Who can apply for doctoral training at the Faculty of Medicine

The right to study for doctoral degree at the Faculty of Medicine can be applied for by persons who meet the eligibility criteria for pursuing a doctoral degree, as stipulated in the Universities Act (558/2009, Section 37), as well as the prerequisites for pursuing a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Medicine.

Eligible for studies leading to an academic postgraduate degree is a person who has completed
1. an applicable higher university degree in Finland
2. an applicable higher polytechnic degree in Finland; or
3. an applicable education completed outside Finland which in the awarding country gives eligibility for corresponding higher education.

Applying for a doctoral study right is possible for the degrees of Doctor of Medical Science and Doctor of Odontology already while studying for a Licentiate of Medicine or Licentiate of Dentistry in Finnish university. The eligibility requirements regarding the applicant’s educational background depend on when the applicant has begun their studies for the degree of Licentiate of Medicine or Licentiate of Dentistry:

If studies have begun before 1 August 2025:

-the applicant must hold Degree for Bachelor of Medicine or Degree for Bachelor of Dentistry [lääketieteen tai hammaslääketieteen kandidaatin arvo], or

-if it has not been possible to confer the title, the applicant must have completed at least two years (four semesters) of core studies leading to the Licentiate of Medicine or Licentiate of Dentistry degree.

If studies have begun on or after 1 August 2025:

-the applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine or Dentistry [lääketieteen tai hammaslääketieteen kandidaatin tutkinto].

Those medical doctors or dentists who have a foreign degree (also from outside the EU/EEA countries) and are licensed by Valvira are eligible to apply for a doctoral study right, regardless of whether their degree gives eligibility for equivalent higher education in the country where the degree has been granted.

Degree specific prerequisites for pursuing a doctoral degree are written in the electronic Study Guide 2024-2027 of the doctoral programmes of the Faculty of Medicine.
-> Go to the study guide of the doctoral programme of your choice -> Faculty of Medicine -> Show description