University doctoral training

The ULB offers a broad spectrum of doctoral training programs to its 1,800 students, 40% of whom come from abroad. The University provides research training specifically tailored to the needs of each PhD student, combining advanced training in the scientific discipline along with general training aimed at developing essential transferrable skills.

Each doctoral student is recognized as an active member of his/her research team, whether it be in the laboratory or research center adjoining one of the ULB’s network hospitals or, for students conducting research of a more technological nature, in the associated partner company. Students are guaranteed close supervision from their thesis director, have full use of research laboratory facilities, and are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops and conferences in their discipline. PhD students will also be associated in the writing of scientific articles on the research conducted by their laboratories.

A support committee appointed by the student’s department will also supervise the student’s training and monitor his/her research. The ULB has adopted a Doctoral Thesis Charter--a mutual commitment to upholding the quality of scientific research. The University also adheres to the European Charter for Researchers, which contains a code of conduct for the recruitment of researchers.

Recognized internationally as proof of academic excellence, a PhD awarded by the ULB offers a range of opportunities both in Belgium and abroad, inside or outside academia (European or international institutions, private industry,…).

The ULB and its partners offer numerous opportunities to help students finance their doctoral theses, including a particularly attractive salary that features social security coverage.

The ULB makes every effort to ensure that doctoral students will complete their training and present their theses within an average three-to-four year period. The University works hard to enable PhD holders to pursue their professional projects, either in Belgium (notably through post-doctoral mandates as a research fellow of the FRS-FNRS), in one of its own laboratories or abroad, through its far-reaching network of international researchers.