Third-cycle (PhD) programmes

6.Higher education

6.5Third-cycle (PhD) programmes

Last update: 18 March 2026

Organisation of doctoral studies

The doctoral studies are organised in fundamental domains of sciences and arts.

In sciences the doctoral studies are organised in the following domains:

exact sciences
natural sciences
humanistic sciences
social and political sciences
sciences of education
economy sciences
juridical sciences
agriculture and forestry sciences
medical sciences
architecture and urbanism
engineering sciences
theology and military sciences.

In arts the doctoral studies are organised in the following domains:

visual arts
music
theatre
cinematography
ballet
physical education and sport.

Doctoral studies are finalised with a doctoral thesis and are recognised through a diploma de doctor.

The PhD programmes can normally be organised as:

full-time programmes
part-time programmes.

The doctoral studies comprise the following:

High general training within a doctoral school, usually in the form of lectures and workshops.
A preparation plan determined by the doctoral candidate and his/her supervisor, and, subsequently approved by the council of the department, respectively by the scientific council of the research institute.
Preparation and elaboration of the doctoral thesis. The title and the subject of the thesis are approved by the council of the department, respectively by the scientific council of the research institute; the student is allowed to change the subject once.
Public presentation of the doctoral thesis.

By Order no. 3131/2018, ethics and academic integrity courses were included in the curricula for all university study programs. For doctoral students, the courses can be found in each training program and are mandatory.

The structure of the training programme consists of:

theoretical
practical activities for the specific field of the doctoral studies.

Doctoral university study programs ensure the formation of:

professional skills (content, cognitive and research) in specialized fields, as well as
transversal skills.

According to the Framework Regulation of 01/08/2024, the following field-specific skills are qualified as professional skills:

advanced knowledge in the field
the ability to identify, formulate and solve research problems in a creative way
mastery of advanced research methods and techniques
knowledge regarding the management of research projects
mastering new procedures and solutions in research
skills of documentation and valorization of scientific works
ability to write scientific papers and other academic materials at an advanced level, in a style appropriate to the field of study and respecting its specific rigors at the national and international level
the ability to process data at an advanced level, including through the use of dedicated software, depending on the field
language skills at an academic level in languages of international circulation necessary for the documentation and elaboration of scientific works
understanding and ability to apply the principles and values of scientific research ethics in the respective field.

The following are considered transversal skills:

communication skills, written and oral, in the field of science and culture
advanced linguistic skills in languages of international circulation, including expressing and formulating ideas in multicultural and multilingual contexts
advanced digital skills and competences, part of the digital transformation at the social level, including through the use of artificial intelligence
interpersonal and teamwork skills
knowledge of human, material and financial resource management
knowledge of career management, as well as the acquisition of techniques for searching for a job and creating jobs for others
knowledge of risk, crisis and failure management
knowledge of critical thinking, including the ability to analyze, interpret or formulate reasoning in different contexts
knowledge regarding the use of legislation in the field of intellectual property rights
the ability to innovate and master the concepts of economic, technological and social entrepreneurship.

Doctoral Schools. Doctoral schools can be organized by an institution organizing university doctoral studies (IOSUD), recognized as such by the Ministry of Education, based on accreditation.

Types of PhD Programmes. There are two types of doctoral programmes:

Scientific PhD

Produces original scientific knowledge based on scientific research methods.
Results must be relevant at an international level.
Required for a career in research or as a university professor.

Professional PhD (Arts and Sports)

Produces original knowledge through scientific methods and systematic reflection on:
- artistic creation, or
- high-level sports performance (national or international).
Supports professional careers in higher education and research in arts and sports.

Dual Doctoral Studies (Professional Doctorate). Dual higher education at the doctoral level is organized through a professional doctorate, according to the methodology approved by the Minister of Education.

According to the Framework Regulation on Doctoral University Studies (8 January 2024):

The dual doctoral system shares responsibilities between:
- IOSUD (doctoral studies organizing institution), and
- economic operators (industry partners).

Responsibilities:

IOSUD
- Organizes learning, teaching, and evaluation activities.
Economic operators
- Organize work-based learning activities.
- Participate in student evaluation.
Application and research activities
- Can take place either at IOSUD or with economic operators.

