PhD in Europe: models, funding and applying
Quick answer: In most European countries a doctorate carries no tuition, and in some it is salaried. Most Dutch PhD candidates are paid university employees; German public universities charge no tuition, and Baden-Württemberg’s €1,500 fee does not apply to doctoral candidates. France has a registration fee of roughly €400 a year, and funded places in Bologna pay €16,243–19,367 a year.
A doctorate works differently from taught degrees: the deciding factors are the supervisor, the research project and the funding, not the fee. Here are the main models, official figures and funding routes for Azerbaijani candidates.
Doctoral models by country
| Country | Model | Official information |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Salaried employee | Most candidates are paid university staff; others work under a “guest” contract |
| Germany | Individual or structured | No tuition at public universities; the Baden-Württemberg €1,500 fee excludes doctoral candidates |
| France | Registration fee | €397–398 a year at public institutions (Campus France gives both figures); the higher non-EU fees do not apply to doctorates |
| Italy | Funded (“con borsa”) places | Bologna: €16,243–19,367 a year gross; University of Milan: €18,400 from 2026/27 |
| Hungary | Stipendium Hungaricum | 140,000 HUF a month (phase 1), 180,000 HUF (phase 2) |
Source: universiteitenvannederland.nl, daad.de, campusfrance.org, unibo.it, unimi.it, stipendiumhungaricum.hu — checked 11/2026.
Italy also has unfunded doctoral places, so confirm that a position is “con borsa” before applying.
Two routes in Germany
According to DAAD’s guide, you can enter a German doctorate in one of two ways (DAAD). In an individual doctorate you find and agree terms with a supervisor (Doktorvater / Doktormutter) yourself. In a structured programme you apply to a doctoral programme or research school with more formal coursework and supervision.
Funding sources
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| DAAD doctoral scholarship in Germany | €1,400 a month + €460 a year research allowance, up to 4 years |
| Stipendium Hungaricum (doctoral) | 140,000 / 180,000 HUF a month + tuition waiver |
| Funded doctorate in Italy | Bologna: €16,243–19,367 a year |
| Azerbaijan’s State Programme | Doctorates funded at listed top-200 universities |
Source: daad.de, stipendiumhungaricum.hu, unibo.it — checked 11/2026.
The State Programme only funds listed programmes at universities ranked in the top 200 of THE, QS or ARWU. You need an unconditional offer (check the programme rules on how a deposit requirement is treated), the candidate commits to working at least 5 years at a higher education institution in Azerbaijan and submits a consent letter from a local university — see State Programme doctoral conditions. A salaried post, as in the Netherlands, brings employee status, social security and steady income but strong competition; scholarships may allow more freedom over the topic, so apply to both in parallel.
Preparing the application
- Research proposal: the question, why it matters, the gap in the literature, method and a rough work plan.
- Supervisor: prior agreement for an individual doctorate; write a short, personalised email showing which of their work interests you, with your CV and proposal attached.
- Master’s diploma and transcript, CV, references and a language certificate.
- Funding plan: salaried post, scholarship or the State Programme.
Positions, especially project-based salaried ones, can open at any time of year, so follow vacancy pages and keep your documents ready. A Turkish alternative: through the EDDE Global agreement, a doctorate at Istinye University costs $5,800 for the whole programme.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a European PhD take?
Usually 3–4 years: the DAAD scholarship runs for up to 4 years (3 plus 1 after evaluation), and the Stipendium Hungaricum stipend is paid over two phases of 4 semesters each.
Is a doctorate in Europe free?
In many countries, yes — German public universities charge nothing and most Dutch candidates are salaried, though France has a registration fee of about €400 a year.
Do PhD candidates in the Netherlands get paid?
Yes; according to Universiteiten van Nederland, most are salaried university employees.
How much is an Italian doctoral scholarship?
It varies by university: €16,243–19,367 a year gross in Bologna and €18,400 at the University of Milan from 2026/27.
Plan it with us
Bring your research topic and CV, and EDDE Global will help you plan the search for a supervisor, funding and a strong proposal. Book a free consultation.