Regulations on the Preparation of Higher Education Degree Seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. Students) and Doctor of Science Degrees at the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute”
Approved by:
The Academic Council of the
National Aerospace University
“Kharkiv Aviation Institute”
Protocol No. 10 dated April 22, 2026
Enacted by: Order No. 187 dated April 22, 2026
QMS HAI-VAID- P/001:2026
Date of introduction: April 22, 2026
Revision No. 1
1. General Provisions
1.1. These Regulations on the preparation of higher education degree seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science degrees at the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” have been developed in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, the Law of Ukraine “On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activity”, Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated March 23, 2016 No. 261 “On Approval of the Procedure for Preparation of Higher Education Degree Seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science Degrees in Higher Education Institutions (Scientific Institutions)”, Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated January 12, 2022 No. 44 “On Approval of the Procedure for Awarding the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Cancellation of the Decision of the Ad-hoc Specialized Academic Council of a Higher Education Institution, Scientific Institution on Awarding the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy”, Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated January 12, 2017 No. 40 “On Approval of Requirements for Dissertation Formatting”, Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated September 23, 2019 No. 1220 “On Publication of Results of Dissertations for Obtaining Scientific Degrees of Doctor and Candidate of Sciences”, the Statute of the National Aerospace University “Kharkiv Aviation Institute” (hereinafter referred to as the University), and the current legislation of Ukraine.
1.2. The structural unit of the University that provides organizational support for the preparation of scientific degree seekers for the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science is the Department of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies, which in its activities is guided by the Laws of Ukraine “On Higher Education”, “On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activity”, relevant resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, orders of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, decisions of the University Academic Council, orders of the Rector, the Regulations on the Department of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies, and these Regulations.
1.3. These Regulations determine the specifics of organizing and conducting the preparation of higher education degree seekers at the third (educational-scientific) level of higher education for the purpose of acquiring the Doctor of Philosophy degree and scientific degree seekers of the Doctor of Science (hereinafter referred to as Degree Seekers) at the University.
1.4. Organizational and scientific-methodological support for the activities of the Department of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies is carried out by the University Academic Council and the University Scientific and Technical Council. The Department of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies coordinates and controls the activities of structural units (departments) that provide preparation for scientific degree seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science.
1.5. Terms used in these Regulations have the following meanings:
- Ph.D. student (aspirant) – a scientist who conducts fundamental and (or) applied scientific research within the framework of postgraduate training at a higher education institution / scientific institution to obtain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy;
- postgraduate studies (aspirantura) – a system of organizational, educational, and scientific support for the preparation of Doctor of Philosophy degree seekers at the third (educational-scientific) level of higher education in a higher education institution / scientific institution for the purpose of mastering an educational-scientific program;
- certificate of completion of the educational-scientific program – a document containing information on the applicant's learning outcomes, names of disciplines, grades received, and the number of European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (hereinafter - ECTS) credits earned;
- Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies – a person who professionally carries out scientific, scientific-technical, or scientific-pedagogical activities at their primary place of employment and pursues a Doctor of Philosophy degree at an institution outside postgraduate studies through the implementation of the relevant educational-scientific program and public defense of the dissertation in an ad-hoc specialized academic council;
- individual curriculum of a postgraduate student (Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker) / Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies – a document that determines the sequence and form of mastering the educational components of the educational-scientific program by the postgraduate student or Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies in order to acquire competencies in accordance with level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework;
- individual plan of scientific work of the degree seeker – a document that determines the content, deadlines, and volume of stages and tasks of the degree seeker's scientific work;
- educational-scientific program at the third (educational-scientific) level of higher education – a single complex of educational components (academic disciplines, individual tasks, internships, control measures, etc.) and scientific components (conducting scientific research, writing scientific publications, presentations at conferences, etc.) aimed at achieving the learning outcomes provided by such a program, preparation, and public defense of the dissertation, which grants the right to obtain a specified qualification. Elements of the educational-scientific program may be provided by different institutions;
- training of degree seekers outside postgraduate studies – a system of organizational, educational, and scientific support for the training of Doctor of Philosophy degree seekers at an institution for the purpose of acquiring competencies and learning outcomes defined by the educational-scientific program at the third (educational-scientific) level of higher education, without studying in postgraduate studies and without interrupting employment or while on creative leave;
- Doctor of Science – a scientific degree obtained by a person on the basis of the Doctor of Philosophy (Candidate of Sciences) degree in a scientific specialty, which involves acquiring the highest competencies in the field of developing and implementing research methodology, conducting original research, obtaining scientific results that ensure the solution of an important theoretical or applied problem, have national or global significance, and are published in scientific publications;
- postdoctoral student (doktorant) – a scientist undergoing training in the doctoral studies of the University to obtain the scientific degree of Doctor of Science. A person has the right to enter the doctoral studies of the University to complete scientific research and format their results / to prepare publications for defense to obtain the Doctor of Science degree;
- doctoral studies (doktorantura) – a system of organizational and scientific support for the preparation of Doctor of Science degree seekers for the purpose of completing doctoral dissertations.
