The doctorate (or PhD) represents education through and about research and innovation. It is a globally recognized degree of excellence.

The duration of the doctoral academic studies program is of 3 years, with the possibility of extension, and it ends with the public defense of the doctoral thesis and acquiring of the title of doctor.

Each doctoral student is advised by a doctoral supervisor (or even two in cases of cotutelle), and by a guiding committee composed of three members. The PhD student presents several research projects and to publish at least two scientific articles. When finished, the doctoral thesis is checked electronically against plagiarism and presented before the doctoral supervisor and the guiding committee. After this, the thesis is officially submitted, the rector nominates a defense committee in which there are at least two members from other universities or research institutes, and a public defense is organized. The whole procedure is checked by the National Council for University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates, and afterwards the doctoral title is awarded.

Why choose Romania for your PhD?

• Excellent doctoral programs;

• A large variety of research fields and extensive interdisciplinary collaboration;

• Affordable tuition fees.

Admission and funding

Admission criteria for PhD positions are different for each university, and potential candidates must have a solid background in the theory and methods of their field as well as a recognized master’s degree. PhD students from other countries generally choose to write their dissertation paper in English and will therefore need to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

Funding your PhD position

In Romania, there are generally 3 ways to fund your PhD:

• Employed by the PhD-awarding institution;

• With a fellowship or grant awarded by a supporting body;

• With sponsorship from your employer.

Tuition fees

Some Romanian institutions charge fees for enrolment, supervision and access to laboratories and other facilities. Each research university is free to decide on how much it charges and fees do vary from one discipline to the next, depending on whether expensive equipment is required or not.

EU Candidates

Candidates who graduated a Master program in a European country, other than Romania, must have their study documents recognized and validated by the Romanian National Centre for the Recognition and Validation of Diplomas (CNRED) , part of the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research. The procedure for the validation and equivalence of diplomas must be done by the candidate.

According to the Romanian National Law 316/ 12.07.2006, citizens from member states of the European Union, European Economic Area and Swiss Confederation, have the right to apply to studies in Romania, in the same financial circumstances as Romanian citizens.

Non-EU Candidates

Candidates from non - EU countries (third states of the European Union) can attend doctoral studies in Romania against foreign currency fees (CPV), provided they cumulate the following requirements:

• To provide documents attesting the citizenship of a non-EU state (a third state of the European Union);

• To hold a Master’s degree diploma or its equivalent.

The candidate must submit an application file at the university.

The university will process your file and send it to the Ministry of Education and Research for evaluation. It may take up to 30 working days to receive an answer from the Ministry of Education and Research. Once the answer is received, the university will inform the student about the results.

Based on the Acceptance Letter (and payments where requested), applicants will have to apply for the study visa at the Romanian Embassy in their country or the closest Romanian diplomatic mission.

For more information please visit the university webpage.