phd program finland

Doctoral admissions

You can search for doctoral programmes on the application portal Studyinfo.fi , or you can contact the universities directly about the doctoral study and research options they offer. Check the application times and procedures, eligibility requirements and other details with the university you are interested in. The following links will take you to each university's Doctoral studies and research info pages.

• Aalto University
• University of Helsinki
• University of Eastern Finland
• University of Jyväskylä
• University of Lapland
• LUT University
• University of Oulu
• Hanken School of Economics
• University of the Arts Helsinki
• Tampere University
• University of Turku
• University of Vaasa
• Åbo Akademi University  

Doctoral / PhD funding opportunities

See the advice on doctoral level scholarships  to learn where you can search for doctoral level research funding. The universities may also offer paid doctoral and post-doc positions, see below.

Academic research positions and jobs

Announcements for doctoral and post-doc researcher positions at Finnish universities can also be found on academic recruitment sites like:

• Jobs in Finland / Academic
• Academicpositions.fi

Early career researcher info & advice

Information, advice and guidelines for early career researchers - compiled by the Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (FUURT)

Scientific research in Finland

Research.fi is a service offered by the Ministry of Education and Culture where you can learn more about the Finnish science and innovation system and policy, and research conducted in Finland.

• Research.fi

Aalto Doctoral Programme in Science

Application period:

Language of instruction:, eligibility:, field of study:, organising school:, table of contents, choose doctoral studies at the school of science.

The research at our school focuses on advanced energy solutions, condensed matter and materials physics; creation and transformation of technology based business; data science and artificial intelligence; health technology; neuroscience; and software engineering.

Through our internationally-acclaimed high-level research we aim to make a significant impact on society.

Doctoral education pilot

We are hiring 178 new doctoral researchers - get your doctorate from Aalto

Anna Cichonska uses data science to develop better healthcare

Dr. Cichonska has received two awards for her dissertation and now she helps develop preventive medicine using data science

Why can’t AI say ‘I don’t know’?

Overconfident AI systems can be dangerous, so researchers are teaching them humility

Your path to doctoral studies at the School of Science

• Apply for a salaried doctoral researcher position at Aalto. Salaried doctoral researcher positions are advertised at  Aalto University Open positions .
• If you are interested in  full-time studies but there are no open positions at the moment, please directly contact a professor in charge of your intended research field to discuss the possible supervision of doctoral studies. Professors may also have information on other funding possibilities (such as grants), as well as on upcoming positions that are not yet announced.
• If you are employed elsewhere but wish to pursue doctoral studies, that is possible either as a  full-time or part-time student , depending on your situation. In this case, please contact the potential supervising professor directly. Note that to pursue the degree, you need to reside in Finland at least part of the study time.
• In some cases it is also possible to start pursuing doctoral studies without funding (part-time doctoral studies). In this case, please contact the potential supervising professor directly. Note that to pursue the degree, you need to reside in Finland at least part of the study time. Non-Finnish citizens need therefore to take into account  the income requirements of the Finnish Immigration Service. 
• After agreeing with the supervising professor, apply for the study right in our doctoral programme (in addition to a possible working contract at Aalto) - see instructions below. Please note that you are not a doctoral student before you are officially admitted to the doctoral programme, even if you already have a salaried doctoral research position.

Note: Before applying for the salaried positions and/or contacting the potential supervising professor(s), please check below the requirements and qualifications needed for applying for the study right in our doctoral programme.

Discover your research topic and find a supervising professor

Research activities at the departments are arranged under research groups. If your research interest aligns with one of the research groups, it will be easier to find a doctoral study place.

Find research groups under our Department pages Research fields and supervising professors in the School of Science

In addition to the departments' and research groups' pages, you can use Aalto University's research portal for finding the professors who are researching the area in which you want to do your doctoral research. Before applying for doctoral studies you should be aware of the research done and researchers working in the field of your interest.

Aalto University's research portal for finding our researchers and research projects

More information on discovering your research topic and finding a professor

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Basic information on doctoral studies

Objective of studies.

Doctoral students will be equipped with the professional skills and knowledge required for demanding academic research and teaching positions. They will be trained for management, research and development, and other specialist positions of the information society.

The departments, which are in charge of the doctoral programme’s education and research at the School of Science , offer research fields that are based on strong research traditions and research at the highest international level. The School of Science is also very active in various national and international doctoral education networks.

Content of studies and degree structure

Doctoral education at the School of Science is based on vigorous basic research, forming a strong basis for teaching as well as development and innovation activities. The most important part of the education is the research work, which is conducted in a robust and dynamic research environment. The theoretical studies that support the research work are tailored individually to suit the different needs of each doctoral student. The theses of the School of Science are of very high quality and often contain articles published in international peer-review journals. Full-time doctoral students can complete the doctoral degree in four years.

The Doctor of Science (Technology) degree consists of

• an approved doctoral thesis
• research field studies (20-35 ECTS)
• general research studies (5-20 ECTS)

Full-time or part-time studies

All doctoral students are defined as either full-time or part-time students. Doctoral students may not change their study mode by themselves, but it can be changed by application if necessary.

Full-time doctoral students plan their studies with the view to allowing the doctorate to be earned within four years of the right to pursue a doctoral degree being granted. Those applying for a full-time right to pursue a doctoral degree must have funding secured for at least 6 months (e.g. from the employer, or through project funding or a grant). Students employed outside Aalto University must append in their application a certificate issued by the employer proving their possibility to pursue full-time studies (i.e. a minimum of 80% of working hours may be used towards doctoral studies).

Those who do not meet the above criteria for full-time doctoral students are regarded as part-time doctoral students . This category includes, for instance, doctoral students who have a main occupation elsewhere than at the School of Science. Part-time doctoral students plan their studies so as to allow the doctoral degree to be completed in a maximum of eight years.

It is advisable to have a discussion with the part-time students on whether their research is closely connected to their work, and how their employer can support intensive doctoral studies alongside work.

Study language

The language of instruction is, in principle, English, but the doctoral thesis can also be completed in Finnish or Swedish.

The applicants will define in their application in which language they will pursue the degree. The possible languages are Finnish, Swedish, or English. If doctoral students want to write their doctoral thesis in Finnish or in Swedish, the language of the degree will be Finnish or Swedish. If the doctoral thesis is written in English, doctoral students can choose English as the language of the degree that must be approved by the doctoral programme committee. The language of degree can, on reasonable grounds, be changed at a later stage if the language of the doctoral thesis changes.

Funding and fees

The most common ways to fund doctoral studies are

• working in a salaried doctoral researcher position
• personal grant(s) or scholarship(s) from foundations or funding agencies

Most Aalto doctoral students combine different funding sources during their studies. 

How to find and apply for funding for doctoral studies and research? Generally Aalto University does not offer scholarships for doctoral studies. However, there is an on-going scholarship scheme until 2024 for students from African and South American countries: Finland Fellowship .

During the academic year 2024-2025, the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture is funding 178 new doctoral researcher positions at Aalto University through a doctoral education pilot.

Doctoral education pilot: 178 doctoral researchers' salaried positions

Fees and costs

Aalto University doctoral studies are free of tuition fees. Aalto University does not charge fees for enrollment to the University. Doctoral students are welcome to join the Aalto University Student Union. The membership of the Student Union is subject to an annual fee.

If you need a residence permit for research in Finland, please see more information about income requirement at the Finnish Immigration Services .

