More information on the PhD Regulations, Guidelines and Golden Rules.

PhD Regulations

In the PhD Regulations of Leiden University it is set out who is eligible to be a PhD candidate, what the tasks of the supervisor and co-supervisor are and which criteria the dissertation has to meet. You can also find information about the Global Mobility policy.

PhD Guidelines

Apart from the PhD Regulations, Leiden University also employs PhD Guidelines that lay down the minimal requirements for the supervision, training and available facilities for you as PhD candidate.

Global Mobility for PhD Candidates at Leiden University

As a PhD candidate at Leiden University, you may need to spend time abroad for research, conferences, collaborations, or personal reasons such as vacation. To ensure everything is properly arranged, the university has a Global Mobility policy.

If you are abroad for more than four weeks – whether for research, work-related activities, or even vacation – you are required to inform and coordinate with the university before you leave. This is important because:

• Your salary, taxes, and social security may be affected by a longer stay abroad.
• Your health and liability insurance might not automatically cover you outside the Netherlands.
• You may need additional visa or residence permit arrangements for both the host country and the Netherlands.
• The university must know your location for safety and emergency purposes.

What to Do if You Plan to Go Abroad
If you are planning to spend more than four weeks abroad for research, work, or vacation, please follow these steps:

1. Discuss with your supervisor – inform them about your plans and how the stay fits into your PhD work.
2. Report your stay abroad (including the Global Mobility Check) – when you notify HR (Wendy Persson), complete the Global Mobility Check. This ensures all visa, residence permit, salary, tax, social security, and insurance matters are properly reviewed.
3. Check funding and arrangements – clarify whether travel and accommodation costs are covered (through your project, faculty, or external funding).
4. Verify insurance coverage – make sure your health, travel, and liability insurance cover the full period abroad.
5. Provide emergency contact details – so the university can reach you if needed.

Completing these steps before you leave helps ensure a smooth and safe stay abroad without unexpected issues. If you have any questions, please contact your HR officer Wendy Persson.

More information on working abroad can be found on our website.

Golden Rules for PhD supervision

The Golden Rules for PhD supervision provide a set of best practices for both you and your supervisors. These ‘rules of conduct’ emphasise the shared responsibility of your supervisor and yourself. They also make clear what expectations may be held by you both.