PhD Degrees in Slovenia

Study in Slovenia

Slovenia strives to implement measures supporting equal opportunities, academic success, student mobility, higher education and vocational education and training, language learning and distance education. The adoption of the Bologna system also supports the academic and professional recognition of qualifications, and the overall development of modern education methods and internationally relevant undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

International focus

In recent years, higher education in Slovenia has undergone several structural changes, rapid institutional development and new study programme implementation. As a result, Slovenia became an increasingly popular international student destination. Just under 2,000 foreign students are currently studying in Slovenia. The great majority of these students come from the republics of the former Yugoslavia, mainly because of cultural links and similarities of language. Foreign students account for almost 10% of doctoral students.

General application requirements

Foreign citizens and Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship who completed secondary school abroad may enrol in Bachelor studies if they meet the following requirements:

• completed four-year secondary school;
• completed procedure for the recognition of foreign secondary education certificates;
• successful result on required tests, if applicable;
• knowledge of the Slovenian language.

Copies of certificates and other documents which candidates must send to the Higher Education Application Information Service of the chosen Slovenian university:

• notarized final certificate of a four year secondary school (or matura certificate);
• a secondary school diploma;
• notarised transcripts for the last two years of completed secondary school recording academic performance;
• personal identity cards or certificates of citizenship;
• certificate indicating that the candidate has passed the Examination in Intermediate Level Slovenian.

The general access requirement for masters’ study programmes is a completed first cycle study programme. Admission requirements may vary depending on the chosen higher education institution. Contact the international student departments for detailed information.

Also visit: http://www.slovenia.si/study/about/#c3750

Academic structure

Higher education studies are provided by public and private universities, faculties, art academies and professional colleges. Universities, faculties and art academies may provide all types of study programmes, while professional colleges generally focus on bachelor level study programmes.

Study programmes

Higher education system in Slovenia is consists of Bachelor level academic and professional study programmes, masters’ study programmes and professional degrees as well as doctoral studies. Degrees in all three cycles can be taken as joint degrees. Higher education institutions may provide supplementary study programmes as a form of lifelong learning. Studies are organised as full-time and part-time respectively.

Language of study

Besides the higher education programmes taught in Slovenian, you can find a considerable selection of English-taught programmes in diverse academic fields. If your study programme is taught in English, you will be required to prove your English proficiency by presenting the results you received at English courses. If you want to study abroad in Slovenia, you are most likely to find courses fully or partially taught in English in universities in the big cities. Usually, postgraduate courses do not require knowledge of Slovenian.

As part of the Erasmus international student exchange network, Slovenia is looking to expand its offer of English-taught programmes in order to attract more European students who want to study abroad. As a result, some universities recruit experienced English native speaking teachers from the UK, Slovenia and Switzerland to encourage the enrolment of students coming from abroad.

Ethnically mixed regions home to Hungarian and Italian communities may offer courses taught in these languages.

To find and compare English language courses visit: www.languagelearningportal.com

Teaching methods

Higher education institutions use various teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, exercises, colloquium and written assignments. Usually lectures are given for a large group of students, while the seminars and exercises are usually offered for a smaller group of students. The studies also demand a lot of individual and preparatory work.

Study visa

EU citizens do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Slovenia; they can enter with a valid identity card or a valid passport regardless of their purpose of stay. If they want to stay in Slovenia longer than three months, they have to register their place of residence at their local administrative in a period of three months after arriving in the country.

Non-EU nationals who wish to enter the Republic of Slovenia are required to obtain a visa at a diplomatic mission or consulate of the Republic of Slovenia abroad prior to entering the Republic of Slovenia.

Documentation needed:

• written opinion of the ministry of higher education and science (issued on the basis of the Rules of the relevant ministry which is responsible for the drafting of the Rules) and entry into the electronic record (in preparation);
• scholarship of the Republic of Slovenia or certificate of sufficient funds;
• original and authenticated translation of certificate of no criminal record;
• health insurance.

To find detailed information about the study visa, contact your local Slovenian embassy.