International opportunities and Cotutelle

Internationality is an integral part of the school’s doctoral education in both recruiting and educating doctoral students. The School of Science is well connected to a number of top-level international universities and research institutes in its field.

Aalto University encourages its doctoral students to spend at least six months of their study time abroad, as international mobility enhances doctoral students’ career opportunities . Visiting a foreign university or research institute often means sharing knowledge and know-how, creating new ideas, expanding international networks, and developing one’s professional skills.

Cotutelle - joint supervision

The Aalto University encourages doctoral degrees that are jointly supervised with an international partner. These agreements are referred to as Cotutelle Agreements. Arrangements for joint supervision are made in terms of the studies and supervision of a single doctoral student that will be awarded degrees and the associated certificates from both universities.

Cotutelle agreements are part of the university's aim to achieve and maintain high quality of international standards in research and education. International cooperation is an integral part of the doctoral education of Aalto University, and one method for such cooperation is arrangements for the joint supervision of doctoral degrees. A doctoral student may earn a double degree under a joint supervision arrangement between two universities provided that the joint supervision is based on genuine scientific cooperation, bringing added value to the doctoral thesis and enhancing the quality of the research.

Cotutelle agreements should be made at the beginning of the studies but it requires a right to study at the Aalto University before any agreement can be made.

Multidisciplinary opportunities

The doctoral education networks collaborate through seminars, courses, summer schools and events as well as promoting networking, and increasing peer support among doctoral students.

Doctoral education networks

The School of Science operates in the following doctoral education networks:

Brain & Mind CMMP- Network in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Doctoral Education Network in Systems Analysis, Decision Making and Risk Management ENNUSTE - Doctoral Education Network in Nuclear Science and Technology FDNSS - Finnish Doctoral Education Network in Stochastics and Statistics HICT - Helsinki doctoral education network in information and communications technology Nordic IoT Hub - Nordic collaboration in Industrial IoT

More information

Career opportunities and employability for Aalto doctoral students

Why choose Aalto University?

How to apply?

The Doctoral Programme in Science invites applications continuously (applications will not be processed in July). The more exact application times can be found below.

Before submitting the application, each applicant must contact a supervising professor who is responsible in their intended research field to doctoral studies and the supervision of the studies. Applicants are urged to ensure that their expertise and research interests are commensurate with the research group (and those of the supervising professor of their studies) that they apply to.

Application dates & deadlines

Applies to all applicants, with the exception of applicants for part-time doctoral studies in the research field of Industrial Engineering and Management .

Applicants to the research field of Industrial Engineering and Management

• Applications are invited from full-time applicants to the research field of Industrial Engineering and Management once a month. The application deadlines are identical with those of other research fields in the programme, please see deadlines above.
• Applicants to part-time doctoral studies in the field of Industrial Engineering and Management may apply twice a year.

Application periods 2024: part-time applicants, Industrial Engineering and Management

Processing the applications

Each application is processed in the next possible meeting of the Doctoral Programme Committee when all the required materials have been received. Only applications with all the required materials will be processed. Incomplete applications will be rejected, unless the missing materials are sent by the deadline given. The right to pursue a degree will be valid only after the dean has granted the right and the applicant has accepted the offer of admission. The applicant has two weeks to accept the offer and cannot postpone the start of the right to pursue a degree.*

*Please note:

From 1 August 2016 onwards applicants who have been given an offer of admission may accept only one student place leading to a higher education degree in Finland during one academic term (Universities Act 558/2009). Higher education degrees include bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees awarded by universities as well as degrees from universities of applied sciences.

The academic terms run from 1 August to 31 December and from 1 January to 31 July. The acceptance of a student place is binding and cannot be cancelled. Even if the accepted applicants postpone the commencement of studies or give up their right to study, they cannot accept another study place leading to a higher education degree starting the same academic term.

Eligibility

The general eligibility criteria for higher education are defined in the Universities Act (558/2009, section 37) and in the Aalto University Student Admissions Criteria for 2023.

Eligible applicants for studies leading to a doctoral degree from the Doctoral Programme in Science will have completed:

• a relevant master’s degree awarded by a university;
• a relevant master’s degree awarded by a university of applied sciences; or
• a relevant study programme abroad which in the awarding country gives eligibility for the corresponding level of higher education.

The university may require a student admitted to study towards an academic or artistic licentiate or doctoral degree to complete supplementary studies in order to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for the study programme.

Policy on the recognition of degrees awarded outside Finland

Applicants holding a degree earned abroad are eligible for doctoral studies provided their degree gives them eligibility for corresponding higher education in the awarding country. As a general rule, the grounds for Aalto’s recognition of degrees earned abroad is that the normative time to attaining them is at least four years, which includes a master’s thesis or the equivalent, and that such studies in the view of the school equip the student with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue doctoral studies at the school. The general policy on the recognition of a European degree as the basis for doctoral degree studies is that it be a higher-education degree combination (3+2 years) earned in accordance with the Bologna Process principles.

Eligibility on the grounds of higher-education degrees with a structure differing from the abovementioned are considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, attention will focus particularly on how well the degree has prepared the applicant to pursue doctoral studies.

Policy on the recognition of master’s degrees from Finnish universities of applied sciences

Applicants with a master’s degree in a relevant field earned at a Finnish university of applied sciences are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for their aptitude to pursue doctoral studies. If the school deems the applicant with a relevant master's degree from a university of applied sciences as having the potential to complete the doctoral degree, the applicant will be assigned sufficient supplementary studies to allow him or her to begin the doctoral/licentiate studies. The scope of the supplementary studies may not, however, exceed 60 ECTS credits. If the scope of the supplementary studies exceeds this maximum, the applicant is advised to complete a master's degree at the university level before applying for a right to pursue the doctoral degree.

When assessing the students’ potential for successful doctoral studies and determining their need for supplementary studies, the school will consider the scope of master’s degrees at the student’s university of applied sciences (in Finland, such degrees are of 60–90 cr, less than the 120-credit scope of master’s degrees at Finnish universities such as Aalto).

Applicants with a prior degree earned abroad and corresponding to a relevant Finnish master’s degree from a university of applied sciences are treated equally to those with master’s degree from a Finnish university of applied sciences.

Evaluation criteria

The academic evaluation of the applicant is performed by the supervising professor in charge of the research field sought by the applicant. The Doctoral Programme Committee also evaluates the applicants. In addition, all applicants to the field of industrial engineering and management are evaluated by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management.

The evaluation of applicants takes into account the following criteria:

Contents of the previous degree(s):

• sufficient basic information concerning the research field applied for; this information is collected from e.g. the major studies or advanced studies that were included in the applicant’s master's degree
• sufficient basic information to support the applicant’s ability to carry out the research work and writing for the doctoral thesis

The School of Science may set prerequisite studies for the applicant to complete by e.g. taking master’s level courses.

Academic performance:

• The applicant received a minimum grade of at least 4 (on a scale of 1–5) for the master's thesis
• an average grade of 3.5 (on a scale of 1–5)  for the master’s degree courses (excluding the thesis), OR
• if the applicant earned his/her master’s degree in accordance with the degree regulations of 1995 or earlier (when Finnish bachelor's and master's degree were not pursued separately), he or she received an average grade of at least 3.0 (scale 1–5) for the major at the master's level.

