(extract of the regulations from the Doctoral and Habilitation Regulation of Óbuda University)
19. §
(1) Admission to doctoral studies is granted to those who hold a master’s degree with appropriate professional qualifications, as well as foreign language skills as required by the doctoral school’s regulations (Nftv. 40. § (6)).
(2) Calls for applications and specific admission requirements for doctoral programs are made accessible to the public on the respective doctoral school’s websites. Detailed rules regarding admission requirements, application procedures, and the admission process are defined in each doctoral school’s regulations. Admission to structured doctoral programs is based on a successful admission procedure.
(3) Applications for doctoral studies are submitted by using the application form (Annex D6) to the head of the doctoral school. General prerequisites for admission to doctoral studies at the University are as follows:
a. Holding at least a good-quality master’s (MA/MSc) or equivalent university degree (the degree’s assessment does not exclude applicants if it occurred more than two years after graduation).
b. Proficiency in a foreign language.
c. Initial scientific or artistic achievements (e.g., conference presentations, publications, undergraduate research work, etc.).
d. Appropriate professional background, research ideas, and plans.
(4) The application submitted for doctoral studies must include the following documents:
a. Completed application form (Annex D6).
b. Proof of payment of the application fee.
c. Copy of the MSc/MA/university degree certificate (alongside the original).
d. Copies of language proficiency documents (alongside the originals).
e. Professional curriculum vitae with a list of publications.
f. Confirmation of acceptance from the chosen institute, research institution, and academic advisor (in case of applying for state-funded scholarship programs).
g. Preliminary research plan (1-2 pages) endorsed by the prospective academic advisor(s); in the case of applicants for individual preparation, the applicant’s publication list according to the Database.
h. Declaration of support from the workplace (for individual preparation applicants).
i. Any other required documents (e.g., letters of recommendation).
j. Statement indicating whether the applicant requests admission even if they do not receive a scholarship.
(5) In the case of master’s degree students nearing completion of their studies, the deadline for presenting the degree certificate is determined in the doctoral school’s own regulations. Until then, students can only be conditionally admitted.
(6) Diplomas obtained abroad must be recognized (and, upon request, nationalized) in accordance with the relevant regulations before applying.
20. §
(1) The admission committee, appointed by the DIT (Doctoral Institutional Board), conducts admission interviews with applicants either in person or online. Based on the submitted documents and the admission interview, the committee evaluates applicants’ performance on a scale of 100 points, considering the following criteria:
a) Previous academic performance (MSc/MBA degree assessment) – up to 30 points (excellent degree 30, good degree 20, fair degree 10 points).
b) Proficiency in English – up to 15 points (advanced 15, intermediate 11, basic 7, on-site oral assessment 0-7 points).
c) Achievements in previous research, creative work, and professional activities (e.g., student awards, scientific publications, patents, documented developments) – up to 30 points.
d) Research-related ideas for the doctoral work and feasibility of the research program – up to 25 points.
Further details of the point calculation can be found in the regulations of the doctoral schools.
(2) Based on the points received, the admission committee ranks the applicants. To be admitted to the doctoral program, a minimum of 60 points is required, with at least 5 points awarded in each of the four criteria. Scoring at least 60 points is a necessary condition for admission but does not guarantee admission or any scholarships.
(3) Taking into account the evaluation and report of the admission committee, the DIT makes admission recommendations to the President of the EDHT (Doctoral School Council), considering additional factors such as the priority of the research topic, the professional potential of the academic advisor, the scholarship quotas from the EDHT, and other opportunities provided by the faculty.
(4) The admission decision is made by the President of the EDHT, who issues a formal decision.
(5) In accordance with paragraph 15(5), the admission decision can be one of the following:
a) Admission to state-funded, full-time, day-time structured doctoral studies.
b) Admission to self-financed, full-time, day-time structured doctoral studies.
c) Admission to self-financed, part-time, correspondence structured doctoral studies.
d) Admission to individual preparation.
e) Rejection of the application.
(6) Admission is granted to the Dl, within a specific doctoral program. The admission decision also designates the doctoral student’s academic advisor(s).
(7) Applicants receive notifications of the decision from the President of the EDHT. In case of admission, the notification should include details about the form of the program, the specific conditions of participation, the rights and obligations related to the program and student status, as well as the rules regarding data management.
(8) In case of rejection, the decision must be justified. If the decision to reject admission violates any laws or institutional regulations, it can be appealed to the Rector of the University within 15 days of receiving the rejection notice. The Rector shall decide on appeals within 30 days.
(9) Agreements related to the doctoral program can be concluded between the University, the doctoral student, and the academic advisor.
(10) Enrolment in the doctoral school marks the beginning of the doctoral program.
Individual Preparation for Obtaining a Doctoral Degree
21. §
(1) In the case of individual preparation:
a) The process of obtaining a doctoral degree begins with an application, enrollment for the comprehensive exam, and its acceptance.
b) The conditions for admission to individual preparation are outlined in Section 15(3) of this regulation.
c) Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exam, the University recognizes the minimum credits specified as a prerequisite for taking the comprehensive exam. It is possible, upon request, to recognize additional credits based on previously acquired knowledge and competencies. By passing the comprehensive exam, the University accepts the completion of 120 credit points of the training and research phase (Gov. Decree 387/2012, Section .12. § (c)).
d) The comprehensive exam is part of the research and dissertation phase’s first semester.
(2) The individual preparatory student is not subject to credit acquisition requirements and may request a supervisor for the preparation of their thesis, who will be appointed by the doctoral school council.
(3) The individual preparatory student must submit their doctoral thesis for a public defense procedure within three years from the date of passing the comprehensive exam. This deadline may be extended by up to one year in exceptional cases deserving special consideration.
