Applicants need to submit the following documents:

1. application;
2. official copy of the diploma and diploma supplement (transcript / mark sheet) of the preceding study levels (both bachelor's and master's) in the original language*;
3. official translation of the diplomas and diploma supplements into English;
4. curriculum vitae (relevant form CV);
5. copy of the passport page stating the applicant´s personal particulars;
6. copy of research publication(s).

* All copies of educational documents (diplomas and diploma supplements/academic transcripts) must be officially certified: bear an original seal and a signature of an authorized official of the issuing school/university. Copies of education documents can also be certified with an Apostille or by a notary. Some country-specific requirements also specify the way documents must be certified.

Application deadline: February 10, 2016. Please mail everything to: International Student Service, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia by that date.

Admitted PhD student will be enrolled in the PhD programme of Computer Science. The nominal study period is 2016-2020, starting from the end of February 2016.

Eligible candidates, meaning the candidates with the expected education and research background are invited to take an entrance examination. The exam is in the format of an interview and carried out over Skype (unless the candidate is in Estonia).  The candidates are ranked and the maximum score to be given is 100 points. The objective of the interview is to assess the candidate’s competence and capability to carry out research in the field indicated above.

The exam has two parts:

1. Written part - assessment of the candidate’s prior research and other field related activities (based on the submitted CV and publication copies). The commission will also consider prior academic progress and average grade. This part makes up to 50% of the final score.
2. Field related interview – up to 30 minutes. The interview will be focused on the research topic indicated above, as the candidate needs to prove his/her previous experience in the field. The interview makes up to 50 % of the final score. 

Grading

Applicants are graded on the basis of a 0–100-point scale.

Grading of the written part takes into account the following:

• average grade of the previous cycle;
• proximity of the speciality acquired with the topic of the doctoral thesis;
• earlier experience in the field of ICT;
• participation in scientific projects; and
• publications and competition entries (incl. the level of publications and competition success).

The interview focuses on the topic of the proposed doctoral thesis. The primary aim is to assess whether the doctoral thesis can be completed on time. This includes assessment of the following:

• the applicant’s competency in the field of the doctoral thesis (up to 25 points); and
• the applicant’s vision of the future research during their doctoral studies (up to 25 points).com