FAQ – doctoral studies
Here you will find frequently asked questions and answers about our doctoral student positions.
For other questions about doctoral studies in Sweden and at GU, please see: https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies
Here you will find frequently asked questions and answers about our doctoral student positions.
Q
When can I apply for a doctoral position at the department?
A
You can only apply when we announce open positions. Please see current information on our webpage.
***
Q
Can I send in my certificates or additional documents after the deadline?
A
No, we only assess what is attached to the original application
***
Q
Is this a suitable and good research project?
A
It is part of the qualification for doctoral studies to be able to identify a promising research project and to get a sense of how it may fit into the existing research environment at the department by orienting yourself on our website. Our supervisors and coordinators are happy to answer questions on a general level, but they do not go into details in the project plan.
Q
Am I eligible for the position?
A
Please read the general and specific requirements for eligibility in the announcement (from the general syllabus). If your degree certificates (specifying your completed coursework) do not demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements in an obvious way, you must attach an explanation of how you consider that you have acquired equivalent qualifications. We do not assess eligibility beforehand.
Please also note, that if the documents are written in a language other than Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English, a professional translation must be attached to the application.
Q
Can I get or contact a supervisor before applying?
A
We do not appoint supervisors beforehand, only after admittance. Our supervisors and coordinators may answer general questions about our doctoral program, but they do not support the writing of the application
***
Q
Can I get a supervisor from another university or department?
A
The principal supervisor must be permanently employed at the department, and assistant supervisors are normally also recruited from faculty members at the department. External assistant supervisors are only engaged in exceptional cases and must be approved by the department.
Q
Can I become admitted to doctoral studies with my own, private funding?
A
No, it is not possible to be self-financed as a doctoral student. It is possible, though, to be financed by an external employer (samverkansdoktorand), if your employer enters into an agreement with the department. You will still need to apply and be assessed in in competition when there is an open call for applications.
Q
Do I need to be physically present at the department?
A
Yes, doctoral student must be an active part of the research environment and present at the department under the majority of the employment
Q
Is it possible to defend a doctoral thesis without being admitted as a doctoral student?
A
No, you can only be examined if you have been admitted to the third cycle program.
For other questions about doctoral studies in Sweden and at GU, please see: https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies