What is a PhD, what profile is needed to begin one, and when and where should students apply? These are common questions for doctoral candidates, and equally relevant for those considering a Postdoc in Brussels.

 

What Is a Doctoral Study?

Doctoral studies are research-based programmes that train students in advanced research methods. As the third tier of academic studies, they lead to the title of Doctor and can serve as preparation for a Postdoc in Brussels. This high-level programme is divided into two parts:

  • Doctoral training
  • Research work properly

Research work and the thesis are together worth 180 credits. They are overseen by your PhD supervisor, possibly with a co-supervisor.
The doctoral training programme is worth 60 credits. To be awarded the title of doctor, you must complete the doctoral training programme. This will earn you a research training certificate (‘certificat de formation à la recherche’).

The goal of a PhD programme is to gradually teach you to become an autonomous researcher, able to define and carry out your research projects independently, while always being advised and supported by your supervisor(s).

Profile of Doctoral Candidates

  • You wish to spend several years contributing to building scientific knowledge.
  • You completed your first research projects and your master’s dissertation.
  • You are inquisitive, autonomous, and proactive.
  • You enjoy working alone as well as within a team; even though a PhD thesis is a personal project, you will join a research centre and collaborate with other researchers from ULB and other universities.

Workshops and Information Sessions

Several times a year, ULB hosts information sessions and workshops dedicated to doctoral studies. The main events for prospective PhD students completing a postdoc in Brussels are:

Red bullet  Atelier AvanThèse

Are you at the end of a master's programme at ULB and looking into a PhD? This workshop deals with the specificities of doctoral studies, careers in research, and the added value of a PhD for your professional project.
This workshop is organised once a year, in autumn, in French.
Learn more

Red bullet  Forum ON!

The forum ON!, dedicated to first jobs, provides information on research careers as well as on doctoral studies. It took place on the 17th of October 2023 at the building S of the Solbosch campus.

Read the presentation (in French) of the Postgraduate Unit: "Une carrière scientifique : 'Graal' inaccessible ou perspective réaliste ?"


 
doctorat@ulb.be
Updated on October 23, 2025