Doctoral Studies
Vilnius University offers doctoral studies in 29 fields of study — from medicine, natural and technological sciences to social sciences and humanities. Our programs prepare researchers to tackle complex challenges and create innovative solutions that make a real impact.
Admissions to doctoral studies are currently closed. The next intake will take place in the second half of spring 2026. In the meantime, you can review the 2025 admission rules, procedures, and the topics that were offered for the 2025 intake.
Who Can Apply for Doctoral Studies?
- Doctoral studies are open to candidates with a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in higher education.
- We are looking for motivated researchers who want to deepen their knowledge.
Admission Process
Fields of Doctoral Studies
Finances
For students in state-funded positions, a monthly doctoral scholarship is provided:
- First year: €1,330 per month
- Second year and beyond: €1,540 per month
The scholarship amount is calculated based on the Basic Social Benefit (BSI), which is €70 as of January 1, 2025. The exact scholarship amount is determined by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
Tuition Fees for Doctoral Studies in Non State-Funded Positions (2025–2026):
All Fields of Study (except Law):
- Full-time studies: €12,449 (per year)
- Part-time studies: €8,299 (per year)
Law:
- Full-time studies: €6,764 (per year)
- Part-time studies: €4,509 (per year)
FAQ
General questions
What is the duration of doctoral studies?
The duration of doctoral studies depends on the chosen form of study. Full-time doctoral studies last 4 years. Part-time doctoral studies last 6 years. The form of study is chosen during admission - when submitting an application on the admission portal.
NB: only full-time doctoral studies can be funded by the state.
How does a full-time doctoral studies differ from a part-time doctoral studies? When and how should I choose the form of doctoral studies?
- The duration of full-time doctoral studies is 4 years.
- The duration of part-time doctoral studies is 6 years.
- The form of study is chosen during admission - when submitting an application on the admission portal.
NB: only full-time doctoral studies can be funded by the state.
What is the difference between state-funded (VF) and non-state-funded (VNF) doctoral studies? When and how should I choose the desired type of funding?
- State-funded (VF): the cost of doctoral studies is covered by the state; doctoral students receive a monthly scholarship.
- Non-state-funded (VNF): the cost of doctoral studies is covered by the doctoral student; doctoral students do no receive a scholarship.
- The desired type of funding is selected during admission - when submitting an application on the admission portal.
NB: only full-time doctoral studies can be funded by the state.
Do all doctoral students receive a monthly scholarship? Do I have to submit a separate application / request to receive a scholarship?
Only doctoral students studying full-time at a state-funded doctoral studies receive a monthly scholarship. A separate request* is not required.
*Separate requests during doctoral studies are submitted to receive an additional (LMT) scholarship.
Can I apply for doctoral studies with my own topic?
At Vilnius University, applicant can only apply for pre-defined topics and themes. Their list is updated every year and published on the Vilnius University and Faculties' websites and on the application portal.
- Some fields of study offer specific themes for admission, which cannot be adjusted during application.
- Some fields of study offer broader topics for admission, which applicants must specify and define (when submitting a research project and/or participating in an interview).
Do I need to find a supervisor in advance to enroll in doctoral studies?
- Some fields of study offer specific themes for admission, which cannot be adjusted upon admission and which have a supervisor assigned in advance.
- Some fields of study offer broader topics for admission, for which several potential supervisors are indicated. During the application process (when submitting a research project and/or participating in an interview), these topics must be specified and defined, and one of the potential supervisors specified must be selected.
NB: certain fields of study require that one of the two recommendations be written by a potential supervisor (see selection criteria).
I have previously studied at Vilnius University in a state-funded (VF) doctoral studies, but I discontinued them. Can I apply for VF doctoral studies again?
If you have previously studied for less than two years in doctoral studies (i.e. less than half of the duration of the doctoral studies), you can apply for a VF doctoral studies again.
Does Vilnius University offer the opportunity to defend a dissertation externally?
You can read about the possibilities of defending a dissertation externally in Chapter 8 of the Regulations of Doctoral Studies at Vilnius University.
Preparing for admission to doctoral studies and submitting an application
Where to apply for the doctoral studies?
An application to participate in the admission and copies of necessary documents are submitted by logging into the VU admission service system: https://is.vu.lt/pls/dokt/isas.login.
What documents do I need to submit if I want to apply for the doctoral studies?
You can find a list of documents required for admission to doctoral studies here.
Who carries out the recognition of qualifications acquired abroad?
Recognition of qualifications acquired abroad is carried out by Vilnius University. You must send the necessary documents for qualification recognition by e-mail to drs@cr.vu.lt and apply.phd@cr.vu.lt.
NB: these documents must be submitted in Lithuanian, English or Russian.
Are two recommendations mandatory for admission to doctoral studies?
Yes. When applying for doctoral studies in any field of study, two recommendations are required.
Who can write the recommendations required for admission?
Both recommendations must be written by individuals who hold a doctoral degree in the field of study to which you are applying. Applicants are responsible for collecting the recommendations required for admission. These recommendations are written in a free-form format.
NB: certain fields of study require that one of the two recommendations be written by a potential supervisor (see selection criteria).
Can I enroll in doctoral studies if I am not engaged in scientific activities?
Yes. Although scientific activities are included in the competitive score, they are not mandatory for admission.
When and to whom should I submit my research project? What are the requirements for a research project?
Research projects are sent to the study administrator of the relevant field of study. The deadline for submitting a research project, the responsible person and the requirements for the research project are indicated on the Faculties' websites.
When and where does the interview take place?
The location and time of the interview are announced on the Faculties' websites.
What makes up the competitive score?
The components of the competitive score are specified in the selection criteria.
I have uploaded all the necessary documents for the application and completed the application. How do I save and submit this application?
The application is automatically saved and will be automatically submitted on the last day for submitting documents. The application can be adjusted until then.