and follow a program that supports your broad professional development. Our PhD candidates are trained to tackle complex issues and conduct independent research, preparing them for careers both within and outside academia. PhD candidates are integrated into Graduate Schools, which serve as communities and academic networks. VU Amsterdam fosters a research culture that prioritizes openness, transparency, cooperation, and diversity. You can undertake a PhD program either as an employee of VU Amsterdam or through external funding sources like scholarships. Self-funded candidates conduct their research independently using their own resources.