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
PhD Day 2020 : une journée dédiée aux doctorant·es et à leur bien-être
Le Réseau des Doctorant·es organise la première journée entièrement dédiée aux doctorant·es et à leur bien-être : le PhD Day 2020 ! Plus de 12 orateurs expert·es vont vous révéler les secrets pour réaliser une thèse sans stress et sans conflit !
Mobilité internationale
Coronavirus : restrictions sur les déplacements vers et en provenance de la Chine
Dans le contexte de l'épidémie de coronavirus, apparue dans la ville de Wuhan en Chine, les Autorités de l'Université de Liège ont décidé, par mesure de précaution, d’interdire les voyages vers cette région.
Sciences en société
Concours "Ma Thèse en 180 secondes" - Pourquoi pas vous en 2020 ?
Sélection ULiège
L'année dernière, Natacha Delrez, doctorante à la Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire de l'ULiège, a remporté le premier prix de la finale internationale ! Pourquoi pas vous en 2020 ?
Portez haut les couleurs de votre université !
Nouveaux points de vente pour les produits dérivés
La gamme complète de produits dérivés ULiège est désormais disponible à la vente aux magasins des Presses Universitaires de Liège.
Pull spécial "PhD Candidate" offert par le Réseau des Doctorant·es
En collaboration avec les décanats de toutes les Facultés, le Réseau des Doctorant·es (ReD) offre un pull spécial “PhD Candidate” customisable à chaque doctorant·e de 1ère année ! Pour les autres, il est possible de le commander en ligne.
Santé
Challenge "10 minutes pour votre santé"
La bloque approche, c'est le moment de recharger vos batteries ! Avec le challenge "10 minutes pour ta santé", prenez une pause en marchant et testez les nouveaux parcours pédestres du Sart Tilman.
