Doctoral (PHD) Studies

Admissions usually take place once a year. Applications are typically accepted between May and August, depending on the field of science. If any places remain unfilled after the main admission round, a supplementary admission round may be announced. 

In 2026, applications for MRU doctoral programmes will be accepted: 

• Education – from 4 May 2026 to 12 June 2026 (until 29 May if the qualification was obtained outside Lithuania); 

• Economics – from 1 May 2026 to 19 August 2026 at 4.00 pm (until 19 July if the qualification was obtained outside Lithuania) 

• Psychology – from 4 May 2026 to 15 June (until 29 May if the qualification was obtained outside Lithuania); 

• Law – from 8 June 2026 to 3 July 2026. The research project must be submitted separately by 21 August 2026 

• Management – from 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2026 at 12 noon (until 31 July if the qualification was obtained outside Lithuania) 

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent higher education qualification. Additional educational requirements apply to the fields of psychology and law. Further details are provided in the admissions terms and conditions when selecting a specific field of science: 

https://www.mruni.eu/en/degree_type/doctoral-phd-studies/ (see the “Admission” section). 

Both state-funded and self-funded study places are open to international applicants (citizens of both European Union and non-European Union countries). 

Applicants may apply for up to two dissertation topics. A separate research proposal must be submitted for each selected topic.

Applicants may only apply for dissertation topics announced by the University. However, the proposed dissertation topic may be refined within the scope of the announced topics. Lists of available topics are published annually on the website when selecting a specific field of science: 

https://www.mruni.eu/en/degree_type/doctoral-phd-studies/ (see the “Admission” section). 

No, it is not required. However, applicants are encouraged to consult a potential supervisor listed under the proposed dissertation topic or contact the relevant institute. Information about potential supervisors is available on the University website when selecting a specific field of science: https://www.mruni.eu/en/degree_type/doctoral-phd-studies/ (see the “Admission” section). 

Yes, it is possible to apply for doctoral studies without prior academic publications. However, having publications can increase your competitive score and improve your position in the ranking. In addition, some doctoral committees may view applicants with academic publications more favourably, as this demonstrates research experience and active engagement in academic activities.

The required documents are specified in the admission requirements and procedures for each field of science: https://www.mruni.eu/en/degree_type/doctoral-phd-studies/ (see the “Admission” section). 

Typically, the following documents are required: 

• an application to participate in the admission process; 

• recommendations from researchers in the relevant field of science; 

• a curriculum vitae (CV); for law applicants – a motivation letter; 

• a copy of the Master’s degree diploma and academic transcript; 

• a copy of a valid identity document; 

• a research proposal (requirements vary by field of science); 

• proof of payment of the application fee; 

• a list of publications and copies thereof (if available); 

• any additional documents the applicant wishes to submit. 

If the documents contain different surnames, official proof of a name change must be provided. 

All documents must be submitted electronically by email to phd@mruni.eu within the deadlines specified in the admission procedures. 

Admission is based on a competitive selection process. After the application period has closed, doctoral committees invite applicants to attend motivational interviews. Participation in these interviews is mandatory; however, in exceptional cases, remote participation may be arranged. 

Following the interviews, applicants’ scores are calculated, and ranking lists are compiled and published. Selected applicants are then invited to sign study agreements. 

The competition score is composed of the following components: 

• the average of the reviewers’ assessments of the research project; 

• the average of the assessments of the research project presentation (motivational interview); 

• the overall grade point average (GPA), calculated based on the grades recorded in the Master’s degree diploma supplement (for law, this also includes the Bachelor’s degree); 

• points awarded for academic publications. 

In each field of science, the competition score is calculated using a specific formula that assigns different weightings to each component. Further details are provided in the admissions terms and conditions when selecting a specific field of science: https://www.mruni.eu/en/degree_type/doctoral-phd-studies/ (see the “Admission” section). 

Yes, it is possible to study in self-funded places. Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements set by the doctoral committee may be admitted. Further details are provided in the admissions terms and conditions when selecting a specific field of science: 

https://www.mruni.eu/en/degree_type/doctoral-phd-studies/ (see the “Admission” section). 

Doctoral education is financed by state assignations and tuition fees. The state also provides competitive funding opportunities that are organized by the Research Council of Lithuania (to fund students’ internships abroad, participation in international scientific events; support the best doctoral students for their academic achievements).

Doctoral studies begin on 1 October. 

The duration of doctoral studies depends on the chosen form of study: full-time studies last 4 years, while part-time studies last 6 years. A dissertation may be defended earlier if all study requirements are fulfilled. 

Both forms of study can be either state-funded or self-funded. Doctoral students enrolled in part-time state-funded places do not receive a scholarship; however, their tuition fees are covered by the state. This form of study is particularly suitable for those who are balancing their studies with other commitments. 

Yes, doctoral students studying in full-time state-funded places receive a monthly scholarship set by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania until the end of their doctoral studies. In the first year of doctoral studies, a scholarship of 19 BSI (€1,406) is paid; from the second year onwards, a scholarship of 22 BSI (€1,628) is paid. In 2026, the BSI (basic social benefit) rate is €74. 

No separate application is required to receive this scholarship. 

In order to successfully complete the doctoral programme and obtain a doctoral degree upon the defence of the doctoral thesis, doctoral candidates are required to:

• pass the compulsory doctoral study examinations;
• publish at least two research articles in peer-reviewed academic journals;
• present their research at a minimum of two international scientific conferences;
• complete an internship at a foreign research or academic institution.

Doctoral studies at MRU offer a wide range of academic, professional, and international opportunities: 

• international mobility – participation in academic trips, internships, presentation of research findings at international conferences, and the development of a professional network. MRU is a member of the European Reform Universities Alliance (ERUA), which brings together 8 European universities, opening up broader opportunities for academic exchange; 
• international studies – the opportunity to obtain a joint doctoral degree with foreign research and higher education institutions (cotutelle) and to receive a doctoral diploma with the European Doctor (Doctor Europaeus) certificate; 
• research and project activities – involvement in the activities of the MRU Social Innovation Laboratories network, national and international research projects, and working with teams of experienced researchers; 
• development of academic competencies – strengthening of transferable skills through lectures and seminars delivered by MRU researchers and visiting lecturers; 
• additional funding for international mobility and awards for active research and societal engagement;
• study and research infrastructure – access to MRU library resources and international databases, consultations with subject librarians, and mobile workplaces in the MRU Research and Innovation Hive space for doctoral students and postdocs.  

Yes, it is possible to obtain a doctoral (PhD) degree externally, provided that the established requirements are met. For more information, please visit: https://www.mruni.eu/en/research/social-innovations-doctoral-school/external-phd-defence/.