Admissions process and timeline

Applications must be submitted by May 31 to the Admissions Office, annually. For those starting their studies in the Spring semester, the application deadline is December 20, annually.

How to apply?

The applicant must

  • hold Master’s degree (at least at merit level) in one of the following disciplines or fields of research: divinity, theology, arts (e.g. religious studies), social sciences, sciences. Exemptions from this requirement may be granted for those who obtained their diploma more than three years before the admission on grounds of professional achievements,
  • have a good command of a modern language (English, German, French, or Spanish), as well as of Biblical and Modern Hebrew (at least Euro B2),
  • prove his/her scientific skills and achievement (by his/her list of publications).

Although students in the final year of their Master’s program are allowed to apply, but will only be able to enrol after having successfully graduated by the time the term begins.

The applicant shall submit:

  • the completed Application Forms (Application Form, Application for Admission, Thesis Supervisor Approval)
  • a full Curriculum Vitae,
  • a copy of the diploma,
  • proofs of language proficiency,
  • list of publications,
  • research proposal, (everyone can choose from the current thesis topic proposals of the Doctoral School)
  • proof of funds (if the student, his/her family, or another personal sponsor will provide funding from personal funds, a bank statement with sufficient funding for at least one year’s total cost is required. If an employer, government, or organization will provide funding, a signed letter of sponsorship detailing amounts and length of sponsorship is required),
  • proof of payment of the enrollment fee.

Current thesis topic proposals (click below)

Hungarian Doctoral Council

Current thesis topic proposals of The Jewish Theological Seminary – University of Jewish Studies, Budapest Current thesis topic proposals of The Jewish Theological Seminary – University of Jewish Studies, Budapest thesis supervisor research topic deadline for application location of studies (in Hungarian)

Language requirements for non-Hungarian students

At least an intermediate-level (B2) certificate in English. The native language of the Doctoral Student or Candidate is accepted by the Doctoral School as a second foreign language. Should his/her native language be English, he/she shall obtain an at least elementary-level (B1) certificate) in another language.

The admissions interview

The admissions interview takes place by June 30, in case of those starting the doctoral program in the Spring semester, by January 25 annually. The admissions interview is conducted by the admissions committee. The decisions are made based on the candidate’s past academic achievement, language competency, intellectual merit, work experience, and the expectations of the research project.

Decision deadlines

The admissions decisions are made within fourteen days after the interview. Applicants will be informed of the admission results, including the reasons for them by a letter of acceptance, to be sent by e-mail. In case of successful applications, the decision shall contain the conditions of the student’s participation in the program: the form of education (full-time or external), the date of the enrolment, as well as the list of the required further documents. Applicants dissatisfied with admissions decisions may appeal in writing to the appointed body of the University within 14 days of the announcement of the admissions results. Should the applicant receive a decision rejecting his/her application, it will be accompanied by information on the appeals procedure.

General provisions

The Doctoral Student carries out his/her research plan approved by the Doctoral School under the guidance of the Supervisor. He/she shall attend the courses prescribed by the curricula, carry out the suggested tasks, pass the necessary exams, and obtain 180/240 credits (depending on the length of the training).

Duration of the program

  • for students admitted until the 2015/2016 academic year six semesters (3 years),
  • for students admitted after September 1, 2016 eight semesters (2×2 years).