It is expected that NWO will launch a new Call for proposals for PhD grants in May as part of the Caribbean Research Program: a multidisciplinary approach. The Call is intended for graduate researchers who wish to conduct doctoral research that is directly related to or relevant for the Caribbean islands of the Kingdom.

About the program

The Caribbean Research Program was established in 2013 by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. It supports high-quality research aimed at strengthening the knowledge base, building research capacity, and contributing to addressing urgent societal issues in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Caribbean region).

This Call for proposals offers PhD grants for research that:

• Increases and strengthens scientific knowledge production on and about the Caribbean region;
• Has scientific and societal impact on the islands;
• Is largely conducted in the Caribbean region, ensuring local relevance and connection;
• Contributes to the long-term development of research capacity and infrastructure in the Caribbean region.

This is a great opportunity if you:

• Want to obtain a PhD degree at one of the following universities: University of Aruba, University of Curaçao, University of St. Martin, or in the Netherlands;
• Were born on or currently live on one of the six Caribbean islands of the Kingdom*;
• Hold a masters degree or equivalent;
• Are motivated to obtain a PhD degree that benefits the Caribbean region.

By supporting more PhD candidates from and in the Caribbean region, NWO aims to strengthen local universities, research organizations, and knowledge networks.

* This is a requirement if you wish to obtain a PhD degree at a research organization in the Netherlands. All conditions can be found in the Call for proposals.

Deadlines

• The deadline for submitting letters of intent is June 24, 2025, before 17:00:00 CEST/11:00:00 AST.
• The deadline for submitting preliminary applications is September 16, 2025, before 17:00:00 CEST/11:00:00 AST.
• The final deadline for submitting complete proposals is February 24, 2026, before 17:00:00 MET/12:00:00 AST.

If you have not submitted a letter of intent, it is not possible to submit a preliminary application.

Budget

A maximum grant amount of €350,000 can be requested per project. The maximum duration of the proposed project is 48 months/four years (or equivalent part-time).