The admissions process for the University of Warsaw’s doctoral schools for the 2026/2027 academic year has concluded. The admissions panels have recommended the admission of 333 candidates, who will begin their studies at one of the UW’s four doctoral schools on 1st October.
The University of Warsaw has four doctoral schools: the Doctoral School of Humanities, the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, the Doctoral School of Social Sciences, and the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School. Doctoral candidates carry out their research projects across 26 disciplines within these schools.
The admissions process for the doctoral schools involved an assessment of candidates’ academic achievements and research projects, as well as interviews; in the case of the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, it also included examinations as stipulated in the admissions regulations. Following the completion of the selection process, 333 candidates were recommended for admission.
“I am delighted that so many people, including international students, are interested in undertaking doctoral projects at the University of Warsaw. Our university is a great place to carry out ambitious research and build an outstanding academic record, thanks to our extensive range of research support, excellent academic staff and constantly developing research infrastructure,” says Prof. Adam Niewiadomski, the UW Vice-Rector for Doctoral and Legal Affairs.
A total of 1,189 people applied in this year’s intake, which is over 15 per cent more than the previous year. The number of international applicants rose by almost 30 per cent.
The Interdisciplinary Doctoral School attracted the highest number of applicants (188). The disciplines that proved most popular were: literary studies (84 applicants), legal studies (80) and chemical sciences (67). The highest level of competition was recorded in ethnology and cultural anthropology (7 applicants per place), cultural and religious studies (6.4 applicants per place) and international relations (5.8 applicants per place).
For new doctoral candidates
Those commencing their studies at the UW’s doctoral schools will be enrolled in the “Good Start” induction programme, which aims to familiarise them with the University of Warsaw’s support for early-career researchers and to help them integrate into the doctoral community.
The “Good Start” programme will take place on 5th–6th October and will comprise a series of information sessions and training courses to prepare participants for their studies and research activities at the University of Warsaw. Registration for the training courses will open on 14th September.
A training and integration trip, the PhD Camp, will also take place on 6th–8th November. First-year doctoral candidates will meet at the European Centre for Geological Education in Chęciny, where they will develop the competencies and skills essential for young researchers. Registration will open on 7th October.
A “Good Start” and the PhD Camp are funded under the “Initiative of Excellence – Research University” programme.