Also visit: http://www.infotujci.si/v/6/visa

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PhD Degrees in Lithuania

Study in Lithuania

Lithuania is a crossroad between west and east Europe, and despite its complicated history, has developed a unique culture, which encompasses both deep respect for traditions and a robust wish to learn and innovate. We are members of the EU and NATO, and are among the most bilingual and educated nations in Europe, however costs of living here are lower than in western countries, which makes Lithuania ideal for aspiring students.

All of the 350+ English-taught study programmes in Lithuania are evaluated according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), with each year of study being awarded with 60 ECTS credits. You can find all of them onhttp://www.studyinlithuania.lt. University degrees are offered in three cycles: the first cycle is undergraduate (Bachelor), the second cycle is graduate (Master, and/or specialised professional studies), and the third one is postgraduate (Doctoral; residency; postgraduate in the Arts). Bachelor degrees and professional qualifications are offered at universities; professional qualifications, but not degrees, can be taken at colleges. The academic year starts in September and ends in mid-June and is divided into two semesters – spring and autumn. Students can opt to study full-time or part-time.

If you are at the second cycle stage (or aim to be there) and you want to study for a Master’s degree and/or a specialised professional qualification one of the options open to you is the Integrated study programmes. These programmes combine university studies at the first and second cycles. The successful graduates are awarded a Master’s Diploma which testifies to their Master’s degree status.

Admission process

The admission process is a piece of cake after you decide which programme you wish to study. Most Universities have deadlines in June for the start in September, but international students are advised to apply as early as possible in order to leave more time to work out the details. The following three steps are required to enroll with Lithuanian university:

• First, you must have your education documents recognised in the Republic of Lithuania. The evaluation and recognition of foreign school-leaving certificates and higher education qualifications is carried out accordingly by the Lithuanian Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (CQAHE): www.skvc.lt/en/
• After the recognition of your qualifications, you can apply to a University (most of the time it can be done online, and you can find all the contact details on http://www.studyinlithuania.lt);
• Once accepted, it is only a matter of getting a visa (and that is only if you are not from the EU). Seehttp://www.migracija.lt for details;

Requirements

If you want to study in the first-cycle (Bachelor’s) programme at a higher education institution in Lithuania you need to have a Maturity Certificate (school leaving certificate) or an equivalent qualification. To be admitted to the second-cycle university programme you should hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification (usually in the respective field). In order to enter the third-cycle university studies (Doctoral, as well as residency, postgraduate Arts studies), you should have either a Master’s or a corresponding degree in the respective study field.

Tuition fees

“Knowledge is priceless; however, studies have to be paid for”.

At Higher Education institutions in Lithuania, tuition fees differ from institution to institution, depending on which study programme has been chosen and which stage the student is at. Educational institutions announce their tuition fees annually.

On average, the cost of studies at higher education institutions is approximately between 1.000 – 5.300 EUR per year for Bachelor studies, from 2.200-6.500 EUR per year for Master studies and from 7.100 to 8.500 EUR per year for postgraduate studies. You can find more detailed information on tuition fees for specific programmes on http://www.studyinlithuania.lt

Students at Higher Education institutions in Lithuania may be awarded scholarships and may also participate in international exchange programmes (e.g. Erasmus). Those who participate in students’ exchange programmes do not have to pay any extra tuition fees for the exchange programme.

Scholarships

Students of all fields, lecturers and researchers of higher education or research institutions of foreign countries are eligible to apply for Lithuanian state scholarships. Usually (but not in all cases), scholarships cover both tuition-fee for studies/summer courses and living expenses. Financial provisions depend on the country you are applying from. There are three scholarships offered:

• For Lithuanian language and culture summer courses;
• For short term Lithuanian (Baltic) studies;
• For full-time Master degree studies in all fields.

1^st of April is the deadline for the document submission for both spring and autumn semesters (for summer courses, short-term studies and research scholarships), while the deadline for applications for the full-time master degree studies is usually set for mid-July. Learn more about the exact deadlines this year and which scholarships you are eligible for athttp://www.smpf.lt/en/statescholarships.

In addition to state scholarships, Universities sometimes grant individual scholarships, which you can enquire about when applying!

Practice

Higher Education institutions in Lithuania focus on giving students the skills they need in order to apply their knowledge in a practical way. Therefore, students are able to undertake educational, professional or scientific practices both locally and internationally.

