Doctoral Study

Admission process for Doctoral studies (PhD – 3rd level of Higher Education) in the academic year 2026/2027

Electronic Application

Offer of Doctoral Study Programmes

Important Deadlines and Fees Related to the Admission Procedure:

Admission Procedure for Doctoral Studies

Admission is based on:

• completion of a Master’s degree in a related field,
• submission of a research proposal,
• professional and scientific profile of the applicant,
• successful entrance examination and interview.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.

Structure of Doctoral Studies

Doctoral studies consist of:

• individual research under the supervision of an academic advisor,
• participation in research projects,
• publication of scientific papers,
• completion of doctoral courses,

preparation and defence of a dissertation.

General Conditions for Admission to Study

A prerequisite for admission to doctoral studies in the academic year 2026/2027 is the completion of the second cycle of higher education and successful completion of the entrance examination.
Applications for doctoral studies, in which the applicant specifies, in addition to the study programme, one of the announced dissertation topics within the relevant study programme together with the name of the supervisor (§ 54, sections 5–7), are submitted electronically or delivered in person to the Department for Science, Research and Third-Cycle Studies of the Faculty of Aeronautics, Technical University of Košice (LF TUKE), or sent by post (registered mail).
The applicant is required to attach the following documents to the application:
•    Curriculum vitae
•    Certified copies of documents proving completed education
•    List of published professional and scientific works
•    Framework project proposal for the dissertation topic
•    Proof of payment of the admission fee
The entrance examination consists of a language and a professional part. The number of admitted applicants in the full-time form of study depends on the number of available doctoral positions at the Faculty of Aeronautics, Technical University of Košice (LF TUKE). Admission decisions are made by the Dean of LF TUKE based on the recommendation or ranking of applicants determined by the admission committee in the relevant field of study.
 

Entrance Examination

According to the Act on Higher Education No. 131/2002 Coll., § 57, paragraph 3, the admission procedure for doctoral studies always includes an entrance examination. The entrance examination at LF TUKE consists of a language part (English language) and a professional part.
The language part is conducted first and consists of a multiple-choice test. The test has two sections: listening comprehension (60% of questions) and grammar (40% of questions). The test duration is up to one hour. The test covers general vocabulary as well as basic aviation-related vocabulary (airport, aircraft, weather, airport security, etc.).
The second part of the entrance examination is conducted orally before an admission committee appointed by the Dean of LF TUKE (approximately 15–20 minutes). During this part, the applicant briefly introduces themselves (selected parts of the CV), presents their professional background in relation to the chosen dissertation topic, and primarily presents their pre-prepared and submitted framework project proposal (a brief professional description of the future dissertation topic – maximum one A4 page).
 

Selection Procedure for Applicants

The first part of the admission procedure, i.e. the English language test, is evaluated based on the number of correct answers (one question equals one point; the total score corresponds to a percentage). The resulting percentage evaluation is recorded in the admission protocol and has a recommendatory character both for the admission committee when determining the ranking and for the Dean of LF TUKE when deciding on admission or non-admission of applicants to doctoral studies at LF TUKE in individual study programmes.
The final selection of applicants is primarily based on the second part of the admission procedure, i.e. the evaluation of the presentation of the pre-prepared framework project proposal for the selected dissertation topic, the applicant’s previous and current professional knowledge, and responses to questions from the admission committee members (motivation for applying for a doctoral position, studying at LF TUKE, knowledge of doctoral study principles at TUKE, etc.).
After completing the second part of the admission procedure for all applicants, the admission committee deliberates and establishes a ranking for each study programme within the given field and form of study, which is then signed by all members and submitted to the Dean of LF TUKE.