Exceptions to the grade limits mentioned above may be made only for special reasons set forth in a well-founded written statement by the supervising professor. In such cases, the Doctoral Programme will request a statement from the supervising professor.

Other evaluation criteria:

• the quality of the applicant’s university degree and its status internationally
• the applicant’s potential as a researcher; previous experience in research research-related work experience, conference presentations, journal articles, etc.
• relevance of the research topic: to ensure genuine research interest by the supervising professor and adequate resources to advise the student in the research of the department’s focus area
• the research proposal: the theoretical and practical innovative value of the topic; the feasibility of the research proposal (its quality, planned methods, etc.)
• time management and resources: the research proposal and the time the student has available for the doctoral studies over the next four (4) years
• the supervising resources of the university in the research field
• other grounds for admission presented by the applicant

Applicant evaluations for the research field of industrial engineering and management:

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and the supervising professor are responsible for evaluating applicants to the research field of industrial engineering and management. The Doctoral Programme will request an evaluation statement from the department. Preference will be given to applicants who have shown outstanding academic performance and are otherwise strongly qualified for doctoral studies in the department.

Required language proficiency

Successful applicants will have excellent skills in Finnish, Swedish, or English. The applicant chooses the language(s) of instruction that he/she will use for demonstrating proficiency.

Proficiency in a national language of Finland is demonstrated in accordance with the ‘General recommendations for admissions criteria for Finnish universities’.

Proficiency in English may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• The applicant has earned a degree taught in Finnish, Swedish or English in a higher education institution in Finland;
• The applicant has earned an English-medium higher education degree in an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States while residing in the respective country;
• The applicant has received his or her primary and secondary education in English in an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States while residing in the respective country;
• The applicant has completed the Aalto Executive Education MBA, EMBA or DBA degree; 
• The applicant has completed CEMS Master in International Management entity; or
• Applicants submit their English-language test results in accordance with the information below.

In points 1–3 of the above list, a minimum of one half of the aforementioned degree must be completed in a country and higher education institution that meets the requirements for exempting the student from taking an English test. The language of the degree must be stated unambiguously in the degree certificate or its appendix, or in the transcript of records or other official document issued by the awarding institution. If the degree was completed in more than one language, the appendix must clearly indicate the amount of studies that were completed in English.

In points 1 – 2 of the above list, a university degree showing language proficiency must be at least three years' lower university degree, at least one year's higher university degree or doctorate. The university must be a recognised part of the country's official national education system. The university must be found on the country's official list of recognised universities with a right to degree-granting or on a list of recognised universities maintained by an international organisation (e.g., UNESCO). 

The university must be recognised in the country of point 1 or 2.

The recognized English language tests and their minimum scores required for admission to doctoral studies are (Aalto University Admissions Criteria 2022):

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5, and 5.5 for Writing;
• IBT (Internet-based Test): 92, and 22 for the Writing section or
• iBT® Special Home Edition: 92 and 22 for the Writing section
• PDT (Paper-Delivered Test): Reading 22, Listening 22, and Writing 24
• C1 Advanced, prev. Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A,B or C
• C2 Proficiency, prev. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A,B,C or Level C1
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE A): 62, and 54 for writing
• When it comes to the IELTS and TOEFL tests, the following online tests are also accepted: TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition ja IELTS Indicator (Academic).

In addition, at the School of Science, an English language test is not required in doctoral admissions of applicants who have:

• been deemed by their supervising professor as having sufficient proficiency in English to pursue doctoral studies. The supervising professor must submit a written statement on the language skills of the applicant and the statement should be added in the application. If the applicant does not submit the statement together with other application documents the Doctoral Programme will request the statement from the supervising professor.

Submission of English test result:

Only official reports of the language test are acceptable as proof of proficiency.

• For IELTS test, upload a copy of the official test report (as a PDF) to the application system. The test results are verified through the test administrator’s electronic verification service.
• TOEFL test results must be sent to Aalto University by the test administrator directly. Request your official score report to be sent from the test administrator to Aalto University reporting code  7364 . Unofficial score reports sent by applicants will not be accepted. Test scores submitted with the Aalto University reporting code are checked for authenticity in the test administrator’s verification database. The scores are available within 1 to 2 weeks of sending the score report request.
• PTE test scores are sent via the test administrator’s electronic service. Applicants who took the PTE test must log in to their PTE account and send their results in the system to Aalto University. The test administrator notifies by email when the results have been sent to the university.
• For the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency language test, upload a PDF copy of the results report to the application system. The test-taker’s ID number (e.g. ABC1234567) and reference number (e.g. 173YU0034522) must be entered in the system. Test takers must be logged in to the language test system to submit their results to Aalto University. The results are verified electronically.

Validity of the language test

The language test result has to be valid at least on the day of the Doctoral Programme Committee meeting where the applicant's application is processed.

More information on the language tests can be found on the pages of the test providers:

• IELTS  (ielts.org)
• TOEFL  (ets.org)
• PTE Academic  (pearsonpte.com)
• C1 Advanced (cambridgeesol.org)
• C2 Proficiency (cambridgeesol.org)

Application procedure

• Read the application instructions carefully and prepare all the required appendices (listed and explained in more detail below). Remember signatures of yourself, your supervising professor and thesis advisor for all necessary documents. By signing these documents, the professor confirms to be your supervising professor.
• Apply on the online application system (Studyinfo.fi, current link below). In the beginning of the application form, please choose the Doctoral Programme in Science as your study programme (" Add study programme"). 
• For choosing the mode of study, see the definition of full-time and part-time doctoral students.
• Language of the degree: Choose English unless you wish to write your doctoral thesis in Finnish or Swedish.
• Fill in the application carefully. The required appendices depend on your choices.
• Attach all the required documents as pdf documents. There are some documents required for every applicant and others required only for those whose Master's degree is from elsewhere than Aalto University. Please see the details below.
• Submit the application by the deadline.
• Send certified hard copies / verified documents of the required degree documents if your M.Sc. degree is from elsewhere than Aalto University or one of its preceders (explained in more detail below). Remember that these are needed before admission.

Required appendices for all applicants

Please submit the following appendices in Studyinfo.fi when using the Electronic application form .

In the application form, please choose Doctoral Programme in Science as a study programme ("Add study programme").

The study plan, research plan, supervision plan and funding plan must all be approved and signed by both the applicant and the supervising professor . Upon his or her signature of the documents, the professor in charge of the research field agrees to act as the supervising professor of the applicant.

After reading the instructions and getting all the documents ready, fill in the application, attach all the required documents (and the additional appendices required for those with master's degree elsewhere than at Aalto University) and send it.

Curriculum vitae (CV)

Include a list of publications and proof of other scientific activity. Template for a researcher's CV .

Credit plan

A preliminary Study plan (credit plan) for the theoretical studies of the degree, 40 ECTS. You and your supervising professor have to sign this document. 

See the Curriculum of the Doctoral Programme in Science for instructions.

Research plan

Research plan with an implementation schedule.

Funding plan

Funding plan is a free format document including the following information:

The source, the amount and the start and end dates of secured funding, More information on funding your doctoral studies (aalto.fi)

Supervision plan

Carefully read the guidelines , which give detailed information about the mutual duties and responsibilities of the supervising professor, thesis advisors and doctoral student, before filling in the responsibilities to the Supervision plan template .