Opportunities for practical involvement include the following:

• EU programmes, such as Erasmus (Higher Education) and Comenius (intended for future teachers).
• IAESTE, an international, non-profit association which implements an exchange programme for students at technical universities, involving students from 86 countries and more than six thousand companies worldwide. In Lithuania, Kaunas University of Technology act as a representative (http://karjera.ktu.lt/?lan=en).
• Student organisations such as AIESEC (http://www.aiesec.lt/en), among others.
• It's quite common to directly approach companies and ask for opportunities for un-paid work experience. This will greatly improve your CV and also give you practical knowledge, which will come in handy when you are considered for a permanent position.

Why Study in Lithuania?

• Welcoming nation.Lithuanians are one of the most educated and bilingual nations in Europe. After your studies, you are sure to leave with many new acquaintances and life-long friends. So much, that you just might decide to stay :-)
• Good value for money.With higher education being notoriously expensive in most parts of the world, more than ¾ of international students in Lithuania agree they are getting a bang for their buck – with tuition fees starting from 1000EUR and generous scholarship schemes for top quality education. Not considering Lithuania would be a big mistake!

Practical Information

Housing

All universities offer the opportunity of living in a hall of residence. Some of the halls of residence are situated near the universities, others in the city centre. Some are further away so you will have to use public transport to get to university. These halls have been renovated and equipped with modern appliances; they all have internet access. However, not all residences have the same conditions.

Monthly expenses

Most foreign students say, that 350-400 EUR is enough to live off for a month (minus the tuition fees). It really depends on how much you want to travel and go out, but our night clubs, pubs, museums and other attractions are less expensive than the ones found elsewhere in Europe. A pint of beer will set you back anywhere from 2.50 to 3.50 EUR, two-course lunch deal at most restaurants – from 3 to 5 EUR, cinema ticket – up to 5-6 EUR, ten minutes at the local carting track – 10-12 EUR.

Insurance

If you’ve come from one of the 27 Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and have a European card of health insurance, you are guaranteed state health care services in case of an accident. You need to be aware that the card does not cover the expenses of health care services provided by the private sector.
Students from EU above the age of 18 could be considered for insurance and get free medical care. To do so, they must present a document, proving their status as a student, to the territorial health insurance fund. Then, if you want to get registered at a health centre, you will have to fill in an application on a special form at the reception desk and present a document proving personal identity (with the photo and a National Identification Number).

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PhD Degrees in Finland

Study in Finland

Finland is situated in northern Europe and neighbours Sweden, Norway and Russia. It is a member of the European Union where it represents both Nordic democracy and way of living. Equality in wealth is a key-driver in our society.

For an international student Finland is both an exotic and a safe target country. Finnish society is credible: a networked and transparent open civic society, where education is always a top first priority.

The country is filled with contrasts. We have four distinct seasons including the midnight sun in the summer and a period of near darkness in the Winter. We have large rural areas and the highest technology within reach; East and West you name it.

Finland is a global leader in information technology and also enjoys gender equality and low levels of corruption. We have one of the most advanced education systems in the world, and as a result of our innovative mindset and investing in education we are blessed with high standard of living and quality of life.

Our emphasis on nature makes Finland stand out from other European countries. We breathe clean air, and drink clean ground water directly from the tap. Nature is an integral part of the Finnish way of life for a very simple reason: it is everywhere.

Why Study in Finland?

Finland is a human-scaled, cosy country, with cities and towns designed for people, not just cars. Rush-hours are a rarity.

Our higher education institutions are small enough to operate functionally and effectively. They are all internationally oriented with special regional features, and you can choose between very different study environments ranging from larger urban campuses to close-to-nature campuses.

Higher education institutions are highly autonomous, but largely funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Therefore the Ministry also closely oversees the quality of teaching. These efficiently managed institutions:

- react to the needs of the society, and business and industry in their curricula and teaching

- provide a wide range of high-quality programmes in English for exchange and degree students at all levels of education

- give their students transferrable skills on which they can build their future in academic fields and in the job market.

Trust and openness are important concepts in Finland, and getting networked at an early stage is the Finnish way. Here you can start getting connected with fellow international and Finnish students, organisations, and the working world already whilst studying your first courses. Often these networks and friendships last for the rest of your life.

