Predoctoral training, doctoral training and doctorate (Ph.D)

Admission to the Predoctoral Training:

In some cases holders of a foreign degree who apply for admission to the doctoral degree programme, may be subjected by the faculty to a ‘predoctoral training’, under supervision of a tutor assigned by the faculty. The tutor will propose an individual study programme for the candidate, attuned to the candidate's specialisation. Language tests may have to be passed.

This predoctoral training comprises a study programme of either one or two years. By the end of the training programme, successful students acquire a specific certificate mentioning he/she 'has successfully completed' the predoctoral training programme. They may be accepted as doctoral students afterwards. The predoctoral training programme is a full time study programme; the student acquires a full-time student status, on the basis of which non-EU students can get a residence permit.

Doctoral Training:

The Doctoral Schools take responsibility for the doctoral training programme (not for the pre-doctoral programme) and in consultation with the various faculties organises specialised courses, seminars, workshops, guest lectures, etc.

This doctoral training programme is a flexible programme of 60 ECTS credits. When carried out successfully, this training is concluded with a specific certificate which is not to be confused with the doctor's degree. The Doctoral Training programme will be service provided to all doctoral researchers at Ghent University and may be compulsory to some groups of students/researchers.

Doctoral Degree (i.e. Doctorate, Ph.D.):

Doctoral degrees are open to holders of a master degree or a degree of minimum four years of study considered equivalent by the university. Candidates with a foreign master degree will be evaluated individually with regard to their academic background and competences necessary to carry out scientific research. More information.

There is no direct admission. The student requests and completes an application form. For information on how to obtain the application form, see section How to apply. After a thorough assessment of the submitted application package, the prospective student will be informed on whether admission has been granted or denied. The following documents must be submitted along with the application form:

• A legalised copy of your diploma and lists of result (report card)
• A curriculum vitae (resume)
• Proof of language proficiency for predoctoral training or doctoral training and doctorate
• A research proposal