3 Fully-Funded PhD Scholarships in the Netherlands Closing in September 2026
Students and researchers looking for fully funded PhD scholarships in the Netherlands have three opportunities to consider at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). All three positions are accepting applications until September 30, 2026, and offer a gross monthly salary of €3,204 to €4,051 for full-time employment.
The available research areas include quantum physics, artificial intelligence and policymaking, and marine ecology. The positions are structured as paid PhD employment rather than traditional tuition-based scholarships, with additional employment benefits.
Netherlands PhD Scholarships 2026 at University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam is offering these positions through different research departments. Candidates should carefully check the academic requirements before applying because each PhD project requires a different educational and research background.
| PhD Position | Research Area | Monthly Salary | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Optical Clock | Experimental Physics | €3,204–€4,051 | September 30, 2026 |
| Emotion-Sensitive AI and Policymaking | Social & Behavioural Sciences | €3,204–€4,051 | September 30, 2026 |
| Offshore Windfarm Impacts on Marine Birds | Ecology | €3,204–€4,051 | September 30, 2026 |
These figures and deadlines are listed on the University of Amsterdam’s current vacancy pages.
1. Continuous Optical Clock PhD Position
The first opportunity is aimed at researchers interested in experimental ultracold atom or trapped-ion physics.
The project focuses on developing continuous optical clocks. Instead of operating in separate measurement cycles, the research aims to enable continuous interrogation of ultracold strontium atoms. The project involves experimental laboratory work, laser systems, optics, electronics, machine upgrades, debugging, data collection and scientific analysis.
Applicants are expected to have a recent master’s-level background in experimental ultracold atom or trapped-ion physics, along with strong communication, teamwork and time-management skills.
The position is a 38-hour-per-week employment contract. The salary is listed between €3,204 and €4,051 for the PhD-level position, depending on the applicable employment year and scale.
2. Emotion-Sensitive AI and Policymaking PhD
The second position is particularly relevant for graduates working in artificial intelligence, political communication, psychology or computational social sciences.
The research is part of the A.I. Feels project. It examines how emotion-sensitive AI systems and chatbots communicate emotional cues and appeals in responses to prompts relevant to politicians and civil servants.
The project combines areas such as political psychology, political communication, human-machine communication and the sociology of emotions. Candidates will also contribute to research activities, academic events and teaching.
Applicants should have a completed MA or Research MA in political science, psychology, communication science, computational social sciences, sociology or a related discipline. Knowledge of AI and emotions, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods, is required.
The position is for up to four years, with an initial one-year contract followed by an extension subject to a positive assessment. The listed salary is €3,204 to €4,051 per month.
3. PhD in Marine Bird and Offshore Wind Research
The third opportunity is designed for candidates with an MSc in ecology, theoretical ecology, theoretical biology or a closely related quantitative field.
The research will investigate how offshore wind farms affect marine bird populations in the North Sea. The project will focus on northern gannets and common guillemots and use population models based on individual energy use.
Researchers will examine issues including habitat displacement, ecosystem changes, turbine collisions, feeding opportunities, mortality and reproduction. The project is part of the North Sea POWER consortium and involves collaboration with Wageningen Marine Research.
The PhD contract covers four years, beginning with an 18-month contract that can be extended following satisfactory evaluation. The preferred starting date is January 4, 2027. The salary begins at €3,204 per month and rises to €4,051 in the final year.
Benefits of the Fully Funded PhD Positions
In addition to the monthly salary, these fully funded PhD scholarships in the Netherlands provide employment-related benefits. The listed positions include an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. UvA also provides pension arrangements and professional development opportunities for PhD researchers.
Because these are employment-based PhD positions, successful candidates can conduct doctoral research while receiving a regular gross salary under the university’s employment arrangements.
How to Apply for Netherlands PhD Scholarships 2026
Interested candidates should select the position that matches their academic qualifications and research interests. Each vacancy has its own document requirements.
Depending on the position, applicants may need a CV, motivation letter, publication list, writing sample and contact details for academic references. The application must be submitted through the University of Amsterdam’s online recruitment system.
For the marine ecology position, UvA specifically states that applications must be received by September 30, 2026. Interviews are scheduled for October 30, with a possible second round on November 19.
Important Deadline for Applicants
The deadline is approaching quickly. Candidates interested in these Netherlands PhD scholarships 2026 should prepare their documents carefully and submit complete applications before the closing date.
Applicants should also read the individual vacancy requirements rather than relying only on general scholarship information. Academic qualifications, research experience and required documents vary between the three projects.
