Why at UT? | Interested in PhD/EngD? | Twente Graduate School

At the University of Twente, you can pursue a career in scientific research after completing your Master’s programme. This will lead to a PhD degree. You can also opt for a more practical, design-oriented Engineering Doctorate (EngD).

A PhD or an EngD at the University of twente?

The University of Twente (UT) is different from other universities, both in The Netherlands and internationally. Have a look at our Master's website, where you can get an impression of the unique campus and research environment and why choosing UT is a smart choice. Or read more about UT's position in worldwide university rankings.

Different types of PhDs and EngDs

Dutch universities distinguish different types of PhD or EngD candidates based on the way their doctoral research is funded. These different types of doctoral candidates contrast with some countries where doctoral candidates are always considered to be students. Most doctoral candidates are paid university employees. Have a look at our UT vacancies website for available paid PhD or EngD positions.

Some doctoral candidates are not employed by the university but conduct research under a hospitality agreement. These include those with external funding, such as grants or scholarships, or those balancing research with other employment. And there is a group of PhD candidates who conduct doctoral research entirely in their own time and with their own resources

Important information for interested scholarship PhD candidates
The University of Twente only accepts scholarship PhD candidates who have a scholarship with a living allowance that meets or exceeds the IND income standard at the time of admission. (The IND income standard is indexed twice per year. It is currently € 1657,- from 1 January 2025 until 30 June 2025).
If a scholarship provider cannot guarantee a scholarship that meets the above-mentioned condition, the University of Twente cannot admit the PhD candidate. This means that scholarship PhD candidates cannot supplement or top-up their scholarship themselves (e.g. through personal funds, loans, or family contributions).
A third-party organisation, like a university (other than the University of Twente), research institute, NGO, government agency or company may provide a top-up scholarship to the PhD candidate, ensuring that the total living allowance meets the IND income standard at the time of admission. Clear evidence, such as a scholarship agreement between the PhD candidate and the scholarship provider, must be submitted.
Please contact the faculty or research group of your interest for more information.

PhD programme

A PhD involves spending four years of in-depth studying and researching in a particular area. You can do this within any of our research groups.

Read more about PhD possibilities

EngD programmes

The other, more practically oriented, route you can opt for at the university is an EngD programme. These programmes focus on technological design and take two years to complete. The University of Twente offers EngD programmes in the fields of Business & IT, Civil Engineering, Energy & Process Technology, Maintenance and Robotics.

All EngD programmes are tailor-made in close cooperation with an industry partner. You will learn to design high-level, creative and innovative designs for complex issues, within a multidisciplinary team.

Find out more about EngD possibilities