How to apply for the PhD programme?
You can apply for participation in the Part-time PhD Programme (start January 2027) by taking the following steps:
Step 1: Request a personal link to securely (through encrypted file transfer) upload your application documents. You can do so by sending an email to the programme coordinator. You will receive this link per email.
Step 2: Submit the following documents before November 15, 2026:
- A description of your research topic, including 1) problem statement (what is the issue?); 2) a research question; 3) the theoretical perspective, and 4) a potential research methodology and research design (maximum 2000 words)
- An up-to-date CV with complete contact details
- Copies of academic degree + transcripts (certified): an MSc degree or equivalent is required*/**.
- A copy of a valid ID card (EU) or passport (and if applicable a valid Schengen zone visa)***
- A copy of the English language certification, attesting to your excellent command of written and spoken English, certified by an official English language test IELTS or TOEFL, or a diploma from an English taught programme
*Diplomas from professional programmes, certificate programmes, non-academic masters, and postgraduate programmes are generally not accepted as an entry qualification. To assess the eligibility of your degree, please contact the programme coordinator.
** In case you obtained a diploma from a university outside of the EU, USA/Canada, or Australia, please submit a diploma evaluation obtained via https://idw.nl/en/. Please note that the processing time of diploma evaluations takes 10 working weeks.
*** As the Dutch government does not issue study visa for part-time based programmes, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is not able to organise a Dutch study / business visa for non-EU participants.
Important: Please note that copies of the academic degree and the ID card / passport should be submitted in PDF format. Only color scanned files and official extracts are accepted. Pictures of documents are not accepted.
Who is this PhD programme for?
The Part-time PhD in Business programme is specifically designed for business leaders and professionals who aspire to pursue a PhD on a subject relevant to their own business practice next to a fulltime working commitment. However, professional experience or fulltime employment are not strictly required to apply.
The programme is highly international, and welcomes participants from all geographical and professional backgrounds.
- Main industries: Consulting / professional services, banking, higher education, energy, IT, engineering, electronics / high technology, food production and marketing.
- Average work experience: 15-20 years (range: 1-45)
- Average age: 40-45 (range: 25–67)
- Gender: Approx. 50% female, 50% male
- International participants: 40-45%
- International participants' place of residence: Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Latvia, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, UK, and USA.
