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Historical City Centre, Utrecht · Independent Dutch Research University · Care Ethics & Meaning

University of Humanistic Studies: Ethics, Care & Dutch PhD Research Guide

The University of Humanistic Studies (UvH - Universiteit voor Humanistiek), established in 1989 in the historic heart of Utrecht, is an independent, state-accredited research university in the Netherlands. Internationally renowned for its interdisciplinary scholarship combining philosophy, ethics, psychology, and sociology, UvH focuses on humanization, care ethics, social sustainability, and meaningful aging.

Official university portal ↗Graduate Funding & FacultyResearch checked, not sponsored

Verified degree programs and opportunities

Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:

Admissions, language requirements & application process

Master's admission eligibility
Recognized Bachelor's degree from a Dutch university or international research university equivalent (180 ECTS) in humanities, social sciences, philosophy, or healthcare.
Doctoral admission eligibility
Master's degree (Master of Arts or Master of Science) with distinction (minimum Dutch grade of 7.5 or international GPA 3.5+); competitive selection for advertised doctoral vacancies.
Language proficiency
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all subtests), TOEFL iBT 90, or Cambridge C1 Advanced; Dutch language proficiency (NT2-II) required for Dutch-taught tracks.
Research statement / Proposal
Doctoral applicants must submit an original 2,500-word research proposal detailing theoretical frameworks, empirical methodology, and ethical relevance.
Application fee
€0 (Studielink application without additional institutional registration fee).
Required documentation
Bachelor's and master's degree certificates, certified transcripts of records, curriculum vitae, motivation letter, and academic writing sample.

Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems

Tuition is legally fixed at €2,530 per year for EU/EEA students. For non-EU/EEA international students, master's tuition is approximately €9,600 per academic year. Employed doctoral candidates (promovendi) receive full Dutch university collective labor agreement (CAO) salaries (€38,000–€48,000/year gross; zero tuition fees).

Verified faculty profiles and research leaders

Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at University of Humanistic Studies:

Dr. Carlo Leget

Professor of Care Ethics & Chair of Care Ethics Department · Palliative Care Ethics, Existential Vulnerability, Moral Deliberation, Spiritual Care

Dr. Doret de Ruyter

Professor of Philosophy of Education & Human Development · Human Flourishing, Educational Ethics, Ideals in Education, Meaningful Parenting

Dr. Nicole Immler

Professor of Historical Memory & Social Justice · Transgenerational Trauma, Historical Injustice, Reparations, Colonial Memory

Important verification note

Facts reflect official University of Humanistic Studies documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.

Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue