Earn up to €3,881/month with a paid PhD at Radboud University—no tuition fees, full benefits, and open to international applicants this 2026.

Programme Overview

Institution: Radboud University

Established: 1923

Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands

QS Ranking: 224 (2025)

What Is This?

PhD candidates at Radboud University are hired as paid employees — not students. You earn a monthly salary and pay zero tuition fees.

Monthly Salary

Year	Gross Monthly Salary
Year 1	€3,059
Year 2	€3,184
Year 3	€3,314
Year 4	€3,881

Based on a full-time (38 hrs/week) contract. You also get:

• +8% holiday bonus — paid every May

• +8.3% end-of-year bonus — paid every November

• 30 or 41 days paid annual leave (your choice)

• Pension contributions and free disability insurance from day one

Eligibility

• Completed (or nearly completed) Master's degree in a relevant field

• Strong academic record

• Excellent English — written and spoken

• Open to all nationalities—no Dutch required.

Contract Structure

• 4 years total, full-time

• First contract covers 1.5 years, with a performance review at month 14

• Pass the review → contract extended for the remaining 2.5 years

• Maternity/parental leave → contract extended by the same duration, on request

How to Apply & Deadlines

There is no single application window. Each position is posted individually with its own deadline and start date.

1. Browse vacancies at ru.nl/en/working-at/job-opportunities

2. Apply through the online button on each vacancy page

3. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for an interview

Typical documents: CV, cover letter, Master's certificate or proof of expected completion, transcripts, and 1–2 referee contacts. Always confirm with the specific listing.