• Lots of Programmes in EnglishFinnish institutions provide over 450 English-speaking degree and non-degree programmes. Some of the programs are short courses, which can usually only be taken as part of an exchange program whilst whole degree programmes take several years to complete, and lead to an official Finnish higher education Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree.
• Quality in research and educationOur national education policy, excellent basic education, and student selection for higher education based on competition underpins the high standards in Finnish higher education.Thanks to their basic education and national entrance exams, Finnish students are highly motivated to study. Unlike in most countries, students also have a real influence on the quality of education. There is legislation in place that allows them exceptional influence in developing their institutions and studies together with their teachers.
• Excellent facilities for work and funThe high standard of different facilities provided by Finland and especially higher education institutions is frequently commended by international students. In Finland all students have the right to use the institutions libraries freely with a library card. As well as well stocked libraries , all higher education institutions provide their students free access to the internet. Also municipal library services are open to all, and the basic services are normally free of charge.
• Well-organised countryFinland is a well-organised and efficient society. We rely on (and can rely on!) our general infrastructure as both public and private services are run effectively.Having well run public services like the police, fire and rescue services, transportation, education, and health care are fundamental to our daily living. Our banking services are among the best in world: advanced, innovative and easy to use.

Practical Information

The admissions procedure in a nutshell

Admission to Finnish higher education is organised by the educational institutions themselves. That is, each university and polytechnic in Finland independently selects its own students.

In brief, the admission procedure from start to finish consists of:

• selecting the programme(s) you wish to apply to
• submitting your application, with the required certificates and documents, before the application deadline
• taking an entrance examination, if required
• after this, the higher education institutions make the final student selection from among the eligible candidates
• the admitted students can then start arranging their arrival to Finland.

Where to submit your application

Most Finnish higher education institutions use an on-line electronic admissions system for their Bachelors and Masters level student intake. You will also need to send in copies of your earlier educational certificates and other required documents. Additionally, depending on the programme, applicants may need to successfully pass an entrance examination. You can learn more about the individual admission procedure on the programme pages of the universities.

Application times

The academic year in Finland is divided into two terms:

• autumn term (from August/September to December)
• spring term (from January to the end of May)

Most degree programmes only take in new degree students at the beginning of the academic year. So, usually your application will concern studies that start in the autumn term. In some cases, however, it may be possible to apply for studies that start in the spring term.

The exact application times and deadlines depend on the institution and the programme however, in most cases the annual application period to the university degree programmes begins between November and January.

For Master's level admission, many Finnish universities use the University Admissions Finland www.universityadmissions.fi service (UAF). On the UAF site, you can also find a list of the Master's level application times of those universities that have their admissions via UAF. however, not all universities/programmes have their admissions via UAF - some universities/programmes may have a separate admission route. If in doubt about how and when to apply, please check the correct application route with the Admissions Office of the university you're interested in.Those interested in post-Master's level studies (doctoral studies, research) should contact the universities of their choice directly for information on how and when to apply. Some universities may accept doctoral study applications at all times, while others may have specific application periods.

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PhD Degrees in Netherlands

Study in Netherlands

Holland stands out for its great inventiveness, its problem-solving attitude and its openness to the world. Studying in Holland offers you the space to be a pioneer, be creative and get connected.

The more than 2,100 English-taught study programmes and courses cover a broad range of fields. All programmes and courses lead to a bachelors, masters or PhD degree, a diploma or certificate.

Why Study in Netherlands?

Quality of higher education

Higher education in Holland has a worldwide reputation for its high quality. This quality is guaranteed through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. Dutch law (the Higher Education and Research Act) states that degree programmes offered by higher education institutions must be evaluated against a specific set of criteria, assessing the content and the level of the course. Bachelor’s and master’s programmes that meet the criteria are accredited (i.e. officially recognized).

In 2014, there were eleven Dutch universities in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, making the Netherlands the fourth best represented country on the prestigious list.

Pioneering

Holland has proven to be a true pioneer for discovering inventive solutions to everyday problems. The way the Dutch created a large part of the country by reclaiming land from the sea shows their pragmatic approach to living below sea level.

We can also see this approach when it comes to education. For a small country like Holland, an international orientation - extending into education and training - is a must to be a successful competitor in our increasingly internationalized world. Holland was also the first non-English speaking country to offer courses taught in English.

Creative

The important role of the Dutch in the international design industry is a reflection of their creative drive. The creative sector in Holland is world famous for its innovative ideas and ground-breaking Dutch Design. It is perhaps because of the Dutch way of teaching that creativity has acclaimed such an important role in Dutch society. Students are challenged to solve problems with an out-of-the-box approach and work together in case studies to gather and share knowledge.

Connected

Being a small country, Holland is open to the world and to surrounding countries. Cooperating with other countries is key to being successful for the Dutch. The strong connection between Dutch higher education institutions and the business world creates possibilities for practical assignments and internships to prepare students for a career in an international environment.

The Dutch education system is interactive, student-centred and focused on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. The teaching method at Dutch higher education institutions is founded on respect for each individuals opinions and convictions. This respect is a national virtue that characterizes Holland's diverse and plural society. The method aims to provide students with both the attention and freedom they need to develop their own opinions and creativity in applying new knowledge.

Practical Information

Step by step: How to apply to a Dutch institution.

The Dutch have a saying : "A good preparation is half the work". Meaning that once you have prepared yourself for what is about to come, the rest will follow easily.

When you have made the decision to go study in Holland, you will need to prepare for your stay. You will have to decide what to study and where, you will have to apply to an institution, finance your studies, look for a place to live and so on. The step-by-step checklist will help you determine what to do when and where.

Read the full checklist here

• Step 1: Find a study programme

Holland offers more than 2,100 study programmes and courses taught in English. Examine the available study programmes on this website or on www.studyfinder.nl.

Step 2: Check accreditation and institution

Check whether the programme of your choice is accredited by the NVAO (Accreditation Organization of The Netherlands and Flanders) or by another organisation. Accreditation is an important indication of the programmes quality. Check if the institution of your choice has signed the Code of Conduct. By signing the Code of Conduct, the institution offers students a guarantee of the quality of their programmes, student recruitment, selection and counselling procedures. Visit www.internationalstudy.nl to find a list of institutions that have signed the Code of Conduct.

• Step 3: Arrange funding

If you cannot rely on your own funds for studying, you can look for scholarships and find out if you are eligible. On theScholarshipportal or www.grantfinder.nl you can find an overview of scholarships available for students who wish to come to Holland. You can also contact the Dutch Embassy in your home country or your institution's international relations office.

• Step 4: Meet the requirements and apply for the course

Find out what the admission requirements are for the programme of your choice. Contact the Dutch institution offering the programme to ask for more information about admission requirements, language requirements and so on. Generally, the main requirement for admission to a bachelors programme is a secondary-school diploma at the appropriate level. For admission to a masters degree programme, applicants must have at least a bachelors degree or its equivalent. IELTS and TOEFL are commonly accepted language tests. The required scores are at least 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer based) for TOEFL. For IELTS a score of at least 6 is required.

If the programme is suitable and you meet the requirements, follow the institutions procedure for admission. Follow the directions of the institution on how to apply. Often this information is listed on the course website of the institution.

• Step 5: Follow the immigration regulations

Check which immigration regulations apply to you. It may take up to six months from collecting the required documents to receiving your actual visa (if needed). You can find out which rules apply to you in the Student Visa Wizard. Gather all the relevant documents required by the Dutch immigration authorities. If you need an entry visa (MVV), your host institution must arrange it on your behalf.Find out which documents you need in the Student Visa Wizard.

• Step 6: Find a place to live

Once you arrive in Holland, you will need a place to live. Finding housing can be difficult, make sure you start looking as soon as possible. Don't forget to ask your host institution for help in arranging a place for you to live. Your institution should be able to provide you with more information about housing.

• Step 7: Make sure you are insured

All students in Holland are obliged to have health insurance. There are several options for you to arrange this. Check the information and regulations about health insurances to find out how you can arrange your insurance.

And finally: Enjoy your time in Holland as a student!

You can find more information on: www.studyinholland.nl

The education system

The education system in Holland is known for its high quality in education and research and its international study environment. In addition, with more than 2,100 international study programmes and courses it has the largest offer of continental Europe.

Holland has two main types of higher education institutions: research universities and universities of applied sciences.

The research universities in Holland educate students in academic study and research. Universities of applied sciences offer professional programmes in the applied arts and sciences that prepare students for specific careers. A third and smaller branch of higher education is provided by institutes for international education, which offer advanced training and courses in a wide range of fields. Most of these institutes are part of a research university.

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PhD Degrees in Poland

Why Study in Poland?

5 Reasons to study in Poland

1. Tradition

Poland’s tradition of academic education goes back to 1364 when King Casimir the Great established the Cracow Academy, known today as the Jagiellonian University. The Cracow Academy, being one of the oldest in the world, took after academies in Bologna and Padua, and was the second university in Central Europe after Prague.

2. Modernity

Today, the Polish higher education system is developing rapidly. Poland holds fourth place in Europe (after the United Kingdom, Germany and France) in terms of the number of people enrolled in higher education. The total student population at over 400 university level schools is almost one and a half million. Each year almost half a million young people begin their education at universities and colleges. The Polish university level schools offer over 200 high quality types of study as an integral part of the European Higher Education Area. Most schools offer courses in foreign languages.

3. Bologna Process

Poland plays an active part in the Bologna Process. Owing to the introduction of three-stage education modelled on Bachelor/Master/Doctoral studies as well as the European Credit Transfer System, both Polish students and international students studying in Poland stay fully mobile and can continue their education elsewhere in the European Union without any problems. Within just the Erasmus Program that has been going on for over 20 years now, over 43,000 foreign students have come to study in Poland while almost 100,000 students from Poland have taken part of their education in another country within the European Union. Foreign students coming to Poland can expect the most attractive and diversified education opportunities meeting high European standards. They can study medicine, biotechnology or engineering, but also art and business and many other subjects. The diploma awarded to them upon graduation is recognised not only Europe-wide but also in most countries of the world.

4. High quality of education

The Polish higher education system is well developed. The quality of the education provided is monitored and regularly evaluated. The main Polish institutions in charge of quality assurance in higher education are: the Polish Accreditation Committee, the General Council of Higher Education and the Conference of Rectors of the Academic Schools in Poland. There are over 5,000 courses available in Poland and each of them has had to gain the Polish Accreditation Committee’s approval. Among them there are a number of fields of study that have received the grade: excellent. The list of excellent fields of study is available at the Polish Accreditation Committee website: http://www.pka.edu.pl/?q=en/oceny.

5. Competitive costs of living and studying

Compared to other EU countries, the tuition fees in Poland are really competitive and the costs of living are a fraction of what a foreign student would have to spend in other European cities.

Find out more and apply

Practical Information

Language of instruction

There are more than 5000 courses in Poland taught in Polish language and more than 700 courses taught in foreign languages (mainly English). All courses in Polish are available here. All courses in English and other foreign languages are available through “Studyfinder” tool. 

Typical course tuition fees

Full-time studies (in Polish language) at public higher education institutions (HEIs) are free of charge for Polish students - plus international students who are citizens of the EU/EEA or who are from the countries that hold the Card of the Pole (Karta Polaka).

All other international students are required to pay tuition fees that on average are the following:

• EUR 2000 per year for first, second and long cycle studies,
• EUR 3000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate and medical postgraduate internships as well as scientific, arts, specialist and post-doctoral internships,
• EUR 3000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships,
• EUR 2000 per year for an annual preparatory Polish language course to commence studies in Polish.

Fees at public and non-public HEIs are established by the institution itself under the condition that they cannot be lower than the costs of education process. The tuition fees range from EUR 2000 to 6000 per year and depend on the institution and study program (for MBA programs: about EUR 8000-12,000 per year).

Student visas and immigration

 

http://www.go-poland.pl/visa-application

Scholarships and financial support

http://www.go-poland.pl/scholarships-within-bilateral-agreements

Average length of a full-time higher education programme in Poland

• Bachelor’s degree programme: 3 – 3.5 years

• Master’s degree programme: 2 – 6 years

• Doctorate/PhD: 3 years

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