1.6. The preparation of higher education degree seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy degree is carried out:
- in the postgraduate studies of the University under full-time or part-time forms of higher education acquisition;
- outside postgraduate studies – for persons who professionally carry out scientific, scientific-technical, or scientific-pedagogical activities at their primary place of employment at the University.
1.7. The normative period of preparation for a Doctor of Philosophy in postgraduate studies, regardless of the form of education acquisition, is four years.
1.8. The preparation of persons in postgraduate studies is carried out:
- at the expense of state budget expenditures in state institutions (state order), while under the state order – exclusively in postgraduate studies under the full-time form. The state order for the preparation of degree seekers in postgraduate studies by specialties is distributed on a competitive basis;
- at the expense of funds of physical (legal) entities (under contract conditions, in particular from grants received by the institution for conducting scientific research that provide for the preparation of degree seekers).
1.9. The preparation of Doctor of Science degree seekers is carried out:
- in the doctoral studies of the University under the full-time form of preparation;
- through independent preparation of their scientific achievements for defense.
1.10. Educational activities at the third (educational-scientific) level of higher education are carried out by the University on the basis of an obtained license. Persons who acquire the higher education degree of Doctor of Philosophy outside postgraduate studies are included in the total licensed volume.
1.11. The preparation of degree seekers outside postgraduate studies is carried out without interrupting employment or while on creative leave.
1.12. The preparation of degree seekers outside postgraduate studies is carried out at the expense of the University.
1.13. Foreigners and stateless persons permanently residing in Ukraine, persons granted refugee status in Ukraine, persons in need of complementary or temporary protection, and persons granted the status of overseas Ukrainians who are legally in Ukraine have the right to obtain higher education on an equal footing with citizens of Ukraine. The acquisition of higher education by the specified categories of persons at the expense of the state budget is carried out within the quotas determined by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
The preparation of foreigners and stateless persons in postgraduate studies is carried out:
- on the basis of international treaties concluded between the University and educational institutions (scientific institutions) of other countries regarding international academic mobility;
- at the expense of funds of legal and physical entities (under contract conditions).
1.14. All persons acquiring higher education at the University have equal rights and duties.
1.15. The normative period of preparation of a Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker in postgraduate studies, regardless of the form of education acquisition (full-time, part-time), is four years, and the preparation of a Doctor of Science in doctoral studies – two years. The period of preparation of the corresponding degree seeker includes conducting scientific research in accordance with the individual plan of scientific work on the dissertation topic throughout the entire period of implementation of the educational-scientific (scientific) program for preparing the higher education degree seeker in postgraduate studies (doctoral studies), as well as the scheduled dates for preliminary expert review and defense of the dissertation in the ad-hoc or permanently operating specialized academic council, respectively.
1.16. To regulate relations between Degree Seekers and the University, an Education Agreement is concluded.
2. Procedure and Conditions of Admission to Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies
2.1. Admission to the postgraduate and doctoral studies of the University is carried out on a competitive basis in accordance with the Procedure for Preparation of Higher Education Degree Seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science Degrees in Higher Education Institutions (Scientific Institutions), approved by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated March 23, 2016 No. 261 (as amended by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated May 19, 2023 No. 502), the Admission Conditions (Procedure) to Higher Education Institutions approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the MES of Ukraine), and the Admission Rules to the University approved by the Academic Council of the University.
The inclusion of a list of accredited and unaccredited educational-scientific programs in the Admission Rules to the University is mandatory. Certification of a Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker is possible only under an accredited educational-scientific program.
Admission of foreigners and stateless persons to study is carried out only for accredited educational-scientific programs.
2.2. To participate in entrance examinations, a person submits all documents necessary for admission in accordance with the Admission Rules to the University within the periods defined by them.
2.3. A person who submits a diploma equivalent to a Master's diploma issued by a foreign higher education institution for admission to the University for postgraduate training undergoes entrance examinations on an equal footing with other persons. Recognition of a diploma issued by a foreign higher education institution is carried out in accordance with the legislation within four months after the applicant's enrollment.
2.4. Admission to study for the Doctor of Philosophy degree is carried out based on the results of:
- the single entrance exam conducted by the Ukrainian Center for Educational Quality Assessment in accordance with the legislation;
- the entrance exam in the specialty or specialties for an interdisciplinary program (within the scope of the Master's level higher education program in the relevant specialty);
- other forms of entrance examinations (exams, interviews, presentations of research proposals or achievements).
Entrance examinations for persons with special educational needs are conducted taking into account the special educational needs specified in the applicant's application and the recommendations of the medical-social expert examination.
The score weight for each entrance exam when calculating the competition results is determined in the Admission Rules to the University.
In accordance with the Admission Rules to the University, persons entering the University for postgraduate training in a specialty assigned to a different branch of knowledge (specialty) than the one specified in their Master's (Specialist's) diploma may be assigned additional entrance examinations.
The results of entrance examinations to the University for postgraduate training are valid for admission to the University for one calendar year.
