Highlights
Tuition fee
8000 EUR / year
8000 EUR / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
8000 EUR / year
8000 EUR / year
Unknown
Duration
48 months
Duration
48 months
Apply date
Unknown
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Campus location
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Campus location
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a four-year PhD programme leading to an internationally recognized degree. 

Overview

Our International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) PhD researchers work on topics in the field of global development and social justice based on a strong theoretical footing and using cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative methods.

Aims

The ISS’s aim is to provide a creative and lively  environment for  critically minded and independent scholars to contribute to positive social change, as well as global justice and equity.

Many of our PhD candidates at Erasmus University Rotterdam are experienced professionals with a track record in development, activism, academia and/or public service, enriching the academic exchange with their experiences and views.

Programme Structure

All PhD researchers are invited to participate in our global research programme and in at least one of the research groups:
  • Civic Innovation
  • Development Economics
  • Political Ecology
  • Governance, Law & Social Justice

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 48 months
  • Part-time
    • 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Credits

32 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Rotterdam, Netherlands

What students do after studying

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA admission requirements GPA
3
3.5 (recommended)

Other requirements

General requirements

  • Masters degree in one of the social sciences - you must must have obtained at least ‘very good’, class 2.1, a GPA of 3.00 or equivalent, but preferably a first class degree, excellent or GPA of 3.50.

Submit the required documents:

  • Copy of Academic Degree(s) / Diploma(s) MA degree
  • Certified Copy of Academic Transcript(s)
  • Your research proposal (starting with a short motivation)
  • Your Master thesis (if available)
  • Your c.v./resume
  • Three references testifying to your ability to undertake PhD research (and, if applicable, to your relevant professional experience). One of these references must be a representative from your Masters programme.
  • Statement of Proficiency in English

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
  • International

    Non-residents
    8000 EUR / year
    8000 EUR / year
  • EU/EEA

    EU/EEA Nationals
    8000 EUR / year
    8000 EUR / year

Living costs

Rotterdam

Netherlands
760 - 1265 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Social Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Read more about eligibility

U.S. government
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1550 EUR
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)

Read more about eligibility

Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

educations.com
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Admit Lab
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available

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