What is drs?

Drs., short for doktorandus (masculine) or doktoranda (feminine), is a Dutch academic title indicating someone who is pursuing a doctorate (PhD). It's a pre-doctoral degree.

• The title drs. is awarded after successful completion of a doctoraal program at a university in the Netherlands and some Flemish universities in Belgium. A doctoraal program is typically a four to five-year program following secondary education (VWO level).
• A doctoraal program is often similar to a Master's degree in other countries.
• After obtaining the drs. title, individuals can apply for PhD positions.
• In the past, the title drs. was very common, but now it's becoming less frequent because many programs have transitioned to the Bachelor-Master system. Many older professionals and academics still hold this title.
• The title can be used both before and after the name, but generally it's placed before the name. E.g., Drs. Jan Jansen.
• Alternatives to drs. depending on the field of study are ir. (engineer), mr. (master of law), and B.A./M.A. (after the introduction of Bachelor and Master titles).