Duration of Doctoral Studies:

Standard duration: 4 years
Possible extension:
- 1–2 additional years, with approval of the university senate, based on the doctoral supervisor’s proposal and available funding.
Interruptions:
- Allowed for justified reasons according to institutional regulations.
- Study duration is extended by the approved interruption periods.

Recognition of Previous Studies. A doctoral school may recognize:

Previous doctoral internships
Scientific research internships (in Romania or abroad)
Courses from research master’s programmes.

Recognition is granted according to institutional regulations and Higher Education Law no. 199/2023.

Organisation of the Doctoral Programme:

The doctoral supervisor, in consultation with the doctoral student, establishes how the programme will be conducted.
The structure must be approved by the doctoral school council.

Language of Study. Doctoral studies may be conducted in:

Romanian
A language of a national minority
An international language.

This is specified in the doctoral studies contract between IOSUD, the doctoral supervisor, and the doctoral student.

Co-Supervised Doctorates. Doctoral studies may be conducted under co-supervision, where the doctoral student is guided by:

A Romanian supervisor and an international supervisor, or
Two supervisors from different Romanian institutions.

This requires a written agreement between the institutions involved. Co-supervision is also possible within the same IOSUD.

Admission requirements

The Ministry of Education yearly develops a framework methodology for the organisation of the admission in the Romanian public and private educational institutions on an annual basis.

Currently, the admission framework is regulated by Order No. 3693/2024, for the approval of the Framework Methodology regarding the organization of admission in undergraduate, master, and doctoral study cycles.

Each higher educational institution elaborates and applies its own regulations for the organization of the educational programmes it provides.

Any candidate from the member states of the European Union, from the European Economic Space and from the Swiss Confederation may take the admission exam for a public, private or confessional higher education for each educational cycle and programme, in the same conditions provided by law for Romanian citizens, including as far as the tuition is concerned.

Higher education institutions may charge candidates with registration fees for the organisation and execution of the admission, in the quantum approved by each university senate. In their own methodologies, university senates may decide upon fee exemption or reduction.

A person may benefit from financing from the budget for a single graduation programme, for a single master’s degree programme, and for a singer Ph.D. degree programme.

Only the graduates of the master’s degree programs or equivalent studies have the right to participate to the admission to PhD programs, and the cumulative number of transferable study credits acquired, for the bachelor's and master's degree cycle, should be at least 300.

Status of doctoral students/ candidates

The person admitted to a PhD educational programme is a doctoral student respectively, during their entire registration in the programme in question, from the registration moment and to the finalization of their studies, less the periods when their studies are interrupted.

PhD students are employed by IOSUD or by any of the IOSUD members as research assistants or assistant professors, on a definite period.

During their entire activity, the doctoral student attending full-time programmes benefit from recognition of work experience and in specialty, as well as free medical and dental assistance under the conditions provided by Law no. 95/2006 regarding health reform, republished, with subsequent amendments and additions, and the framework contract, without the payment of mandatory social contributions regulated by Law no. 227/2015 on the Fiscal Code, with subsequent amendments and additions.

The PhD student may perform remunerated teaching activities, in compliance with the education services agreement, within the limit of the university assistant norm, in accordance with the legislation in force.

According to the pension law, the PhD education is an assimilated period and is taken into consideration when deciding the contribution rate, except for the case in which the student registers revenues for which, during this time, he/she is paying contributions to the social insurances.

After the defense of the doctoral thesis, IOSUD issues a certificate attesting to the period in which the doctoral student attended doctoral university studies.

Supervision arrangements

The competence of PhD mentor/ tutor/ supervisor is granted by order of the Ministry of Education, at the proposal, of CNATDCU for granting the habilitation certificate - abilitare in compliance with the standards and procedures developed by the Ministry of Education.

These standards are set in accordance with the evaluation criteria relevant at international level, proposed by CNATDCU and approved by order of the Ministry of Education.

Minimum Standards for PhD Supervisors

The minimum standards required by National Council for Attestation of University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates (CNATDCU) for accepting a habilitation (competence) file:
- Do not depend on the academic rank of the applicant.
- Are identical to the standards required for obtaining the title of university professor.

Becoming a PhD Supervisor. Teaching and research staff or scientific researchers may become PhD supervisors after:

Obtaining the habilitation qualification.
Receiving formal authorization to supervise doctoral theses.

Once authorized, they are recognized as PhD tutors (doctoral supervisors).

Habilitation (Abilitare). Habilitation is the official certification that a person is qualified to supervise doctoral theses.

It is granted following the procedures established by Order no. 3121/2015 regarding the organization and development of the process of obtaining the qualification certificate.

Requirements to Supervise PhD Students. To supervise doctoral studies, habilitated academic staff must:

Sign a labour contract with:
- IOSUD (Institution Organizing Doctoral Studies), or
- An institution that is part of an IOSUD consortium.
Become a member of a doctoral school that organizes PhD programmes.

International Academic Mobility. Within the framework of university mobility policies:

IOSUD institutions may employ international specialists on a contractual basis.
These specialists must hold the legal right to supervise doctoral research.

Specialists who have acquired the legal right to conduct doctorates in higher education or research and development institutions abroad can obtain the qualification certificate as follows:

specialists who have the status of doctoral supervisor in one of the member states of the European Union or the European Economic Area or in the Swiss Confederation automatically acquire the status of doctoral supervisor in Romania by issuing the order of the Minister of Education
specialists who have the capacity of doctoral supervisor in one of the higher education institutions, outside of the previously mentioned countries, which are among the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world, automatically acquire the certificate of qualification by issuing the order of the Minister of Education
specialists who are PhD supervisors in institutions abroad, other than those provided above, can obtain the habilitation certificate in Romania, either through an international convention of mutual recognition, or according to the standard provisions.

A doctoral supervisor can simultaneously supervise doctoral students in only one IOSUD, with the exception of doctorates conducted under joint supervision.

A doctoral supervisor can simultaneously supervise 8 doctoral students.

As an exception, up to a maximum of 12 PhD students/supervisor may be mentored only with the approval of the university senate, but not for more than 20% of PhD supervisors in a doctoral school.

Employability

The Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS) includes employability as part of its framework: external evaluations look at how well programmes (including doctoral) prepare graduates for employment with relevant labour-market skills and credible outcomes.

The legislation in force does not mention explicitly labour-market placements, internships, specific employability training, or employer partnerships for doctoral students at the level of the framework regulations. These issues are typically addressed either indirectly through institutional regulations (e.g., mobility requirements with external partners or research internships), or through institutional strategies and partnerships designed to enhance employability (which institutions may include in their own doctoral regulations).

Overall, Romanian universities combine EU and national funding with structured internships, career support activities, doctoral funding incentives, and quality-assurance frameworks to strengthen the link between doctoral education and the labour market.

Some examples of measures on the part of central authorities and higher education institutions to facilitate graduate access to the labour market of the doctoral students:

Romania implements competitive funding calls under programmes such as the Programme Education and Employment (Programul Educație și Ocupare) 2021 - 2027 co-financed by the European Social Fund, which supports partnerships between HE institutions and employers to strengthen skills and employability for students (including internships, workplace learning and career support).
Some institutions incorporate entrepreneurship and transferable skills modules for doctoral students, often tied to funded projects or institutional strategy, to help PhDs pursue careers outside academia (e.g., in industry, consulting, public policy).
Doctoral schools in Romanian universities may partner with external employers in councils or advisory boards to ensure curricula and training reflect current socio-economic and labour market demands.
Romanian universities leverage Erasmus+ mobility to enable research internships abroad, which can include work experiences relevant to doctoral candidates’ fields, contributing to broader employability and international exposure.

Assessment

The examinations are performed by an Examination Commission.

Students can advance in their education and training programme if obtaining the minimum mark of good in examinations and a pass qualification for the research papers/creative works.

If they fail one examination or if one research paper is not accepted, they may sit for the examination once more or may defend their research paper/creative work again.

Certification

The PhD thesis is drafted in compliance with the requirements decided by the IOSUD in its PhD regulation and in compliance with the regulations of the national Code for the PhD University Studies approved by GD no. 681/2011 with subsequent amendments and additions in 2016.

Doctoral studies are finalised through a thesis publicly defended and evaluated by a commission of specialists approved by the university senate.

Plagiarism and Similarity Check. Before the public defence of a doctoral thesis, IOSUD (Institution Organizing Doctoral Studies) must:

Verify the thesis using plagiarism/similarity detection software.
Conduct the verification according to the Framework Regulation on Doctoral University Studies.

The verification follows the standards included in the National Guide for Writing Doctoral Theses, developed by National Council for Attestation of University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates.

Doctoral Thesis Defence Committee. The doctoral defence committee consists of:

Chair of the committee
Director of the doctoral programme
Three official reviewers.

Reviewer Requirements. Reviewers must:

Be recognized specialists with significant scientific achievements.
Hold a doctoral degree (diploma de doctor) in the relevant field.
Hold academic or research positions such as:Professor, Associate professor (lecturer), Academician, Scientific researcher rank I
Come from Romania or abroad.

Independence requirement:

At least two reviewers must be external, meaning they do not work at the same doctoral institution.

Review and Evaluation. Each committee member prepares a written review report, which includes:

General and analytical evaluation remarks
An assessment of the scientific and academic value of the thesis
A final recommendation stating whether they support or oppose awarding the doctoral degree (diploma de doctor).

The PhD thesis is defended in a public meeting before the PhD commission, after the positive evaluation of all the referees.

The defence of the PhD thesis may take place in the presence of at least 4 of the 5 members of the commission, with the mandatory participation of the commission’s president and PhD mentor.

The public defence must include a session of questions by the members of the PhD commission and the public.

Based on the public presentation of the PhD thesis and of the official referees’ reports, the PhD commission evaluates and deliberates upon the grade that the thesis receives. The grades are:

Excellent
Very good
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory.

Excellent is usually granted for maximum 15% of the candidates who acquire the PhD title in a certain IOSUD, in the course of an academic year.

If the PhD student has observed the requirements provided in the scientific research programme and the grade of the PhD thesis is Very good, Good or Satisfactory the PhD commission proposes to award the PhD title, proposal that is submitted to National Commission for the Attestation of University Titles, Diplomas and Certificates (CNATDCU), for validation.

Following the evaluation of the file, CNATDCU, proposes to the Ministry of Education to grant or to not to grant the PhD title.

If the grade is Unsatisfactory, the PhD commission will identify the content elements that must be remade or completed from the thesis and will request a new public defence.

Second Defence of the PhD Thesis

The second defence of a doctoral thesis takes place before the same doctoral committee that evaluated the thesis during the first defence.

Outcome After the Second Defence.

If the thesis receives the grade “Unsatisfactory” after the second public defence:
- The doctoral title is not awarded.
- The doctoral student is expelled from the programme.

Public Information. The following information related to a doctoral thesis is considered public data:

Name of the doctoral thesis author
Name of the doctoral supervisor
Names of the members of the doctoral defence committee.

The doctoral thesis is a public document. This is also written in digital format.

The doctoral thesis and its appendices will be available for consultation 90 calendar days, before public support, on the national platform managed by UEFISCDI, in accordance with the legal provisions in force in the field of copyright.

During the period when the doctoral thesis is in transparency, before the public support, any natural or legal person can formulate observations regarding the existence of deviations from the standards of ethics and professional deontology, including from the perspective of the existence of plagiarism.

After the issuance of the doctoral degree, the doctoral thesis, in printed format, is archived at the library of the higher education institution, with a permanent term.

Order No 5110/2018 provides the minimum national standards for the award of the title of doctor.

The minimum national standards for the award of the doctor's degree are a set of 35 standards specific to doctoral fields assigned to the commissions of the specialty of CNATDCU.

EXAMPLE:

ECONOMIC SCIENCES AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION

Minimum national standards for the award of the doctorate:

To be awarded the title of doctor, it is necessary to fulfill the following minimum standards:

publication of at least three articles in minimum indexed scientific journals three international or Web of Science databases, of which, for one article, the doctoral student has the capacity of the sole author, first author, or corresponding author.
the presentation of at least three scientific papers at international conferences in the field, proven by the conference program.

The PhD title is granted by an order of the Ministry of Education, after the validation of the thesis by CNATDCU.

Organisational variation

The PhD education may take place under a co-tutorship, in which case:

a student carries out his/her activity under the simultaneous guidance of a tutor in Romania and another one in a different country, or
under the guidance of two tutors from different universities in Romania, based on a written agreement between the institutions involved, or
PhD mentors are from the same IOSUD, but are specialised in different fields of study, or if one of the PhD mentors has reached the retirement age, in compliance with the university Charter.

Eurydice

Romania

6.5Third-cycle (PhD) programmes

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