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 thèse en 180 secondes
Répétition générale ouverte aux établissements secondaires
The general rehearsal for doctoral candidates in the "Ma thèse en 180s" competition is open to high school students in accompanied groups on March 17.
Liège Sart Tilman
Know more
Musique
Share your current music tracks in the ULiégeoise 2023 playlist
ULiège is launching the second edition of its collaborative summer music playlist on the Spotify platform.
It's time to share your musical favourites and discover the sound nuggets of the ULiège community!
Foreign languages
Conversation tables
In German, Dutch, Italian or Japanese
French-speaking and non-French-speaking students? Take part in conversation tables organized on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Half the time is devoted to a conversation in French, the other half in a foreign language.
Mobilité - enquête
Enquête Fédérale de Mobilité : prolongation jusqu’au 1er avril
Du 16 mars au 1er avril 2022
Participez à l'enquête de mobilité ULiège pour nous permettre d'orienter les actions en fonction des besoins de l'ensemble de la communauté universitaire.
Pratique des langues étrangères
Conversation tables
French-German, French-Italian and French-Dutch
The International Relations Service and the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures organize French-German, French-Italian and French-Dutch conversation tables.
Bourses de doctorat
Lancement des appels pour les bourses de doctorat FRESH et FRIA
Etudiant·e en fin de master ? Vous envisagez de poursuivre vos études par un doctorat ? Le F.R.S.-FNRS lancera mi-juillet les appels pour les bourses de doctorat FRESH et FRIA. Bénéficiez de conseils pour préparer votre candidature.
