Public and private universities as well as two research private Institutions of Higher
Education offer doctorate programmes of study. Main branches of study include
Humanities, Pure and Applied Sciences, Social Science and Education, Economics
and Management, Law, Engineering, Letters, Medicine and Health Sciences. The
language of instruction depends on the programme of study.

Admission requirements

To apply for a PhD degree, prospective students must hold a Master’s degree in a related subject. Selection of students is made by the institutions themselves.

Status of doctoral students/candidates

Doctoral students are often put in priority as regards part-time or full-time appointments as researchers in research programmes run by academic staff of the respective departments. They may also be given teaching/tutoring duties under the supervision of a permanent academic staff of the Institution.

Supervision arrangements

Every student in a postgraduate programme is assigned an Academic Supervisor who will offer guidance to the student throughout the program of study. Every doctoral student is assigned to a research supervisor too. The research supervisor is appointed by the Board of the Department upon a recommendation of the Postgraduate Programmes Committee of the Department and they are responsible for guiding the student in his/her research and providing the necessary support and advice.

Assessment

A Ph.D. title is awarded upon completion of the following course requirements:

• A minimum of 6 semesters duration of studies (the maximum course duration being 16 semesters);
• Success in a comprehensive examination;
• The successful defense of a doctoral thesis, which must be original and constitute an important contribution to the relevant knowledge field.

Certification

Certification is the responsibility of each institution of Higher Education. Upon successful completion of the programme of studies, the institution awards the Doctoral degree. The award of a Ph.D. degree at the University level is subject to the approval of the Senate of the University.