WILLEMSTAD – For the first time ever, PhD scholarships are being made available specifically for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Caribbean students and researchers who wish to pursue a doctorate with support from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) can apply until early next week, according to a report from Caribisch Netwerk. 

The newly introduced scholarships are aimed at individuals born in or residing on the islands, as well as those nominated by universities in Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten. The initiative is designed to foster research that contributes to knowledge development within the region. 

Focus on Local Impact 

To be eligible, applicants must propose a research project that demonstrates social relevance and impact on the islands. The first step in the application process is to submit a statement of intent, in which candidates briefly outline who they are, what they plan to research, and which academic supervisors they intend to work with. 

Applications must be submitted via the official NWO portal. 

NWO representative Kim Hendriksen explains that candidates must hold a Master’s degree, or be in the final phase of completing one. There are no age restrictions, and the call is open to all academic disciplines—from the humanities to technology, and from economics to healthcare. 

This scholarship opportunity represents a significant step toward inclusive academic development, enabling more Caribbean voices to contribute to global and regional scientific research.