Why it fits you

See whether this opportunity fits you

Create your profile in a few minutes: we compare each criterion with your situation, with no document to upload.

Create my profileI already have an account

Who can apply

Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.

Country of study
Netherlands · Maastricht
Degree already heldRequired
Master’s
Target level
Doctorate
Fields of study
Economics, Social sciences and Computing
Languages
  • English: level not specifiedRequired
Other conditions
  • The approval and support of your current employer are needed to take part in the PhD programme.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Approval and support from the candidate’s current employer to participate in the PhD programme is needed.
  • Candidates from the Global South are encouraged to apply.PreferredOrganisation’s wording: Candidates from the Global South are encouraged to apply

The real funding

What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.

At your expense
Housing, plane ticket and visa fees
What is left for you to pay
  • Tuition fees: EUR 9,000 for the first year and EUR 7,000 for each subsequent year. They cover all programme-related costs but not books, specific research costs, travel, visa or accommodation.

Dates

Applications open
1 November 2026 at 00:00 CET (Europe/Amsterdam)
Applications close
15 February 2027 (Europe/Amsterdam)
Results announced
End of April

Application steps

In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.

  1. Step 1: Complete the online application form of the dual career PhD programmeTo do at the same time as: step 2
    With whom
    You
  2. Step 2: Submit the required application documentsTo do at the same time as: step 1
    With whom
    You
    By when
    15 February 2027 (Europe/Amsterdam) — Before 15 February
    Documents to provide
    • Application letter (1 page) on your motivation for undertaking a PhD
    • Research proposal (2-3 pages) linked to the core disciplines of UNU-MERIT
    • Complete CV with education and previous research experience
    • Copy of your passport (PDF or JPEG)
    • Electronic copies of certificates and grades, and an explanation of the grading system
    • Proof of English (approved test) if you are not exempt
    • Letter of support from your current employer
    • One letter of recommendation by a current or former professor or employer

Where to apply

UNU-MERIT (opens in a new tab)

Official title (in English): Dual career PhD programme

Edition Call 2027 · Verified on 1 November 2026

Apply on the official website (opens in a new tab)

Official website of UNU-MERIT: application.unu-merit.nl

See the official page of the opportunity(opens in a new tab)