Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) PhD application
Find all your answers here.
Application & topics
Can I apply for more than one topic?
Yes, you can apply for 3 topics maximum. In the application form, you’ll be able to provide your topic choices. There is no need to apply multiple times.
Can I apply with different mail addresses?
In theory, it is possible to submit multiple applications with different e-mail addresses. However, this is not accepted. If this situation occurs, we will close the duplicate application(s) and will only continue with the first application we received. Please refrain from applying with more than one e-mail address, as it only causes unnecessary additional work.
Can I reapply for a topic?
It is not possible to reapply for a topic that you chose in a previous application window. If you provide some of the same topic choice(s) from an earlier application, your application will not be considered for these specific topics and only for the new topic choice(s). If you only provide topic choice(s) from an earlier application, your application can not be considered in general and will be closed.
Can I change my topic choice(s) after submitting my application?
If you wish to change your topic choices, you can let us know at phd@imec.be before the application deadline (April 15 or December 15, depending on the date of your application). Applicants cannot change their initially chosen topics by themselves, so there’s no need to close your application and try to resubmit the application form because it will simply not work.
Application documents
I have a Bachelor’s degree, can I apply without a Master’s degree?
For your application to be considered for doctoral research at imec you need to obtain a Master’s degree or currently be enrolled in a Master’s program. A Master’s degree is an absolute prerequisite for every PhD application (even if you have multiple years of experience). It is a general rule of admission to the university on which we cannot make any exceptions.
I’m in the final year of my Master’s degree, can I apply or do I need to wait until I have obtained my degree?
If you still need to finish your last year of your Master’s degree, you can already apply. There’s no need to wait to apply. Please note that to start your PhD research at imec, you first need to obtain your Master’s degree. So, if you apply and receive an offer, your starting date can’t be before your graduation date.
Can I provide my thesis abstract/research papers/publications...?
Publications, abstracts, writing samples,... aren’t necessary to add during this step of the application process, it is also not possible to add them. However, should you be invited for an interview, you can always provide these to the interviewers beforehand. A link in your resume could be an option if you would already like to include them in your application, but don’t add the separate documents in your application.
Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency if the medium of instruction of my Master’s degree is English?
If the medium of instruction of your Master’s degree was English, there’s no need to provide an English test result. However, if this is not clearly mentioned on your master’s transcript, it’s required to provide a document from your university that can confirm this. Usually, universities can provide this kind of statement rather easily. As an alternative, you can also provide a PDF document containing a screenshot from the website of your Master’s institution, if it is clearly mentioned there (for your specific Master’s degree).
I do not have a GRE test result. Can I continue my application?
A GRE test result is not mandatory, only highly recommended for applicants with a non-EU master's degree. So, if you can't provide this test result, we can still continue with your application.
Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency, if I work(ed) at imec?
There’s no need to provide an English test result, if you work(ed) at imec. This is also applicable for imec job students, interns, …
Deadlines
What are the deadlines for providing documents?
- If you apply in the application window from March 15 – April 15, the deadline to provide all necessary elements for your application is April 15, 23.59h CET.
- If you apply in the application window from October 15 – December 15, the deadline to provide all necessary elements for your application is December 15, 23.59h CET.
No additional documents will be accepted afterwards.
What are the deadlines for the referees to provide their input?
The deadlines for the referees providing their input are the same deadlines that apply for the applicants:
- Application window March 15 – April 15: deadline is April 15
- Application window October 15 – December 15: deadline is December 15
There’s an exception for the referees of applicants who apply on the last day of the application window:
- If the applicant applied on April 15, the referees can provide their input by April 17, 23.59h CET at the latest
- If the applicant applied on December 15, the referees can provide their input by December 17, 23.59h CET at the latest
Important note: these extended deadlines are ONLY applicable for the referees. The applicants cannot provide any other documents or information after the deadlines of April 15 or December 15.
When do I receive the instructions for the recommendation letters via e-mail?
You will receive the e-mail the day after you apply. If you applied on a Friday, the instructions will be sent to you on the following Monday.
Starting as a PhD student at imec
What is the amount of the scholarship for PhD's?
The PhD scholarship will be financed by imec and is paid via the university. This scholarship is to cover living expenses, housing, health insurance, and student registration. As a PhD student, you are registered as a student, you can benefit from the advantages the university offers to its students (as we collaborate with different universities this can differ a little bit from university to university). We can not provide specific scholarship amounts beforehand, as this depends on your personal situation (e.g. marital status). Kindly consult the information on the university’s website if you wish to have a first indication.
If I accept a PhD offer, what will be my starting date?
Your starting date will depend on your personal situation as well as the team’s availability. Take into account that you can’t start before you have officially obtained your Master’s degree. It’s also important to know that procedure times at the university can take up several weeks/months. If you need a visa, then be aware that this also might cause a delay of weeks/months. Your starting date will always be discussed between you and the team you’ll start on, so your availability will be considered as well.
Did you not find the answer you were looking for? Feel free to reach out at phd@imec.be