• You can have  1–3 thesis advisor(s). Theses advisors need to have a doctoral degree (remember to check this especially in case of advisors who work outside Aalto University). The supervising professor can be one of the thesis advisors. In case you don't have separate advisor(s), supervising professor will be nominated to both roles.
• You, your supervising professor, (possible co-supervisor) and thesis advisor(s) have to sign this document.

At SCI a deputy supervising professor has to be assigned always. The deputy professor has to be a tenure-track professor of the school.

Identification document

Copy of the identity page of the passport or other official identification that indicates the citizenship of the applicant.

Copy of the degree certificate and the transcript of study records

• Master's degree certificate
• Official transcripts of records of all the courses included in the master’s degree
• All the appendices of the degree documents (typically the Diploma Supplement in European Higher Education Area). 
• Official translations of the degree certificate and the transcript of records, if the originals are not in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
• The (translated) documents should clearly indicate the thesis grade, evaluation and the grading scale used.

Note, if your degree is from Aalto University, you can submit only the official transcript of records. 

Please upload these as scanned copies to the electronic application form in Studyinfo. Depending on the situation and your choices in the form, you may need to upload these documents twice. This is because of the structure of the form.

Please submit also the certified hard copies /verified degree documents according to the instructions described below . Submit the certified copies/verification documents to the doctoral programme before admission. Please note that certified hard copies will not be returned to you. In case your master's degree is from Aalto University (or any of its preceders), or from another University in Finland (degree completed after 2003) and you have a Finnish personal identification code, the certified copies are not required.

Proof of proficiency in Finnish, Swedish or English

In the application form, you choose how you demonstrate the language proficiency. Depending on your master's degree origin, you demonstrate the language proficiency either by your master's degree certificate and transcripts, or by an English-language test. See the details about different options in Language proficiency section above.

Pay attention that the degree language is mentioned in your degree documents (in options 2-3 of demonstrating the language proficiency ). Please contact [email protected] , if you have questions regarding your language proficiency.

Submitting the English-language test result (in option 6)

• A copy of the official IELTS score report (PDF-copy) is uploaded in the application system. The test result will be verified by Aalto University from the test provided.
• PTE scores are submitted through the electronic result service. The applicant need to sign in to his/her own PTE-account and send the test result through the electronic certification service to Aalto University. The test provider will inform by e-mail, when the test score has been submitted to the University.
• A copy of the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency language test score report (PDF-copy) is uploaded in the application system. The ID-number (e.g. ABC123456) and the reference number (e.g. 173YU0034522) need to be mentioned on the application form. The applicant also need to sign in to the language test system and share the scores with Aalto University. The scores will be verified electronically.

Additional appendices required for those with master's degree elsewhere than at Aalto University

Applicants with a master’s degree or education earned elsewhere than at Aalto University (or at one of its predecessors) must also provide the following documents:

An abstract of master's thesis in English

Please submit the abstract of your master’s thesis in English, so that we know what your master’s thesis was about.

Documents confirming eligibility or degree language

If needed, submit a document confirming eligibility for doctoral studies in the country that awarded the the degree or gave the education (see section Eligibility) and a certified translation of it, if the original document is not in Finnish, Swedish or English. You can attach the document in Studyinfo or send it via email to [email protected] .

You may also need to submit a certificate from the university proving the degree language , if the information is not available in other official degree documents. In this case, please use the same procedure as described above.

Certified hard copies / verified degree document if the degree is awarded by a higher education institution outside Finland

Please, send the certified hard copies / verified degree documents of the required degree documents including official translations (listed above) also by postal mail to our office (Kitta Peura, Doctoral Programme in Science, P O BOX 15500, 00076 AALTO).

Country specific instructions:

Applicants who have completed their master's degree in: Australia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Canada, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sudan, the United Kingdom or the United States:

Please note that the required degree documents including official translations need to be submitted according to the country-specific document requirements . Read the requirements on Country-specific requirements , and send the documents to the doctoral programme as required in the "Country specific requirements". If the documents need to be sent by postal mail, the address is: Kitta Peura, Doctoral Programme in Science, P O BOX 15500, 00076 AALTO. If you use courier services, please send the documents to this address: Kitta Peura, Doctoral Programme in Science, Maarintie 8, 02150 Espoo, Finland. If the documents can be submitted electronically (they can be verified in an electronic system), send them by e-mail to [email protected] . 

Please DO NOT send the documents to the Admission Services as instructed in the country specific requirements webpage.

Certified hard copies if the degree is awarded by a higher education institution in Finland

• If you have completed a degree in Finland after 1 January 2003 and you have a Finnish personal identification code , Aalto University will verify your degree electronically using a national database and you do not need to send anything by postal mail.
• If your degree was completed before 1 January 2003 , or you do not have a Finnish personal identification code, send certified hard copies of the required degree documents (listed above) to our office by postal mail (Kitta Peura, Doctoral Programme in Science, P O BOX 15500, 00076 AALTO).

Certified hard copies and translations - detailed instructions

Copies of degree certificates and a transcript of records must be certified by the awarding university or by a notary public . The copies must be taken from the original, official documents. A multiple-page certified copy must be certified on the front side of every page. Each page must have the certifying official’s original signature, printed name, ink stamp and date . Copies of officially certified copies are not accepted, thecertifying official’s ink stamps and signatures must be original. A note declaring official copy status (such as a “True copy” stamp) is insufficient.

The translation is official if it has been done by the higher education institution that awarded the degree or by a certified translator (authorised translator) . The translations must have the certified translator’s original ink stamp and signature.

The official translations must be either original or certified paper copies of the original documents. Unofficial copies of the translations are insufficient. The official translations must be accompanied by certified paper copies of the original documents in the original language. Translations by themselves are insufficient.

Sending certified copies by mail to Aalto University (guidelines given by the Finnish customs)

• Send the consignment of documents as a letter. Do not send it as a parcel.
• Do not determine a value for the letter, when sending it. Do not indicate even the amount paid for a possible insurance for the consignment.  
• If the country of dispatch requires the sender to determine a value for the consignment of documents, the value is zero (euros or other currency).
• The goods description for the consignment should be, for example, documents .

If you have any questions about admissions and application instructions, you can contact [email protected]

In case of programme-specific questions and inquiries, you may also contact the Learning Services of the Doctoral Programme in Science .

Departments of School of Science

Department of mathematics and systems analysis.

Our main research areas are algebra and discrete mathematics, analysis, applied mathematics and mechanics, stochastics and statistics, and systems analysis and operations research.

Department of Computer Science

cs.aalto.fi

Department of Industrial Engineering and Management

We conduct world-class research and education focusing on the creation and transformation of technology-based business.

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering

We study system-level dynamic functions of the human brain, mind and body.

Department of Applied Physics

The Department of Applied Physics pursues vigorous research in physical sciences and creates important industrial applications.

• Published: 19.12.2019
• Updated: 16.4.2024

• Suomeksi (FI)
• In English (EN)

Applying for Doctoral Studies

The doctoral degree requires approximately four years of full-time studies. The Licentiate degree usually requires two years of full-time studies.

The holders of Master's degree have the possibility to complete the postgraduate degrees of

• Licentiate of Science (Technology)
• Doctor of Science (Technology)
• Licentiate of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
• Doctor of Science (Economics and Business Administration)
• Licentiate of Social Sciences
• Doctor of Social Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy

Finland Doctoral Fellowships at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT

Finland Doctoral Fellowship is a four-year (fixed term) full-time Junior Researcher position. Finland Doctoral Fellow will be in an employment relationship with LUT and is paid a monthly salary in accordance with the national salary system of Finnish universities (YPJ system). In addition, Finland Doctoral Fellows who move to Finland from abroad will receive a separate maximum 2000€ arrival grant to be used for travel and moving costs. The arrival grant is paid based on proven costs and is liable to taxation.

