PhD Biosciences

PhD Biosciences – University of Ljubljana

The PhD in Biosciences at the University of Ljubljana (UL) is a four-year interdisciplinary doctoral programme offered in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The programme consists of eight semesters and carries 240 ECTS credits. It is designed to develop highly qualified researchers capable of conducting advanced scientific investigations in biological and life sciences.

The programme combines expertise from five University of Ljubljana faculties and participating research institutes. Its main focus is independent scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration and access to advanced research facilities. The programme also emphasises international academic cooperation and exchange opportunities for doctoral students and teachers.

Programme Overview and Research Objectives

The doctoral programme responds to developments in biological sciences and the growing importance of scientific discoveries in addressing contemporary research challenges.

Students develop advanced research competencies through interdisciplinary scientific investigation and collaboration with experienced researchers.

The programme provides access to modern scientific research facilities and encourages the development of independent research skills.

Interdisciplinary Research and Academic Collaboration

The programme involves five University of Ljubljana faculties: the Biotechnical Faculty, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Faculty of Health Sciences.

This structure supports collaboration between biological sciences, engineering, computing and health-related disciplines.

Research activities are supported by experts from the university and participating research institutes, with opportunities for international exchange involving students and academic staff.

Admission Requirements

Admission is open to applicants holding a completed second-cycle Master’s degree or another recognised higher education qualification.

Graduates of programmes leading to professions regulated by European Union directives, including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, may qualify if their programmes carry at least 300 ECTS credits.

Applicants with certain earlier academic qualifications and professional specialisations may also be considered. Some candidates may need to complete additional academic requirements of 30–60 ECTS credits.

Foreign university qualifications are subject to recognition under the University of Ljubljana’s applicable procedures.

Research Supervision and Application Requirements

Applicants must obtain written confirmation of acceptance from a doctoral mentor or co-mentor no later than enrolment.

Candidates must also submit a brief conceptual outline of their proposed scientific research.

Applications are submitted through the Slovenian eVŠ online portal in accordance with the university’s doctoral enrolment call.

Selection Criteria

If enrolment is restricted, applicants are assessed using their previous academic performance, scientific publications, research achievements, professional work and academic awards.

The selection procedure allows a maximum of 40 points. Candidates with higher total scores are given priority.

If several candidates have equal scores at the admission threshold, they may be invited to an interview.

Doctoral Qualification

After completing the prescribed doctoral study and research requirements, graduates receive the scientific title Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), equivalent to the Slovenian title doktor znanosti / doktorica znanosti.