How can I become a doctoral student?
You must meet certain formal requirements before you can become a doctoral student at a Swedish university. These requirements are regulated by the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance and SLU’s admission regulations for doctoral education.
General entry requirements
To be eligible for doctoral education, you must:
- hold a second-cycle (Master’s) degree, or have completed at least 240 credits of courses required for a higher education qualification, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level;
- demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to English B/6 (see details below);
- be assessed as having the potential and competence required to successfully complete doctoral studies.
Specific entry requirements
Each doctoral subject may have additional specific entry requirements. These will be stated in the vacancy for each doctoral position. Be sure to read the vacancy carefully to understand what is required for the position you are interested in.
Selection process
Prospective supervisors assess applicants’ qualifications and suitability based on their degree project or equivalent work. The most suitable candidates will then be invited to an interview. During the interview, the applicant is informed about the position and the specific thesis work. The applicant’s academic background and degree project are discussed in detail.
You only need to submit attested copies of your documents if you are invited to an interview. You will need to include copies of your diplomas and transcripts with your application. If you are invited to an interview, you will receive instructions on how to provide proof of your diplomas and transcripts. Please note that the procedures differ depending on whether your degree was awarded in Sweden or abroad. Read more under the expandable sections further down the page.
One of the candidates is then formally admitted to the doctoral programme by the faculty board.