Doctoral study programme "Natural Sciences: Chemistry"
Program level: Academic doctorate
Language of study: English
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:
State-funded study places - 7
Study places for tuition fee - 5
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year:
- 3300 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members
- 7500 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga, 1 Jelgava Street
Accreditation until: 20.12.2029.
The doctoral study programme “Natural Sciences: Chemistry” ensures the training of highly qualified specialists in various sub-disciplines of chemistry, providing doctoral students with in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for independent academic and scientific research work.
The implementation of the doctoral study programme, in close cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, also involves the University of Latvia and other Latvian scientific institutes. The programme supports the opportunity for doctoral students to study in parallel in a joint doctoral programme in cooperation with foreign universities.
Acting study programme director
Prof. Zaiga Krišjāne
The Doctor of Chemistry study program offers studies in the following sub-fields of chemistry:
- Analytical chemistry,
- Physical chemistry,
- Inorganic chemistry,
- Organic chemistry.
The programme offers rigorous research training and transversal competencies through structured coursework, field-specific doctoral examinations (in the discipline, subdiscipline, and a foreign language), and continuous engagement in scientific research. Throughout the studies, doctoral candidates carry out original research in their chosen topic, disseminate results in peer-reviewed publications, participate in international conferences, undertake mobility visits, and contribute to academic activities. The programme concludes with the completion and public defence of the doctoral thesis, demonstrating readiness for independent research work.
Graduates of the programme are qualified for employment in universities, scientific research institutes, and research, quality control, and testing laboratories within both the public and private sectors. In addition, graduates are well prepared to establish their own private enterprises or specialised laboratories, as well as to pursue postdoctoral research projects at international institutions.
Previous academic education: second cycle higher education (master's degree) in biology, physics, chemistry, chemical technology, materials science, pharmacy or equivalent higher education.
Additional requirements:
Doctoral thesis proposal agreed with a potential scientific supervisor,
proof of English language proficiency at least at B2 level,
- Curriculum Vitae,
- motivation letter, proof of scientific research activities and other documents.
Required English language proficiency (except if previous education is in English), attested by following tests:
| LanguageCert International ESOL | at least Level Communicator B2 (Written and Spoken exams) |
| TOEFL IBT | at least score 72 |
| TOEFL Essential | at least 8 points |
| IELTS | at least score 6.00 |
| PTE General | at least level B2 |
| FCE | at least level B |
| CPE | Proficiency/C2 Proficiency: any level |
| CAE | C1 Advanced: any level |
Entrance examinations: motivation assessment interview with a representative of the Doctoral School, as well as an oral presentation of the doctoral thesis topic and planned research at the Doctoral Council. The Council evaluates the applicant's knowledge, the quality and relevance of the doctoral thesis proposal, as well as the results of previous scientific research.
Find more information about exchange studies abroad here.
In case of any questions, please contact:
Iveta Ancāne
E-mail: iveta.ancane@lu.lv
For international applicants, enquiries regarding the application procedure, document legalisation, the entrance examination (interview), visa documentation, and funding opportunities should be addressed to:
Ieva Stūrmane
E-mail: ieva.sturmane@lu.lv
Phone: 67034027