Fees and costs related to IHE Delft PhD studies

To be fully admitted as a PhD candidate, you must have guaranteed financial means. IHE Delft does not offer PhD scholarships. Self-supported PhD candidates who apply through our regular application process will be responsible for paying tuition and other related fees, for example for health insurance, residence permits, housing and all other costs. Candidates who are hired to fill a PhD vacancy will be financially supported through an employment contract.

Total tuition fees for the four-year PhD programme are currently €64,000, regardless of whether part of the research is done in your home country or at IHE Delft. Tuition fees cover access to all IHE Delft facilities, the compulsory courses, use of a laptop computer and the costs of your defence.

Additional costs include compulsory health insurance ranging from roughly €60 - €150 per month, a residence permit (the costs in 2024 are 228 Euro) and expenses related to the research, for example conferences, travel, equipment, materials and supplies.

The cost of living in Delft may be quite different from your home country and city, so it is important to make sure that you have sufficient funds to cover your monthly costs and avoid financial stress during your PhD programme.

Monthly costs for rent are estimated to be roughly €900 per month for student housing and €800 – €1200 for housing in the private rental market. This indication is for accommodation for one or two persons. Participants who are accompanied by their families need additional financial resources.

Housing in the Netherlands is a problem as there is a shortage. There is more demand for than offer of accommodation. IHE Delft has a very limited number of student rooms and studios reserved for PhD candidates with an external housing organization. These are either furnished, move-in ready, accommodation for maximum 6 months, or unfurnished accommodation where you can stay for the duration of your programme. IHE Delft also has a very limited number of student family accommodation. All accommodation is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a waiting list.

For more details on the estimated cost of living in Delft or other Dutch cities, see here.

The Dutch Immigration Office (IND) sets minimum income requirements for residence permit applicants. The IND requires an income of at least the Dutch minimum wage in order to get residence permits for family members, and all family members must have health insurance.

For updated information and income requirements, please see the IND website.

More information about scholarships can be found here