The UT Statute for PhD Candidates stipulates that external PhD candidates, including so-called external, scholarship-funded, and externally financed PhD candidates, must contribute to the costs of their doctoral trajectory. The candidate can pay this contribution themselves or arrange payment through an employer or funding body.
Waivers
Under the previous arrangement, companies could have employees conduct PhD research under the UT’s banner while making use of campus facilities. On paper, the UT charged around 15 thousand euros per PhD candidate for this. In practice, however, faculties often waived that amount. As a result, costs for the UT increased significantly. According to legal and tax experts, the university may also have exposed itself to various risks. The Executive Board has now put an end to that situation.
No profit, no loss
Under the new policy, PhD candidates will pay a fixed annual tuition fee of €3,000 that can no longer be waived. In addition, a variable bench fee may be charged to cover research-related costs such as lab use, fieldwork, or conference attendance. This creates clarity and avoids the previously mentioned risks. The statute states that the fee is not intended to generate profit, but to prevent losses.
A small number of PhD categories are exempted ‘for strategic reasons’. PhD candidates whose doctoral trajectory was approved before 1 February are also not subject to the new rule.
Doctoral agreement
From now on, the PhD candidate and any funding body involved will sign a doctoral agreement in which these arrangements are clearly laid down. The new policy takes effect on 1 April, giving faculties ample time to inform those concerned.
