Doctoral Candidates

Creating knowledge for science – become a Doctoral Candidate! Doctoral studies at the University of Luxembourg offer a highly stimulating, creative and constructive academic environment for the advancement and support of doctoral students, enabling them to produce high quality research as basis for their future careers either in academia, in the industry or other sectors in Luxembourg, Europe and the world.
You are eligible to apply for admission to doctoral studies at the University of Luxembourg if you hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent), as defined in the University Law (art. 32, 3) and the Study regulations (Chapter1).
Please be aware that Master’s degrees from outside Europe need to be equivalent to level 7 as defined in the Luxembourgish law on recognition of degrees.
More information:
Ministry of Research – Accréditations and Ministry of Research – Any other foreign diploma.
The easiest way to apply for doctoral studies is to find a vacant doctoral position and to apply online at the University of Luxembourg.
Click below and apply for relevant positions:
You can also apply at one of the Luxembourg Research Institutes:
- Doctoral Candidates – Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology
- Doctoral Candidates – Luxembourg Institute of Health
- Doctoral Candidates – Luxembourg Institute of Socio Economic Research
If you do not find a suitable position or if you fall under one of the below scenarios….
- you are employed by a Luxembourg-based company and wish to pursue Doctoral research in partnership with your employer and the University of Luxembourg.
- you wish to pursue Doctoral research and provide your own source of funding (for more info see link to self-funded students).
- you are enrolled in a Doctoral programme at another university and wish to engage in co-supervision with our university.
…follow these steps:
- Identify the doctoral programme that corresponds best to your research project: Doctoral Schools and Programmes.
- Consult the list of Supervisors and select the one whose profile best matches your research project.
- Contact the Supervisor by email and ensure to:
- Attach your CV and motivation letter.
- Add a document outlining the main points of your future research project and the key milestones
- Indicate your source(s) of funding
Important: Without all the documents above, your request will not be considered.
> Once you have been selected, the supervisor will start the academic application procedure and complete the admission request on your behalf.
If you have secured a work contract with the University, the Human Resource Department will give you additional guidance.
Please note that all Doctoral candidates at the University of Luxembourg are primarily students, irrespective of how their dissertation is funded. The source of funding does not necessarily influence the content of your research, but it may impact your employment status at the University and consequently other benefits.
If you would like to pursue joint supervision with a partner university, your supervisor must indicate it during your application for admission.
> you will be invited to formally register and pay the registration fees only when your file has been completed successfully and the admission has been granted by the rector.
Doctoral candidates can start their studies anytime (the 1st or 15th of each month). Enrolment fees are 200€ per semester.
* As of Winter Semester 2025-2026, enrolment fees will be 400€ per semester (no application fees for Doctoral candidates).
For any further information or questions, please visit the page Doctoral Education.