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.
Rolling — positions are advertised continuously on the TU Delft vacancies portal as projects are funded
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Salary
~€2,900-3,700/mth gross (rising)
Duration
4 years (Dutch labour contract)
Type
Salaried employee (pension + benefits)
Fields
Engineering, CS, applied science, design
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Salaried PhD Contract (~€2,900-3,700/mth gross). This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
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.
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.
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.
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.
Direct Application
CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and references go directly to the hiring group via the vacancies portal — not through a central scholarship office.
account_tree Application Process
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.
Top 20
World for Engineering & Tech
Salaried
4-Year PhD Contracts
English
Research Language
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat NL actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for NL, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
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