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Free PhD Program in Europe for international students -cheapest programs

free online phd in europe

Europe is the first destinations to study abroad for international students. It is also well-known for its quality education and low tuition cost. Thus, The “ free PhD program in Europe ” provides a great opportunity for aspiring students to pursue advanced education without the burden of tuition fees and other expenses. In Today’s article,  we will discuss “how to get a free PhD program in Europe” and mention complete guidelines about it.

Which Countries Gives Free Phd for International Students?

Many Countries that offer free PhD programs for international students. Some of the most popular ones include Finland, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.  Finland is one of the top-notch of our list of top 10 countries that also offer affordable or free PhD programs. These programs are usually fully funded, meaning that you will not have to pay any tuition or other fees. In addition, they often come with a number of benefits such as a stipend to help cover living expenses. However, Are you interested in pursuing a PhD in one of these countries? So be sure to research each program carefully to ensure that it is a perfect fit for you.

How Can I Get a Free Phd in Europe?

Usually You will not get a free PhD program in Europe .  You will have to pay for your own tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs.  Below we will mention some ways to reduce the cost of a PhD Program in Europe. One way is to apply for scholarships and grants. There are many organizations that offer financial assistance for students studying in Europe. 

Another way to reduce the cost of a PhD program is to choose a less expensive country to study in. For example, you may be able to find cheaper programs in Eastern European countries than you would in Western European countries. Finally, you can also look into part-time or online programs which may be cheaper than traditional full-time programs.

Is Phd Free in Switzerland for International Students?

No, a PhD is not free in Switzerland for international students. While Swiss universities do not charge tuition fees for doctoral studies, international students are still responsible for other costs associated with their education, such as living expenses and health insurance. 

However, many Swiss universities offer competitive fellowships. The fellowships program can help offset the cost of a PhD program for international students. Additionally, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to help finance doctoral studies in Switzerland. A number of scholarships and grants are also available to help finance doctoral studies in Switzerland.

Is Phd Free in Uk for International Students?

No, a PhD is usually not free in the UK for international students. The average cost of a PhD program in the UK is between £14,000 USD – £20,000 USD in a year . There are some scholarships available to international students, but they are typically very competitive and do not cover the full cost of tuition.

FULLY FUNDED PHD IN ITALY! ELIGIBILITY! SCHOLARSHIPS! UNIVERSITIES! JOBS

Fully Funded Phd Programs in Europe for International Students

Europe has a number of fully funded PhD programs for international students. These programs offer an opportunity to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the world. On the other hand, it also receives a full funding package that covers tuition and living expenses.  Here are just a few of the many fully funded PhD programs available for international students in Europe: The University of Oxford offers a number of fully funded scholarships for international students, including the Clarendon Scholarships and Rhodes Scholarships. Both of these scholarship programs cover tuition and living expenses for up to four years of study at Oxford. 

The University of Cambridge also offers various  fully funded scholarships for international students.   Such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship program. This program provides full funding for up to three years of study at Cambridge. Other top universities in Europe that offer fully funded PhD programs include the ETH Zurich, Imperial College London, and King’s College London. These institutions all have highly competitive scholarship programs that provide full funding for international students.

Free Phd Programs for International Students

There are a few reasons why Students might want to pursue a PhD.  the desire to contribute to knowledge in their field, the opportunity to teach, and the challenge of conducting original research, at the university level. Whatever the motivation, a few of the free PhD programs available for home and international students.  One option for financing your PhD is through fully-funded scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition and living expenses, so they can be a great way to finance your studies.  Many financial aid Organizations offer fully-funded scholarships for international students, including governments, universities, and private foundations. 

Free PhD Program in Europe for international students -cheapest programs

Another way to finance your PhD is through teaching assistantships or research assistantships. These positions usually involve working 20 hours per week in exchange for a tuition waiver and a stipend. You are interested in pursuing a PhD but don’t have the financial resources to do so, there are still options available. 

You can get many ways to finance your studies, whether through scholarships, assistantships, or other means. And with so many free PhD programs available for international students, there’s no reason not to pursue your dreams of earning a doctorate degree!

Free Online Phd Programs for International Students

Online platform is a great way to study for remote students all over the world. So many reasons why international students might want to pursue a PhD online. Perhaps they have family obligations that make it difficult to travel, or maybe they simply prefer the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Whatever the reason, there are now more options than ever for earning a PhD entirely online.

In today’s Blog post, we will take a look at some of the best free online PhD programs for international students. Most traditional universities offer at least some degree programs that can be completed online. However, not all of these schools offer full doctoral programs in an online format. The schools on this list are all accredited and recognized institutions that offer high-quality PhD programs that can be completed entirely online. 

1. Walden University: Walden offers over 50 different specialisations within its online PhD program, making it one of the most comprehensive options out there. All courses are taught by expert faculty members, and students have the option to complete their degree. There is also ample support available for students, with 24/7 technical assistance and career services available. International students should note that Walden is authorised to enrol non-immigrant students in distance learning programs by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 

2 . Liberty University: Liberty University’s Online Doctoral Programs are designed for working professionals who need flexible scheduling options. Courses are delivered through an asynchronous format, meaning that students can log in and complete coursework on their own schedule. The average completion time for Liberty’s online PhD programs is just four years, making it one of the quickest options out there. Additionally, Liberty offers numerous scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students enrolled in its distance learning programs. 

3 .Capella University: Capella University is another great option for international students looking to earn an accredited PhD online. Its FlexPath format allows students to move through courses at their own pace, which means that you could potentially finish your degree faster than you would at a traditional university (although there is no set time limit).

Easiest Country to Get PhD Admission

It is not easy to definitively answer this question as each country has different requirements for PhD admission. However, some countries may be easier to get into than others. For example, the United States generally requires a higher GPA for admission into a PhD program than other countries. Additionally, the United States may also require standardized test scores (such as the GRE) and letters of recommendation. Other countries may have different or less stringent requirements. Therefore, it is important to research the specific requirements for PhD programs in the country of interest.

Europe has a number of free PhD programs for international students. These programs are typically funded by the European Union. They also offer a ton of benefits to those who participate. In most cases, these programs will cover the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel costs associated with attending the program. Additionally, many of these programs offer a stipend to help you

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Academia Insider

The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

Navigating the complexities of PhD programs, one term often dominates the discourse – “fully funded”.

It represents a golden opportunity wherein all tuition fees and living expenses are covered by the educational institution, allowing students to focus on their research and studies free from financial constraints.

In this blog post, we explore what fully funded really means, share the author’s personal journey of pursuing a PhD in Australia, delve into the policies of various countries offering free or nearly free PhD programs, and provide key tips for securing a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a domestic program or an international adventure, the insights and tips offered here could pave the way to an invaluable, financially stress-free academic journey.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

In 2023, the concept of a “fully funded” PhD program signifies that the entirety of expenses related to the doctoral program is covered. This includes tuition fees, which are either waived or entirely paid for by the educational institution.

Beyond tuition, the program also encompasses a living stipend or allowance given to doctoral students. 

Fully funded PhD programs essentially function as a comprehensive scholarship, covering everything from tuition fees to books and other necessary supplies.

While the stipend amount can vary based on the institution, it is generally sufficient to cater to the basic living expenses of the students, covering rent, food, and transportation costs.

The main aim of providing this stipend to doctoral students is to facilitate a learning environment where they can focus entirely on their studies, research, and dissertation, without the distraction of financial pressures. 

Universities, including public ones, offer these fully funded doctoral programs with the intention to draw in the best students.

These students, in turn, are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of research in their respective fields and derive a high-quality education from their doctorates.

It is important to note that eligibility for these scholarships or stipends requires proof of commitment to the doctoral degree. In my experience, this meant securing a top-class master’s degree. This reassured the university of my dedication to pursuing a PhD and furthering my education.

In recent years, there has been a rise in such fully funded programs online , offering a wider reach for prospective PhDs.

As we move further into 2023, students may increasingly opt for these online PhD programmes, making the pursuit of doctoral degrees more accessible than ever.

Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD

Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country.

Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

Here’s a summary of some of the best countries you could do you PhD in if you want to do it for free.

In the Czech Republic , public universities host a multitude of English-language PhD programs and these programs are free for all PhD students, irrespective of their nationality. However, additional costs may be incurred by international students which might include language courses, health insurance, or student services fees, depending on the university policies.

Sweden maintains a unique policy that not only eradicates PhD fees at public universities but also provides study grants to some PhD students, which serves as a financial aid for their living expenses during the tenure of their studies.

In Germany , public universities offer feeless PhD programs to all students. However, a nominal administration fee, approximately €300 per semester, is required. This fee usually covers student services and perks like public transportation and access to university facilities.

Austria ‘s policy benefits PhD students from within the EU and EEA who complete their doctorates within a stipulated time frame, offering free education at public research universities. International students, on the other hand, have to pay fees, which, nonetheless, are capped by the Austrian government to maintain affordability.

Norway , like its Nordic counterparts, offers free PhD education at public universities to all students, regardless of their origin. But a small semester fee, usually covering student services, is obligatory.

Denmark also practices a policy of free PhD education for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but international students are required to pay fees, which are generally on the higher side compared to other European countries.

Finland doesn’t discriminate in terms of nationality and offers free PhD studies at public universities. However, international students are charged for their Masters programs.

Saudi Arabia stands out with its unique policy where all PhD students are awarded scholarships that automatically cover their education fees, as well as help them with living expenses.

In the Netherlands , PhD study isn’t universally free, but many institutions extend the offer of free PhD study to international postgraduates. Some universities consider the PhD students as university employees, offering them a waiver on fees and potentially a salary or benefits.

Switzerland , although not offering free PhD studies, keeps its fees low at around CHF 1500 per year at public universities. State-funded PhD positions are also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students that come with no fees and a maintenance grant.

Top tips for finding a PhD for free.

Here are the top tips I would give you when Choosing a free PhD.

  • Apply to STEM programs: Many PhD (and Master’s) programs, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields, are fully funded in the US. Most state schools and Ivy League schools have fully funded programs for these fields.
  • Prepare for stiff competition: Because these programs are fully funded, the competition is high. It’s not uncommon for hundreds or even thousands of students to apply to these programs each year, with only a small fraction being accepted.
  • Consider assistantships: Fully-funded programs usually provide a stipend in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. These roles involve either teaching or conducting research under a professor’s supervision.
  • Be ready for some costs: Despite tuition being covered, you may still need to cover some school fees, student insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
  • Don’t consider unfunded programs: Many graduate programs do not fund students, but experts advise against attending these schools. The availability of funding indicates the health of the department in terms of research money and growth.
  • Work on your application: The application process generally starts around September to December. Standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are required, along with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
  • Avoid programs that require you to pay: It’s a common sentiment among experts that if you’re paying to be a PhD student, there might be something wrong with the program.
  • Apply for fellowships: There are graduate fellowships available for international students that cover tuition and offer a monthly stipend.

Fully funded online PhD programs in the US

Here are some examples of PhD programs in the states that are free and fully funded:

  • Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at UCLA are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes “a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships.” Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Connecticut

  • At Yale University, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care.

District of Columbia

  • Georgetown University offers scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years to students in its PhD program in computer science.
  • Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student’s cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.
  • The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students are also eligible to apply for external fellowships.
  • University of Notre Dame doctoral students are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance.
  • The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa provides full funding to “virtually all admitted students.” This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments, and 90% coverage of comprehensive health insurance. Additional funding is also provided for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent research.
  • At the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master’s degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master’s degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Massachusetts

  • The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University offers a PhD in biological sciences in public health, providing expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years, assuming students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Current research involves diseases such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
  • Students enrolled at the Sloan School of Management at MIT have the opportunity to study various fields, such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology. They receive a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,267, medical insurance, new laptops at the start of their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.
  • Doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, but it’s not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships, and short-term research and travel grants.
  • Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The exact amount can vary and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.
  • Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
  • PhD students in computer science or computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support, health insurance, a generous stipend for living expenses, and a new high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as long as students continue to make satisfactory progress towards their degree.
  • Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.
  • All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years.
  • Cornell University offers full funding to all students admitted to its PhD program in chemical engineering. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months, with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.
  • Columbia University provides fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for three years to students enrolled in its PhD program in clinical psychology. This stipend also carries into the student’s fourth year, during which they may be expected to serve as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

North Carolina

  • Doctoral students at Duke University studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university’s student medical insurance plan.

Pennsylvania

  • The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.
  • Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College’s Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and “substantial stipends” toward living expenses.

Rhode Island

  • Brown University guarantees full financial support for five years to its PhD students in computer science. This includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a subsidy for health insurance.
  • Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. This includes full tuition, a “competitive” monthly stipend, and health insurance for up to four years.
  • Rice University offers full financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes a research or teaching assistantship, a tuition waiver, and a $40,000 annual stipend, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
  • All students admitted to the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant.

Washington D.C.

  • American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean’s Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
  • The University of Wisconsin—Madison guarantees full funding for the duration of the time doctoral students are expected to be on campus. This funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, and/or traineeships. In addition, doctoral students receive a benefits package that includes health insurance.

Wrapping up

This comprehensive article delves into everything you need to know about free PhD programs, also known as fully funded PhD programs, including the essential details, benefits, and potential challenges that students may encounter.

The term “free PhD” generally refers to a fully funded program that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to complete their PhD studies without financial burden.

It is crucial to understand why you should never enter a PhD program without proper funding. Hence, pursuing a free or fully funded PhD should be a priority for all PhD students, regardless of nationality or field of study.

These programs may be offered both online and on-campus by various top universities around the world.

Fully funded PhD programs cater to both international and local students, including those pursuing a traditional PhD, online doctorate, or an accelerated executive doctorate of education.

For instance, fully funded online PhD programs in fields like business administration, education policy, and social work in clinical practice are available for students who hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.

The duration of these programs may range from 1 year for fast-track or shortest doctoral programs to several years for other disciplines. Moreover, many programs focus on specialization in subjects like higher education policy, laboratory research, and much more.

One of the perks of these programs is that many institutions provide a stipend to cover living expenses during the course of study, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

free online phd in europe

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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10 Great European Universities For Online Study

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

Online Europe Universities

Currently, few universities in non-English speaking countries in Europe offer postgraduate programs online that are taught in the  English  language, however here is a selection of some of the best universities to choose from in the UK and Europe for your online postgraduate studies*. Also, if you want to participate in online courses at these universities some of them also participate in the MOOCs system teaching in English.

