Starting a thesis
Are you thinking of pursuing a doctorate? Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you're on the right track!
Doctoral candidate
ULiège has almost 2300 doctoral candidates, men and women of all nationalities and cultural backgrounds, who are as passionate as they are creative and persevering.
All of them have a doctoral project that they take far beyond national borders, through their publications, the development of a broad international scientific network through participation in congresses, colloquia, training courses and research stays abroad, as well as through the composition of their thesis committee. Doctoral candidates not only energize research units, but also contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the Society thanks to the many outreach activities in which they are actively involved.
The doctoral process
The doctoral process alternates between doctoral training, research and thesis writing, leading to the final stage, the thesis defense.
Financing the PhD
ULiège ensures that all doctoral candidates can carry out their research training in the best possible conditions. As far as possible, it covers research costs, with the support of promoters and partners.
Doctoral training
During the PhD preparation, all doctoral candidates must acquire a doctoral training certificate, known as a "certificat de formation à la recherche" (research training certificate).
Regulations and texts
Find all the regulations and texts relating to the preparation of a doctoral thesis, doctoral colleges by faculty and joint programmes.
Annual events
Every year, ULiège organizes a series of events dedicated to doctoral students - theme days, colloquia, workshops, including the ULiège PhD Days.
Becoming a doctor at ULiège in 2023
In 2023, 254 PhDs graduated from the Université de Liège, after defending their theses.
Theses on a wide range of subjects have propelled our Doctor-es to the four corners of the world.
Why a PhD at ULiège?
As a public university open to the world and rooted in the scientific, cultural and economic development of its region, the University of Liège offers everything you need to excel in your doctoral training:
- Excellence in Research: Anchored in networks of excellence and committed to the HRS4R charter and to its Doctoral charter, the Université de Liège develops and promotes cutting-edge, international, multidisciplinary research that is directly linked to its teaching. A leader in several research fields, you'll work alongside renowned researchers, stimulating your creativity.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure: Benefit from access to laboratories equipped with the latest technologies.
- Collaborative environment: At ULiège, interdisciplinarity is encouraged, broadening your horizons. Numerous tools are available to stimulate your research and collaborate with a large number of potential partners: researchers at the University and also with other Universities, companies and all socio-economic players in the broadest sense.
- Réseau des Doctorants: Open to all doctoral candidates motivated to get involved and participate in the life of their University and within it, the ReD is an independent association enabling doctoral candidates to exchange, work between us or set up projects that make sense for each other and for their peers.
- International network: ULiège maintains worldwide partnerships, offering mobility and openness to new ideas.
- Personalized support: Your supervisors and administrative staff will provide you with the support you need to make your doctoral trainings as smooth as possible, while promoting your academic and professional development.
- Dynamic doctoral life: Enjoy a lively student life in Liège, a cultural and stimulating city. ULiège also supports its network of doctoral candidates and provides them with a PhD House, a place for research-related training and activities.
Accreditations 
RISE (Recherche, Innovation, Support and Entreprises)
Virginie CHRISTOPHE ; Evelyne FAVART
News & Events
MT180 Competition
Ma these en 180 secondes | The 2026 ULiège Finalists
Local final
Congratulations to the eleven doctoral students on their outstanding performances! The three winners of this ULiège MT180 final will represent our university at the national final on May 12 in Gembloux!
EUA Workshop
ULiège at the heart of the European debate on the future of doctoral education
On January 15 and 16, 2026, ULiège hosted the "2026 EUA-CDE Thematic Workshop – Doctoral education for the future of European R&I," a meeting organized by the Council for Doctoral Education of the European University Association.
MT180 Competition
Take part in the 'Ma Thèse en 180 secondes competition' 2026 Edition
Register
The Ma Thèse en 180 secondes competition offers you a unique opportunity to share your research with a wide audience, while honing your skills in scientific communication and popularization.
PhD Days 2025 : Onward to the next step in my career!
PhD Days 2025: A look back at two inspiring days dedicated to PhDs and career development for researchers
On June 26 and 27, nearly 200 PhD students, promoters and members of the ULiège community took part in the5th edition of PhD Days at the Grand Poste in Liège.
MT180 Competition
Ma these en 180 secondes | The 2025 ULiège Finalists
Local final
Congratulations to Josip Brajkovic, Alain Gervasi and Amin Nsangou! The 3 winners of the ULiège MT180 final will go on to defend our university's colors at the national final on May 21 at UMONS!
MT180 Competition
Ma these in 180 seconds | The ULiège Finalists
Local final
Congratulations to Clément Delhez, Carla Hamann and Florence Mignolet! The 3 winners of the ULiège MT180 final will go on to defend our university's colors at the national final on May 16 at ULB!
