If you're a non-Dutch national moving to the Netherlands for your PhD, here's where you can find essential resources and contacts at VU for visa and housing assistance.
KNAW's beginner's guide to Dutch academia provides insights into how Dutch academia operates, funding opportunities, and supportive networks.
VU Amsterdam offers a Bridging Programme, a predoctoral training specifically designed for international PhD candidates, aimed at enhancing research, academic writing, and soft skills. This three-week course takes place annually and awards 6 ECs. For details, contact the programme coordinator at sabina.diprima@vu.nl.
Non-EU nationals requiring a visa should reach out to the VU Immigration Office at immigration@vu.nl. For short stays under 90 days, you may apply independently. Residence or work permits necessitate HRM onboarding and supervisor initiation three months prior to your start date.
PhD candidates relocating to Amsterdam should visit the International Office's pages on accommodation and on relocating to the Netherlands. For accommodation, VU provides limited university housing for new international PhDs. Inquiries can be directed to accommodation@vu.nl, and general housing information is available on the VU accommodation page.
For all general information about being an international living and working in the Netherlands, check this page.
The International Office organises monthly social gatherings for PhD candidates, specially designed for international PhDs. To know when the next one is, contact t.d.j.lagunameraz@vu.nl.