University of Oxford – England

The University of Oxford offers a range of postgraduate courses through its Department of Continuing Education. With both taught and research postgraduate courses available in a range of subject areas including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Translational Health Sciences, and English Local History from the Postgraduate Certificate level to Masters by Research. Online distance learning students don’t need to be a member of a college in the manner of on-campus students unlike other college-based universities in the UK.

University College London – England

Online postgraduate courses at UCL are aimed at working professionals in Medicine and Education in both taught and research formats. Masters courses include topics such as Health Professions Education, Pain Management and the only Paediatric Dentistry course available online in the world.

University of Edinburgh – Scotland

The University of Edinburgh offers a large array of postgraduate courses by online distance learning. Many courses are designed to fit around students’ work or other responsibilities and often take three years to complete part time. Topics include Law , Food Medicine, and Scottish Culture and Heritage.

Delft University of Technology – The Netherlands

The School of Engineering at the Delft University of Technology offer postgraduate training online in English. Topics available for study include Railway Engineering, Sustainable Urban Freight Transport, and Solar Energy.

Trinity College Dublin – Ireland

There is a collection of postgraduate courses all available for study online at Trinity College Dublin, most result in a Postgraduate Certificate, but there are a couple of full masters courses. All of the courses have a medical or social work emphasis including topics such as Dementia Care, Child Protection and Welfare, and Advanced Radiotherapy.

Freie Universitat Berlin – Germany

Although this German university does not offer a huge number of postgraduate courses in English, they do have an online International Relations course that is a blended learning course online. This means that there are small sections where you will have to attend in Berlin, but the course is conducted in English.

University of Nicosia – Cyprus

This Cypriot university offers online masters programs taught in English in a variety of topics including Law, Business Administration and Education. The University of Nicosia is a private university and its Education department is particularly well respected internationally.

Wageningen University & Research   – The Netherlands

The Dutch-based Wageningen University & Research has a selection of masters programs taught in English that offer non-EU students a 50% discount from the tuition fees paid by non-EU students based on-campus. The topics available at Wageningen University for postgraduate study are in Nutritional Epidemiology, Plant Breeding and Food Technology.

Swiss School of Business & Management – Switzerland

There are a couple of courses from the Swiss School of Business & Management that are both online and taught in English, each with a different approach or focus on Business Administrations. Specialisations include topics such as Tax Management, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity Management, and Human Resources Management.

International Telematic University – Italy

The International Telematic University was an early supporter of the MOOCs system and has a wide range of online courses available in English. For postgraduate study, there are courses in Engineering, Business Administration, History, and Journalism all offered in English.

Online PG courses on offer

Let’s take a look at how many online postgraduate courses taught in English these European universities have to offer.

European Online Courses

*Sources: 1 & universites’ websites

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free online phd in europe

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from our world-class support and the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a location that suits your circumstances.

The programme is available to candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site, whether in the UK, or worldwide. Acceptance for PhD by Distance is subject to the approval of the supervisors and the Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies and Researcher Development.

There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:

  • the nature of your research project requires substantial access to resources and facilities located away from Reading
  • you have employment commitments relevant to your research that prevent you from being based in Reading
  • your PhD project has been agreed as part of a specific partnership/sponsorship arrangement.

You can choose to complete a PhD by Distance programme on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Please email [email protected]   for details.

What the programme offers

On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from:

  • supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field
  • access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online 
  • access to extensive online Library resources
  • a reduced tuition fee  set at half the standard full- or part-time rate for periods when studying off-campus for students starting in 2023/24. For students starting in 2024/25 onwards, the tuition fee will increase in line with on-campus fees
  • a PhD qualification which is examined at the same level as a campus-based PhD and a standard PhD degree certificate which does not state the mode of study on it.

“During my PhD by Distance, I undertook my research in the field in South Africa. This experience enabled me to develop a much deeper and intricate understanding of my research topic, which would not have been possible if I had been based in Reading for most of the time.”

Third-year doctoral student

Eligibility

In addition to meeting the standard academic and language eligibility requirements, you must be able to demonstrate that you:

  • can successfully conduct your research with the resources available to you at your off-campus study site
  • have access to appropriate IT facilities, so that you can engage in supervision and training from your off-campus study site
  • have the necessary time, commitment and appropriate attitude toward studying off-campus.

If you are intending to study in the Henley Business School, then please check with the relevant Department within the Business School about whether PhD by Distance is available before you apply.

  • How to apply

Before starting your application, you are strongly advised to navigate to the PhD webpages of your chosen school or department  to read the specific guidance on how to apply, as the requirements can vary. Once you have read the guidance, you will need to make a formal application through the University's online application system , highlighting that you wish to study for a PhD by Distance (full or part-time). If you have questions about PhD by Distance in a specific school or department, then please contact the relevant School/Department PGR Administrator in the School PGR Support Team . 

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Top 11 Best Online Doctoral Programs In Europe, Requirements & Fees

  • by Clifford Wayne
  • October 14, 2022

What are the best online Doctoral Programs In Europe? An online Doctoral Program is an option that you can choose from. It may seem like the campus is not the only place to learn what you need, but visiting those places can expensive hence the introduction of Distance Learning that offers students the opportunity to learn online at the comfort of their home. This is why online education is becoming popular due to it’s accessibility for people who want to study remain in their homes or offices..

Many people, however, lack the time and resources to return to school full-time. This is why it is vital to comprehend the numerous benefits of obtaining a doctorate degree online .

What is a PhD or Doctorate program?

PhD is known as the “Doctor of “Philosophy is research programmes that allow you to learn as you work through the issues associated with solving a particular problem.  This higher academic or professional degree takes 3 to 8 years to complete and qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at the university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field in most countries.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Europe:

Distance or Online learning are becoming increasingly popular with the advancement of technology. Many universities now offer online courses that enables students acquire degrees without leaving their home country.  Students can now acquire degrees from reputable universities and colleges in the world  without having to live in a specific city or country. Online programs can be very cost-effective for those who are unable to relocate for an extended period of time or who want to pursue their degrees from a distance.

If you are planning to apply or study a Doctoral Program online, at the comfort of your home country, then this article is specially for you. We have outlined some online doctoral Programs that will allow you to continue working or doing anything while you attend classes and complete your degree. Many online doctoral programs offer flexible class schedules and the opportunity to earn a doctorate via correspondence learning program.

Below are our list of Online Doctoral Programs In Europe and other handy informations.

1. Professional Doctorate in Health offered by University of Bath:

Program Overview :

  • Duration: 4 Years
  • Tuition Fee: €9,148
  • Delivery Mode: Online / Distance Learning

First on our list of best universities for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe is the University of Bath in United kingdom.

The University of Bath is a public research university located in Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom. It received its royal charter in 1966, along with a number of other institutions following the Robbins Report. The University has over 19,000 students Is one of the best institution in Europe.

Is the University of Bath a good University?

University of Bath  received her Royal Charter in 1966 and are now established as a top 10 UK university with a reputation for research and teaching excellence. University of Bath is highly ranked in independent league tables for overall performance, student satisfaction and graduate employment. They currently offered a PhD Doctorate program in Health.

About the Program:

The Professional Doctorate in Health offered by the University of Bath is designed for a range of health and social care professionals who are interested in furthering their development as expert practitioners and researchers in practice. This program is delivered online and covers areas such as Public Health, Health Administration and Health Sciences.

The program utilizes the web-based delivery blended with Summer Schools (typically five days in length), the  Professional Doctorate in Health at the  University of Bath aims to meet the learning needs of busy health and social care practitioners.

During the first two years of study, students will be mandated to complete a series of units covering research methods, evidence based practice, comparative health policy and other topics relevant to research in practice. Also, throughout the first two years of the program, students will also be tasked with developing a protocol for their doctoral research project. Unlike the PhD programme, this particular program does not expect you to have a well-developed research protocol before commencing your studies. Your Personal Development Adviser (PDA) will work with you to develop your research plans, before handing over to an academic and practice-based supervisor during the second year.

Programme features :

  • Carry out independent research and understand research methods whilst remaining in your practice area.
  • Choose your learning style within a flexible environment amongst a multi-professional community.
  • Expand your understanding of policy and practice in the context of international healthcare systems and service.

More information, enquires and detailed information can be seen on the program application portals here .

2.  Doctorate of Education (Research) in University of Glasgow:

Program Overview:

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Tuition fee:  for 2023/24 UK: £3,765 International & EU: £8,180
  • EdD (online): 5 years part-time; Thesis of 50,000-60,000 words

University of Glasgow is one of the best universities for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe.  The University of Glasgow is a public research university in Glasgow, Scotland. The University was founded by papal bull in 1451 and is  the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. The University has over 26,000 students enjoying high quality education from this prestigious institution.

About the program:

The University of Glasgow offers a Doctoral Program on Education (Doctorate of Education (Research). This  online distance learning programme offers a professionally relevant and academically rigorous opportunity for advanced study in education. The programme at University of Glasgow is designed for professionals at all levels in education, training and development, and in education-related fields.

The Doctorate of Education offered by University of Glasgow is comparable to a PhD in terms of scale and rigour. It differs in that it provides a structured programme of advanced study that is relevant to your profession and focused on the inter-relationship of research, policy and practice. The good thing about the program is that it focuses deep  on the collaborative learning, drawing on your own experiences and those of your academic colleagues.

The program is designed to help students benefits from the activities of the Program’s five knowledge and research groups:

  • Creativity, culture and faith;
  • Interdisciplinary science education, technologies and learning;
  • Professional learning and leadership;
  • Pedagogy, policy and practice;
  • Social justice, place and lifelong education.

This Doctorate program at University of Glasgow has lucrative career prospect as it gives you the skills and confidence to further advance your career to the highest levels in education and education-related fields.

Requirements for this programme :

  • GPA – Upper Second Class
  • English requirements – IELTS 7
  • Masters level qualification in education or a cognate subject area. As well as two academic references, you also need to submit samples of recent academic writing, such as assignments and a dissertation, as part of your application.

More information, enquires and detailed information can be seen on the University of Glasgow website.

3. PhD – Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies offered by European College for Liberal Studies, Zurich Switzerland (ECLS)

Program Overview

  • Length – 2+ years
  • Study pace – Part time
  • Education level – Doctorate / PhD
  • Tuition fee: 36,000 CHF / 36,776.15 Euros

The European College for Liberal Studies (ECLS)  is one of the best colleges for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe.  European College for Liberal Studies offers an Online PhD – Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Studies.

This postgraduate programs provides a structured programme of advanced study that is relevant to your profession and focused on the inter-relationship of research in communication. The Program has its requirements and are fully compatible with the established European and American educational systems.

The programs are advanced academic programs for college and university graduates, as well as working professionals wishing to pursue a progressive career in the field of communication and liberal arts. The college is truly global community provides ample opportunities for students to pursue academic topics of interest and research with an emphasis on globalization, communication and higher education.

Admission requirements:

Master degree (or equivalent, or higher), more information can be found on the program’s website .

4.  Story Foundry PhD by Publication (Distance Learning) offered by Bath Spa University:

  • Length: 1-2 years
  • Study pace: Full time
  • Education level:Doctorate / PhD
  • Study Type: Online
  • Tuition Fee: £17,510

Bath Spa University is one of the best universities for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe. Bath Spa University is a public university in Bath, England, with its main campus at Newton Park, about 3+1⁄2 miles west of the centre of the city. The university has other campuses in the city of Bath, and has over 8,450 enjoying quality education in the Institution.

About The Program:

The Story Foundry PhD by Publication is an international liberal arts PhD for established practitioners to integrate innovative forms of practice into critical narrative investigation. This doctoral programme is hosted by leading industry experts within Bath Spa University’s Research Centre for Transcultural Creativity and Education (TRACE).

The program will give you the ability to articulate your practice and career within specialist contexts, such as situating your work within literary and storytelling traditions or within the context of social, economical and digital transformations.

Rather than focusing narrowly on the discipline or subject, we’ll support you to focus on the purpose of your research and we’ll help you to produce a thesis that aligns with your career goals.

This course is only available as a full-time PhD. However, highly focused candidates will be able to fit their programme of study around existing commitments. Apply Here .

5. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offered by Geneva Business School – Geneva:

  • Length: 3 years
  • Education level: Doctorate / PhD
  • Intakes: February and September
  • Degree Awarded: Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
  • Credits: 240 ECTS:

Fees: Application Fee – EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application) Administration Fee: €1,900. Tuition per Term: EUR 3,900 (3-year / 9-term program) * One year = 3 terms

Geneva Business School is one of the best colleges for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe.  Geneva Business School offers an Online PhD Doctorate programs and they are the leading educational institution that provides cutting-edge Swiss Quality Education.

Geneva Business School offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) which is taught exclusively in English online. During the first and second year of this Doctoral Program, you will undertake six self-study courses through our innovative online learning platform. These are designed to equip you with the skills you will need for your business research project during your third and final year.

Throughout the program year, you will be given a DBA Program Manager who still direct and support you in the program while in the final year will receive direct support from an experienced professional from your field of interest.  Once the project is complete, you will present it to a panel of experts in your field.

Admission requirements

  • Master’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a related field
  • English Requirement – IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 85 / DET 115-120 (official English exam results) or proof of studying previously in an English-speaking environment for a minimum of 3 years
  • Scanned copy of all required academic diplomas, transcripts, certificates Extensive previous business/professional experience
  • Photocopy of valid passport/national ID
  • Reference letters from a former academic institution and from current employer (if applicable)
  • Completion of the Thesis Proposal Form.

More Information about this program can be found on the School website .

6. Doctorate Of Business Administration (DBA) offered by International French University

  • Length: 24-36 months (2-3 years)
  • Study pace: Part time
  • Tuition fee:  €5,990 per year

I nternational French University is one of the best colleges for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe.  International French University (IFU) is an international business school that provides Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) and Doctorate of Business Administration programs (DBA) with 3 specializations: Finance & Accounting Management. They are affiliated to Groupe Paris Ecole de Management (Groupe PEM).

International French University offers a Doctorate Of Business Administration (DBA) program which aims at training students on becoming better leaders of tomorrow. This program is taught and accessed 100% online + Live Webinars Video lessons accessible 24/7 + Webinars with renowned professionals in your field.

The Program objectives are stated below ;

  • The Programs teaches you the working knowledge of the latest research, theories and business market trends.
  • Demonstrate a sharp mastery of the business world and your personal commitment to scientific research Become experienced managers, and have a higher level of intelligibility of practices
  • Demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to solve problems and seek solutions Open doors to professional opportunities in a variety of industries and environments.

More information about this program can be accessed on the official website .

7. Doctorate of Art and Design (Research) offered by Birmingham City University:

  • Length: 4 years
  • Level: Postgraduate Research
  • Study mode: Distance Learning
  • Start dates: September 2023, February 2024
  • School: Birmingham School of Art
  • Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and MMedia
  • Tuition fees: UK – £2,875 | International- £8,500

About this program:

Birmingham City University offers a PhD Doctorate program in Art and Design which aims are helping students creating the opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers within the fields of art, design and the creative industries.

In this program, students will study in a world-class research environment which enables both practice-led and/or entirely text based PhD research to be developed to the highest level.

Requirements:

  • To apply for this Art and Design PhD research degree, you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant subject area from a British or overseas university.
  • Also, Exceptional candidates without a Masters degree, but holding a first class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject area, may be considered.

8. Doctorate Of Business Administration by Birmingham City University:

  • Length: 4 Years
  • School: Birmingham City Business School
  • Faculty: Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
  • Tuition fee: £7,100 in 2022/23

About This Program:

The Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) offered by Birmingham City University is intended to assist career professionals who wish to enhance, contribute to and transform practice.

This  professional doctorate completed on a part-time (Executive) basis. An internationally established highest level qualification, the course enables you to earn the title of Doctor without putting your career on hold.

The DBA is designed to help you apply action research-based thinking to ideas in practice and work, or practice based problems whilst deepening and broadening your understanding of application to professional practice.

Entry requirements

  • To join the DBA programme, you must have completed an MA, MSc or MBA degree in a particular area of business-related professional practice and have at least five years related professional practice experience, as well as being employed in the professional capacity that you propose to study.
  • You must have the formal agreement and active co-operation of the organisation where the DBA studies are to take place.

Visit here to apply and for more information

9. PhD in English Research by Birmingham City University:

  • Length: 4-7 years
  • Start dates: September 2022, February 2023
  • School: School of English
  • Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
  • Tuition fee:  £2,875

Birmingham City University offers a PhD in English program which aims In helping students develop good research skills which further support their professional practice, research and/or academic careers.

In this program, you will work closely with a team of specialist academics in your chosen field, and receive excellent support tailored to your individual needs.

  • To apply for our English PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant English literary or linguistic field from a British or overseas university.
  • Exceptional applicants without a Master’s degree, but holding a first class Bachelors degree in English, may be considered dependent upon the academic coherence and promise of their research proposal, and its consonance with the academic expertise of the School.
  • Apply Here :

10. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) offered by Teesside University:

  • Length: 4-5 years
  • Attendance: Distance Learning
  • Tuition fees: UK – £6,100, International Students – £14,000

Teesside University is a public university with its main campus in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire in North East England. Teesside University is one of the best colleges for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe with over  21,000 students studying in the UK, according to the 2020/21 HESA student record.

Teesside University Doctoral Program on Public Health is a unique course that offers an enhanced opportunities for students wishing to pursue studies in the academic and applied world of public health. Teesside University is keen to share its vision by reaching out to students worldwide – either as attendees or distance learners with full support and interactive resources with experienced team members.

The course Moffers a distinguished broader-based learning programme aligned with the growing worldwide interest in public health development. This Course is accessed online through the distance learning rules, And the teaching methods include use of the VLE where written learning materials, narrated PowerPoint presentations, webinars, interactive structured learning materials and activities are put. As a distance learning student you are encouraged to participate in a range of discussion forums using VLE platforms such as the discussion board, wikis and blogs.

Requirements

  • You must have completed the equivalent of 120 Level 7 (L7) credits, relevant to public health: this can be from a postgraduate diploma or master’s or MPhil course normally within the last five years
  • Applicants who completed a postgraduate diploma or master’s qualification outside of five years will normally need to demonstrate currency of the qualification through two years professional experience in a relevant field supported by an employer’s letter confirming the applicant uses the learning regularly in practice, or provide modules of equivalent learning.
  • Visit School | Apply

11 Doctorate of Social Science (Research) by University of Leicester:

  • Education level
  • Delivery method: Online / Distance
  • Tuition fees: £25,000

About this Program:

University of Leicester is one of the best colleges for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe. The University of Leicester offers a Doctoral Program on Social Science which is a study of research techniques available for enhancing professional knowledge and the ability to utilise appropriate research techniques to produce research of publishable quality;

The DSocSci is equivalent to a PhD – and like the PhD holders are allowed to use the title ‘Doctor’. The DSocSci is available for study by distance learning only and can be completed in a minimum of 48 months to a maximum of 72 months. You can start your degree in February, May or October.

  • Standard academic entry requirements and English language entry requirements apply.
  •   Evidence of a relevant Masters degree, preferably at distinction level, together with a detailed outline of your initial research proposal. The validity and quality of the proposal will be of crucial significance in determining eligibility for entry.
  • Visit School

What’s the difference between PhD and doctorate?

PhD is known as the Doctor of Philosophy and this is part of doctorate degree programs. Many people sometimes thinks a PhD Degree is higher than a doctorate, but this is not the case as both are on the same level and PhD lies within the doctorate category, which means none is better or higher than the other.

If you are planning to get into a doctorate or PhD program, it is important to understand that while both are doctoral degrees, the educational goals and typical career paths for each type of degree differ. Both PhD and Doctorate are the highest level of academic qualification and they have their strengths. Your decision should be based on what you want to study and how you want to use your degree.

The bottom line is that PhD focuses more on academic, researches and heavy on theory while doctorate degree is intended for you to master a subject in both theory and practice.

Professional doctoral degree examples include:

  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA),
  •   Doctor of Education (EdD),
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and
  • Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Or you could earn a PhD in Management, PhD in Education, PhD in Nursing, or PhD in Public Health. All of these degrees are doctoral degrees, even though some are professional doctorates and some are PhDs.

What qualifications are needed for PhD?

PhD/Doctorate are the highest academic level one can attained and only those those that meet the needed qualifications or requirements can successfully enroll for a PhD/Doctorate program.

To apply for a PhD/Doctorate you will need to hold a Master’s Degree with high academic standing, along with a Bachelor’s Degree with at least upper second-class honors.However, in some situation or some schools can allow you to apply for PhD/Doctorate even without a master’s degree.

Can I apply for PhD without a masters degree?

Although, majority of universities requires a Masters Degree while application for a PhD or Doctorate program, but in some case, you can apply for PhD without a masters degree. If you are planning to apply for a PhD program without a masters degree, you are free to do so as some universities offer direct entry to PhD programs from undergraduate or bachelor degree studies if you meet the school’s and program’s admission criteria. Also, some schools may offer dual programs, which allows you to obtain a Master’s Degree while you complete the coursework for a PhD.

However, a growing number of universities now offer one year masters programs that may be beneficial to you and some of the highest paying masters degrees may be worth exploring before considering direct-entry PhD programs.

The availability of direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs and dual master-PhD programs may vary from school to school. So, it can be helpful to research specific schools and fields of interest before applying.

There are a lots of Doctorate programs in Europe that offer a great opportunity for students to gain invaluable experience working with world-class academics in an academic setting. Not only will you be able to build up your research skills, but you will also learn how to operate within a professional environment. There are hundreds of other doctoral programs available across Europe, that is not listed in our article, so if one isn’t right for you, keep exploring until you find the perfect.

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20 Free PhD Programs Online

free phd programs online

Are you aware that there are free PhD programs online? Even though it cost a lot to earn an online PhD degree, there are still few online universities that offer tuition-free programs and fully funded scholarships for PhD programs.

Earning a PhD is no joke. To achieve this academic level, you will have to be ready to devote enough time, dedication, and money. However, there are easy doctoral programs that requires less time and no dissertation.

We realized that a lot of students wish to obtain a PhD but are discouraged because of the cost of pursuing a PhD program. This is why we decided to share with you some of the free PhD program online.

Let’s briefly discuss about the meaning of PhD, and how you earn a PhD for free.

Table of Contents

What is a PhD?

PhD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common degree at the highest academic level, earned after completing the required credit hours and dissertation. It is also the most common research doctorate.

A PhD program can be completed within three to eight years. After obtaining a PhD degree, you will have the opportunity to earn higher or get high paying jobs.

How to Earn a PhD degree Online for Free

  • Enroll in Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Online universities hardly offer tuition-free PhD programs but there are still few universities that have tuition-free online PhD programs. Although, most tuition-free online PhD programs are not accredited. IICSE University is one of the few universities that offer free online PhD programs, but the PhD programs are not accredited.

  • Apply for Scholarships

Some online universities offer scholarships to online students. In most cases, the scholarships can only cover a part of the tuition. You may be lucky to get a fully funded scholarships for online PhD programs but it is very rare and have strict eligibility requirements.

  • Get help from your Employer

Some companies fund their workers education, if it will benefit them and their companies. All you have to do is convince your employer that obtaining a new degree will benefit the company.

  • Apply for FAFSA

Students can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for Colleges in the US. Even though, FAFSA is common with traditional programs, there are still online universities that accepts FAFSA.

Below are some of the free PhD programs online categorized in: tuition-free online PhD programs and online PhD programs funded with scholarships

Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Below is a list of tuition-free online PhD programs:

  • PhD in Business Administration
  • PhD in International Relations
  • PhD in English Language and Literature
  • PhD in Sociology
  • PhD in Accounting and Finance
  • PhD in Applied Statistics
  • PhD in Nursing
  • PhD in Economics
  • PhD in Higher Education
  • PhD in Healthcare Administration .

1. PhD in Business Administration

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Business Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a MBA or master’s degree in a business field.

2. PhD in International Relations

The PhD in International Relations consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.

3. PhD in English Language and Literature

The PhD in English Language and Literature consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

4. PhD in Sociology

The PhD in Sociology consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

5. PhD in Accounting and Finance

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Accounting and Finance consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

6. PhD in Applied Statistics

The PhD in Applied Statistics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

7. PhD in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

8. PhD in Economics

The PhD in Economics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

9. PhD in Higher Education

The PhD in Higher Education consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

10. PhD in Healthcare Administration

The PhD in Healthcare Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

Online PhD Programs Funded by Scholarships

Here is a list of online PhD programs that can be funded with scholarships:

  • PhD in History
  • PhD in Public Policy
  • PhD in Criminal Justice
  • PhD in Psychology
  • PhD in Education
  • PhD in Bible Exposition
  • PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)
  • PhD in Psychology (Developmental Psychology)
  • PhD in Business Management (Accounting)
  • PhD in Business Management (General Business Management) .

11. PhD in History

Institution: Liberty University Accreditation Status: Accredited

Liberty University’s PhD in History is a 72 credit hours program, that can completed within 4 years.

The PhD in History prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in: education, research, politics, archeology, or management of national landmarks and museums.

This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.

12. PhD in Public Policy

Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

With this program, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to research and transform two world of public policy.

13. PhD in Criminal Justice

Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Criminal Justice is designed for law enforcement professional. It prepares students for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government.

14. PhD in Psychology

Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare students to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior for a biblical worldview.

15. PhD in Education

Liberty University’s PhD in Education is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Education can prepare you for careers in various schools and administrative settings within the field of education.

16. PhD in Bible Exposition

Liberty University’s PhD in Bible Exposition is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The purpose of biblical exposition is to help you comprehend the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word.

17. PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)

Institution: Capella University Accreditation Status: Accredited

The PhD in Psychology with a concentration in General Psychology consists of 89 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you can gain a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives.

This program can be funded with 20k Capella Progress Rewards. Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for new students and are not need-based. Students are awarded with $20,000 to cover part of the tuition.

18. PhD in Psychology (Development Psychology)

The PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology consists of 101 total credits, including dissertation.

The program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.

This PhD in Psychology program can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

19. PhD in Business Management (Accounting)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions with business organizations.

The PhD in Business Management, Accounting can be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

20. PhD in Business Management (General Business Management)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in General Business Management consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you will master critical concepts through specialized courses and intensive in-person learning experiences in areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance.

The PhD in Business Management, General Business Management can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i earn a phd degree for free.

It is rare but it is possible to earn a PhD degree for free. There are several scholarships awarded to PhD students.

Why should I earn a PhD?

Most people pursue PhD programs to increase salary, get new job opportunities, and increase knowledge and experience.

Which Country offer free PhD programs?

PhD may be free in any country but there are several European countries that offer free education to both domestic and international students. Countries like Germany, Sweden or Norway charges little or no amount for PhD programs. But, most of the PhD programs are offered on campus.

How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?

A PhD program can be completed within 3 years to 8 years. However, there may be PhD programs that can be completed within 1 or 2 years.

What are the requirements for PhD programs?

Requirements for PhD programs usually includes: master's degree along with a bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE Scores, Work experience, Proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.

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Earning a PhD is no joke, it requires a lot of time and money.

With free online PhD programs, you will no longer have to worry about the cost of pursuing a PhD program online. We have now come to end of this article, it was a lot of effort!! if you have any question, do well to ask in the Comment Section.

© World Scholars Hub 2023

6 Best 1 Year PhD Programs Online In Europe

Online programs are the trend these days across various degrees and if you are looking for one, you are at the right place. In this blog post, I have curated a list of 1 year PhD programs online in Europe to give you options on where to get a doctorate program.

A doctorate degree helps professionals to advance their careers. The programs equip them with advanced skills and knowledge of a specific field and prepare them for higher positions in an organization. The benefit of this includes higher pay, bigger and better opportunities, advanced expertise in your field, and respect from the people around you.

There are more benefits that come with earning a doctorate degree but very few people go for it and the reason is obvious. Firstly, it takes a long period of time to earn a PhD we’re talking 3 to 8 years for the traditional pathway but if you get an accelerated one like the 2-year DPT programs , you can earn PhD in 24 months or less.

Secondly, due to the length of doctorate programs, it tends to cost a lot of money. In a nutshell, a PhD degree is expensive. But you can tackle this either by applying for a fully-funded PhD program or enrolling for a free honorary doctorate degree online and never worry about the cost.

And even with these issues tackled, there is the time factor.

What does this mean?

To consider earning a PhD, means you are a working professional with a life too. So, that means you have to go to work, spend time with your family and friends, and still manage other responsibilities. All of these are choking enough, there’s little to no time to start studying for a degree that’d take 7 years to complete.

And this is where online programs come in.

Online programs are offered across various degree programs. They are typically faster to complete, cheaper in cost, and offer flexibility allowing you to achieve great professional, study, and life balance. Online programs are particularly common among bachelor’s and master’s degrees, for PhD there is a handful and they recently started coming up. They are not as popular as the others.

