The aim of the third study cycle, i.e. doctoral or PhD studies is to prepare scientists who would be able to independently carry out scientific research and development projects, to solve scientific problems and in such a way to change the future of our society and the world.
“PhD studies are opening the possibilities to explore one’s creativity, to satisfy scientific curiosity and to experience the joy of discovery by obtaining a doctoral degree at the same time”, says Reda Žilėnaitė, Head of KTU Doctoral School.
She is convinced that PhD studies is a dynamic journey full of surprises, joys and, certainly, hard work.
KTU is offering doctoral studies in technological, natural, social sciences and humanities in 19 subject areas. 6 subject areas are offering the possibility of a double degree, and 2 of them provide the opportunity to study in joint study programmes together with international research and study institutions. The University has approximately 320 PhD students; the majority of them are studying and carrying out research in the areas of Materials Engineering, Informatics Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
The duration of doctoral studies at KTU is 4 years; during that time the student has to complete 3-4 study modules at KTU or partner institutions and 1-2 study modules in international study and research institutions and to prepare and defend his or her doctoral dissertation. PhD students are encouraged to seek knowledge and competences at summer or winter PhD schools, through intensive courses. The results of the PhD research have to be introduced at a minimum of 2 scientific conferences and published in at least 2 scientific journals.
Reda Žilėnaitė reminds that the State has significantly increased financial support for PhD students since January 2019. Currently the 1st year doctoral student in a state-funded place is receiving EUR 722 monthly scholarship and the 2nd–4th year students are receiving EUR 836 per month.
International students are eligible to apply for state-funded study places, which means that they do not pay for their studies and are receiving the scholarship.
“We are always happy to share the good news with our students. Increased State support is definitely one of them. However, State scholarship is not the only financial incentive available for KTU doctoral students”, says Head of KTU Doctoral School.
From KTU Doctoral Fund PhD students can receive additional funding for their studies and research, and from International Science Events Fund – for participation in scientific conferences. Also, KTU PhD students are being financially rewarded for high-level scientific publications; all PhD students can participate in a competition for one-time incentive scholarship yearly.
KTU is supporting the academic mobility of the doctoral students by providing funding for internships, traineeships, winter and summer schools, international conferences. However, a PhD student has to be very active himself or herself and to participate in national and international competitions.
All these news and other information on doctoral studies at KTU was introduced in the open event for prospective PhD students at the end of February. The event was held in English, as more and more international students are choosing to aim for a doctoral degree in KTU.
“We are encouraging prospective students firstly to read thoroughly the information on PhD studies on our website – to get acquainted with admission requirements and with the deadlines. The students can already get acquainted with the dissertations topics, selection criteria and other peculiarities. Once you choose a topic, it is advisable to contact the scientific supervisor of the topic”, says Vita Daudaravičienė, Doctoral Projects Manager at KTU Doctoral School.
All the information related to the PhD studies admissions, competition, selection criteria, funding and deadlines is available online.
