Working as a doctoral student at KTH
As a doctoral student at KTH, you have time for reflection and interesting discussions with knowledgeable colleagues. Your development takes place naturally through your progression in research projects and with the help of courses that are available for KTH doctoral students.
Your role as a doctoral student
As a doctoral student at KTH, you are part of a larger context. You often work in supervisors' research groups, where your research project is an important piece in the puzzle. Your supervisors are key people for you, as they will guide you in your research and your development towards being an independent researcher.
To succeed as a doctoral student you need to be goal-oriented, have your own driving force and be willing to take responsibility for your own development. To be successful in your research you need curiosity and determination.
During your time as a doctoral student, you will create many networks with colleagues at other universities, the industry and other organisations. These networks will be a stepping-stone after your doctoral studies.
As a doctoral student at KTH, you combine coursework with research under the supervision of experienced researchers. Learn more about how to become a doctoral student at KTH.
Information regarding admission and employment
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
- passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
- completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
- acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
- In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6 .