If you want to earn a PhD degree, but you are considering things like time, cost, and flexibility good news is you now have an option which is completing the program online. An online PhD program will help make your study just the way you want. You do not have to stop working because you want to get a doctorate degree, rather, you can work and study for your degree at the same time.

In a previous blog post, I discussed some of the best doctorate without dissertation that you can complete in 18 months or less. In this article, I have outlined and discussed online PhD programs in Europe that you can complete in as little as 12 months or less.

Europe has a number of online PhD programs offered by top institutions like the University of London, the Universitat de Barcelona, the University of Glasgow, the University College Dublin, and many others. You can enroll in online PhD programs in Europe at any of these universities whether you are in the US, Africa, or any part of the world, after all, the programs do not require an in-person presence.

1 year PhD programs online in Europe

Best 1 Year PhD Programs Online In Europe

You want to earn a PhD degree that takes 12 months or less to complete, offers flexibility allows you to combine your work and personal life with studies, and still doesn’t cost much the what you need is to enroll in one of the 1 year PhD programs online in Europe.

Programs like these are very rare but we have managed to gather them all in one place for you and without any further ado, let’s get into them.

The best 1 year PhD programs online in Europe are:

  • Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Mobile & Digital Marketing
  • Doctor of Business Administration
  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Tourism
  • Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
  • Doctor of Laws (LLD)

1.     Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

The Doctor of Public Administration (DBA) is a 1 year online PhD program offered by Nobel Business School Switzerland and Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management School. This is an online doctorate degree program designed for business people who want to gain advanced managerial, administrative, and leadership skills.  

To apply for the program, you will provide an application form, a copy of your qualification, CV or resume, a certificate of your workplace, and a privacy statement. The program is 100% online and requires no on-campus presence.

Link to Program

2.     Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Mobile & Digital Marketing

If you are a digital marketer who wants to become a specialist in the field or advance to the highest level of a digital marketer, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Mobile & Digital Marketing is a program you should consider going for. And you may want to consider it because it takes only 1 year to complete and earn your doctorate degree and you don’t have to give up your current job to study for the degree.

The program covers the ideas, instruments, and methods required to organize and combine consumer communications as well as to design successful marketing campaigns. You will gain advanced skills in social media marketing, analytics, email marketing, and many more.

3.     Doctor of Business Administration

One of the most popular business degrees is the MBA degree but there is an even more advanced one which is the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. This program is jointly run by Alfred Nobel Open Business School Switzerland and Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management School. It is offered online and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

This DBA degree equips business professionals to learn skills based on the latest theories, research, and trends and become specialists in the business world.

4.     Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Tourism

If you are a business person seeking to explore the business aspect of another field like tourism or you are in the tourism field and want to expand your career, then the DBA in tourism degree should be top of your list. You can get this degree completely online in under 12 months and be on your way to becoming a leader in no time.

Professionals in this program will be equipped with skills and knowledge on the latest trend in tourism and equip you with advanced managerial and leadership qualities.

5.     Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

If you are in the public health sector or practicing in one of the healthcare fields, or a social worker, earning a DPH degree will transform your career. The moment you complete and earn this degree, you will be placed among the elites in the public health sector and you become qualified to take top roles in the field.

It is one of the best 1 year online PhD programs in Europe jointly offered by Alfred Nobel Open Business School Switzerland and Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management School. Students in this program will gain cutting-edge managerial skills and problem-solving abilities.

6.     Doctor of Laws (LLD)

This is, of course, for professionals in the legal field who want to become partners of a law firm or attain higher positions in the workplace. Business professionals who want to understand the legal procedures in domestic and foreign dealings can also take this program. It provides students with practical knowledge, assisting managers in making corporate decisions and conducting effective management operations.

Application into the program requires a privacy statement, CV or resume, proof of qualification, application form, and workplace certification. Professionals in this program will gain an advanced understanding of labor law, EU law, international law, and case study analysis.

Link to Profile

  Online PhD programs are not common and even 1 year online PhD programs are much harder to find. From this list, you should be able to make a decision on your next move.

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5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

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  • Updated on  
  • May 11, 2023

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Do you currently hold a degree or a master’s degree and desire to advance your education by pursuing a PhD abroad? The good news is that those with graduate degrees, like master’s or doctoral degrees, had the best salaries and lowest unemployment rates in several countries. Is that terrible news? A PhD program overseas might be quite expensive. When studying overseas, you would have to take tuition, living fees, and other extra costs into account. However, there is a solution to this. The next step would be researching the nations with the most affordable PhD programs. Fortunately, there are quite a few nations where the cost of attending a PhD program is either zero or extremely low. This enables you to enrol in a prestigious university overseas and learn what it’s like to live in a foreign nation and adjust to other customs. You can concentrate on your studies and any other personal or professional goals when you study for a PhD abroad with little concern for your financial situation. Having said that, the following are the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes in the world.

This Blog Includes:

Swedish doctoral degrees, fees and funding, admissions requirements, norwegian phd fees, admission requirements, entry requirements, types of phd in germany, phd programmes, programme length, phd fees .

A Ph.D. in Economics normally includes coursework in both macroeconomics and microeconomics. However, if you intend to teach or conduct formal research in economic subjects, this is a beneficial degree. Once the proposal is approved and the oral exam is passed, the final years of enrollment are devoted to dissertation research, writing, and defence.

Sweden is the greatest option if you want to pursue a PhD in renewable energy or a field that is closely related to it. According to data, about 56 per cent of the energy utilized in Sweden in 2019 originates from renewable sources. What is the nicest thing about obtaining a PhD in Sweden? Everyone can use it for free, even students from other countries. (Note that students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees who are not EU/EEA citizens are not eligible for free tuition.)

Seven of Sweden’s universities are included in the top 350 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world. The KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University, the two top universities in Sweden, are 89th and 95th, respectively.

Key details-

For students in Swedish universities, a PhD signifies the pinnacle of academic success. Similar to other nations, the focus is on your independent study leading to an original thesis that adds new knowledge to the topic.

countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes

Must Read: Best Countries for PhD

In Sweden, a doctoral study might take one of two forms:

A typical Ph.D. confers a full doctorate (together with the crucial title of “doctor”) after a minimum of four years of full-time work (240 ECTS credits).

As an alternative, you might decide to pursue a licentiate degree. Typically, this only necessitates two years of full-time work toward a more condensed and modest thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits). Some students first enroll for the Swedish licentiate before upgrading to full Ph.D. candidates since it is comparable to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided in the UK or other countries.

In Sweden, there are two teaching terms (August to January and January to June), which are separated by summer and winter breaks. You will often have more flexibility throughout the year as a PhD student, but some additional courses and other activities can be connected to particular teaching periods.

There are no tuition fees for PhD study at state-funded Swedish universities (note that this does not apply to Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees). Doctoral programs are free for students from the EU, EEA, and other countries.

The same is true of application costs; there are none to be paid for a PhD in Sweden.

Although you will need to pay for your housing and living expenses, your university might be able to provide assistance.

Universities in Sweden are permitted to establish their own admittance standards for PhD programs. A bachelor’s degree in an applicable area is typically the required minimum, but a master’s degree is also preferable, especially if you’re asking for funding.

Your capacity to exhibit prior research experience will be as crucial as your previous qualifications. It is crucial that you can demonstrate some preparation for the independent research you will conduct on your PhD, even if this is just the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees.

Also Read: PhD in USA

Norway is another Nordic nation that ranks among the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. All students, regardless of nationality, are not charged tuition at Norway’s public universities. Norway’s cost of living is comparable to that of Sweden, therefore you may want to look into ways to reduce your out-of-pocket spending. Other than that, you will just need to pay a nominal semester student union charge to cover expenses like tests or sports facilities, which would only cost you between 300 and 600 Norwegian kroner (approximately INR 2353.24 to INR 4706.49). You can try your luck by submitting an application to the University of Oslo , the top-ranked institution in Norway, which is currently placed 101st in the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Following the Bologna approach, Norwegian PhD programs are third-cycle degrees. As a result, conducting research and creating a PhD thesis will be needed for you.

In Norway, PhDs frequently adhere to a standardized format. Before beginning your PhD research and thesis writing, this usually entails a training component. You might also be regarded as an employee of the university, complete with benefits. In this situation, you will need to uphold your teaching and administrative duties.

The fact that all PhD students in Norway get free tuition is a significant and alluring feature of the program. The cost of living is high in the nation. As a result, maintenance financing of some kind is typically required.

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for their PhD programs. However, in order to join and receive a student card at many Norwegian universities, you must pay a charge of INR 4149.5 to INR 8299 to the student union each semester.

In Norway, candidates for a PhD are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field. You can check your qualifications’ eligibility at the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. A similar degree may be approved (NOKUT).

Each research organization has a different set of conditions for applications. Always double-check with your desired university.

Typically, PhD candidates must submit a strong research proposal or project description together with the necessary application materials. Other standard materials for PhD applications may also be requested from you. These are some extra materials that might be needed:

  • certified copies of all the documents that are pertinent to your education
  • a strategy for financing your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type)
  • An explanation of any significant scholarly or material resource needs
  • a minimum of one proposed academic supervisor’s name (unless stipulated otherwise)

Also Read: PhD in Netherlands

Another Nordic nation, Finland , is at the top of our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. In Finland, pursuing a PhD is entirely free, even for those who are not citizens, similar to Norway and Sweden. According to QS, Finland is home to two of the top 150 institutions. This includes the 106th-ranked University of Helsinki and the 116th-ranked Aalto University . It is distinguished as a top-tier study destination by more than just its educational features. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is ranked 66th in the most recent QS study of “Best Student Cities.” The midnight sun and the Northern lights (aurora borealis), which fill the sky with a breathtaking vista for anywhere between 10 and 20 nights a year, are only two of the most magnificent natural phenomena that can be seen in Finland’s vast, open areas.

Finland is a very economical alternative for your PhD study abroad because of its generous higher education policy. Any student, regardless of country, is not now required to pay doctoral fees.

In contrast, fees are often charged to non-EU students for Finnish Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

A master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution is necessary for admission to a PhD program in Finland.

Other prerequisites will be determined by the area of study you are applying for and the particular procedures followed by your university. If unsure, consult your department.

Germany is famous for having a top-notch educational system and for being an innovative nation. According to QS, three of its universities are among the top 100. This includes Heidelberg University, which is ranked 65th, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, which is ranked 59th, and the Technical University of Munich , which is ranked 49th. According to the most recent Best Student Cities rankings by QS, two of its cities, Munich and Berlin, are among the top 10.

Germans invented the doctoral degree, which is based on independent study leading to the submission and review of a thesis. Most colleges continue to offer this style, although some others provide more “organized” programs:

The traditional PhD requires you to choose a research project and conduct it on your own under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). The candidate selects the setting for their research, whether it be in a university, non-university organization, or German corporation.

Structured doctoral programs are conducted mostly in English and are focused on the global market. Along with writing your thesis, you will complete extra training, which may entail partnerships and job placements with outside research organizations.

Doctoral degrees are typically free in Germany for all students, regardless of nationality, due to the generous governmental investment in education. You might, however, have to pay additional costs while you are a student.

All public institutions in Germany offer free tuition for doctoral-level studies for up to three years (six semesters). For any additional time beyond the term of your PhD, you might have to pay tuition.

Despite not having to pay tuition, you will still need to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which typically ranges from INR 8k to INR 29k. This pays for office expenses, student government, and student services (Studentenwerk).

In general, you must have completed at least eight semesters of college work before enrolling in a PhD program in Germany. Your final certification must be on par with a German master’s degree.

Additionally, the Dean’s Office (Dekanat) or Board of Examiners (Promotionsausschuss) at your university must acknowledge your prior higher education degree(s).

International students with exceptional qualifications may be admitted to a PhD program with a Bachelor’s degree (fast-track program), albeit you will normally need to pass an entrance exam.

France , which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of writing). Three French cities—Lyon, Toulouse, and of course, the nation’s capital Paris, which is placed ninth by QS—are included in the top 100 Best Student Cities list as a result of their high academic standing and affordable tuition.

The bulk of PhDs is completed as part of a program inside doctoral schools, although French universities occasionally do offer specific doctoral research programs.

The number is 266 in total. In order to provide doctorate training for PhD candidates and foster the growth of early career researchers, they are affiliated with universities and work in partnership with related research laboratories and other centres.

For a typical three-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, yielding two teachings (or research) semesters annually:

  • late September to early January, with a break between Christmas and New Year
  • early February to early June, with a spring break at Easter for several colleges

Exams are normally held at the conclusion of each semester, and institutions take a three-month summer break from July to September. As a full-time student, you will typically complete your PhD in France in 3–4 years.

The current French PhD tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. But costs can differ greatly depending on whether you attend a public or private school (such a Grandes École).

Must Read: PhD in Switzerland

Public institutions charge substantially lower tuition since the State invests an average of INR 11,62,147.82 per student, per year.

The following fees may apply depending on your institution:

  • Fees for PhD students at public institutions are €380 annually.
  • Private institutions – Tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, range from INR 2.49 Lakh to INR 8.30 Lakh per year.
  • Administrative fees (frais de dossier), which universities may impose, are normally modest—a few tens of euros.

In France, each institution is permitted to establish its own standards and conduct personalized evaluations. However, in order to enroll as a PhD student, you will normally need to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a suitable field.

If you are pursuing your master’s degree and expect to graduate before the PhD program begins, you may apply.

Additionally, you could be accepted based on your performance on entrance tests and in pre-college courses like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE), which is a frequent practice among French Grandes Écoles.

Pursuing PhD in Finland is entirely free.

The average cost of PhD in the UK is GBP 40,000 (INR 40.67 Lakh)

One of the top countries to pursue an MBA abroad is the United States of America.

Hope now you know 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. Not sure which country to choose for your PhD? Don’t worry! Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minute counselling session today.

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Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

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European Education Area

Study online: e-learning opportunities in europe.

Have you had to postpone your plans to study in Europe due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you looking to further develop your skills?

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities in Europe are adapting their teaching to offer blended learning – a mixture between onsite and online study – and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). 

MOOCS, in particular, are a great way to gain an insight into the teaching methods at a university before beginning a full programme.

In some European Union (EU) Member States, your study abroad experience could begin remotely, at first studying from home, and continue on campus as soon as the public health situation allows it.

Other European universities offer possibilities to study bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught entirely online.

For more information, visit the website or contact the International Office of the universities to which you are interested in applying. Take the  Study in Europe test  to help chose the EU country for your future studies!

To find information on current entry restrictions and public health measures for each EU Member State in the 24 official EU languages, visit the  Re-open EU website .

For further information on entry restictions, visit the European Commission's  coronavirus response website .

How to find an online course?

There is a wide range of e-learning courses available online. Discover a selection of  online learning platforms  and EU-funded projects providing e-learning resources. 

Many universities also offer online courses for working professionals. Some e-learning programmes offered in collaboration with commercial open education platforms may carry a charge.

However, a trial period may be available to allow you to try the course to see if it meets your interests and educational needs before paying in full.

Gain demonstrable experience

For completing some online courses, particularly those requiring significant study hours and paid courses, you may receive a certificate of achievement. 

Online education is an excellent way to continue learning from your own home or to combine study with work. 

Whether you're a student looking to learn something new or a professional seeking to improve your skills, online courses can help to promote your continued development. 

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The European Postgraduate & Research Studies - Avrio Institute

In cooperation with the European Programme of UCN & Azteca Universities | The Official Branch Campus in Switzerland

en_US

🇨🇭 Avrio Institute in Geneva 🇨🇭 European Postgraduate & Research Studies

Programme summary, doctor of philosophy in business administration international relations social sciences management psychology economics health sciences international law education management environmental management, recognition.

Please find Clauses: §21, §2, §20 , §19 & §3

Degree Title

Please find Clauses: § 17

Affordable Tuition Fees

Please find Clause: § 22 & Fees section

Study Method

Online & Thesis-Based Programme

Duration and Graduation

One-Year Master, 2-3 Years for Doctorate

Available Intake

Apply today to start within 20 days

Transfer Credits

Yes, Available! Please find Clauses: § 10

Study Areas

Please find Clauses: § 5

The Study Language

English, French, German, Italian, Arabic & Spanish

Online study programme For Master and Doctoral Levels in Business Administration, Economics, Education, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, International Law, International Relations, Management, Psychology and Social Sciences. Avrio Institute Tweet

Thesis Regulations for

Dissertation doctorates.

International Degree-Programme

Dr. / PhD By Thesis

UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua

Doctorates by dissertation thesis in the professional study areas of Management and Business Administration Social and Economic Sciences Education Psychology Health Sciences International Relations and International Law

in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Arabic.

International programme of UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua provided as a doctoral Degree-Programme at

Institut Avrio de Genève

Branch Campus of UCN European Programmes

Introduction

In cooperation with and as Branch Campus of UCN University, the Institute offers PhD Degrees in several disciplines, which you find below.

This doctoral programme [1] is a research-based programme, by thesis, with a duration of two years (120 credits for admission at MPhil level) or three years (180 credits). You can enrol to write your doctoral thesis in the language you fluently speak if it is English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Arabic.

This programme is provided by UCN University and Avrio institute so that the admission decision is jointly made, the course/thesis work is completely done at Avrio Institute as UCN branch campus, and the degree is awarded by the university only [2] ..

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN

With main campus and satellite extensions in Nicaragua, is a fully autonomous recognised university enjoying the entitlements and degree awarding powers of an autonomous university and recognised body (recognised awarding institution). UCN was approved by CNU, the National Council of Universities, the accreditation body in charge of institutional authorisation of a new university prior to award of autonomy status by Act of Parliament; additionally UCN is subject to participation in the quality assurance programme in accordance with the Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education audited by the CNEA the National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation in Nicaragua. In 2011 UCN has been awarded “Exemplary Central American University 2010” by the Central American Association in the USA. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN can issue academic and professional qualifications, enjoys academic autonomy understood as follows: Teaching or academic autonomy implies that a university alone can appoint and dismiss teachers and academic staff, through the procedures and requirements of the laws themselves, select their students, by evidence and necessary conditions to develop and approve plans and programmes of study and research, etc. Autonomy gives also the power to issue certificates of study, graduate letters, certificates, diplomas, academic degrees and titles and equivalency of studies conducted in other universities and higher education institutions, domestic or foreign; authorise professional practice except advocacy and notary, which by law is the responsibility of the Supreme Court. Universities will maintain and develop relationships with academic, scientific and cultural entities based inside or outside the country. Academic freedom is a fundamental principle of higher education in Nicaragua.

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a recognised university listed in the IAU International Handbook of Universities (World Higher Education Database WHED, “AIU-UNESCO list”): WHED number IAU-017332. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a full member of the IAU International Association of Universities. Internationally, UCN offers stand alone and joint provision degree programmes with partners and awards degrees officially recognised due to Law 89 and Law 1088 in Nicaragua. The Campus and Deanship in Austria UCN European Programmes ZVR: 075634205 is an Austrian registered Non-Profit Organisation, approved and registered by Accreditation and Quality Assurance Agency AQ Austria (§ 27 Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education).

UCN European Programmes does operate a direct Branch Campus extension of the university Universidad Central de Nicaragua via UCN European Programmes on the premises of Institut Avrio de Geneve.

Programme Aim

The research-based Doctor of Philosophy programme in the available disciplines has as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical and creative. The programme aims to provide opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners. The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.

  • Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex concepts, ideas and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.

Develop the power of critical enquiry, logical thought, creative imagination, and independent judgment.

Expose the student to a range of prospective, which may be applicable to both the interests and work situations as appropriate.

Recognize the variety of sources of learning and an appropriate diversity of means for assessing achievement.

This programme intends to allow the individual student to develop their potential through a carefully selected curriculum of study, which includes elements of a variety of methods of study orientated around both the academic and vocational axis.

The primary objectives of the PhD programme are to:

  • Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic competence Achieve personal development and to develop critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their profession or discipline
  • Develop skills of initiation, implementation, and analysis in a range of contexts
  • Develop capability in the analysis and evaluation of complex issues and situations

The specific objectives of the program will vary according to the chosen named award and will include the:

  • Development of knowledge at an advanced level
  • Development of skills in analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation

Unite theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to the discipline.

Doctorate Programmes and Titles

  • PhD in Administration (Business Administration / Public Administration) (Management)
  • PhD in Psychology
  • PhD in Health Sciences
  • PhD in Education Management
  • PhD in International Relations
  • PhD in Economics
  • PhD in International Law
  • PhD in Environmental Management
  • PhD in Social Sciences

For Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, please click here .

Dual Award options:

Option1: Avrio Institute, please find clause §  24 Awarding Body

Option2: Azteca University, please find the Azteca University Study Programmes on the Avrio Institute website.

Option3: Azteca University and Avrio Institute.

Each programme curriculum of UCN includes a rationale setting out the aims and objectives of the programme. UCN believes that there is a need for this particular postgraduate programme for advanced researchers in the areas of management and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences. The programme is designed for researchers in the respective area of science and for professional scholars addressing candidates at the global level since the current issues and challenges are neither local nor national rather than global.

The aims for the programme serve the purpose of enabling candidates to become scholars and researchers in the science subject chosen and shall professionially benefit students completing the programme.

The Doctor of Philosophy is offered in English study language internationally with the award Philosophiae Doctor en XXX.

It is available as a general research PhD without any particular emphasis and in a variety of specialisations.

PhD candidates may specialise in areas of mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences or other practical fields for the respective discipline.

The PhD by research provides an excellent opportunity for applicants who have some experience at advanced level in any before-said specialised field offered by UCN to gain a postgraduate doctoral qualification to enhance their career prospects. The PhD is a research doctorate.

Master’s degree or equivalent degree and admission evaluation (120 SUCA or 240 ECTS credits). The entry requirements are a graduate degree of at least 120 SUCA or 240 ECTS credits in total, plus a Master’s degree, or equivalent qualifications of at least 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits in total. UCN may also ask for significant experience in a scientific or professional supervisory position involving responsibility for research issues.

Entry Requirements at MPhil stage to thesis:

Graduate degree plus MBA, MA, MSc, MPhil or equivalent Master or Postgraduate Degree qualification or first cycle degree entitling the holder in the country of an award to enroll directly in doctoral research programmes at the MPhil level. (150 SUCA or 300 ECTS credits)

Individual requirements:

Individual admission evaluation and eligibility assessment are required.

After completion of coursework, examinations and written research the thesis (dissertation or comprehensive project report) is defended by the candidate before the panel of examiners.

The total workload of the PhD in corresponds with equivalence of three years of study or 90 SUCA (180 ECTS) credits.

Students must focus on a specialisation or interdisciplinary research. The study area must be offered by UCN as doctoral programme.

The Ph.D. curriculum consists of 90 SUCA or 180 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as modular fashion. Ph.D. candidates complete the required modules/courses (30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits) prior to admission and enter at the advanced Mphil level, plus a final Thesis/Dissertation (60 SUCA or 120 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field of science.

Modular and research Ph.D. programme workload:

30 SUCA or 60 ECTS in coursework (credits transfer) plus 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis Taught curriculum: 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS in coursework (credits transfer).

Research Thesis for PhD: 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis.

PhD candidates may write their thesis in areas suitable to their employment contexts, such as mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences, finance, or other practical fields.

3 full study years – advanced programme possible for candidates entering at thesis stage.

The level and range of skill, knowledge, and understanding required to complete the programme requires the period of instruction (one full study year) and the period of research (two full study years). The content of each module is provided in the curriculum section.

Degree options:

UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua MSc (intermediate degree) and PhD (terminal degree).

The Master of Science requires the completion of the taught curriculum (MPhil level), the Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion and successful defence of the thesis.

Programme modality:

Online PhD programme

Postgraduate / Doctorate / third cycle higher education level

The programme requires a number of mandatory and elective modules, to the extent of one full study year.

The modules can be chosen by the candidate to the extent of 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits.

In a programme with a specialisation, there are mandatory units for each degree of choice required to complete the award.

The applied assessment of prior learning and the recognition of transfer credits policy will accept identical or similar courses from a postgraduate programme at the same qualification level and in a given specialisation, including transfer credits from recognised institutions of higher education.

The modular Master and Doctor of Philosophy have as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge, and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical, and creative. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners. The competencies may be in general executive Management without any specialisation or within a specific field of professional management expertise, Specialisation.

The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills, and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.

Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex concepts, ideas, and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.

Provide a forum of study that allows each student to build on his or her past academic and vocational experience in a relevant and meaningful fashion.

The PhD is a terminal degree. The degree of PhD is a research doctorate in a professional research setting. The PhD requires coursework and research beyond the Master’s degree requiring a dissertation or journal publication that contributes to management practice. The portion of the programme, consisting of coursework and examination, is equivalent to that of an internationally comparable PhD. The part of the programme, consisting of independent research and the writing of a thesis, is geared towards more applied research in management issues, with the research making a direct contribution to science or practice. The PhD requires a significant thesis, dissertation or final comprehensive project including a formal defence and approval by nominated examiners or an officially sanctioned and qualified doctoral review committee. The PhD aims at the creation of new theory, notwithstanding aims at applying theory to business problems; thereby, the PhD programme has two purposes: (1) to contribute to both theory and practice in relation to business and management; and (2) to develop professional practice and to contribute to professional knowledge. The degree is conferred when all coursework, testing, and written research are completed and reviewed, and approved by the jurors of the examination commission.

The PhD will enable graduates to become independent, self-directed researchers with the tools and motivation to continue investigating, developing, and reflecting on practice throughout their careers.

The primary objectives of the PhD research programme are to:

  • Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic
  • Achieve personal development and develop a critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their organization.
  • Develop skills in initiation, implementation, and analysis in a range of contexts

Examination Criteria (Dublin Descriptors):

Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:

  • have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field;
  • have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity;
  • have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
  • are capable of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
  • can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise;
  • can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social, or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those attributes relevant to undertaking work or a vocation that involves the application of some aspects of advanced learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated professions. The latter may be identified with the profile/specification. The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for the gradation of abilities or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’ assessment.

The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to a field of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to accommodate the range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic, professional, and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative arts. It is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or related solely to a traditional ‘scientific method’.

Third Cycle Qualifications

Core competencies for phd candidates:.

During their training, PhD candidates are expected to become independent researchers skilled in general or special field of their discipline (financial, project management, etc) policy/decision making and research. These types of skills provide doctoral graduates for an academic career and for the professional job market beyond the university programme.

The PhD aims to provide the following competencies as identified and categorised by Barthélémy Durette, Marina Fournier, and Matthieu Lafon (The core competencies of PhDs, Barthélémy Durette, Marina Fournier, and Matthieu Lafon, Studies in Higher Education Vol. 41 , Iss. 8,2016):

A- Knowledge and technical skills B-Transferable competencies that can be formalized B.1-Knowledge of the professional environment B.2-Professional conduct B.3-Communication skills B.4-IT skills B.5-Innovation management B.6-Project Management B.7-Languages B.8-Commercial skills B.9-Administrative management C-Transferable competencies that cannot be formalized C.1-Lateral thinking C.2-Capacity for innovation C.3-Cognitive abilities C.4-Complex problems management C.5-Ability to collaborate C.6-Leadership C.7-Ability to question oneself D-Dispositions E-Behaviors F-Meta-competencies

Graduates of the PhD programme will be able to:

  • Develop critical self-reflection and self-awareness to enhance personal and professional development at the senior management level.
  • Develop research skills for the senior level of management.
  • Determine and apply appropriate research methods to business management problems.
  • Develop skills, capabilities and understanding in managing and organising research project in line with professional and ethical principles.
  • Evaluate and synthesize scholarly literature to general research that will significantly contribute knowledge in the chosen sector.
  • Work as an independent researcher to contribute to knowledge through original and independent research.
  • Develop and demonstrate: Research skills and knowledge
  • Enable and demonstrate: Responsible conduct of science
  • Apply and demonstrate: Personal effectiveness
  • Enable and justify: Professional development
  • Enable, apply and demonstrate: Leadership and management
  • Enable and improve: Communication
  • Enable and support: General Management
  • Enable and investigate: Specialisation field
  • Development of skills of analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation
  • Unification of theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to business administration
  • Issues of organization management and the management of people.
  • To understand and apply the principles of strategic leadership in a business environment.
  • Review and apply the principles of business management within the industry
  • To understand and apply the principles of strategic management in a specific environment.
  • To improve the employability of learners in the business world.
  • Analyse problem-solving techniques specific to business and industry
  • elect, collate, review and analyse information from a wide range of sources
  • Work independently and as part of a team.
  • Manage one’s own personal development and growth.
  • To enable learners to apply analytical and evaluative techniques to business in the private and public sectors.
  • To enhance analytical and evaluative skills relating to business across several industries.
  • To develop the learner’s ability to recognise and reflect on the process of personal learning and development, which facilitates the enhancement of key personal, sociable and other transferable skills.
  • To encourage the student’s self-reflection, analytical, intellectual and transferable skills.

The UCN online PhD programme will help to develop research qualities and competencies.

– Develop Critical Skills

A credible, online PhD programme motivates to execute more than just consume knowledge. Crossing the category of passive learning will help achieve greater levels of critical thinking that will hone skills. This will help implement the knowledge gained via new and thrilling ways in organization, career, and field of interest.

– Justify Providing Expertise

Holding an online PhD degree will help develop and upskill new procedures and approaches that will allow to lead people in a global society that is increasing. This will also result in gaining effective skills that are required to excel in career. Apart from this, this degree helps upskill your managerial skills in current role and enables to create an impact by sharing prowess outside the organization.

– Demonstrate Scholar-Practitioner

Whether it is a campus program or an online PhD programme, this degree will give the necessary knowledge and the confidence one will need not just to attend conferences and present. Candidates will be able to write a dissertation. They might also find working with peers on various experiments and publishing articles in leading journals from their field. It will help develop managerial qualities and enable professional performance and progress. This, in turn, does make a candidate not only a scholar but also a practitioner.

– Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Teaching and mentoring are two major ways a graduate in this particular field can develop leadership and managerial skills. Being a teacher or a mentor, one will have to find a way to motivate someone to attain their goal. Candiates will also gain experience when it comes to evaluating someone’s work and delivering critical and constructive remarks.

– Apply Research Skills

Even in the field out of academia, research skills are considered highly valuable. This programme will also help to hone own research skills as a trained researcher and develop own managerial qualities. One will be able to ascertain the best approach, discover relevant information and data, find a way to analyze it and comprehend the massive amount of data, and amalgamate the findings. One will even know how to defend the conclusions with the help of research.

– Enable Written Communication

Becoming a good writer takes practice. With a PhD in management degree, one will have years of experience writing papers, dissertations, abstracts for conferences, journals, etc. The feedback you receive for this will help to upskill communication skills, which are a bonus in managerial skills.

– Personal and Professional Development

Enable graduates to focus on Business and Management research. It focuses on students´ personal and professional development through reflective, supportive and sensitised approaches.

– Strategic Management and Leadership in Organisations

Prepare students for the complexity of strategic decisions and the global business environment. Students will be able to conduct research that will help them define, create, and evaluate further strategic direction for the organisation’s effectiveness.

– Managing Project for Applied Research

Prepare candidates for the complexity of strategic decisions and the global business environment.

– Advanced Research Techniques

Prepare students to understand different research philosophies, techniques and methods to prepare them to apply relevant research theories and methodology to their research project.

Research – Thesis

The research project provides an opportunity for candidates to apply the research skills gained during the curriculum. Candidates can use any philosophical assumption, research design, method and approach to integrating their professional practice to research theories. PhD thesis enables learners to identify issue relating to their professional context in any organisation regardless of sector, consider relevant literature, collect data, apply research techniques and analyse data to implement change to meet research objectives.

Wordcount limit for a PhD thesis is 60,000-100,000. The standard followed for the thesis will be identical to the referencing style of UCN or an accepted standard.

PhD by Thesis

The PhD by thesis is a research doctorate, requiring course-work beyond the Master´s level plus research and dissertation contributing to theory or practice in relation to the discipline as well as to the development of the professional practice by contributing to field-specific knowledge and hence impact practice beyond research.

PhD by Prior Output

Doctorate by publication.

A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of doctorate by thesis, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.

This is not a short cut to a PhD, however, offered to recognised busy researchers and full time professionals who have been publishing academic work or the equivalent. The PhD by Publication, Prior Output or Achievement is quite common among British Universities, having introduced this doctorate to academia.

The PhD by Prior Output aims to demonstrate that the work submitted is of high distinction, does constitute an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of knowledge or to both, and does establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of study concerned, and that the work put forward is already ‘published’.

The objective is not to review all of an applicant’s published output, but a selection that presents a substantial coherence and linked original contribution. The PhD by Prior Output should be as original and coherent as a conventional PhD degree. The work presented should be already ‘published’ work, open to critical academic peer scrutiny, including written publications in peer reviewed refereed journals and/or published under an academic or University Press, academic publisher, monographs from an academic press, official reports for organisations, portfolios of creative works, or alike. The submitted work presents an original contribution to knowledge and will include work that has been published recently. The submission should be conceived of as adding to a current debate. The publications should emphasise a common academic research area, with a reasonable core argument, and must be original, research-based, of doctoral thesis quality and embedded in an academic discourse.

Applicants can submit published work for examination only after a minimum period of six months from enrolment.

The doctoral degree of PhD by Prior Output is awarded by UCN after the successful presentation of prior output and a covering document of 10,000 to 15,000 words, and an examination. The covering document should contextualise the prior output, demonstrate that it constitutes a coherent entity, and underline the independent and original contribution to knowledge achieved.

Tuition fees vary by the duration of programme (short or regular) and the single or dual degree options.

Tuition fees are due in full with enrolment for the complete programme.

Please check out the fees page

Refund policy

Course fees are due in full with enrolment. Once the programme has started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuition after admission are not enrolled.

The applicable degree regulations for Doctorates and postgraduate degree programmes of UCN apply.

The level and range of skill, knowledge and understanding required to complete the programme requires the period of instruction (one full study year) and the period of research (two full study years). The content of each module is provided in the curriculum section.

Duration and workload of a course

Successful completion of a course with a workload of 3 SUCA or 6 ECTS credits is estimated to be approximately 150 hours. Students should allocate approximately eight hours a week for reading, personal study, completion of reflection activities and submission of assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part- time basis and are designed to be completed within four months. The asynchronic e-learning mode of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. Official study time for the PhD programme is three years with a workload of 90 SUCA credits(180 ECTS).

1 ECTS credit = 0,5 SUCA créditos (credit hours)

60 ECTS credits = 30 SUCA créditos (credit hours) (1 full study year)

Study language

The international programme is conducted in English (German upon approval). English or German proficiency is required for the doctoral programme.

Exclusively at Avrio Institute, the UCN University accepted research in French, Italian and Arabic.

Student Support

The programme is administered and provided by UCN European Programmes. Students are eligible for UCN European Programmes student support regarding tutoring and assistance in the programme.

Principles of Assessment

  • Students’ assessment activities must show evidence of assessment by tutors
  • Assessment must be rigorous, fair and free from bias
  • Candidates may only submit their own Copied plagiarised work be disqualified
  • Time-constrained assessments should be supervised under examination conditions
  • Computer Marked Assignments and/or Tutors Marked Assessment records and internal verification of these will be part of the UCN quality audit process
  • The assessments should cover all the learning programme outcomes

Assessment Criteria

  • The assessment criteria should cover all the learning outcomes for the module/programme that have been listed above. They should describe the quality of work the learners must produce.
  • The assessment strategy must clearly indicate the baseline achievement for the learner to pass the programme and the procedures for credits transfer and APL, acceptance of late work and re-sits/re-submissions.

Grading Criteria

  • UCN requires the use of grades in an accredited programme. Minimum grade for passing a course at postgraduate level with UCN is 80%.

Assessment Methods

  • Assessment methods reflect the level of the programme being offered. Assessment activities and assessor’s records include Computer Marked Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Commissional Examination.

Alternative / Special Arrangements for Assessment

  • Candidates with special needs may apply for alternative, special arrangements for assessment to UCN. UCN will as far as possible enable such alternative assessments.

UCN is an autonomous university, authorised by the CNU National Council of Universities and established by Act of Parliament and Presidential Decree in Nicaragua. As such UCN takes part and is subject to quality assurance and institutional accreditation by the CNEA National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation, established by law in Nicaragua.

International programme quality assurance is provided by CONIES, the Council on International Higher Education Supervision, a university membership quality certification and programme accreditation council based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA FOR PROGRAMME PROVISION

I – general criteria.

  • Learning outcomes
  • Internal verification / review and evaluation
  • Market needs
  • Target group of learners
  • Resources (general)
  • Tutor details
  • Examination materials
  • Self evaluation for accreditation
  • Internal auditor qualification

II- Provision Criteria

  • Collaborative Provision
  • Cross-border Higher Education
  • Trans-national Quality Assurance
  • Trans-national Academic Recognition
  • Trans-national Professional Recognition
  • Collaborative Trans-national Provision
  • Recruitment

III- E-Learning Criteria

  • Quality of Education
  • Technical Quality
  • The catalogisation of multi-media applications
  • The quality of visual features
  • Learning and cognitive theories
  • The functionality of the application

IV- Criteria for Quality of Online Education

  • Online learning is appropriate to the institution’s mission and purposes
  • The institution’s plans for developing, sustaining, and, if appropriate, expanding online learning offerings are integrated into its regular planning and evaluation processes
  • Online learning is incorporated into the institution’s systems of governance and academic oversight
  • Curricula for the institution’s online learning offerings are coherent, cohesive, and comparable in academic rigor to programs offered in traditional instructional formats
  • The institution evaluates the effectiveness of its online learning offerings, including the extent to which the online learning goals are achieved, and uses the results of its evaluations to enhance the attainment of the goals
  • Faculty responsible for delivering the online learning curricula and evaluating the students’ success in achieving the online learning goals are appropriately qualified and effectively supported
  • The institution provides effective student and academic services to support students enrolled in online learning offerings
  • The institution assures the integrity of its online offerings

V- Online Education and Open Educational Resources OER Auto-Evaluation

  • Extent of actual use of online education and OER in the institution
  • Assessing vision of openness and strategy for open educational practices
  • Implementing and promoting Open Educational Practices

The application process is conducted in the following sequences:

  • The prospective student asks for the application form for a given programme of
  • Application form signed as scan (PDF, black/white) and personal data processing agreement
  • Scans (PDF, b/w, legible!) of all relevant higher education credentials and qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates, with all transcripts). If those original credentials are not in English, Spanish or German, pls, provide an English translation.
  • Curriculum vitae, highlighting the academic and professional background. (doc or PDF)
  • Scan of the passport (or ID card) page with personal data and photo. (PDF in colour)
  • Passport style facial photo of applicant (colour, JPG)
  • NOTICE: Only complete applications will be considered for
  • The University conducts an evaluation report and reserves the right to charge the applicant for this service.
  • The University issues the evaluation report and in case of possible admission issues an invoice to the student for the tuition and fees of the given programme.
  • Student accepts evaluation report and pays the full tuition and fees in order to
  • Payment of tuition activates the enrolment of the given student. Once a student is enrolled and discontinues a programme, no tuition payment is refunded.

Examination Criteria

(Dublin Descriptors):

Thesis Grading Standards / Criteria

Additional criteria for assessment, general regulations.

Professional Doctorate “Dr.”

PhD Research Doctorate “Philosophiae Doctor”

International University programme of UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua provided as doctoral Degree-Programme

§ 1 Objective – Qualification

  • UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua (Managua, Nicaragua) – called “University“– conducts postgraduate and doctoral programmes for international students in distance learning mode.
  • The examinations and defences of dissertations (theses) before the examining committee are conducted in compliance with the provisions of applicable Nicaraguan study laws and with the study and examination regulations of the university.
  • The examination and defence of the thesis are to prove, on the basis of his/her independent study and research in the given field of study, that the Applicant has gained a deeper insight in the wider basis of the discipline and is capable of acquiring latest theoretical and practical knowledge, s/he is also capable of creative and independent application of the gained knowledge and experiences in practice.
  • The examination and thesis defence are conducted in the subject field for which the admission has been approved by the University subject to the degree programme of the University in order to conduct examination and thesis defence.
  • The doctoral study programme is available to graduates of Master and postgraduate studies.
  • The distance learning study programme has asynchronous design aiming at the transfer and acquisition of knowledge at a high level of independent self-study and research. The opportunity of networking collaboration via the eLearning platform of the University provides practical integration for the participants of the programme, resulting in high-end theses.
  • The research findings gained in this programme qualify the alumni as specialists in their given study area.

§ 2 Accreditation

All programmes and degrees offered by UCN are duly and legally registered with the CNU “ C onsejo N acional de U niversidades” (National Council of Universities) the national agency responsible for the authorisation of universities and registration and authentication of HE programmes, and degrees awarded by universities in Nicaragua. UCN as recognised autonomous university is subject to quality assurance and institutional accreditation system conducted by CNEA National Council on Evaluation and Accreditation according to Nicaraguan law.

The programmes provided at the Branch Campus on the premises of Institut Avrio de Geneve are under the direct supervision and responsibility of the Dean of European Programmes of the university as postgraduate Master and Doctor degree programmes offered by the university and the degrees awarded by the university in accordance with Art. 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education.

UCN University degrees are officially recognised in Nicaragua by law and hence “official degrees”.

In 2011 UCN was awarded “Exemplary Central American University 2010” by the Central American Association in the USA.

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is listed in the IAU-WHED International Handbook of Universities and an approved member of the International Association of Universities IAU . 

UCN is a member of ODAEE ORGANIZACIÓN DE LAS AMÉRICAS PARA LA EXCELENCIA EDUCATIVA.

For more details, please visit the Accreditation page

§ 3 UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua

Nicaraguan higher education law is embedded in the principle of freedom of instruction, guaranteeing in Article 125 of the Nicaraguan Political Constitution full autonomy being implemented by Law no. 89 about the Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education (No. 89 [3] ). The law 89 determines in Articles 7 and 9 that the institutions of higher education can award academic degrees. UCN is a fully autonomous accredited university with the unrestricted right to award certificates, diplomas, academic degrees and titles and to issue certificates of recognition and validation of studies on equivalent level, completed at other university or centres of higher education, domestic or abroad, entitled to recognise academic degrees, titles and diplomas awarded by foreign university, entitled to award professional rights, except for lawyers and notaries for whom, by law, the Supreme Court is in charge. Furthermore, UCN is entitled to establish relations with academic, scientific and cultural establishments located domestically or abroad. According to Article 82 of the Ley General de Educación 2006 [4] the explicitly mentioned “Doctorates” constitute – literally quoted –the “nationally and internationally fully recognised academic degrees“ in Nicaragua.

The new law No. 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education regulates the official recognition of degrees by the Nicaraguan State as well as the form of awards of academic titles and degrees awarded by autonomous Universities authorised to award them and the creation of the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees.

The Institutions of Higher Education authorised to award titles and academic degrees in compliance with the corresponding laws are the only institutions empowered to emit and award these titles and academic degrees.

The State only recognises the following as academic degrees:

1 . At the undergraduate and graduate level:

  • Higher Technician (Associate level)
  • Licenciado, Physician (Medic), Architect, Engineer

The National Council of Universities CNU by approving the academic programmes or professional graduate degrees of the public, private and community universities has to determine the title and the level of the academic degree to be awarded.

Applicants must have a corresponding graduate degree in order to enroll in an academic postgraduate programme.

Students are entitled to be awarded the respective degree when meeing all requirements of the degree without requirement to attend a graduation ceremony.

All professionals can apply for the replacement of his degree to the awarding university or in case of dissolution of the university the National Council of Universities is in charge.

A National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees shall be created as a responsibility of the National Council of Universities CNU for the purpose of inscription, consulting, verification and certification of titles and academic degrees, awarded by the universities empowered to award titles and who have been recognised and incoroporated in conformity with this given law.

The CNU is in charge of administration and maintainance of the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees as well as for the approval of the technical norms regulating the management and the administrative, technical procedures and the security thereof.

All Register services are free of charge.

The universities empowered to award titles are obliged to enter in the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees the titles and academic degrees emitted and provide all information related to them, as required for the content.

It is the responsibility of the National Council of Universities CNU as a public entity to issue the certification of the registers of titles and academic degrees awarded by the universities empowered to award them.

§ 4 Examining Committee

The University establishes an examining committee for the evaluation and examination of doctoral candidates (theses). Detailed provisions are given in §14 .

§ 5 Study Areas

The study areas include:

  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration
  • Economic and Social Sciences
  • Health Sciences
  • International Relations and International Law

§ 6 Master’s degree and Doctorate degree

The Master degree is the period of study and intermediate degree to the doctoral research programme. The doctorates are differentiated as

  • Professional Doctorates with the academic degree “Doctor en…” abbreviated “Dr.”; and
  • Research Doctorates with the academic degree “Philosophiae Doctor en …”, abbreviated “Dr.” or “PhD” in English.

§ 7 Workload and Structure of the Study Programme

  • The volume of the study programme is determined by the workload, given in creditos (in brackets: ECTS points).
  • The Master degree requires a minimum workload of 30 SUCA or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points) with an admission level of 120 SUCA creditos or 300 SATCA creditos (240 ECTS points). The Master level comprises a total of 8 to 10 semesters and a workload of 120 to 150 SUCA creditos or 300 to 375 SATCA creditos (240 to 300 ECTS points).
  • The professional doctorate requires as thesis doctorate a workload of 60 SUCA creditos or 150 SATCA creditos (120 ECTS points), to be achieved in the event of Applicants with 150 SUCA creditos or 375 SATCA creditos (300 ECTS) on admission by thesis only; in the event of Applicants with 120 SUCA creditos or 300 SATCA creditos (240 ECTS) on admission to be achieved by thesis of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points) and by transfer of credits from positively completed postgraduate courses in the extent of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points). This corresponds with a duration of 4 semesters. The accumulated minimum requirement for the professional doctorate is 180 SUCA or 450 SATCA creditos (360 ECTS points).
  • The research doctorate requires a workload of 90 SUCA creditos or 225 SATCA creditos (180 ECTS points), to be achieved by thesis of 60 SUCA creditos or 150 SATCA creditos (120 ECTS points) and by transfer of credits from positively completed postgraduate courses in the extent of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points). This corresponds with a duration of 6 semesters. The accumulated minimum requirement for the research doctorate is 240 SUCA creditos or 600 SATCA creditos (480 ECTS points).

§ 8 Admission

  • Applicants can be admitted to the asynchronic distance education programme throughout the year.
  • Persons meeting the following requirements can be admitted to the Professional Doctorate: Completed university or college study programme of at least 8 semesters with no less than 120 SUCA creditos (240 ECTS points) from a diploma programme with a recognised university or college at level 2 and entitling for admission to doctoral programmes in the country of origin of the awarding institution; and a postgraduate specialisation or master degree of at least 30 SUCA creditos (60 ECTS points). (Master level)
  • Persons meeting the following requirements can be admitted to the Research Doctorate: Completed university or college study programme of at least 10 semesters with no less than 150 SUCA creditos (300 ECTS points) from a diploma programme with a recognised university or college at level 2 and entitling for admission to doctoral programmes in the country of origin of the awarding institution; and a postgraduate specialisation or master degree of at least 30 SUCA creditos (60 ECTS points). (MPhil level)
  • The admission-commission of the university rules on the grounds of the formal requirements and the application per single case and upon request of the Applicant according to available enrolments and tutoring capacities, as well as of the submitted research proposal for the thesis. The admission-commission can require an admission-test.
  • Application procedure and admission: Applications for admission to the respective doctoral programme must be submitted with the required documents (application form, curriculum vitae, proof of degrees earned, and professional experiences gained, passport copy, passport photo). The admission-commission may require the submission of “original transcripts” directly from the awarding tertiary education institutions.
  • Persons who have been admitted to the programme and who have paid the programme tuitions and fees, will be admitted by the study department of the university as international students

§ 9 Application

  • The Applicant submits his/her application to the admission-commission.
  • the subject field in which s/he has obtained a university degree,
  • the subject field chosen for the thesis examination in line with these regulations,
  • the topic of the thesis,
  • the research project of the thesis.
  • The Applicant can choose the subject field in which s/he has completed university study or a related subject field.
  • The Applicant can suggest his/her own topic of the thesis.
  • the completely filled and signed application form,
  • copy of the Diploma and Diploma Supplement (transcript),
  • the graduate of a foreign university has to include the proof that the awarding institution is a recognised institution of higher education in the country of its origin, this requirement can be waived, however, if this fact is evident,
  • Curriculum Vitae of the Applicant,
  • copy of passport or identification document of the Applicant,
  • passport photo in colour.
  • The admission commission shall examine the application for the thesis examination and within 30 days from its delivery shall announce the decision to the Applicant in writing.
  • In the event the application complies with the requirements as stated in the Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5, the admission commission shall, according to available enrolments and tutoring capacities, confirm its acceptance in writing. The admission commission shall simultaneously notify the Applicant of the subjects which shall become part of the postgraduate specialisation as the wider basis of the discipline in the chosen subject field.
  • In the event the application does not comply with the requirements as stated in the Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5, the admission commission shall ask the Applicant to complete the missing data before the stated deadline.

§ 10 Transfer Credits

Doctorate by transfer credits and degree validation is possible.

  • The evaluation of degrees and transfer-credits is subject to the provisions of UCN. In the international evaluation of credits UCN applies the full study year transfer-factors on the credits.
  • Total autonomous UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua offers the doctoral programme according to Nicaraguan study law. In evaluating degrees and transfer-credits UCN applies the standards in compliance with Article 9 Paragraph 2 of the Law no. 89 on the Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education [5] .
  • 3) 30 SUCA créditos (60 ECTS points) earned in postgraduate specialisations or Master programmes must be transferred by Applicants with 120 SUCA créditos (240 ECTS) on admission into the curriculum of the Professional Doctorate, as far as they match the research topic of the chosen specialisation.
  • 4) 30 SUCA créditos (60 ECTS points) earned in postgraduate specialisations or Master programmes must be transferred into the curriculum of the Research Doctorate, as far as they match the research topic of the chosen specialisation..
  • 5) Credits can be accepted from coursework taken with recognised institutions of higher education, recognised degree programmes, or programmes validated by the University, or from course-work taken with the University at the postgraduate level, according to a study plan matching the chosen specialisation.

§ 11 Doctorate by Publication

A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of § 13 Paragraph 4, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.

§ 12 Duration of Programme

  • The thesis examination programme starts with the confirmed acceptance of the application form by the admission-commission of the University and is becoming effective upon the payment of the non-refundable study-tuitions by the Applicant with the receipt of the payment by the University.
  • by the act of granting and awarding the academic title by the university,
  • by the decision of the examining committee that the Applicant did not meet the requirements including the retake options,
  • by delivering the written request to the examining committee to terminate the thesis examination,
  • by failing to complete thesis examination programme within the allowed retake options in compliance with the Letter b.

§ 13 Dissertation Thesis

  • The range of themes for theses, their extent and particulars, as well as the requirements for theses are announced by the University based on the proposals examining committee for the thesis examination.
  • A doctoral thesis is a monothematic work which brings about new findings, it is not a compilation of literature, as a rule it presents personal original research pursued by the Applicant.
  • In general, the thesis is written in Spanish language. An Applicant of different nationality or a foreign Applicant shall ask the admission commission for a possibility to write the thesis in a foreign language. In case of available language capacity, the admission commission shall approve the request. A thesis written in a language other than Spanish, or English shall include a summary written in Spanish or English language in extent of up to 10 pages. According to available enrolments and tutoring capacities particularly the following study languages are approved: Spanish, English, German.
  • The use of Master-theses or doctoral theses having already been used for the award of an academic degree is not allowed. The Applicant cannot submit as a rigorous thesis his/her diploma thesis or any other qualification thesis, neither the work of a compilation character. The University can accept a prior dissertation and doctorate only for the purpose of revalidation of the degree in order to award the equivalent degree.
  • The Applicant submits to the examining committee the thesis. The thesis has to be written in text editor, printed and bound in hard cover. Upon request of the Applicant or order recommendation of the examination committee the submission of an electronic version is permitted. Two hardcopy editions of the thesis must be sent to the University.
  • To evaluate a thesis the examining committee nominates at least one staff member possessing the “assistant professor” or “professor” title or the academic title PhD, Dr. or an equivalent degree at doctoral level. The evaluator/s are appointed by the examining committee.
  • The evaluator first evaluates the methodological aspect of the thesis. In the event of the positive evaluation, the thesis shall be evaluated from a specialized, subject-specific perspective. Positive evaluations of the thesis are necessary preconditions for the invitation of the Applicant to the thesis defence and examination.
  • The nominated evaluator shall submit to the examining committee within 60 days from the delivery of the thesis to the evaluator the evaluation of the thesis in which s/he shall state if the thesis does or does not meet the requirements determined by the examining committee and this given study plan. In the evaluation the evaluator shall also present comments on the content of the thesis and, in conclusion of the evaluation, state if s/he does or does not recommend the thesis for the oral defence, or if s/he recommends rewriting the thesis.
  • In the event that the evaluator does not recommend the thesis for the defence, the Applicant can rewrite the thesis and resubmit it for evaluation on the next deadline for theses submission as determined by the examining committee. If s/he fails to submit the thesis on the given deadline s/he shall be excluded from the registration of Applicants for examinations and thesis defences. The Applicant can ask the examining committee in writing for the extension of the thesis submission deadline not more than twice.
  • Within the six months from the thesis submission before the thesis examination the examining committee shall notify the Applicant in writing of the place, date and time of the online-examination and at the same time notify him/her the result of the evaluation of the thesis.
  • Precondition of the invitation to the thesis defence and examination is the positive evaluator evaluation.

§ 14 Examining Committee

  • The examination and thesis defence take place in front of the examining committee via video conference.
  • The right to act as examiners is granted only to university teachers occupying the posts of professors or assistant professors or other experts possessing at least the academic title PhD, Dr. or comparable qualification at doctoral level, approved by the University.
  • The committee is appointed by the University; the nominees are selected from the eligible staff members as stated in Paragraph 2.
  • The committee consists of a chairman and a minimum of two other members. An external evaluator is appointed.
  • As a general rule, the committee is appointed for a period until dismissal.

§ 15 Examination and Defence of Thesis

  • The examination can take place only when a chairman and a minimum of two other members are present online. The procedure of the examination is delivered by means of electronic tele-communications media (video conference).
  • The examination is generally conducted in the language of the thesis.
  • The examination consists of two parts. It starts with the thesis presentation and defence and continues immediately by the oral examination by the examining committee. In defence of thesis the Applicant responds to the comments and answers the questions of the committee members.
  • The committee members vote upon the result of the examination in the non public part of the session on the day of the doctoral examination. The examination result is expressed in words as “passed” or “failed”.
  • The examination procedure is recorded in writing. All documents including the notation and the evaluation are kept in the Archive in compliance with the valid regulations.

§ 16 Retaking Examinations

  • In the event the Applicant cannot take the online examination on the given date and gives a written apology for his/her absence within seven days thereafter, the examining committee shall provide on the basis of Applicant’s request and consultation with the committee chairman a substitute date for taking the examination.
  • In the event the Applicant fails to appear in the stipulated time for the onlineexamination without giving a written apology within seven days thereafter, s/he shall be evaluated as if s/he had “failed” in the examination.
  • In the event the Applicant failed in the defence of the thesis or in the oral examination, the examination can be repeated on the next date announced for the examinations; the examining committee shall determine the date of the repeated examination. The examining committee can permit two further repetitions of the examination.

§ 17 Academic Degree

  • Professional Doctorate: Doctor en Administración de Empresas, abbreviated “Dr.” (English diploma: DBA Doctorate in Business Administration)
  • Research Doctorate: Philosophiae Doctor, abbreviated “Dr.” or “PhD.“
  • The doctoral degree of the fully autonomous UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua, validating and offering the programme, is a fully recognised doctoral degree in the sense of Article 82 of the Ley General de Educación (Nicaragua) and Article 4 of the Law 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education, and legally awarded in compliance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education (Nicaragua).

§ 18 Distance Learning Mode

Notification: The International Doctoral Programme – Double Degree Programme is a distance education programme only to be completed by means of electronic media of tele-communications and e-learning directly at the University in Nicaragua [6] .

§ 19 Quality Assurance

  • Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN was founded in 1997 as a private, non-profit, and authorized by the National University Council in session CNU No. 10-98 of 18. November 1998 and approved by the Assembly of the Republic Decree No. 2822 according to the Constitution of Nicaragua and the Law No. 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a fully autonomous Nicaraguan university participating in the mandatory programme of auto-evaluation and quality assurance of National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation CNEA in Nicaragua. All professional titles and academic degrees are recognised by the professional associations and public services; UCN in 2010 is again among the best university in Central America and has been awarded by the Central American Coalition USA as “Exemplary Central American University 2010“ in the United States of America. UCN is internationally accredited by ASIC Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ENQA and CHEA listed), a UK government Home Office approved and recognised Accreditation Body: systems accreditation of UCN covers the range of educational establishments and courses as Premier University (2013-2017).
  • Written Assignments will be checked with a plagiarism-analysis-programme for authenticity.
  • Online-examinations are standardised “Computer-Marked-Assignments”.
  • Written assignments and course-papers are “Tutor Marked Assignments”.
  • Scientific articles and publications are subject to a “peer-review”.

§ 20 Degree Recognition

The professional and research doctorates subject to these thesis guidelines are validated and approved as distance-education programmes of postgraduate study by Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN, and, therefore, all academic degrees and titles awarded by UCN are fully recognised in compliance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Nicaraguan Law 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education in the sense of Article 82 of the Nicaraguan General Law of Education in combination with Article 4 of the Law 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education.

§ 21 Graduation

The University will award the respective degrees, postgraduate certificates and diploma supplement to a graduate no later than 120 days. The graduation Package includes the following documents:

  • Degree diploma in Spanish and a second version in English for completion of postgraduate doctor programme according to Art. 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on Institutions of Higher Education in Nicaragua and the format defined by UCN for the official university degree awarded by the University;
  • Diploma Supplement or transcript.
  • Required: National Council of University CNU authentication and Foreign Ministry Apostille of the degree (Spanish version only)
  • Apostille of the Diploma Supplement or Transcript by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

§ 22 Tuitions

This program is not subject to the terms, conditions, policies, regulations, and rules of the institute, as well as tuition fees. The tuition and administrative fees you find on the “Fees” page do not include nor belong to this study programmme, unlike the optional fees of the Institute.

Please click here to find in details all fees

Tuitions are due with enrolment. Once the programme started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuitions after admission are not enrolled.

§ 23 Study Language

The programme is conducted in Spanish, English, German. French, Italian or Arabic Language, therefore proficiency is required for the PhD programme.

Regardless of the language of study, all official administrative correspondences are done exclusively in English, as well as documents issued by the institute. The English language is the official language adopted by the institute, as well as by the partner university.

Therefore, the candidate will submit, upon successful completion, the thesis summary in English (it can be written in the language of the thesis, and then translated by the candidate, or upon request by the institute).

For other Languages, please contact us.

§ 24 Awarding Body

All degrees are issued by the UCN University. However, Avrio Institute may issue second award upon the candidate request and if applicable and available at the Institute. Also, it’s possible to obtain a degree from Azteca University as a dual Award program with an additional fee.

Upon request and if applicable, Avrio Institute may issue;

§ 25 Policy, Terms & Conditions

The UCN University, UCN European Program, and Avrio Institute Policies, Terms & Conditions are applicable and must be followed and respected respectively.

In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the partner university must be followed and respected first, as they are legally responsible for admission, quality, and degrees issuance.

[1] If you do not have a master’s degree, you can enrol in the program that qualifies for a master’s and then a doctorate in three years. (Institute) [2] For Management and Business Administration, Avrio Institute may issue its own certificate upon request. (Institute) [3] Ley de Autonomia de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, 89/1990, Kapitel II, Art. 7-9 (University) [4] Ley General de Educación, 382/2006, Art. 82 (University) [5] Ley de Autonomia de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, 89/1990 (University) [6] Through Avrio Institute (Institute) [12] Ley No. 89 Ley de Autonomía de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, published in the Official Journal on April 20, 1990 (University) [13] Ley General de Educación, Ley 582 de 2006 (University) [14] Ley No. 704, law on creation of the national system for quality assurance of education and regulating the national council of evaluation and accreditation – Law No. 704 (University)

free online phd in europe

Avrio Institute   at Glance

Avrio institute.

free online phd in europe

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Avrio Sarl Institute in Geneva is not responsible for admission, certification, or quality assurance. The role of the institute is limited to providing pre and after-registration services, including education delivery. Therefore, all the information you find on this website is a compilation made by the Institute of what has been written on the websites that belong to both Universities and their European Pogrammes, and/or the documents that had been sent to the Institute directly from the Deanship of Europe Universities. Bearing in mind that there are some paragraphs that have been etranslated from German or Spanish into English. The website was reviewed by the Deanship of the European Program, and on February 3, 2022, the contents of the website were approved after the proposed amendments were made, and accordingly, and based on these facts, the Institute disclaims any responsibility for the content of this website and therefore does not bear any legal or moral responsibility for what is stated on the pages of this site.

© Institut Avrio de Genève is a private & independent institute operated by Avrio SARL

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About cookies Cookies, clear gifs and similar technologies (cookies) are used on our sites to personalise content and ads, provide and improve product features and to analyse our traffic on our sites by Avrio, our business partners and authors. As a part of our commitment to upholding a high standard of transparency with our users, we’ve created this guide to explain the tracking technologies we use on our sites. What are cookies, clear gifs and similar technologies? Cookies are a small data file sent to your web browser or mobile device that is stored on your browser cache. Clear gifs and pixel trackers are tiny graphics with a unique identifier and are similar in function to cookies, and are used to track the movements of web users between pages and websites. They are embedded invisibly on web pages and are about the size of a single pixel. First party cookies are set by us when you’re visiting one of our sites, and third party cookies are set by a party other than the website you’re visiting. Cookies and similar technologies are used for the following purposes on the Avrio sites. Strictly Necessary: Strictly necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation, website security and access to information that requires authentication. Preferences: These cookies enable storage of information that changes the way a website behaves or looks, like settings for your region. Statistics: Statistics cookies help us to understand how visitors interact with our websites by collecting and reporting information. Marketing: Marketing cookies are used for tracking browsing activity and to customise and display ads that are relevant and engaging. Third Parties: Our business partners and authors use cookies for the purposes described above. How to manage your preferences and settings Please keep in mind that your experience may not be as we intended if you change the standard settings. Visitors located in the European Union can select their preferences with the preferences panel, and can change their preferences by clearing their cookies, refreshing the page, and selecting their preferences again.

The UCN admission is currently Closed. You may visit the Azteca University Programs.

Privacy Overview

Thesis-based programs are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. It is important to be aware that the site has undergone electronic translation primarily from English, occasionally from German or Spanish into English, and subsequently into other languages. Consequently, it is imperative to acknowledge that the non-English content may lack precision, and some information could be inaccurate. The translation serves promotional purposes, and complete reliance on it is not advisable.

Please note that the thesis writing is feasible in any of the aforementioned languages. However, all official documents and communications are exclusively handled in English. Should your proficiency in English be insufficient, you may, at your own discretion, seek assistance from a third party to facilitate communication with the institute.

Study in Europe 2022 "How to do a funded PhD in Europe"

sie_22_msca_phd

Join us on Saturday, 24 September at 4pm (Singapore) to learn how you can carry out your doctoral training in Europe and how EURAXESS can support you on this journey! 

Europe boasts a huge diversity of opportunities for doctoral training. European PhD programmes enjoy international recognition for excellence thus providing an exceptional career launch pad for young researchers.

Many European countries charge very little or no fees for PhD studies while also offering scholarships for international applicants. The European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) offer funding for thousands of PhD students each year to carry out their doctoral research across Europe.

Find out about the MSCA Doctoral Fellowships and get tips & advice for your PhD journey from ASEAN PhD students in Europe!

The webinar will be held in English.

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3 Universities/Academies = 1 Doctorate (100% Online Study Program & Graduation in Switzerland)

THE ONLY ONLINE PROGRAM OFFERED JOINTLY BY 3 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES Students will have a joint Doctorate from OUS Academy in Switzerland + the University of Dąbrowa Górnicza (WSB) in Poland + Taras Shevchenko National University (KNU) in Ukraine. This Doctorate is unique. OUS is the first Academy provides its students such high level of a program. Click Here for more info

THREE Top European Universities/ Academies = Best Virtual/Distance Program = ONE Top European Master SWITZERLAND + EU + TOP RANKED 500

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THIS STUDY PROGRAM

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  1. Top 25 Best Free Phd Programs Online 2023 [Fully funded online phd

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  2. PhD Positions In Europe

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  3. How To Get A PhD In Europe

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  5. 25 Free PhD Programs Online for 2023

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  6. How to apply for Online PhD application of HNBGU 2023-2024 #hnbgu #phd #2023 #2024

COMMENTS

  1. Free PhD Program in Europe for international students -cheapest programs

    No, a PhD is usually not free in the UK for international students. The average cost of a PhD program in the UK is between £14,000 USD - £20,000 USD in a year . There are some scholarships available to international students, but they are typically very competitive and do not cover the full cost of tuition. FULLY FUNDED PHD IN ITALY!

  2. The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

    Illinois. University of Chicago, Department of Anthropology: PhD in Anthropology. The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year.

  3. PhD Study, for Free?

    Austria charges no PhD fees at public research universities. However, this condition only applies to EU and EEA students who finish their doctorates on time (extra semesters cost €363.36 each). International students pay fees throughout their degrees, but the maximum cost is capped by the Austrian Government at a fairly low €726.72 per semester.. EU and EEA students do pay fees to study at ...

  4. PhD Study in Europe

    PhD study within the European Higher Education Area. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is a network of 49 countries that share a common system for university degrees. It is made up of all 27 EU members, plus the UK, as well as other countries from elsewhere in Europe and Eurasia.

  5. 10 Great European Universities For Online Study

    Trinity College Dublin - Ireland. There is a collection of postgraduate courses all available for study online at Trinity College Dublin, most result in a Postgraduate Certificate, but there are a couple of full masters courses. All of the courses have a medical or social work emphasis including topics such as Dementia Care, Child Protection ...

  6. How to apply for doctoral studies in Europe

    Getting started. In Europe, every university sets its own application criteria for doctoral studies. To successfully enter the world of research, it´s very important to be proactive and start your preparation early. The enrollment procedures take time. Prepare early, check entry requirements and collect your documents.

  7. 10 Great European Distance Learning Universities

    So, here is our list of 10 top European universities offering distance learning degrees: 1. Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands. The Wageningen University is always among the top 10 best Dutch universities in the prestigious rankings created by TopUniversities, Times Higher Education, and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The ...

  8. How to apply for a PhD in Germany

    Germany's DAAD offers a free online course ' How to apply for a PhD in Germany'. The total learning time will take approximately six to nine hours. You will learn more about the following aspects of doing a PhD in Germany: where to find a PhD position, application requirements and how to write a good application, characteristics of the German ...

  9. Doctoral programmes

    The University of Helsinki Doctoral School has a total of 33 doctoral programmes. The doctoral school and programmes cooperate in research and doctoral education, and the structure of doctoral education encompasses all of the University's disciplines and doctoral researchers. Doctoral programmes in environmental, food and biological sciences.

  10. PhD by Distance

    On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from: supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field. access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online. access to extensive online Library resources. a reduced tuition fee set at half the standard full- or ...

  11. Top 11 Best Online Doctoral Programs In Europe, Requirements & Fees

    Fees: Application Fee - EUR 150 (non-refundable, paid upon application) Administration Fee: €1,900. Tuition per Term: EUR 3,900 (3-year / 9-term program) * One year = 3 terms. Geneva Business School is one of the best colleges for Online Doctoral Programs In Europe.

  12. 20 Free PhD Programs Online

    The PhD in English Language and Literature consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years. To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master's degree. 4.

  13. 6 Best 1 Year PhD Programs Online In Europe 2024

    It is one of the best 1 year online PhD programs in Europe jointly offered by Alfred Nobel Open Business School Switzerland and Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management School. Students in this program will gain cutting-edge managerial skills and problem-solving abilities. Link to Program. 6. Doctor of Laws (LLD)

  14. Study in Europe for free (or low tuition fees)

    Tuition-free for students from the EU/EEA. Tuition fees around 45,000 - 120,000 DKK per year (6,000 - 16,000 EUR) for students from other countries. Denmark is a popular country for European students because it offers free tuition at high standards. Non-European international students pay up to 16,000 euros per year.

  15. 5 of Europe's Best Destinations for Low-Cost PhD Study

    PhD study in Finland. Tuition fees are completely free for all PhD students in Finland, regardless of nationality. And Finnish capital Helsinki, ranked 75 th in the QS Best Student Cities, is home to two of the world's top 150 universities, the University of Helsinki and Aalto University. Also noteworthy are Finland's wide, open spaces and ...

  16. PhD programmes in Europe

    The Management PhD programme from the Queen's University Belfast is an energetic and enterprising research cluster that continuously strives for excellence in both its teaching and its scholarship. The group's research strengths range from entrepreneurship to human resource management, and from marketing to public sector management.

  17. 5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

    France. France, which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of ...

  18. Study online: e-learning opportunities in Europe

    As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities in Europe are adapting their teaching to offer blended learning - a mixture between onsite and online study - and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). MOOCS, in particular, are a great way to gain an insight into the teaching methods at a university before beginning a full programme.

  19. Online Doctor of Philosophy by Thesis at UCN Uni. & Avrio Ins

    Research Thesis for PhD: 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis. PhD candidates may write their thesis in areas suitable to their employment contexts, such as mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences, finance, or other practical fields.

  20. Study in Europe 2022 "How to do a funded PhD in Europe"

    About. As part of the 2022 edition of the Study in Europe higher education fair of the EU Delegation to Singapore, EURAXESS ASEAN will host an interactive information session ' How to do a funded PhD in Europe - Doctoral Candidates from ASEAN share their story'. Join us on Saturday, 24 September at 4pm (Singapore) to learn how you can carry out ...

  21. PhD

    THE ONLY ONLINE PROGRAM OFFERED JOINTLY BY 3 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. Students will have a joint Doctorate from OUS Academy in Switzerland + the University of Dąbrowa Górnicza (WSB) in Poland + Taras Shevchenko National University (KNU) in Ukraine. This Doctorate is unique. OUS is the first Academy provides its students such high level of a program.

  22. 190 PhD programmes in Education in Europe

    This Education MPhil/PhD course from The University of Exeter will enable you to gain an in-depth grounding in educational research methods through ESRC recognised training. As an MPhil/PhD level student you will become part of a research-intensive Graduate School, studying with some of the leading scholars in their disciplines.

  23. PhD programmes in Education & Training in Europe

    Within this Education PhD programme from the Queen's University Belfast, as a student you'll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from over 25 different countries; we supervise students undertaking research in key educational areas including: education in divided societies; effective education.

  24. Where To Earn A Ph.D. In Computer Science Online In 2024

    Maryland-based Capitol Technology University, which neighbors Washington, D.C., offers 41 online doctoral programs, including an online Ph.D. in computer science. Students learn to evaluate and ...