Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) PhD application
Find all your answers here.
Application & topics
Can I apply for more than one topic?
It will be indicated in the call details. For the upcoming PhD call, you can apply for maximum one (1) topic. Please make sure you carefully select the topic that best matches your background and interests before submitting your application.
Can I apply with different mail addresses?
No, this is not accepted and all applications will be invalid. (see also change topic choice)
Can I reapply for a topic?
It is not recommended to reapply for a topic that you chose in a previous application window.
Can I change my topic choice(s) after submitting my application?
It is not possible to change your topic choice(s) after submitting your application. If because of reasons that can be motivated, and you need to modify your application, you will have to officially close your active application and request to resubmit a new one before the application deadline.
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 120 ECTS Master’s degree is a 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?
It will be indicated in the call details. For the upcoming PhD call, candidates are required to have completed their Master’s degree by the end of the application window. Candidates who have not yet graduated by that time are advised to apply in a future PhD call once they have obtained their degree.
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
The deadline for submitting your application is the last day of the application window (midnight CET). By that time, all required documents must be included. No additional documents will be accepted after the deadline, unless explicitly requested by phd@imec.be. For referees to provide their recommendation letter in support of your application, a deadline will be indicated that needs to be respected. Please do keep in mind that your date of application impacts the time your referee has to provide their input. The closer your date of application is to the last day of the application window, the less time your referee will have to provide their evaluation. Recommendation letters submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
When do I receive the instructions for the recommendation letters via email?
You will receive the email the next working 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?
After accepting the offer, your application will be submitted to the University Doctoral School for final approval. It is important to know that procedure times at the university can take up time as they are considering several applications. Imec will initiate the University Doctoral School procedure after you accept the offer, but take into account that you can’t start your PhD project before you have officially obtained your Master’s degree. Further, your starting date will depend on your personal situation as well as the team’s availability. If you need a visa, then be aware that this also might cause a delay of some weeks/months. Your starting date will always be discussed between you and the team you’ll start working with, 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