Application Process

1. Eligibility to apply

1.1 Requirements

• Master’s degree
  This degree must be conferred by the time the offer is made, or the offer is not valid. This means those in the final semester of their master level studies may also apply, can participate in the admission interview, but they must upload their diploma and diploma supplement in time (usually before 1 August).
  All master level degrees are accepted – however, a background in Education is expected. Education, Psychology, Teacher Training, Economics, Sociology, Health Sciences, and Medicine graduates are encouraged.
• Good command of the English language
  At least intermediate, B2 in CEFR – preferably at or above the scores of IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79 or equivalent, official results from an internationally recognised language exam system. – If English has been the medium of instruction of a degree programme you graduated from, official proof of this is accepted as proof of language proficiency for the admission procedure.
• Commitment to carry out research in Education
  Research in our Doctoral School is empirical, with an emphasis on quantitative and mixed methods.

1.2 Ideal applicants have, in addition to the above,

• a degree related to Education or Learning Sciences
• at least basic knowledge of research methods and methodologies in the Social Sciences
• previous research, published
• practice/work experience in education (teaching, management, assessment, etc.)

Find information on the Doctoral School of Education (DS) to see if your research interests match ours and to find a prospective supervisor. Visit the following to browse research programs, research topics and to understand the work of our supervisors (set search for „all” topics):

• the DS training and research programmes page http://www.edu.u-szeged.hu/phd/?q=en/node/28
• the DS page in the official Hungarian database of PhD programs (search for topics announced and supervisors) https://doktori.hu/index.php?menuid=111&lang=EN
• the official Hungarian database of scientific publications https://m2.mtmt.hu/gui2/

It is important for you to apply to us only if we are engaged in research fitting your interests and expertise.

It is advised that you contact a prospective supervisor. When you do so, please send your CV with your list of publications and a (short draft of your) research plan.

2. The application process

2.1 Official information

• If you are eligible for Hungarian State Scholarship and plan to apply to us through this financing, use the program website. Your application for financing includes your application to a study programme.
  • https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu  bi-governmental agreements
    (check your eligibility at “partners” and 
    study the information at “apply”, especially the timeline;
    read closely the “Operational Regulations” https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/scholarship-holders/ for what you can get and what scholarship holders are expected to do)
  • https://diasporascholarship.hu/hu for applicants of Hungarian origin
  • https://hungaryhelps.gov.hu/about-the-programme a faith based program, Scholarship for Christian Young People
• If you are planning to finance your studies from other sources (e.g. self financing), please visit the DreamApply platform https://apply.u-szeged.hu/en_GB/courses/course/330-phd-doctoral-school-education?search=234378
  for financial details and preparing your application.
• A few words of caution
  • Acceptance at the programme does not mean automatic visa to Hungary. 
  • Requirements of the Hungarian residence permit for self financing students include 
    (a) paying tuition for one academic year in full in advance and
    (b) providing proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of the programme.
    
    

2.2 Practical recommendations

Contact the programme or prospective supervisors in advance (with your CV, publication list, and research plan). Obtain the agreement of a prospective supervisor to work with you provided you are admitted to the DS.

The supervisor’s agreement is not equivalent to being admitted to the DS, nor does it guarantee an offer. However, the PhD is a research degree and you are required to have a supervisor to guide you through the research process. You only have a chance to be admitted if your interests and background fit our research directions.

If you apply through Stipendium Hungaricum, please note that the order in which you indicate your two choices of Doctoral Schools is also your priority list.

2.3 Timeline for international applicants

• Application deadlines: current deadlines are published by the financing organisations and on DreamApply (see 2.1).
• Entrance interviews for international applicants are in April and May; organised as on-line videoconferences. 
• Decisions on acceptance are made in May and June by the Doctoral School (and later by the financer).
• The academic year begins in early September. Cf. 
  https://u-szeged.hu/english/academic-calendar 

3. Overview of the PhD in Education programme at the University of Szeged

Details: https://www.edu.u-szeged.hu/phd/?q=en/node/45 or https://doktori.hu/index.php?menuid=191&lang=EN&di_ID=153 → Curriculum; 
https://u-szeged.hu/doctoral/regulations 

4. Contact

If you still have questions, contact 
Edit Katalin Molnár, PhD, assistant professor at 
molnar@edpsy.u-szeged.hu