- Postdoc placementType
- Up to 24 monthsDuration
- Abroad or in NLWhere
- Recent PhD (~12 mo)Eligibility
- Salary ~€3,000–4,000/moCoverage
- NWO (all disciplines)Funder
At a glance
full
Funding
€180k
Max amount
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
Any country (mobility rules apply: abroad, or into the Netherlands)
Country
Dutch Research Council (NWO)
Provider
The Rubicon programme of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) gives researchers who have recently completed their PhD the chance to gain experience at a top research institution abroad — or, for those coming from outside the Netherlands, at a Dutch institution. It is a postdoctoral mobility programme, not a degree scholarship, aimed at launching the careers of promising early-career researchers. Rubicon funds a research placement of up to 24 months, covering the researcher's salary (and a bench fee/allowance) for the period spent at the host institution. The total value depends on the destination and duration; for a full 24-month placement abroad it can amount to well over €100,000. The programme spans all disciplines. There are typically several application rounds per year. Applicants must have obtained their doctorate within roughly the last 12 months (or expect to soon), secure a host institution and supervisor, and apply through NWO with a research proposal. Selection is rigorous and based on the quality of the researcher and the proposed work.
What's covered
- Salary — The researcher's salary for the placement (up to 24 months).
- Bench fee / allowance — A bench fee or allowance toward research and related costs.
- Mobility — Supports a placement abroad (for those from NL) or in the Netherlands (for those from abroad).
- Total value — Depends on destination and duration; a full 24-month placement can exceed €100,000.
How to apply
Secure a host institution and supervisor, then apply through NWO in one of the annual Rubicon rounds with your research proposal, by that round's deadline.
- Confirm eligibility — Check the ~12-month-post-PhD window and the mobility direction (abroad / into NL).
- Find a host — Arrange a host institution and supervisor for the placement.
- Develop the proposal — Write the research proposal and prepare your CV and supporting documents.
- Apply via NWO — Submit your application in the relevant Rubicon round through NWO's system.
- Review — NWO assesses applications via peer review and committees.
- Award — Successful applicants receive funding for the placement (up to 24 months).
Eligibility
StageObtained your PhD within roughly the last 12 months (or will defend soon).
MobilityGoing abroad (if from NL) or to a Dutch institution (if coming from abroad).
HostA host institution and supervisor who agree to host the placement.
ProposalA strong research proposal for the placement.
DisciplineOpen to all research disciplines.
Rubicon is a postdoctoral programme, not a degree scholarship. There are several rounds per year; secure a host and apply through NWO with a proposal. The ~12-month-post-PhD window is strictly applied.
Eligible countries
Any country (mobility rules apply: abroad, or into the Netherlands)
Deadlines
A typical Rubicon round2027-03-31
Selection
NWO selects Rubicon awardees through competitive peer review, assessing the quality and promise of the researcher, the strength of the research proposal, and the suitability of the host and placement. The programme is highly competitive across all disciplines.
Verified sources
- NWO Rubiconnwo.nlofficial
About the provider
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is the national research-funding organisation of the Netherlands, funding research across all disciplines. Its Rubicon programme supports talented researchers at the start of their careers to gain international research experience through postdoctoral placements.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the NWO Rubicon programme?
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A postdoctoral mobility programme of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) that lets researchers who recently completed a PhD gain experience at a top institution abroad — or in the Netherlands if coming from abroad.
Is it a degree scholarship?
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No — Rubicon funds a postdoctoral research placement (up to 24 months), not a degree. It is aimed at launching early-career researchers, not funding a PhD or master's.
What does it cover?
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The researcher's salary plus a bench fee/allowance for the placement; a full 24-month placement abroad can exceed €100,000 in total, depending on destination.
Who is eligible?
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Researchers who obtained their PhD within roughly the last 12 months (or will defend soon), who arrange a host institution and supervisor and propose a research placement.
How long is the placement?
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Up to 24 months at the host institution, with the exact duration set in the application and funding.
When are the deadlines?
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There are typically several Rubicon rounds per year with their own deadlines. Check NWO's Rubicon page for the current rounds.
Where can I do the placement?
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Abroad if you are coming from a Dutch institution, or at a Dutch institution if you are coming from abroad — the programme is built around international mobility.
Do I need a host first?
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Yes — you must arrange a host institution and supervisor who agree to host your placement before applying.
Which disciplines are eligible?
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All research disciplines — from the sciences and engineering to the social sciences and humanities.
How competitive is it?
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Highly — Rubicon is a sought-after early-career programme, with competitive peer review of the researcher and the proposed work.
Is the ~12-month window strict?
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Yes — the eligibility window relative to your PhD date is applied strictly, so check the exact rule for the round before applying.
Who funds Rubicon?
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The Dutch Research Council (NWO), the national research-funding organisation in the Netherlands, funds the programme across all disciplines.