GET YOUR PHD! University of Liège PhD guide

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Version 2 – October 2015 p. 5
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR ACCESS TO A DOCTORAL PROGRAMME?
The first condition for access to a doctoral programme is having completed an initial training
programme of at least 300 credits, usually in the scientific field of the thesis.
The second requirement is having distinguish oneself (in the broadest sense) during one’s studies.
The third requirement is having a sufficiently well-defined research topic as well as written proof that a
professor or researcher at ULg agrees to supervise the research. The supervisor is in fact the first person
to accompany and guide you throughout your doctoral studies from the very beginning.
The role of the doctoral colleges is to organise and manage the doctoral process at the level of the
corresponding discipline. The organisation of doctoral programmes by each college is specified in
specific regulations.
WHAT STEPS ARE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION AND ENROLMENT?
 The Admissions Office may assist you with all questions and steps relating to
admission to a PhD programme.
 Enrolment procedures:
To enter a PhD programme, you need the authorisation of the doctoral college of the domain in
which you wish to do your PhD (see . The PhD candidate or their supervisor needs to
contact the college (more detailed contact information can be found at dedicated
to PhD).
The PhD candidate has to enrol in the PhD training programme and in the PhD programme at the
same time; tuition fees only have to be paid once since enrolment in both programmes takes place
simultaneously. Pursuant to the 'Paysage' Decree, enrolment is free for PhD candidates who are also
ULg staff members (including members of FNRS and associated funds).

Not later than 31 May of each year, the thesis committee submits an opinion to the doctoral college
on the progress of the PhD project and, consequently, the possibility of re-enrolment of the PhD
candidate. The PhD candidate only has to pay the matriculation fee for re-enrolment. Re-enrolment is
free for PhD candidates who are also ULg staff members (including members of FNRS and associated
funds).
DEFINITION OF THE PH D
Within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, a PhD is defined by th as the third university
cycle leading to the academic degree of doctor, issued after the defence of a thesis.
The doctoral test consists of:
 individualised (60 credits), resulting in the award of a research training certificate.
This certificate highlights the skills acquired during the thesis and provides graduates with a high
scientific and professional qualification;
 the writing of an or an reflecting the importance of a coherent body of
of which the candidate is the author or co-author under the
conditions set by the college regulations;
 the public presentation of this work highlighting its qualities and originality as well as the candidate’s
scientific popularisation capabilities.