EngD Application procedure
How do you apply for EngD Data Science
To apply for the EngD Data Science program, you must successfully pass the full admission procedure. This involves three steps, including a thorough assessment through a Data Challenge Week and an application interview.
Application for the EngD in Data Science – now closed
Due to an overwhelming response, the application period for the March 2025 selection has closed earlier than expected. We’ve reached the maximum number of candidates for this round. We understand this may come as disappointing news for those still hoping to apply. We are truly impressed by the strong interest in the program, and we encourage you to keep an eye out for future opportunities. Every six months, a new selection period begins with our next Data Challenge Week on the horizon. Next application round will open in April 2025.
If you’d like to be part of the next selection period, we recommend applying early to secure your spot. Stay connected with us for updates on upcoming deadlines and opportunities.
Thank you for your understanding and continued interest in the EngD in Data Science. Your passion for data-driven innovation is what drives us forward.
Step 1
The first step is to provide the necessary information for the program management to assess your eligibility for the program. Do not forget to run through steps 2 – 10. Without these steps your application will not be complete. And thus you will not be able to be considered for one of the spots available! Therefore, we kindly request you to submit the following documents to the secretariat of the program:
- Completed application form, which you can fill in here (opens April, 2025. Do not forget to run through steps 2 – 10. Without these steps your application will not be complete. And thus you will not be able to be considered for one of the spots available!)
- Photo (jpeg-format)
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of the MSc-diploma, including an (informal) translation of this document into English
- Copy of the MSc-thesis
- A copy of the list of marks that you obtained in order to fulfill the requirements for the Master degree;
- The translation of the list of marks, validated by your university administration. Necessary only if your list of marks is not in English;
- Proof of level of English language (for example IELTS)(check language requirements)
- Copy of ID or passport
Please send these documents to DPdatascience@tue.nl. If you are selected for the next step, you will receive more detailed information, along with a formal invitation letter.
Step 2
If you are selected by the program committee, you will participate in a Data Challenge Week, held twice a year in September/October and March/April. During this intensive week, you collaborate with current trainees and other applicants to solve challenges provided by program partners. This serves as both an assessment and a learning opportunity, evaluating technical skills as well as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. You are required to analyze data sets, introduce yourself, contribute to team activities, and present your findings to company representatives. Additionally, you complete a personality questionnaire.
Step 3
The final step of the admission procedure is the job-interview. These take place on the last Thursday and Friday of the Data Challenge Week. The interview is arranged immediately after the assessment. The scientific director, program manager and professional development coach form the interview committee. The focus is on the candidate’s technical background, motivation and the assessment results. The application committee informs the applicant on Monday after the Data Challenge Week whether or not he/she is allowed to enter the program. Candidates will be employed by Eindhoven University of Technology as Technological Designer in Training.
You have applied: then what? A timeline!
From applying to the EngD program in Data Science, to actually starting as a trainee at our campus in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands: it has quite a few steps. The overall process, starting with the opening of the application process till starting at our campus, will take about 10 months. We thought a visual might help you guide the process and to manage your expectations. Check the visual timeline here.
The process breaks down like this:
- The application period is opened
- The applications are continuously reviewed
- We inform you about the outcome of your application via email
- When selected, we ask you to confirm your participation to the Data Challenge Week. This is our unique way of selecting new candidates and train current trainees
- After your confirmation we send you the Official Invite and letter for the embassy (if VISA is required) to participate in the Data Challenge Week
- The Data Challenge Week starts
- After participating in the week, we inform you about the outcome via email (selected or rejected)
- When selected, we ask you to confirm
- After your confirmation, we send you the job offer for the traineeship
- After accepting the job offer, we start you onboarding to JADS
- The EngD in Data Science program starts!
EngD in the news
" you will find your hidden talents and improve yourself"
" you will find your hidden talents and improve yourself"
“It is intensely challenging, but you will find your hidden talents and improve yourself. You get the benefits of being a student, learn, get work experience and get paid. It is a really valuable program for the rest of your career”
– Ravi Thakkar
