Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctoral School of Mathematics at Eötvös Loránd University was founded in 2001. The program covers most areas of pure mathematics, including combinatorial optimization, computer science, statistical and mathematical physics, as well as applied mathematics, including operations research, numerical analysis, and statistics. The goal of this program is to introduce students to high-level research in mathematics.

Program Structure

• The program is research-oriented, with students attending specialized courses and starting their research work by the end of the first year.
• By the end of the program, students are expected to have obtained results that are published or accepted for publication in internationally renowned journals.
• At the end of each year, students report on their research progress.
• At the end of the second year of studies, students must pass a comprehensive examination.

Admission Requirements

• A master’s degree in mathematics (or in a related field) is required.
• A reasonable command of the English language is also needed, with most international certificates accepted.
• Criteria for ranking at the admission procedure include:
  • Previous university achievements (examinations, comprehensive examinations, qualification of degree)
  • Achievements related to previous research work (awards obtained in students’ academic circles, publications in the particular professional area)
  • Feasibility of the research program

Program Details

• Title: Doctoral School of Mathematics
• Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Type: Degree program
• Level: Doctoral
• Accreditation number: OH-FRKP/406-3/2007
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Institute: Institute of Mathematics
• Department: Doctoral School of Mathematics
• Language: English
• Duration: 8 semesters (4 years)
• ECTS credits: 240
• Minimum number of students: 1
• Maximum number of students: 5

Specializations

• Pure mathematics
• Applied mathematics
• Didactics of mathematics

Strength of Program

The Institute of Mathematics employs close to one hundred full or part-time professors working in various fields of mathematics. The advisors of the PhD School are internationally renowned experts in their fields. The university collaborates with several research institutes and universities both in and outside Hungary and regularly has visitors from abroad doing research or giving courses.

Program Requirements

• Course work
• Research work and annual reports
• Comprehensive examination
• At least two reviewed papers, accepted for publication
• Thesis

Career Opportunities

While many former students obtain postdoctoral positions throughout the world, a large number of them get tenure or tenure track positions at universities or research institutes. Some students will pursue their research career in the non-academic environment of large international research institutions, tied to high-tech development or to the economic or financial world.

Job Examples

• Research mathematician in a research institute
• University professor
• System analyst in a financial institution (bank, investment, insurance)
• High-tech industry
• Teacher of mathematics

Tuition Fee

• For EU/EEA students: If the research is performed at the Faculty, HUF 1,000,000; if the research is performed outside of the Faculty, HUF 300,000.
• For non-EU/EEA students: If the research is performed at the Faculty, 4,000 EUR; if the research is performed outside of the Faculty, 1,500 EUR.

Application Fee

• 9,000 HUF (non-refundable)

Application Procedure

The application starts at the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents, and follow the instructions during the application process.

Documents to Submit with Application

• Online application form
• Bachelor-level degree (optional)
• Master-level degree
• Transcript of records
• CV
• Research plan
• Language certificate
• Proof of application fee transfer
• Motivation letter (optional)
• Letter of recommendation (optional)
• Copy of the main pages of the passport (optional)
• Passport photo (optional)
• Medical certificate (optional)

Entrance Examination and Selection Process

A written test will be sent (via email) to the applicant, covering basic fields of mathematics. In a limited amount of time, the applicant will have to send back the solutions. In some cases, a Skype interview may follow. The ranking is based on a total evaluation of the academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.

Program Leader and Coordinators

• Program Leader: Dr. Tibor JORDÁN, Head of the Doctoral School
• Program Coordinator: Assistant Prof. Gábor SOMLAI
• Program Administrator: Ms. Klaudia SZALAY
• International Coordinator (Faculty of Science): Mr. Péter MOLNÁR

Additional Information

For EU students, a limited number of state-funded scholarships will be available. For students from eligible (non-EU) countries, it is possible to apply for funding via Stipendium Hungaricum (SH).