Finland Doctoral Fellowships are allocated to the best international doctoral students who have been admitted to the doctoral programmes of LUT in the yearly application rounds. Eligible for the funding are those doctoral students who are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country and who will reside in Finland during the employment. If a doctoral student has a dual citizenship, both must be non-EU/EEA.

All non-EU/EEA doctoral students who are admitted to the doctoral programmes of LUT in the future application round will be taken into consideration. There is no separate application for the fellowships. Decisions about the fellowships will be made based on the criteria of admission to doctoral training. The next and last application round will be organized in autumn 2023 and new Junior Researcher positions will start in spring 2024 at the earliest.

Applying for the Doctoral Study Right

Explore doctoral student open positions, lut doctoral school, doctoral programmes.

Doctoral Programme in Energy Systems

Doctoral Programme in Business and Management

Doctoral Programme in Engineering Science

Doctoral Programmes

Rector of the University of Turku has appointed 16 doctoral programmes for the term 1.8.2021 - 31.7.2025.

Doctoral Programme in Biology, Geography and Geology (BGG)

Doctoral programme in clinical research (dpcr), doctoral programme on educational policy, lifelong learning and comparative education research (keveko), doctoral programme in history, culture and arts studies (juno), doctoral programme on inequalities, interventions and new welfare state (dpinvest), doctoral programme in languages and translation studies (utuling), doctoral programme in law, doctoral programme on learning, teaching and learning environments research (oppi), doctoral programme in nursing science (dpnurs), turku doctoral programme of molecular medicine (tudmm), doctoral programme in exact sciences (exactus), doctoral programme in technology (dpt), doctoral programme of social and behavioural sciences, doctoral programme of turku school of economics, drug research doctoral programme (drdp), finnish doctoral program in oral sciences (findos turku).

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PhD in Finland 2024: Scope, Universities & Scholarships

• German Universities

Updated on 02 April, 2024

Sr. Content editor

Universities in Finland are renowned not just for their world-class education but also for their generous educational policies that make the education affordable for students regardless of their nationality. Did you know you can pursue your PhD in Finland for free? Not only this, the students also get stipends to cover their living costs. Known for its prowess in research and development (R&D) globally, the country offers PhD programs in various domains that allow you to work with the leading academics in your field and engage in groundbreaking research. 

In this article, we have formulated an ultimate guide to pursuing a PhD in Finland, including the scope of PhD, specializations offered, admission requirements, top universities, career prospects, and much more.

Table of Contents

Scope of phd in finland, engineering, computer science, social sciences, natural sciences, top 5 universities in finland for phd, documents for phd in finland application, cimo fellowships, university of helsinki doctoral program scholarships, edufi fellowships, aalto university school of business doctoral scholarships, career prospects after completing phd in finland, frequently asked questions.

• Finland offers a unique and enriching experience for students pursuing higher education, particularly a doctorate degree. The Finnish education system is known for its high-quality education, top universities in Finland for PhD, innovative teaching methods, and research-oriented approach. Doctoral studies in Finland are structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their field of study, including theoretical and practical knowledge.
• Students are encouraged to take ownership of their research projects, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the academic community. Doctoral studies in Finland usually take four years to complete, and students during the program are expected to deliver a doctoral thesis based on their research.
• Studying for a PhD degree gives access to the   finest research facilities and equipment. Finnish universities in   Finland for PhD are well-funded and equipped with modern technology, providing students with the resources to conduct their research effectively. The multicultural environment and welcoming community also make it an ideal place for international students.
• Another interesting aspect of pursuing the PhD from Finland is that there is   no tuition cost   involved. 

Specializations Offered in PhD in Finland

There is a wide range of specializations in various fields of study PhD in Finland. Some of the popular disciplines include:

Pursuing a PhD in Engineering in Finland will allow you to work with some of the leading engineers in the world. Universities in Finland for PhD offer specializations in fields such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

A PhD in Business in Finland will provide you with the opportunity to work with leading academics in the field. Finnish universities offer specializations in fields such as Marketing, Management, and Finance.

Finland is home to the leading computer science programs in the world. Pursuing a PhD in Computer Science in Finland allows you to work with experts in the field and contribute to groundbreaking research.

Universities in Finland for PhD   offer specializations in fields such as Educational Psychology, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum Studies. Pursuing a PhD in Education in Finland offers you the prospect of working with top academics in the field and contributing to the education system's development.

Finland has the top Social Science programs in the world. Getting a PhD in Social Sciences in Finland allows you to collaborate with specialists in the field and conduct unexplored research.

PhD programs in Finland in Natural Sciences focus on chemistry, physics, and mathematics research. Students in these programs undertake independent research, attend seminars and workshops, and publish their research in academic journals.

Finland has several top-ranked universities offering PhD programs. Here are the top 5 universities in Finland for PhD based on the QS World University Rankings , their specializations, and the average tuition fees for a PhD.

Source: *topuniversities.com, **university official website

PhD in Finland for International Students: Admission Requirements for 2023 

The admission requirements for a PhD in Finland vary depending on the university and the field of study.

General Requirements for PhD in Finland:

• A master's degree or equivalent in a related field of study
• Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees
• A statement of purpose outlining your academic goals and research interests
• Application form (hardcopy or softcopy as per the requirement of the university/ college)
• Transcripts of records
• Upper secondary-level educational documents
• Degree certificates/ officially certified copies awarded by the main university
• Score reports of IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE/ Cambridge Proficiency
• Score reports of SAT/ GRE/ GMAT
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Other documents such as portfolio/ sample work, etc.
• Proof of finances
• Medical tests

The application process for PhD programs in Finland involves the following steps:

• Find the universities and PhD programs in Finland   you are interested in.
• Check the admission requirements and application deadlines for each program.
• Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
• Submit your application materials online or by mail.
• Wait for the university to inform you of their decision.

The application deadline varies depending on the university and the field of study PhD in Finland.

Scholarships for PhD in Finland

There are various scholarships available for PhD in Finland for Indian students   and international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. Scholarships offer financial assistance to students and can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. Here are the top scholarships for PhD in Finland:

The CIMO Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue a doctoral degree in Finland. The scholarship covers the living expenses and provides a monthly allowance of €900 to €1200.

 To be eligible for the CIMO Fellowships, students must submit a complete CV, a motivation letter, and a short research plan (between 2 and 5 pages). They will also have to send out two printed and signed copies of the application form with the required attachments.

The University of Helsinki offers several doctoral program scholarships to both domestic and PhD in Finland for Indian students and international students. As part of the national Finland Scholarship program, the University of Helsinki awards Finland Scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fee and also includes a €5000 relocation grant. Students must have an acceptance letter from the University of Helsinki to apply.

The EDUFI Fellowships are awarded by the Finnish National Agency for Education to pursue doctoral studies or research in Finland. The scholarship covers living expenses, travel costs, and insurance and provides a monthly allowance of €19,00 per month. To be eligible for the EDUFI Fellowships, students must have a Master’s degree, be proficient in English, and have a research proposal that aligns with the research interests of a Finnish university.

