CONFERENCEProgram level: academic doctorate
Language of study: Latvian
Form and duration of studies: full-time attendance - 6 semesters or 3 years; part-time attendance - 8 semesters or 4 years
Amount in credit points: 216 ECTS
Degree awarded: Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Natural Sciences
Number of places for admission in the 2026/2027 academic year: follow the information
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year: 3,300 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members; 7,500 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Place of study: Academic Centre of the University of Latvia, Riga, Jelgavas iela 1
Accredited until: 20.12.2029
The doctoral study programme Natural Sciences: Biology provides advanced research training and confers scientific qualifications within the diverse subfields of biology.
The programme is designed to cultivate highly competent specialists capable of independent scholarly and research work. It offers doctoral candidates a rigorous foundation of discipline-specific knowledge together with the methodological and analytical skills essential for conducting original scientific inquiry.
The implementation of the programme is strengthened through active collaboration with leading research institutes and is closely integrated with the academic and research activities of the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences.
The doctoral study programme provides advanced research training and academic supervision across a broad range of biological subfields, including:
• plant physiology;
• biotechnology;
• botany;
• ecology;
• genetics;
• human and animal physiology;
• hydrobiology and hydroecology;
• microbiology;
• molecular and cellular biology;
• zoology.
During their course of study, doctoral candidates are required to complete doctoral examinations corresponding to their selected subfield, area of specialisation, and a foreign language. Each candidate must also develop and defend a doctoral thesis aligned with their chosen research topic.
Additional information and the study plan are available HERE.
Graduates of the programme are equipped to pursue careers in universities, research institutes, and a wide range of institutions dedicated to nature conservation. They may also work in biotechnology, microbiology, and molecular biology laboratories; environmental enterprises; breeding and testing stations; and medical or veterinary institutions, as well as in museums and non-governmental organisations. Opportunities to undertake postdoctoral research abroad are likewise available to programme graduates.
For admission to the programme, applicants must hold a second-cycle (Master’s) higher education qualification in biology, chemistry, forestry, agriculture, nutrition science, sports science, or a professional medical degree (or an equivalent qualification).
By the specified deadline, applicants are required to submit all necessary documents, including proof of previous education, a curriculum vitae, a proposed doctoral thesis topic, a motivation letter, information on scientific research activities, and any other documents requested by the programme.
The doctoral thesis proposal must be developed in cooperation with the prospective scientific supervisor. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to initiate this process early and to coordinate their topic proposal with the potential supervisor in advance.
Admission to the programme also requires an entrance examination, consisting of an oral presentation and discussion of the doctoral thesis proposal with the Doctoral Council.
Further information on the admission process.
Chair of Doctoral Council
