Fully Funded PhD Positions in Educational Data Science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), Netherlands 2026

The University of Amsterdam (UvA), one of Europe’s most prestigious research institutions, is offering two fully funded PhD positions in Educational Data Science. This opportunity is part of a major interdisciplinary research initiative aimed at transforming higher education through data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and learning analytics.

These PhD positions are designed for highly motivated candidates interested in education research, data science, AI in education, and institutional learning systems.

This is a 4-year fully funded doctoral program located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, under the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

About the Research Project

This PhD program is part of the “Building Interdisciplinary Team Science for Future-proof Higher Education” initiative at UvA.

The research focuses on using educational data science and AI to improve:

• Student learning outcomes
• Assessment fairness and transparency
• Curriculum design and effectiveness
• Institutional decision-making in higher education

The project uses large-scale educational datasets including:

• Learning management systems (LMS) data
• Student performance records
• Exam results and assignments
• Feedback systems and course evaluations

Researchers will investigate how AI tools and institutional policies affect student success, equity, and learning behavior.

Key Research Themes

The PhD positions cover advanced interdisciplinary themes such as:

1. Learning Analytics and Educational Data Science – Analyzing student data to understand learning patterns and academic success factors.

2. Artificial Intelligence in Education – Studying the impact of GenAI tools on teaching, grading, and feedback systems.

3. Assessment Fairness and Bias – Investigating whether current evaluation systems introduce bias or inequality among student groups.

4. Curriculum and Course Design Optimization – Improving how universities structure courses to support personalized learning paths.

5. Student Performance and Behavioral Modelling – Understanding how student background and engagement influence academic outcomes.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

This PhD opportunity is open to highly qualified candidates with a strong academic background.

Required Academic Background

Applicants must hold (or be close to completing):

• A Research Master’s degree or equivalent
• Preferably in:
  • Educational Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Economics
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Statistics or related quantitative fields

Required Skills and Qualifications

Candidates are expected to demonstrate:

• Strong quantitative research skills
• Experience in data analysis, statistics, or machine learning
• Programming ability in Python or R
• Experience handling large datasets
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Strong written and spoken English skills
• Interest in education systems and policy research

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants with the following will have a strong advantage:

• Experience in educational data mining or learning analytics
• Background in AI, machine learning, or psychometrics
• Research experience or academic publications
• Experience working with institutional or administrative datasets
• Interest in equity in education and AI ethics

Countries Eligible to Apply

This is an international PhD opportunity open to global applicants.

Eligible regions include:

• Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• North America
• South America
• Oceania

There are no nationality restrictions, but candidates must meet academic and visa requirements for the Netherlands.

What the Program Offers (Funding & Benefits)

This is a fully funded PhD position, meaning selected candidates will receive:

Financial Benefits

• Monthly salary between €3,059 – €3,881
• Full employment contract with the University of Amsterdam
• Annual salary increments (based on performance)

Academic Benefits

• Fully funded 4-year doctoral research program
• Supervision by leading researchers in educational science and data science
• Access to advanced institutional datasets
• Participation in international conferences and workshops
• Structured PhD training program

Professional Benefits

• Experience in cutting-edge AI and education research
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams
• Opportunity to publish high-impact academic papers

Work Environment and Research Structure

PhD candidates will be based in:

• Research Institute of Child Development and Education (RICDE)
• Psychology Research Institute (PsyRes)
• Amsterdam Interdisciplinary Center for Higher Education Research (AICHER)

The research environment is highly collaborative, involving experts in:

• Education science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Economics
• Data science
• AI and machine learning

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application package including:

1. Motivation Letter (maximum 500 words)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Academic transcripts
4. Writing sample (e.g., thesis or published work)
5. Research proposal abstract (maximum 300 words)
6. Contact details of two academic references

All documents must be combined into one PDF file.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official University of Amsterdam careers portal.

• Applications are open until: 7 May 2026
• Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in May 2026

Apply here

Selection Process

The selection process typically includes:

1. Initial screening of academic qualifications
2. Evaluation of research proposal and writing sample
3. Interview with supervisors
4. Final selection based on research fit and academic merit

Why This PhD Opportunity is Important

This program is part of a growing global movement in:

• Educational Data Science
• AI-driven learning systems
• Evidence-based education policy
• Fair and inclusive assessment design

It offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, education, and social impact, particularly in shaping the future of higher education systems.

Deadline

7th May 2026

The Fully Funded PhD Positions in Educational Data Science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) represent a highly competitive and prestigious doctoral opportunity in Europe.

• Category: PhD Program (Fully Funded Research Position)
• Deadline: 7 May 2026
• Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Funding: Fully funded with monthly salary
• Eligibility: Master’s graduates in quantitative or social science fields
• Global Access: Open to applicants from all continents

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in AI, education research, and data-driven academic innovation.

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