Registering for a doctorate, after having received a diploma from an institution of higher learning

Admission 

The 3^rd cycle is the highest level of university studies.

It includes :

• doctoral research, for which the student is counted as qualified by holding a certificate of instruction in research techniques;
• work performed as part of preparation for a dissertation and its defense, which upon completion earns the student
  the academic degree of doctor (Ph.D)

Admission to 3^rd cycle studies is reserved for students who are holders of a Master's diploma, received after 5 years of study (300 credits/ECTS).

At the same time, students who have received a 2^nd cycle diploma in four years, under regulations in force prior to
the "Bologna" decree, can also be admitted to 3^rd cycle studies, on a case-by-case basis.

In order to submit a file, you must have a thesis or dissertation project that is reasonably well-defined, and written permission from a faculty sponsor.

We also invite you to consult the General Rules for Doctorates.

Requirements for admission and registration

Your complete application file should contain the following items:

• application for admission form filled out and signed
• a copy of the student's identity card
• a copy of the student's C.E.S.S. diploma attesting completion of secondary studies (C.E.S.S.)
• grade reports from each year of  higher education studies, including failed years
• a copy of each higher education diploma earned
• records or transcripts showing the student's activity or studies during the last 5 years, unless these are accounted for by studies leading to the diploma currently held by the student
• written approval from a faculty sponsor

The student's application file containing all these items will be submitted to the doctoral college, which will make known its decision as quickly as possible.

Within 20 working days of submission of a complete file, the decision on admission will be sent to the student.

Depending on the situation, the doctoral college will authorize students to register:

• for the doctorate, directly, and for doctoral research;
• for doctoral research only;
• for a supplementary year of study, to allow students to acquire knowledge in "subject" areas in which they had been lacking, in order to be admitted to 3^rd cycle studies.

After having received your authorization letter from the Admissions Service, you may come in person to the Admissions Office. Registration is open year round. However, If your college requires you to take a test prior to entering 3^rd cycle studies
(60 credits maximum), you are required to register for that test before November 30 of the year in question.

Paying for school

A doctorate is a long-term study project that lasts at least 3 years. That's why it's important to make sure that adequate sources of funding are available.

A doctorate can be financed by using:

• your own funds
• a university assistantship
• a grant for doctoral study from ULg
• a grant from the FRS-FNR or FRIA agencies
• funds linked to performing research work under contract

For more information concerning paying for doctoral programmes, please call the Research Administration office.