The glass-walled European Parliament Paul Henri-Spaak building facade in Brussels.

Netherlands Rolling — positions are advertised continuously on the TU Delft vacancies portal as projects are funded

TU Delft Funded PhD Positions

In the Netherlands, a PhD is a paid job rather than a tuition scholarship — and we present TU Delft's positions honestly on that basis. Doctoral candidates at TU Delft, one of the world's top technical universities, are employed on a four-year contract under the Dutch collective labour agreement, earning roughly €2,900 gross per month in year one and rising toward €3,700 by year four, plus holiday and year-end allowances, pension, and full social security. There is no tuition to fund. For Sri Lankan Master's graduates in engineering, computer science, applied sciences, architecture, or design, this is one of Europe's best-paid research routes. Positions are advertised individually on the TU Delft vacancies portal; you apply to a specific funded project.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Salary

~€2,900-3,700/mth gross (rising)

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Duration

4 years (Dutch labour contract)

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Type

Salaried employee (pension + benefits)

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Fields

Engineering, CS, applied science, design

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Relevant Master's Degree

A strong Master's (or equivalent) matching the advertised project — usually in engineering, science, or a quantitative field. A research thesis and good grades are expected.

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Fit to a Funded Project

You apply to a specific advertised PhD vacancy tied to a funded project and supervisor. Your skills must align closely with the project's methods and goals.

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English Proficiency

TU Delft PhDs are conducted in English; proof of English is required unless your prior degree was English-taught. Many Sri Lankan English-medium degrees qualify.

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Open to Internationals

Vacancies are open worldwide, including Sri Lanka. TU Delft's HR supports the Dutch highly-skilled-migrant/research permit once you accept the contract.

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Direct Application

CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and references go directly to the hiring group via the vacancies portal — not through a central scholarship office.

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Search TU Delft vacancies

Browse the TU Delft PhD vacancies portal for positions in your field. Each advert lists the project, supervisor, salary scale, and closing date.

Apply to a specific position

Submit a tailored motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and references, clearly connecting your background to the advertised project's aims.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates interview with the supervisor and team, usually online for international applicants. Expect detailed discussion of your Master's research and the project.

Contract and relocation

On selection you sign a Dutch employment contract; HR supports your residence/work permit and relocation. There is no separate tuition cost.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is the Netherlands' largest and highest-ranked technical university and routinely sits in the global top 20 for engineering and technology. A salaried TU Delft doctorate combines elite research facilities with a Dutch living wage and full benefits — a transparent, well-paid alternative to scholarship-only PhD routes.