Doctor's programmes

Doctor’s level education is provided by universities. The universities of applied science (=UAS, polytechnic) do not offer post-Master's level degrees. Licentiate and Doctor’s degrees (4 years, 240 ECTS credits) are postgraduate degrees in Finland.

You can start working for a doctorate as soon as you have obtained your Master's degree.

Research and the preparation of a substantial thesis are essential parts of the Doctor’s degree. The doctoral thesis is published and must be defended in a public disputation.

In addition to research, Doctoral programmes include further studies in the chosen discipline and also in the student's specific field of research.

In Finnish universities, Doctoral level studies can be available either as ready-made Doctoral programmes (please consult our Study Programmes Database) or as tailor-made Doctoral level study and research opportunities. Therefore, not all the Doctoral level study and research options are covered in our database. If you wish to work for a doctoral thesis in Finland, you should contact the institution concerned or relevant department directly and make sure that your own field of specialisation is represented there. The university can then assist you in questions regarding when and how to apply.

Please also see the section 'Doctoral Admissions'.