The Aalto University School of Business offers several doctoral scholarships to highly qualified international students. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver. PhD in Finland for Indian students must have a research proposal and an acceptance letter from the Aalto University School of Business to apply.

Completing a PhD in Finland can open up various career opportunities, both in academia and industry. Here are the top career prospects for PhD graduates in Finland:

Source: Payscale

Conclusion 

Pursuing a PhD in Finland can be a rewarding experience academically and professionally. The country’s high-quality education system, supportive academic environment, and ample research opportunities make it an ideal destination for international students seeking to advance their education and career prospects. If you are considering a PhD in Finland, explore the universities in Finland for PhD requirements, scholarships, and funding opportunities available. With the right preparation and research, you can unlatch the doors to a successful academic and professional future in the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes.’

Can Indian students apply for PhD programs in Finland?

Yes, Indian students can apply for PhD programs in Finland. However, they must meet the same academic and language proficiency requirements as other international students.

Which universities in Finland offer PhD programs?

Many universities in Finland offer PhD programs across various fields, including the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, and Tampere University, among others.

Is it difficult to secure funding for a PhD in Finland?

While funding opportunities for PhD students in Finland can be competitive, many scholarships and grants are available to help support international students pursuing a PhD in Finland. It is important to research and apply for funding opportunities early to increase your chances.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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Doctor of Education Leadership

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

America needs transformative leaders in preK–12 education whose passion for education quality and equity is matched by a knowledge of learning and development, the organizational management skills to translate visionary ideas into practical success, and a firm grasp of the role of context and politics in shaping leadership. Graduates of the three-year, multidisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will be prepared to become those leaders.

The Ed.L.D Program — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — will train you for system-level leadership positions in school systems, state and federal departments of education, and national nonprofit organizations. Ed.L.D. is a full-time, three-year program built on a cohort learning model. Cohorts consist of up to 25 students from diverse professional backgrounds (including district/charter management leaders, nonprofit directors, principals, teachers, and policy researchers) who progress through the program together.

All Ed.L.D. students receive a full tuition funding package plus stipends, work opportunities, and a paid third-year residency at a partner organization.

The Ed.L.D. Program prepares graduates to do work for the public good in the American public education sector, whether that be at the system or state level. Specifically, the program is designed to accelerate the progress graduates make toward achieving meaningful impact in influential roles and/or crossing boundaries in the following spaces in the public education sector:

• PreK–12 district or CMO leadership roles : superintendent of schools, chief academic officer, and/or deputy superintendent
• Foundation/philanthropy roles:  director, president and CEO, senior fellow
• Education nonprofit roles : president or executive director of backbone or collective impact organizations which support preK–12 schools. Ed.L.D. graduates will lead education nonprofits that explicitly focus on improving outcomes and opportunities for children, families, and communities.
• State or federal education leadership roles : commissioner or deputy commissioner roles. Could also include public education advocacy or education policy advisers to senior government officials.
• Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation roles:  Founder, CEO, president

Curriculum Information

The Ed.L.D. curriculum is a balance of multidisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning. Core courses and electives are taught by recognized leaders from across Harvard’s graduate programs in fields like data-based education reform, organizational change and innovation, and effective leadership strategies for urban schools. You will develop and test your leadership skills through team projects and an immersive third-year residency.

All students in the cohort take the same classes in four foundational content areas: learning and teaching, leadership and organizational change, politics and policy, adult development, and leadership inside and out (including one-on-one executive coaching). Courses taken during the first-year focus on practice-based learning and serve as the framework of your first-year experience.

Sample HGSE Courses

• Leading Change
• How People Learn
• Ed.L.D. Proseminar
• Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning
• Race, Equity, and Leadership
• Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Sector Change
• The Workplace Lab for System-Level Leaders

View  all courses  in the Academic Catalog.

Each cohort member works with program advisers to choose an individualized sequence of electives from any of the Harvard graduate schools. You will work closely with the program faculty and staff during your second year to determine the best match with a partner organization for your third-year residency. Matches are driven by mutual interest between the resident and the partner organization, and each student's career and learning goals and geographic preferences.

• Second Year Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Driving Change 
• Education Sector Nonprofits
• Negotiation Workshop
• Coaching with Equity in Mind
• Ethnic Studies and Education
• Deeper Learning for All:  Designing a 21st Century School System
• Institutional Change in School Organizations, Systems, and Sectors

You will take part in a 10-month paid residency at one of our partner organizations. There, you will work on a strategic project which synthesizes your experience and learning into a written Capstone project. You will stay connected to your Ed.L.D. cohort and HGSE through technology and by returning to Harvard periodically for intensive workshops.

Paid Residency 

Our partner organizations include school systems and departments of education, as well as some of the nation's most influential and dynamic nonprofit, mission-based for-profit, and philanthropic organizations.

You will be intentionally pushed out of your comfort zones and asked to work systemically and make a significant contribution to the partner organization. In addition, the residency will provide you with the professional mentoring, practical experiences, and network of connections they need to position themselves as future leaders in the education sector. 

Strategic Project 

You will define (with supervisors from your partner organization) a strategic project on which to focus. You will have the opportunity to lead one or two major efforts on behalf of the organization, such as the creation or implementation of current initiatives. The project allows you to practice and improve leadership skills, add important value to the mission and strategy of the partner organization, work systemically, and hold high-level accountability.

During the residency period, you will produce a written Capstone. The Capstone is a descriptive, analytic, and reflective account of your third-year leadership contributions to a strategic project within an Ed.L.D. partner organization. It is a demonstration of your ability to engage others, develop strategy to successfully address and diagnose challenges, work toward a vision and goals, and learn from the results.

Sample Topics

• Accountability, Coherence, and Improvement: Leadership Reflection and Growth in the Los Angeles Unified School District
• Leadership Development for Entrepreneurial Education Leaders Working to Build Public & Private Sector Support
• Disrupting Teacher Preparation: Lessons in Collaboration and Innovation Across the Learning to Teach Community of Practice
• Pursuing Educational Equality for English Language Learners

Sample Summaries 

• Breaking Down Silos in a School District: Findings from an Ed.L.D. Project in Montgomery County
• Expanding Students' Access to Meaningful STEM Learning Opportunities Through Strategic Community Partnerships
• Developing a New Teacher Leadership and Compensation System in Iowa: A Consensus-Based Process
• Finding Great Teachers for Blended-Learning Schools

GSE Theses and Dissertations from Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH)

Program Faculty

Ed.L.D. students learn with renowned faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Faculty from the three schools share their individual expertise in the Ed.L.D. Program and work collaboratively to provide a challenging and coherent experience for students. Faculty who teach in the Ed.L.D. core curriculum and advise Ed.L.D. students include:

Faculty Director

Frank D. Barnes

Frank Barnes is faculty director of the Doctor of Education Leadership Program. He has over 30 years experience as an educator, researcher, and organizer. As a chief accountability officer, he led turnaround efforts for large public school districts, including Boston Public Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Kathryn Parker Boudett

Ebony N. Bridwell-Mitchell

Jennifer Perry Cheatham

Elizabeth City

Candice Crawford-Zakian

Marshall Ganz

Adria D. Goodson

Deborah helsing.

Monica C. Higgins

Deborah Jewell-Sherman

Lisa Laskow Lahey

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Irvin Leon Scott

Catherine Snow

Michael L. Tushman

Martin west.

