The European Doctoral School of Demography (EDSD) was founded in 2005 on the initiative of the European Association for Population Studies (EAPS). It is currently supported by of 7 universities (Amsterdam, Groningen, Lund, Roma, Rostock, Tallinn, Warsaw) and 5 research institutions (CED, INED, MPIDR, NIDI, VID).

The EDSD is open to students of all nationalities with a master's degree. Teaching is provided by leading international experts in the fields of study covered. Since the School places great importance on both teaching demographic methods and preparing the student for a career in demography, each course will expose the students to a number of guest lecturers discussing their topics of expertise. By the end of the year, EDSD participants will have developed an extensive network of contacts with established researchers from throughout Europe.

The EDSD is an eleven-month program that is offered every year, with the goal to provide students in the first year of their doctoral studies with an appropriate high-level education in demography. Students will acquire a solid knowledge base on causes and consequences of demographic change, population data, statistical and mathematical demography, as well as modeling, simulation and forecasting. The School's courses are structured in such a way that the students work on precise formulation of a thesis topic and early steps of their dissertations. Many of the School's courses concentrate on strengthening the quantitative and programming skills of the students. The language of the School is English.
 
The EDSD does not charge fees. Several European research institutes and universities provide full fellowships for all students accepted into the School.
 
Successful completion of the School results in a European Research Certificate of Demography provided under the auspices of the European Association for Population Studies (EAPS).