Writing and completing your thesis is a major achievement, but before you reach the finish line, there’s an important issue you need to address: funding. How much does it actually cost to print your dissertation? And how do you ensure your budget is accurate?
The production costs of printing a physical thesis depend on the specifications you choose. Will you handle the layout of the interior and cover yourself, or will you outsource it to a graphic designer? Which type of paper will you choose: Biotop, HVO, or Silk? And how many pages does your thesis contain, and how many copies do you want to print? The more theses you print, the lower the price per copy.
In this blog, we will dive deeper into the crucial question: how do you raise money for your thesis, what choices do you need to make, and how do you set a realistic budget?
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Thesis costs: where does the money come from?
Academic research in the Netherlands is funded through three funding streams. The first stream comes from the government and is intended for tuition fees and living expenses for students. The second stream consists of grants and research scholarships from organizations such as the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The third stream comes from non-profit institutions and companies.
Depending on your research field, one organization may be more relevant than another. Below is a table with examples of non-profit institutions, companies, and other organizations that fund academic research:
| Category | Organizations |
|---|---|
| National science funders | Dutch Research Council (NWO), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) |
| Foundations and charitable institutions | Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), Dutch Brain Foundation, Prince Bernhard Culture Fund, Dutch Heart Foundation |
| Industrial research funds | Philips Research, Shell Research and Technology Center Amsterdam (SR&TC), ASML Research |
| European and international research programs | Horizon Europe (EU), European Research Council (ERC), Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) |
In addition to raising funds through research grants and external subsidies, universities sometimes provide a contribution of between €250 and €750 for printing your thesis.
Printing your thesis: what choices do you need to make?
To determine how much money you ultimately need to finance your thesis, you need to make choices about your thesis specifications. Think about layout, margins, font, page design, print runs, number of pages, and cover design. But don’t forget the defense ceremony either.
Layout of your dissertation
When it comes to layout, consider the structure of chapters, paragraphs, headings, and subheadings. Will you choose a traditional layout that meets academic standards and guidelines, or will you experiment with a modern creative layout that enhances visual appeal? And will you do the layout yourself or have it done by a graphic designer?
Tip: Check out our text layout and design services if you want professional help.
Margins and white space
In terms of readability, determining margins is important. PhD candidates often want to fit as much text as possible on a page to reduce the number of pages and save costs. This creates a dilemma between maximizing the amount of text and maintaining enough white space for good readability and aesthetics. Make a choice that doesn’t lean too strongly in one direction.
Page layout
Decisions about page numbers, chapter titles, footers, and illustrations need to be made. It’s important to achieve a consistent and professional page layout. Visual elements should be added, or extra information included to improve readability. Don’t add too much or too little. Evaluate whether you need a graphic designer to assess this. This also applies to your cover design.
Paper type and finishing
Which paper will you choose? Biotop, HVO, or Silk? Each paper type has its own look and price. Want to know which paper suits your thesis best? Order our sample pack with paper samples – because paper needs to be felt and smelled!
Print run: how many copies will you print?
Costs depend on the number of theses you print. The more copies, the lower the price per copy. PhD candidates at Dutch universities such as the University of Twente, Radboud University, or the University of Amsterdam typically print between 100 and 200 copies.
Defense ceremony: small or large?
There are two types of PhD candidates when it comes to the defense ceremony. Some spend €200 to €300, while others spend several thousand euros. Several factors play a role in determining your budget:
✦ Time and energy – does your defense give you energy, or does it drain you?
✦ Logistical considerations – can you bring everyone together without extensive planning and stress?
✦ Personality – are you introverted or extroverted? Some prefer a smaller, modest circle, while others want to celebrate with as many people as possible.
✦ Financial considerations – are you willing to spend the money on a large defense ceremony, or would you rather invest it in other things?
Listen to your gut feeling and make a choice that suits you.
Budget and balance: set the right expectations
When preparing your budget, it’s important to balance the costs of your thesis, layout, and defense ceremony. Also consider how much funding you receive from the university, how you allocate your money between dissertation production and the defense ceremony, and how much money you might receive back from non-profit institutions.
Always keep in mind that costs can escalate. Therefore, it’s advisable to include an extra margin of 10% in your budget to cover unforeseen expenses and avoid disappointment.
Tip: Negotiate prices and terms with caterers, designers, and event venues. This can save you hundreds of euros.
What does printing a thesis cost on average?
On average, PhD candidates use this budget for thesis production alone:
Budget = personal contribution (€250 to €500) + university funding (€250 to €750) – reimbursement from non-profit institutions
On average, most PhD candidates spend between €750 and €1,250 on thesis production. Some spend as little as €500, while others spend up to €2,500. This depends heavily on the chosen specifications, print run, and whether you do the layout yourself or outsource it.
Printing your thesis in the Netherlands: local options
At Ipskamp Printing in Enschede, you can count on high-quality thesis printing. We work with modern inkjet printing presses and deliver quickly and reliably. Whether you’re completing your PhD at the University of Twente, the University of Groningen, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, or another university – we’re happy to help you find the best solution for your dissertation.
Frequently asked questions about thesis funding
How much does it cost to print a thesis?
On average between €500 and €1,250, depending on print run, paper type, layout, and finishing.
Will I receive a contribution from my university?
Many Dutch universities offer a contribution or reimbursement for dissertation printing costs, but this varies by institution and is often subject to conditions. Due to budget cuts in higher education, these schemes are under pressure and are sometimes abolished or reduced.
Can I apply for subsidies for my thesis?
Yes, you can apply for subsidies or reimbursements from organizations such as NWO, KNAW, or relevant non-profit institutions. Additionally, Fondswervingonline.nl provides an overview of specific funds and grants for PhD candidates and printing costs.
Do I have to format my dissertation myself?
No, you don’t have to. You can do it yourself using software like InDesign, but you can also hire a graphic designer for a professional result. Check out Gildeprint’s design options.
Want to know exactly what your thesis will cost?
Request a free quote and receive a personalized price indication within 24 hours based on your requirements. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and can plan your budget properly.
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Have questions about dissertation funding or want to share your experiences? Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help!