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Education Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Do We Need Happiness Teachers?

After a trip to meet with the Dalai Lama, an Ed.L.D. student says we do

Combatting Chronic Absenteeism with Family Engagement 

As post-COVID absenteeism rates continue unabated, a look at how strong family-school engagement can help

Undergraduate vs. Graduate: Educate Yourself On The Difference

• Undergraduate Meaning
• Undergraduate Student And Degree
• Graduate Meaning
• Graduate Degree And Student
• Graduate Origin
• Postgraduate Meaning

⚡ Quick summary

The main difference between undergraduate and graduate is that undergraduate is always used in the context of the first level of college or university education (the level where you can earn a bachelor’s degree ). In terms like graduate student and graduate degree , graduate refers to a level of advanced education beyond the undergraduate level, especially a master’s degree or doctorate . The noun graduate is more general, simply referring to a person who has completed a level of education (someone who has graduated ).

The difference between undergraduate and graduate is a difference of degrees (*throws graduation cap in the air to celebrate the pun*).

The level of education that each word involves varies depending on how the word is being used, and there are situations in which both words can be used in the same situation. For example, you can become a graduate student after graduating with an undergraduate degree.

The word graduate can mean very different things depending on whether it’s used as a noun (as in recent   high school graduates ), an adjective (as in graduate student and graduate degree ), or a verb (as in I plan to graduate next May ). The same goes for its shortened form, grad , which can be used as a noun (as in Congrats, grads! ) or an adjective (as in grad program ).

Undergraduate can also be used both as a noun (as in I’m an undergraduate at Stanford University ) or an adjective (as in I’m working toward my undergraduate degree ). It can be shortened to undergrad in both cases.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an advanced degree in all the different ways graduate, grad , undergraduate , and undergrad are used, and what they mean in each case.

What does undergraduate mean?

An undergraduate is “a student in a university or college who has not received a first, especially a bachelor’s, degree.” For example, a college student might say I’m an undergraduate at the University of Texas if they were pursuing a bachelor’s degree there.

Undergraduate is also commonly used as an adjective in this same context, in terms like undergraduate student , undergraduate degree , and undergraduate studies.

Undergraduate is often shortened to undergrad as both a noun and an adjective.

In undergraduate, the prefix under- is used to indicate a lower rank or status. The educational status of an undergraduate student is below that of a graduate student.

What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge ? Here’s a lesson on the two terms.

What is an undergraduate student ? And what is an undergraduate degree ?

An undergraduate student is a student who is pursuing a degree at the first level of higher education (meaning the level after high school) at a college or university. Undergraduate students are typically those working to earn a bachelor’s degree (or, less commonly, an associate’s degree ). These degrees are often referred to with the general term undergraduate degree.

Outside of the US, an undergraduate degree is sometimes called a first degree. There are also other types of undergraduate degrees outside of the US, such as a foundation degree (which, like an associate’s degree, is typically a two-year degree).

What does graduate mean?

As a noun, the word graduate  [  graj -oo-it ] refers to “a person who has received a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” In other words, a graduate is someone who has completed a particular level of schooling or an educational program—a child who just finished kindergarten and a doctor who just completed medical school are both graduates. It can even be used figuratively , as in She’s a graduate of the school of hard knocks.

As a verb, graduate [  graj -oo-eyt ] means “to receive a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” The process of graduating—and the ceremony itself—is called graduation .

As an adjective, graduate [  graj -oo-it ] means something more specific. It’s used to indicate that a student, degree, or educational program is an advanced one, beyond the level of a bachelor’s degree. This sense of graduate is most commonly used in terms like graduate degree, graduate school , graduate program, and graduate student.

What is a graduate degree ? And what is a graduate student ?

Graduate degree typically refers to a degree beyond a bachelor’s, most commonly a master’s.

A graduate student is a student who’s pursuing an advanced degree after having earned their undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor’s degree) by graduating from an undergraduate program. Calling someone a graduate student most often means they are pursuing their master’s degree, but it may be another advanced degree, such as a PhD (You’d most commonly call such students PhD students. Or you might say they are working toward their doctorate or their doctoral degree.)

To earn a graduate degree, graduate students go to a division of a university known as graduate school , and such a program is often called a graduate program. In all of these terms, graduate is often shortened to grad : grad school , grad student , grad program . (A student doesn’t become a graduate student until they take graduate-level courses. For example, if a student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and then later pursues a different bachelor’s degree, they are still an undergraduate student .)

Some graduate studies are referred to in more specific ways: medical students go to medical school to earn their medical degree ; law students go to law school to earn their law degree.

Do you know the difference between these highly-esteemed graduate degrees and titles: PhD, MD, and Dr ?

Where does the word graduate come from?

Graduate comes from the Medieval Latin graduārī, meaning “to take a degree.” It ultimately derives from the Latin gradus, meaning “a step.” Each time you graduate, you take a step to the next level of education.

What does postgraduate mean?

The adjective postgraduate is sometimes used in the same way as the adjective sense of the word graduate, especially in the UK, as in postgraduate student or postgraduate studies.

Postgraduate should not be confused with postdoctoral , which refers to studies, research, or professional work above the level of a doctorate.

How to use undergraduate vs. graduate

The best way to sort out the different meanings of undergraduate and graduate is to determine whether each word is being used as a noun, an adjective, or a verb. Here’s an easy breakdown of the differences.

• undergraduate (noun): A college student pursuing a non-advanced degree, most commonly a bachelor’s degree. Can be shortened to undergrad.
• undergraduate (adjective): Used in the context of colleges and university programs ( undergraduate programs ) where students are pursuing a degree (generally referred to as an undergraduate degree ) that is not an advanced degree. Also sometimes shortened to undergrad.
• graduate (noun): A person who has completed a particular level of schooling or educational program. Can be shortened to grad.
• graduate (verb): To complete a level of schooling (and, typically, to receive a degree or diploma). You can graduate from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school, medical school, etc.
• graduate (adjective): Used in the context of advanced schooling—a level beyond a bachelor’s degree, most commonly a master’s program. Used in terms like graduate student , graduate school , graduate degree , graduate program , graduate courses , etc. Often shortened to grad.

Examples of undergraduate, undergrad, graduate, and grad used in a sentence

Let’s look at some examples of these words in actual, real-life use to get the meanings straight.

• As an undergraduate, she had studied engineering; as a graduate student, she switched to architecture.
• I completed my undergraduate degree after five years and a lot of hard work.
• As a graduate student, you will be expected to complete a thesis.
• You should start thinking about graduate school applications before you graduate.
• Most of the applicants for this position are recent college graduates.
• I’m still an undergrad, but I’m hoping to start grad school next fall.
• I’m a UGA grad, but I almost went to Georgia Tech.

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No matter who is graduating, here are tips on how to craft a perfect congratulations card for their achievement.

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Graduate Programs

Master of science in electrical engineering.

Welcome to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at San Diego State University! We are committed to shaping a great future for each one of our students. If you are interested in applying to our program, please follow this link . 

MSEE Program Overview

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers graduate study leading to a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE). The areas of study are Communication Systems, Digital Signal Processing, Electromagnetic Systems, VLSI Systems, Computer Networks, Energy Systems and Control, and Embedded Systems.

