Questions on PhD programme at Dept. of CS, Vrije Univ.

I have received couple of emails on-and-off from people who are interested in finding out more about the PhD programme at Dept. of CS, Vrije Univ. This is an attempt at answering most of them so that I don't have to answer them every time by email.

Please do not consider it as an official communcation or even an authoritative one. Do your checks!

• Q: Does the PhD intake happen every year?
  No. Unlike US universities, there is no fixed number of PhD student slots to be filled every year. The intake depends on project funding available to the faculty member. This is how it works: the faculty member bids for funding and if successful may decide to take one or more PhD students using the fund. He/she then advertises the open position on his/her personal website, group website and/or department website and other venues like mailing list etc. (For example see Andy Tanenbaum's and Bruno Crispo's website.) You need to apply for the position and present credentials to meet that position-specific requirements, as mentioned in the advertisment.
  
  
• Q: "Do I need to have GRE/TOEFL scores?"
  You do not need GRE scores to apply, unless explicitly asked for in the application. Even TOEFL scores are not required as long as you can prove somehow (published papers etc.) that you are comfortable with English as medium of education.
  
  
• Q: "Will I have to learn Dutch?"
  While it is always good to learn Dutch, there will be no requirement, unless specificaly stated otherwise (almost never for CS).
  
  
• Q: Are there any scholarship programmes to support PhD students?
  You get paid a montly salary if you are selected for the position. Infact you hold a work permit, so you even pay tax! You will be expected to cover all your personal expenses (accomodation, food etc.) using that. You do not have to pay tuition fees. In short, there is no need for a seperate scholarship.
  
  
• Q: Can you help by introducing 'me' to a faculty?
  Unless I know you personaly, I am afraid, I can't do so.
  
  
• Q: Is Amsterdam a nice place to live?
  Personally, I love Amsterdam. It is a very lovely, fun loving, cosmopolitan and open city. The winters can get on your nerves, but you have your work for company!
  
  
• Q: "Can I send you my resume"?
  I don't think that will help you at all since I do not have any say in the process nor will I be able to recommend your resume to any of the faculty.
  
  
• Q: What does the faculty look for in a PhD. candidate?
  Frankly, I don't know, but I do have some idea. Knowledge and/or interest in the area is a must. Referred publications to show ability to do independent research is a big plus. Proficiency in English is a must. Consistent history of good academic performance is a plus. Good project experience (industry, Google SoC etc.) is another plus.
  
  
• Q: I am -insert_your_nationality-. Do I stand a chance?
  As far as I have seen, nationality does not play any part in determining the qualificaton of the candidates. I know colleagues from US, UK, India, Pakistan, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Peru, Venezuela and Netherlands (of course).
  
  
• Q: What kind of opportunities are available to me after I finish my PhD?
  While the choices are highly personal, in short, sky is the limit. Previous PhD students have gone on to work for companies like Amazon, IBM, AMD, Google, BT, PWC etc. Other have stayed back in academics while some others have found their calling in a different path like trading etc.