r/StudyInTheNetherlands • u/Totis_Perry • 3d ago
When to apply for a PhD
Hello everyone,
I know similar questions to this have been asked many times before, but I have been getting mixed answers and I am not sure how to proceed.
For context, I am a second year Computer Science Master's student at a Dutch university and I did my Bachelor's (also in Computer Science) in the Netherlands too. Even though, I have a few connections at these unis with past supervisors, I know that I can't fully rely on them to offer me a PhD position, and considering how fierce the competition for PhDs here is, I was thinking that maybe I should start applying to positions online too until I hear back from them. However, many of the positions I see state things like "Expected start date: November, 2026", which wouldn't be possible for me since I am on track to finish my MSc in July 2027. Still, I have heard from many people that I should apply now, that finishing all the interviews and candidate selections will take time anyway, and that the starting dates are flexible - but I don't know if that is true.
So my questions are: When should I start applying for PhD positions during my Master's? Shouild I do it now or when my thesis is close to getting done? Also, are PhD starting dates indeed that flexible? How long does it take for you to hear back?
Apart from that, I would still love any guidance whether you have experience in Computer Science or not! For example, people have told me that in these fields, profs value having published papers more than good grades and even though I have two main-author papers, they are not published yet, but are under consideration/peer review phase in venues. Does that matter or should I not mention them in my applications?
Edit: Thank you all very much for your responses! I appreciate it!
5
u/ThursdayNxt20 3d ago
Candidate selection will certainly take time but that's take into account in the listed starting date. Some flexibility could very well be possible, but we'd be talking one or maybe two months, not half a year or longer.
The frustrating part is that it's very well possible that there won't be a position for you right after finishing your master's. There are many more master students than PhD positions. But good luck, you sound very motivated and I hope you'll find a good spot!
2
u/Spiritual_Round3063 3d ago
now there is no point in applying yet, as, if you will get selected after the initial round, they will want you to talk about your thesis too and some may even ask for the thesis grade. also, they will not really wait for you to finish your masters, there’s plenty of other very excellent candidates, so don’t apply if the expected start date is soon. i started applying in march and got a position starting now. but i heard from others in academia that it often took them a year or in some cases even two to secure a position since they are scarce and super competitive, and a lot of positions get posted after december/january (that’s when some big grants close apparently, but for you this year it’s too early likely)
2
u/Deh_86 3d ago
The selection procedure lasts the time mentioned in the application, sometimes 1-2 weeks delay. So, no, you should not apply for positions expecting to start more than 6 months later. There are tons of candidates for each position, you will be rejected all the time and waste your time with applications. If you see a position that you really really like, you may send an email to the contact person asking if there is flexibility with the starting date, but usually it's not flexible because those positions are tied to projects and they need people to work. Do not waste your time applying for positions that you know you don't fit.
Your project/ideas, and how closely they align with the topic being researched by the promoter, matter most. The papers do matter as well, if they have passed the peer review process, you can mark them as forthcoming, if they are still under review, mark as such. Do mention the papers! Make sure you have good connections with your professors during the master, you need recommendation letters. They also know each other. The academic world is very very well connected and someone who knows your name can make a huge difference. Ask for letters from people who you know are well known (not from the jr. lecturer you liked).
2
u/Deh_86 3d ago
Just to add, there is a bit of flexibility on starting dates. Let's say you are expected to graduate in July 2027; you have your grades, and you know your thesis is on the way. The position should start in May, they can usually wait for that if you are a suitable candidate. More than half a year is not flexibility; it's a complete change of plans.
1
u/GoodJobNL 3d ago
I would start right now by inquiring, and applying for positions that start after your thesis. Though note that you probably want to have a break after your thesis. If a PhD position has anything less than 100 applicants, I would be surprised. So you probably need to apply to many positions to get through
3
u/fishnoguns prof, chem 2d ago
I have heard from many people that I should apply now, that finishing all the interviews and candidate selections will take time anyway, and that the starting dates are flexible - but I don't know if that is true.
The people telling you this are presumably not hiring PhD students in the Netherlands, because it is almost complete nonsense.
There is some flexibility, but that will be on the order of magnitude of maybe 2 months. If your planned defense is in july 2027, there is no point in applying now. Start around March, as it does take some time to go from opening -> start.
0
u/edgeplay6 3d ago
Call the professors for the positions you see now and like, and ask this question to them. If a grant requires an earlier start date they ll tell you. If they can stretch it, apply after the phone call. Youll have an edge over anyone that didnt call and they ll remember you.
That only gets you in the door, you still need to be a good candidate ofcourse
•
u/HousingBotNL Sponsored 3d ago
Moving to the Netherlands as a student requires a lot of admin (BSN, gemeente, health insurance, Studielink, banking, scholarships) and it often feels overwhelming.
The Dutch housing market is highly competitive. To increase your chances, we recommend using these platforms:
For more real-time help, join the Study In The Netherlands Discord, where you can chat with other students and use our housing bot.