Regulations Governing Doctoral Studies

This guide summarizes the main administrative situations that may arise during doctoral studies and complements the information provided in the regulations of the University of Bucharest and the Doctoral School.

Official references:

Duration of Doctoral Studies

The doctoral study programme has a duration of four years (eight semesters) and comprises the Advanced University Studies Training Programme and the Scientific Research Programme. Under the conditions provided by law and the regulations of the University of Bucharest, the duration may be interrupted, extended or, in exceptional circumstances, reduced.

Interruption of Doctoral Studies

In duly justified circumstances, a PhD student may request an interruption of doctoral studies. The request must be endorsed by the PhD supervisor and approved by the Doctoral School Council, in accordance with the regulations of the University of Bucharest. The period of interruption is not included in the duration of doctoral studies, and the duration of the programme is extended accordingly. Examples include maternity/parental leave, medical reasons, academic mobility, or other justified circumstances.

Extension of the Duration of Doctoral Studies

If it is not possible to complete the thesis within the standard duration of the programme, the PhD student may request an extension of the doctoral studies. The request must be justified, endorsed by the PhD supervisor, and approved in accordance with the regulations of the University of Bucharest. The extension is granted under the conditions provided by the legislation in force and may involve the payment of tuition fees, in accordance with the decisions of the University.

Resumption of Studies

Once the circumstances that led to the interruption have ceased, studies may be resumed following approval by the Doctoral School, with the duration of the programme being recalculated accordingly.

Reduction of the Duration of Studies

In exceptional circumstances and subject to the conditions provided by law and the regulations of the University of Bucharest, the duration of doctoral studies may be reduced provided that all academic and administrative requirements are met.

Supervisory and Academic Integrity Committee

The committee monitors research progress, provides recommendations, participates in the assessments stipulated in the individual study and research plan, and reviews the thesis at the pre-defence stage.

Academic Mobility and Research Activities

PhD students are encouraged to participate in academic mobility programmes, research placements, conferences, projects, and activities carried out in collaboration with other institutions.

Academic Integrity

Throughout the doctoral programme, all academic ethics and integrity standards must be observed. The thesis is checked using the similarity detection systems employed by the University of Bucharest.

Completion of Doctoral Studies

The completion procedure includes verifying the fulfilment of the requirements set out in the individual study and research plan, checking the originality of the thesis, its pre-defence before the Supervisory and Academic Integrity Committee, the official submission of the thesis, and its public defence, in accordance with the procedures of the University of Bucharest.

Revision of the Doctoral Thesis

Following the pre-defence, the committee may request that the thesis be supplemented, revised, or rewritten before granting its endorsement. In the event that the thesis is not endorsed, the PhD supervisor and the committee shall establish the deadline and conditions for a new pre-defence.

Termination of PhD Student Status

PhD student status may be suspended during a period of interruption and may cease under the conditions provided by the legislation in force and the regulations of the University of Bucharest, including upon the awarding of the doctoral degree or, where applicable, through expulsion.

Quick Guide

What should you do if…

Situation First step
You interrupt your studies Discuss the matter with your PhD supervisor and submit a request to the Secretariat.
You request an extension Inform your PhD supervisor and initiate the procedure before the end of the standard study period.
You undertake an academic mobility programme Notify your PhD supervisor and the Doctoral School Secretariat.
You change your PhD supervisor or research topic Submit a request to the Doctoral School Council.
You are completing your thesis Plan the similarity check, pre-defence, and thesis submission together with your PhD supervisor.
You have administrative questions Contact the Doctoral School Secretariat.

 

Official Documents and Legislation

Archives of Additional Documents and Annexes (Updated 2026)