EngD Admission and Application

Have you finished your Master's and are you interested in technological designs? Do you want to continue studying and get paid while doing so? Then the designer programme 'Design for AgriFood and Ecological Systems' might be what you are looking for!

You can also enroll if you are already working in an organisation and would like to pursue an Engineering Doctorate. With the correct background, you can smoothly enrol in the programme. Candidates can only start when a project is available and funding guaranteed.

A candidate is admitted to the EngD programme when they have met the following entry requirements:

1. Master's degree

To start the EngD programme, you must have obtained a master’s degree that is comparable to a Dutch MSc. This is evaluated by NUFFIC, the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. Hence, accredited master’s degrees obtained in the Netherlands are automatically recognised. Please check the required documents for registration for details on documents that must be submitted depending on where you obtained the master’s degree.

When a master’s degree is not recognised by NUFFIC, as equivalent to a Dutch master's, a Qualifying Exam (QE) may be required. This will be indicated by the EngD office. The content is determined by the supervisor in consultation with the candidate, in accordance with the rules for QE. These rules are stated in the EngD regulations, which are determined by the Academic Board of Wageningen University & Research. Note that this QE exam has to be taken before the EngD program starts. The QE exam is not part of the Training and Education programme of the EngD.

2. English proficiency

The EngD programme requires English proficiency at a certain level to verify that the candidate can participate in English. Applicants for the position must provide an internationally recognized English proficiency test (not older than 24 months). The minimum requirement of a TOEFL internet-based test is 90 with a minimum of 20 for speaking, IELTS of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 for speaking, Cambridge Certification of Advanced English (CAE) with a minimum level C or a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Furthermore, applicants that are native speakers will be exempt from the English test requirement along with applicants who have acquired an English-instructed master's degree. For more information, see the Entry Requirements.

3. Proof of funding

For a candidate to be able to start an EngD, funding must be guaranteed. This includes funds for research, tuition fees, monthly allowance, and bench fees. These fees are to cover research expenses, working facilities, access to the library and a Wageningen University & Research account. 


Application procedure

To apply for the Engineering Doctorate programme, you can either:

1. Apply for a paid position:

A paid position can become available for an Engineering Doctorate trainee to perform the research. Upon availability of such positions, an opening will be offered on the vacancy page.

2. Open application when the following requirements are met:

  • Employed at a company that is willing to financially support the EngD programme, or
  • Self-financed in conjunction with a company willing to host the EngD programme.

Applicants for the programme can apply all-year round.

You can apply by sending all required documents to engd@wur.nl.