Pursue your PhD at imec: a unique research experience

Why choose a PhD at imec?

• Work in an inspiring international environment with top researchers.
• Get access to state-of-the-art labs and cleanrooms to push your research further.
• Develop your skills through specialized technical training and industry collaborations.
• Connect with imec’s global partner network and explore career opportunities.
• Receive financial support during your PhD journey.

General information

The next application window will open from June 22nd until July 8th, 2026. Note that topics will be announced from Mid-May 2026 onwards. Imec doesn’t grant PhD degrees directly, but acts as a host research institute in collaboration with selected Belgian universities:

• KU Leuven
• UGent
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• Universiteit Antwerpen
• UHasselt
• Université Libre de Bruxelles
• UCLouvain
• ...

Imec is offering you the opportunity to work with top professors and experts in the PhD field. In addition, imec also explores (dual) degree PhD agreements with universities around the world for a selection of the posted topics (initiated by imec). This offers you the unique opportunity to work with top professors and experts in your field. Whether you’re an engineer or a scientist, our multidisciplinary research opens doors to cutting-edge discoveries.

Check out our PhD opportunities

Prepare

• Before submitting an application, candidates are strongly advised to read the PhD Admission Requirements
• Choose your topic and look up the reference codes (2026-XXX). In the upcoming call, you can apply for 1 topic only. To give you the time to reflect on your choice, the topic titles will be posted around Mid-May 2026.
• Collect your documents in PDF format:
  • Resume
  • Motivation letter
  • Bachelor's degree and transcripts
  • Master's degree and transcripts (For this call, candidates who have not yet completed their Master’s study by the end of the application window are advised to apply in a future PhD call)
  • Proof of your English language proficiency (refer to the PhD Admission Requirements for details)
  • One independent recommendation letter is required for your application. It is advised that candidates contact a referent well in advance of the application process. Note that submission of the recommendation letter by your referent can only be done during the actual application process. Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an automated email with instructions on how to invite your referent to submit the reference letter before the deadline. (Deadline will be announced when the application window opens). 

Submission of forms or recommendation letters via email will not be accepted.

Submit

• When the application window opens, go to the submission form under the PhD topic and click on 'Apply’
• Upload all your application documents in separate PDF files. Do not upload secured or password protected files. Please only upload the required documents.

Attention points

• PhD candidates are selected through a centralized application procedure. While candidates may discuss research topics with potential supervisors in advance, the selection and final decision are not made by individual supervisors. Candidates are therefore kindly requested not to contact professors regarding the outcome of the selection process. All questions can be addressed to phd@imec.be. We will respond as soon as possible, but replies may take some time.
• Do not submit unsolicited documents with your application, e.g. do not submit high school diplomas or papers that are not explicitly requested.
• Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. No revised documents or additional information can be accepted. Candidates are therefore strongly advised to carefully review all documents, including the motivation letter, before actual submission.
• If we do not receive your complete application (i.e.all required documents) by the application deadline, your application will not enter the screening process.
• We will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. Please take into account that processing your application - especially around the application deadline - may take several days.

Selection

Review of application

• When the application window closes, a panel of senior researchers and experts will closely read and evaluate all complete applications.

Interviewing with committee

• If you have been shortlisted for an interview, you will be contacted by email to fix a date. The interview phase for this call will be held in August 2026. 
• The interview will likely be via Microsoft Teams, or eventually, face-to-face if you are residing in Belgium. The interviewers will share details on how to prepare for the interview. Typically, for the interview, you will receive a technical paper related to the topic. We expect you to analyse and present the key content. Additionally, a brief profile description and a 5-minute summary of your thesis work can also be presented. During this elaborate in-depth interview, both your technical and non-technical competencies will be evaluated, including your English proficiency. 

Final result

• After all interviews have been completed, the PhD committee consolidates the feedback and decides which candidates will receive an offer of admission. Note that the official decision is made and communicated by phd@imec.be (not by the interviewers).
• Candidates who are not selected at any stage of the selection process will be informed by email. If you have not yet received an update on your application, this means that a final decision has not yet been reached. Once the admissions committee has finalized its decisions, all applicants will be notified of their final status. 

Onboarding

Once you receive and accept imec’s admittance offer. The next steps of the onboarding will be managed by imec. The next formal step in the process is review and acceptance of your application by the University Doctoral School. You will receive email communication on the steps to take. Once formally accepted by the Doctoral School, a starting date can be agreed upon. Financial support and employment-related arrangements will be handled by imec.

Check out our PhD opportunities