PhD Candidates

Doctoral studies are provided by four doctoral schools at the University of Warsaw:

The system offers an interdisciplinary and research-oriented doctoral programme. However, prospects are linked to obligations, so doctoral students undergo a mid-term evaluation of their progress and only after successful completion can they continue their studies.

The same recruitment rules apply for Polish and international candidates (interviews with PhD applicants will be conducted in English for those who are not fluent in Polish);
Doctoral schools are free of charge for all participants (including those from outside the EU);
A doctoral student who does not yet hold a doctoral degree shall be awarded a doctoral scholarship, the duration of which shall not exceed 4 years. The period of 4 years shall not include the period of suspension of education;
Training at doctoral schools lasts for 4 years, with the possibility of an extension of up to 2 years.

Admissions and required documents

The recruitment process is based on a contest open to candidates from all over the world. This process will ensure that the most suitable candidates, with the greatest aptitude and motivation for research work, are selected.

How to apply?

register to Internet Registration for Candidates System – IRK
select a doctoral school and check the detailed requirements
submit documents in the system

Main documents include:

the application generated in Internet Registration for Candidates System – IRK
a diploma of completion of the long-cycle Master’s degree programme or second-cycle programme or an equivalent diploma obtained under separate regulations
a resume or curriculum vitae containing information about the candidate’s scientific interests and scientific activity during the five calendar years preceding the submission of the application
scans of materials confirming scientific activities referred to in the resume or CV
documents confirming the command of foreign languages and a declaration about the command of English to the extent enabling the education in the Doctoral School (at least at B2 level)
a description of the initial research project proposal (6000 characters with spaces + 1000 characters with spaces for bibliography and abstract)
a description of the planned supervisor about their willingness to be the candidate’s supervisor
1 photo
declaration on familiarising themselves with the content of the Resolution, as well as Article 40 and Article 41 of the Code of Administrative Procedure,
a statement of whether the candidate is or has been a doctoral student or participant in a doctoral programme. If so, the title of the doctoral dissertation or research project prepared by the candidate and the name of the supervisor or promoter.

If you are interested in a more detailed description of the terms, conditions, and procedures for admission to UW Doctoral Schools, check the resolution of the Senate of the University of Warsaw on this very subject.

Recruitment schedule for the academic year 2024/2025

I. Interdisciplinary Doctoral School:

registration in the Internet Recruitment of Candidates (hereinafter “IRK”) system, submission of the application for admission to the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School in IRK: 7 May–18 June 2024
recruitment procedure:

1st stage of the admission procedure: 3 July–12 July 2024
announcement of the results of the first stage of recruitment: by 12 July 2024
publication of interview schedule (stage II): by 12 July 2024
2nd stage of the recruitment process: 19 July–26 July 2024
announcement of the ranking list: by 31 July 2024
submission of documents by qualified candidates: 19 August–17 September 2024
announcement of the admitted candidates: 20 September 2024

II. Doctoral School of Humanities:

registration in IRK, submission of the application for admission to the Doctoral School of Humanities in IRK: 29 April–4 June 2024
recruitment process:

1st stage of the recruitment process: 18 June–25 June 2024
announcement of the results of the 1st stage of recruitment: by 28 June 2024
publication of the interview schedule (2nd stage): by 28 June 2024
2nd stage of the recruitment process: 8–18 July 2024
announcement of the ranking list: by 25 July 2024
submission of documents by qualified candidates: 1 August–18 September 2024
announcement of the admitted candidates: by 20 September 2024

III. Doctoral School of Social Sciences:

registration in IRK, submission of the application for admission to the School of Social Sciences in IRK: 29 April–4 June 2024
admission procedure:

1st stage of the recruitment process: 18 June–23 June 2024
announcement of the results of the first stage of recruitment: by 28 June 2024
publication of interview schedule (stage II): by 28 June 2024
2nd stage of the recruitment process: 6 July–14 July 2024
announcement of the ranking list: by 24 July 2024
submission of documents by qualified candidates: 7 August–20 September 2024
announcement of the admitted candidates: by 23 September 2024

IV. Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Science:

IRK registration, submission to IRK of application for admission to the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences: 6 May–17 June 2024
submission of letters of recommendation: by 27 June 2024,
Recruitment process: