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Entry requirements for doctoral studies

To be offered a doctoral position at KTH, you must apply to a vacant position, meet the admission requirements and pass the selection.

Admission requirements

Previous studies

You need completed courses of at least 240 credits (of which at least 60 credits at the master's level), a master’s degree or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way. 

You can use the Qualifications Assessment Tool  from the Swedish Council for Higher Education to see what your foreign qualification is comparable to in Sweden. 

English proficiency

You need English proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

You can meet the requirement with an English test, for example an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. Depending on your country of previous studies you could also meet the requirement through completed upper secondary or university studies. The English proficiency requirement is the same as for master's studies at KTH. Visit University Admissions  to see all recognised English tests and what applies to your country of previous studies.

Specific requirements for each position

For each position there can be additional requirements stated in the advertisement for the position, this may include knowledge from higher education or equivalent studies, special professional or vocational experience or other necessary language skills or other conditions determined by the programme, subject or project. Requirements regarding skills in the Swedish language may also be imposed.

Selection

The applicants qualifications and suitability are assessed by the KTH school announcing the position. The selection criteria is stated in the advertisement for each position. Candidates are selected from among the applicants who fulfil the requirements for the position. Usually a limited number of candidates are invited for an online or in-person interview. The final decision is made by the head of school in consultation with the intended supervisors.