Doctoral studies
The third, research level. You apply after a master's degree. It combines research, teaching and work on a dissertation; the full-time form often comes with a scholarship from the university.
How to apply, step by step
Doctoral studies in Slovakia: how it works
Doctoral studies (PhD.) is the third, research level of higher education in Slovakia, with a standard duration of 3–4 years and the title PhD. / ArtD.. Teaching is mostly in Slovak; the full-time form at state and public universities is free within the standard period — including for Ukrainians with temporary protection status.
To apply you need to have your previous education document recognized (nostrifikácia) and send an application through ePrihláška before the program deadline. This is the highest level of higher education; finishing it opens the way to a research and teaching career. Choose a university, a faculty or a specific program at this level in the tabs above and in the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a doctoral studies take?+
The standard duration is 3–4 years, depending on the field and the form of study (full-time or part-time). The exact length is given on the card of each study program. Important: study beyond the standard duration is no longer free — the university charges a fee for the extra years.
Sources: portalvs.sk
Is this level free for Ukrainians?+
Yes. The full-time form taught in Slovak at public and state universities is free within the standard duration — including for Ukrainians with temporary protection status (dočasná ochrana), who study on the same terms as Slovak citizens. A fee is charged only for the part-time (externá) form, for programs taught in English and for study at private universities.
Sources: minedu.sk
What do I need in order to apply?+
A master's diploma in a matching field + an entrance exam and an interview with your future supervisor; a research proposal is required.
First you need to have your previous education document recognized (nostrifikácia): a school-leaving certificate through the Regionálny úrad školskej správy (online since 2025, fee 7 €), a bachelor's or master's diploma at the Slovak university itself. Then you apply online through the ePrihláška system before the deadline of the program you chose.
Sources: uznavanie.minedu.skminedu.sk
When do I apply and what are the deadlines?+
You apply online through ePrihláška on the website of the university you chose. Deadlines depend on the faculty: medical and arts fields close admission earlier (December–February), the rest usually by March–April. Apply early so you have time for document recognition and, if needed, for entrance exams.
Sources: portalvs.sk
What scholarships are available at this level?+
Students can apply for a social scholarship (sociálne štipendium, based on income) and a merit scholarship from the university, as well as for the National Scholarship Programme through the SAIA agency. Full-time doctoral students usually receive a monthly scholarship from the university for the whole period of study.
Sources: saia.sk
Questions about studying? Ask the community
Advice on admission, student dorms, scholarships and diploma recognition — from people who have already been through it, in our Telegram channel.
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