The MSEE program comprises of several coursework and a culminating experience which can either be a thesis (Plan A) or a project (Plan B). Each student must complete 30 units either by selecting Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Project). This is referred to as the student’s Program of Study or POS. Each of our courses are worth three units – therefore you are looking at completing ten courses for a MSEE degree. Eighteen of the thirty units should be 600 and 700-numbered courses. The remaining twelve units can be from 500, 600 or 700-level courses offered by the department. No more than two courses can be taken from other departments in the College of Engineering or from the College of Sciences to satisfy these requirements, with the prior approval of the Graduate Advisor. Students are required to pick an area of specialization and then choose relevant courses that help the student to gain mastery in that area (referred to as “Depth area courses”) and a few other courses that pertain to peripheral skills that can make the student well-rounded (referred to as “Breadth area courses”). The department allows the student to tailor their individual course selection (or POS) to align with their interest and their career goals, often in consultation with their Thesis/Project advisor and/or the Graduate Advisor. A minimum average GPA of 3.0 is required to successfully complete the degree.

IMPORTANT NOTE: International Students requiring an I-20 immigration document from SDSU must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units of in-person course instruction on campus, per semester. International students may not take more than 3 units of fully online course instruction, per semester.

Thesis and Project Plans

There are two plans of studies: Plan-A (Thesis) and Plan-B (Project).

Plan A: Thesis Option

Students opting for Plan A must complete 21 units of course work (7 courses), 6 units of EE 797 "Research" (typically as two 3-unit EE 797 “Research”, taken in two different semesters) and 3 units of EE 799A "Thesis" under supervision of a full-time ECE faculty. The remaining twenty-one units can be taken from the course guidelines document , all subject to the approval of the Thesis Advisor and Graduate Advisor.

Credit for EE 799A will be given only after completing the thesis. Credit cannot be given for EE 798 for students in Plan A. An oral defense of the thesis is required in front of a committee of three faculty members one of whom will be your Thesis Advisor, another from your department and the third member from any department other than your own. In addition, a completed thesis report in a required format needs to be submitted to the university. Once your thesis has been published, credit will be given for EE 799A. Please visit the Thesis/Project Procedures site for instructions on how and when to file your thesis and graduation paperwork. Please note, that the University requires you to complete several formalities as you approach your graduation – please stay abreast with the procedures and monitor your progress on your digital webportal.

Plan B: Project Option

Students opting for Plan B or the Project option are required to pick an area of specialization and complete a minimum of 18 units of “Depth Area Courses” and 3 units of EE 798 as the project. Courses can be chosen from the following course guidelines document . Students are allowed to enroll in the project course (EE 798) after the completion of 21 units but must do so in the semester immediately after completing 27 units. EE 797 cannot be used for students in Plan B.

An oral defense of the project is required in front of a committee of two faculty members one of whom will be your Project Advisor and another faculty member from your department. In addition, a project report in a required format needs to be submitted to the department. Once your project has been defended, credit will be given for 798. Please visit the Thesis/Project Procedures site for instructions on how and when to file your project and graduation paperwork. Please note, that the University requires you to complete several formalities as you approach your graduation – please stay abreast with the procedures and monitor your progress on your digital webportal.

Program of Study (POS) Plan

Each student should prepare a Program of Study (POS). The POS allows you to plan your graduate coursework ahead of time and gives you clarity on your road ahead. Therefore, it is in your best interest to prepare the POS as soon as possible but no later than the end of your second semester. You will also find the relevant POS forms under the Thesis/Project Procedures tab on our website. Be sure to stay on top-of-your-game throughout your graduate program.

Tracking Your Progress

The College of Graduate Studies offers an electronic resource for you to track your progress towards graduation. This resource is called the Degree Evaluation (or Degree Audit Report). The report can be found in your my.SDSU account under the 'Degree Evaluation' tile. When you click on the Degree Evaluation, your coursework and other degree requirements will be converted into a customized report. The Degree Evaluation is your official guide for tracking your progress towards your graduation. We recommend keeping a close eye on your degree progress through this tool. Please reach out to the College of Graduate Studies at [email protected] if you see any discrepancies in your academic record. For help with my.SDSU, click on my.SDSU Student Guides and Resources .

We Are Here to Help

We are committed to making your graduate student experience with us as smooth, productive and enjoyable as possible. For academic advising please contact the Graduate Advisor – Dr. Santosh Nagaraj at [email protected] . We highly encourage you to refer to the Graduate Handbook which should answer most of the commonly asked questions. The handbook also explains several rules and regulations that you should abide by, during your graduate studies.

Degree Learning Outcomes

The MSEE degree has been designed to achieve the following outcomes in its graduates. Corresponding methods of assessing the outcomes have also been specified.

Note: The forms on this page are in Portable Document Format (PDF) and require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher to view and print. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader free from the Adobe Web site.

Welcome to Electrical and Computer Engineering

Doctoral Programme in Economics

Following the tradition of the national doctoral programme in economics launched in 1990, DPE promotes doctoral education by providing a deepening structure of courses in core areas of economics. 

The Programme's fresh doctors are well placed in international academic institutions, central banks, research institutes, government organizations, and in private sector.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.

Computer Science & Engineering

2024-2025 CSE Graduate Course Offerings

Updated May 30th, 2024

COURSES AND INSTRUCTORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! These are TENTATIVE offerings for the 2024-2025 academic year.

• Be sure to read  CSE Graduate Courses  home page for quarter-by-quarter updates.

14-years old and graduated from college: Meet Keniah, the Florida teen with big plans

Keniah Washington is far from your typical teenager.In early May, the Tampa 14-year-old graduated with a 3.0 GPA from Florida's Saint Leo University, earning her Liberal Arts associate's degree. Her passion for education drove her to take on such an academic feat at a young age.

"I started taking high school courses when I was in sixth grade," Keniah told USA TODAY, clarifying that she was taking classes online and placed in a dual-enrollment program while attending Icon Preparatory School .

"Once the teachers and staff saw that I was still excelling in my work, they enrolled me and a group of other kids in Saint Leo, and we had a tutor," she said.

Keniah had a tight schedule, and completing her coursework was difficult. Therefore, she was not able to attend the usual events that most teenagers look forward to during their high school experience.

"My biggest challenge was being on track and not trying to fall behind," she explained. "I was missing out on prom and homecoming − everything other people experienced in high school. But I told myself that... I'm doing the high school courses now so I can finish school early, so it doesn't really matter if I go to prom. I just kept [encouraging] myself."

Young grads: Texas teen was told girls of color couldn't do well. She's graduating college at 14.

Keniah's graduation was a 'mindblowing' moment for her mother

Her mother, Thomesha Hawkins, said watching her child walk across the stage was a defining moment.

It was a feeling that "is so hard to describe," Hawkins recalled. "I was proud, I was excited. It was a bunch of different emotions that you feel just because it is mind-blowing. She's done something amazing and great at such a young age."

Keniah has been accepted to nursing programs and plans to attend school in the fall. She aspires to be a neonatologist.

"It's a perfect fit for her because she is someone that has a big heart. She loves children," Hawkins said. "The world needs her. The medical field will definitely benefit from her in that field. I know she is going to make a difference."

Keniah said she looks forward to her next chapter and being with her peers in a professional classroom environment.

"I want to experience working with other people and being in class with a whole room full of people, not just a few kids," she said. "There is a lot to learn because I'm going to be the youngest one in there. I want to experience college life, living on campus, and other things like that."

And, she added, "I want [to explore] other parts of the world."

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] .