Doctoral study programme "Natural sciences (Materials science)"
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 Engineering and Technology
Number of places for admission in the 2026/2027 academic year:
State-funded study places - 1
Study places for tuition fee - 1
Tuition fee in the 2026/2027 academic year:
-3300 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation citizens, permanent residents and their family members
-6400 EUR for citizens of other countries.
Place of study: Riga, Jelgava Street 3
Accreditation until: 20.12.2029.
The goal of the doctoral study program is to prepare scientific staff and academic staff, as well as professionals for applied research and the economy, whose knowledge, skills and competencies meet international requirements, taking into account the needs of the Latvian labor market.
Chair of Doctoral Council of Physics and Astronomy, and Materials Science Prof. Anatolijs Šarakovskis
The doctoral study program provides for the acquisition of scientific qualifications in materials physics.
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.
The programme provides an advanced framework for cultivating theoretical expertise, developing robust research competencies and acquiring the capacity to conduct independent, original inquiry in physics and astronomy. It equips candidates with the transversal skills essential for professional work in Latvian and international higher education, research institutions and related sectors, while fostering the high-level qualifications and scholarly maturity required to compete successfully within the global academic landscape.
Previous academic education: second-cycle higher education in physics, chemistry, chemical technology, materials science, mechanical engineering 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.
UL full-time students, regardless of their citizenship, have the opportunity to apply for the ERASMUS + exchange program for studies.
In case of any questions, please contact:
Sintija Siliņa
E-pasts: sintija.silina@lu.lv
For international applicants, enquiries regarding the application procedure, document legalisation, the entrance examination (interview),visa requirements, and funding opportunities should be addressed to:
Ieva Stūrmane
E-pasts: ieva.sturmane@lu.lv
Phone: 67034027