Doctoral Studies are offered in all fields of science and can be performed by universities, specialized higher schools or research organizations accredited for the certain program. There are full-time, part-time and independent doctoral programmes. Full-time study and independent study have a duration of up to 3 years; part-time study and distance learning have a duration of up to 4 years. In exceptional circumstances which are regulated in the statutes of the relevant institution of higher education or academic organisation, the duration can be extended, but by no more than a year. There is no differentiation in the length of study between different branches and no specific distinctions in the structure exist
Full-time and part-time doctoral students are admitted on the basis of a competition. Applicants for independent doctoral study propose for discussion to the relevant department or institute a plan of the dissertation which is developed in its main part, as well as a bibliography. Successful applicants are admitted on the basis of a decision of the faculty council or the academic council of the institution of higher education or the academic organisation. PhD students' training is based on a curriculum.
The Doctoral Students/Candidates are legally considered as students. Under the provisions of Higher Education Act a doctoral student is any holder of a master's degree in preparation for earning a doctorate. The healthcare taxes for the PhD students are covered by the State.
The supervising of PhD students is exercised by professors or associated professors from the institution. Universities and research organizations can contract for conducting joint doctoral programs with foreign universities and research organizations and in such case a co-tutoring by supervisors from different institutions is exercised.
This field is subject to the Academic autonomy and is treated in higher school's Rules of Operation (Rulebook) in compliance with the Law.
There are certain examples of the training of PhD students on demand from the business, e. g. employees of a specific company or successful students who have shown good results in the course of study and are perspective for the employers.
The instruction of doctoral students is based on a curriculum abided by the terms and conditions of the Higher Education Act , the Academic Staff Development Act and the Rulebook of the relevant institution. A PhD degree can be acquired by a holder of Master degree after a successful defense of a dissertation. The dissertation work must contain scientific or applied science results, which represent an original contribution to science. The dissertation work must show that the applicant has in-depth theoretical knowledge in the specialization and ability for independent research.
Third Cycle (PhD) degrees are certified with a certificate (diploma) issued by the relevant higher school or research organisation in a unified form approved by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Science. The certificate (diploma) is issued in Bulgarian; an appendix in English shall be issued upon request.
If there are any differences in the provision of alternative structures of education, (e.g. admission requirements, progression of students from one year to the next, certification or qualifications), the author should divide this section into different sub-sections. Third Cycle (PhD) organisation forms can be in the form of full-time study, part-time study, independent study or distance learning. Full-time study and independent study have duration of up to 3 years; part-time study and distance learning have duration of up to 4 years. In exceptional circumstances which are regulated in the statutes of the relevant institution, the duration can be extended, but by no more than a year.