The Academic Preparation Programme equips students with essential skills for studying in the Netherlands, focusing on both academic English and Dutch teaching methods. Delivered over five days (30 hours) by native-speaking lecturers, the course combines simulations, discussions, and practical exercises to help students adapt to the Dutch academic environment. The Pre-Doctoral Course supports future Indonesian PhD candidates with one- or two-week training developed by Leiden University and VU Amsterdam. It prepares participants for doctoral study by strengthening research skills, academic readiness, and cultural understanding—providing a solid foundation for success in a Dutch PhD programme.

Details

(!) Please note that the Pre-Doctoral Programme is currently under review, and we look forward to welcoming you in 2026. The Pre-Doctoral course at ETC is specifically designed to meet the needs of doctoral-level international students. This two-week course has been jointly developed by three top Dutch universities: Leiden University, Groningen University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in order to support and better prepare incoming and future Indonesian PhD candidates in their PhD trajectories. The Pre-Doctoral course is the perfect stepping-stone to a prestigious Dutch doctoral degree.

Admission Requirements

This course has a limited number of places and is aimed at industry professionals and Indonesian students/researchers who are looking to apply for a PhD but who need support in developing their research proposal, and familiarising themselves with the Netherlands doctoral research system. COMPULSORY: 1. Short outline of the PhD research proposal (up to 800 words, 1 page excluding references (Word file); 2. Master degree certificate or similar; 3. CV (updated and including picture). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 4. English language skills – IELTS 6.5 (applicants who hold an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent certificate: TOEFL IBT 95-120/Cambridge exam, will be given priority); 5. Acceptance letter from a Dutch University (PhD students who hold an admission letter from a Dutch University will be given priority. ALL SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE IN ENGLISH.

Choose a course location