Graduate School of Governance and Global Affairs
Prospective PhD Candidates
Different PhD tracks are available for different types of PhD candidates.
The PhD track
A PhD track consists of original scientific research under the supervision of a professor, which takes on average four years (full-time). Many PhD candidates are employed by the University, but a number are subsidised by a grant that they have acquired themselves. In addition, the university also has a large number of external PhD candidates, who generally work part-time on their research. Every PhD candidate is enrolled in one of the university's Graduate Schools.
Within the Graduate School of Governance and Global Affairs you can conduct your PhD research in a wide range of subjects. Each PhD candidate is affiliated to one of the research institutes:
- The Institute of Public Administration
- The Institute of Security and Global Affairs
- Leiden University College The Hague
The PhD programme can be conducted full-time and part-time.
Types of PhD candidates
There are different types of PhD candidates, which can be divided into two main categories: those with an employment contract at the university as a PhD candidate, and those without such a contract. The rights and responsibilities of the PhD candidate may be different for each type of PhD track.
Please note that candidates who are employed by the university in another role (for example, as a study advisor) and who pursue a PhD in their own time, fall into the second category.
Employed PhD candidate: regular
A regular employed PhD candidate has a four-year appointment at the university. The appointment is usually for one year at first, and is then extended by three years if positive progress is made. Regular employed PhD candidates often have a small proportion of teaching duties.
Employed PhD candidate: PhD Fellow (combination profile Teacher and PhD Candidate)
A PhD Fellow has a six-year appointment at the university, with the possibility of interim termination. These PhD candidates have more teaching duties than regular employed PhD candidates. An overview of FGGA’s approach to PhD Fellows can be found in this document
Openings for employed PhD positions at the Graduate School of Governance and Global Affairs are advertised on the university's vacancies website.
External PhD candidate
External PhD candidates do not have an employment contract with the university and study for a PhD in their free time and with their own funds. They may follow the PhD track part-time, while also working in a job.
Externally financed PhD candidate
An externally financed PhD candidate works for an external employer and does not have an employment contract with the university. These PhD candidates usually follow the PhD track part-time and (fully or partly) in the employer’s time and/or with the employer’s funding.
Contract PhD candidate
Contract (‘scholarship’) PhD candidates do not have an employment contract with the university, but receive funding from a scholarship funding body (such as the CSC or LDPD), usually in the country of origin, to cover their living expenses during the PhD track.
As of 1 January 2025, the scholarship stipend of non EU/EEA contract PhD candidates must at least meet the IND standard at the start of their PhD, and at the moment of a visa extension. The standard amount is always 70% of the minimum wage plus 8% vacation allowance and can be found on IND website. The scholarship and a monthly salary/allowance from a facilitating employer or university may be added together to reach the standard amount.
Externally financed and external PhD candidates have the option of following a special dual PhD programme (in Dutch), which offers experienced ‘knowledge workers’ the opportunity to study for a PhD at Leiden University.