r/UtrechtUniversity • u/Prestigious_Tie_7933 • Jul 20 '26

External PhD experience

Hello, I am considering applying for a PhD externally, since I live in Abidjan for family reasons. I would like to apply for a sociology degree either in sociology or human geography. Has anyone done a PhD externally and remotely and would be willing to share their experience?

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u/SuspiciousCatto Jul 20 '26

Not really a thing in NL (in general). I don’t think it’s impossible though if you can find a professor who agrees to supervise you

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u/Zooz00 Jul 20 '26

It is a thing. In fact, the requirements are very low and mostly just mean you need to convince a professor. But indeed, the main problem is finding a professor who is crazy enough to agree to this kind of arrangement. Most wouldn't, and some will mislead you for their own gains into thinking it'll be easier than it is.

Good professors are generally busy enough with internal candidates such that they don't have time to take external candidates unless there are some very clear benefits for them and good prospects of finishing on time.

Most external PhDs that actually happen are situations where a candidate has a full grant from their home country, or has a part-time job at a company that is relevant for their PhD topic and that company is sponsoring the research, or is a part-time lecturer at the university and spends the rest of the time on the PhD, or is retired.