2.5. Entrance examinations to the University for postgraduate training are conducted by subject commissions, the composition of which is formed and approved in the manner determined by the University.
Based on the results of the entrance examinations to the University for postgraduate training, the admissions committee makes a decision regarding each applicant according to the procedure defined by the Admission Rules to the University.
The order of the Rector of the University on enrollment in the University for postgraduate training, adopted on the basis of the decision of the admissions committee, is published on the official website of the University. The relevant information is entered into the Unified State Electronic Database on Education (hereinafter referred to as USEDE).
2.6. Admission to the University for doctoral training is carried out taking into account scientific and scientific-technical achievements in the chosen scientific specialty in accordance with established requirements, which determine, in particular, the procedure, list, and deadlines for submitting documents for admission to the University for doctoral training.
Doctoral training is carried out in scientific specialties by branches of science in accordance with the list approved by the MES of Ukraine. The dissertation (scientific report) must comply with the passport of the scientific specialty.
2.7. A person pursuing the scientific degree of Doctor of Science enters the University for doctoral training in order to complete work on scientific research and format their results and/or to prepare scientific publications for defense.
2.8. Persons who have the Doctor of Philosophy degree (scientific degree of Candidate of Sciences), scientific achievements that require completion or formatting in the form of a dissertation (scientific report), and at least half of the scientific publications on the dissertation topic (scientific report) of the number determined by the MES of Ukraine, meeting the requirements established by the MES of Ukraine in scientific periodicals in the relevant field of research, enter the University for doctoral training.
2.9. The list of documents submitted for admission to the University for the purpose of doctoral training includes a detailed proposal containing the research work plan and/or information on the volume of scientific work necessary for preparing scientific achievements for defense, and copies of scientific publications on the dissertation topic (scientific report). If a citizen of Ukraine obtained a scientific degree in a foreign higher education institution, a copy of the certificate of recognition of the scientific degree document is additionally submitted.
The applicant's documents are submitted for review to the department, which within a month from the date of registration of the application reviews the documents submitted by the applicant, hears their scientific report, and based on the discussion determines by voting the possibility of enrolling the applicant to the University for doctoral training and submits a conclusion for consideration by the Academic Council of the University after discussion at the meeting of the faculty academic council. In case of a positive conclusion, the respective department provides a proposal on the appointment of a scientific consultant from among the scientific-pedagogical or scientific employees who have employment relations with the University, a Doctor of Science degree, and the necessary scientific qualification, which is confirmed in accordance with clause 1.3 of these Regulations.
If the applicant is a foreigner, the University carries out the procedure for recognizing the scientific degree obtained by them in their own or another state within two months after enrollment in the University for doctoral training.
2.10. At its regular meeting, the Academic Council of the University reviews the conclusions of the departments regarding each applicant, approves the dissertation topic, makes a decision on their enrollment in the University for doctoral training, and appoints a scientific consultant for the doctoral student.
The dissertation topic for obtaining the scientific degree of Doctor of Science is approved by the Academic Council of the University upon the petition of the department and the faculty academic council. To approve the dissertation topic, the Doctor of Science degree seeker submits a justification of the dissertation topic to the department (in the established form) no later than four months before the start of accepting documents for admission to doctoral studies, which is reviewed by members of the department – competent scientists in the research subject of the Doctor of Science degree seeker. If necessary, employees of other structural units of the University may be involved. Based on the performance of the Doctor of Science degree seeker with the justification of the dissertation topic and its discussion at the department meeting, a corresponding decision is made (reject, revise, petition for approval in a revised edition, petition for approval, etc.). An extract from the minutes of the department meeting (mandatory indicating the code and name of the scientific specialty, surname, name, and patronymic of the Doctor of Science who is a scientific, scientific-pedagogical employee of the University and gives consent to be a scientific consultant of the doctoral applicant in case of their enrollment, scientific degree, academic title, position) and the text of the dissertation topic justification with the signatures of the Doctor of Science degree seeker and the scientific consultant are submitted for review by the faculty academic council. The secretary of the faculty academic council, upon agreement with the head of the faculty academic council, appoints two experts – competent scientists in the research subject of the Doctor of Science degree seeker from among the members of the faculty academic council and/or scientific, scientific-pedagogical employees of the faculty, University. At the regular meeting of the faculty academic council, after the presentation of their scientific topic by the Doctor of Science degree seeker, its compliance with the scientific specialty, the relevance of the researched topic, the correctness of determining the object, subject, goal, tasks, compliance of the scientific apparatus and scientific sources with the chosen topic, the logicalness of the content and structure of the dissertation, its practical and theoretical significance, etc., are established.
Provided the dissertation topic is approved at the faculty academic council, the head of postgraduate and doctoral studies submits an extract from the minutes of the faculty academic council meeting and the text of the justification to the Academic Council of the University within the established period. The scientific secretary of the University, upon agreement with the head of the Academic Council of the University, appoints experts – Doctors of Science, competent scientists in the research subject of the Doctor of Science degree seeker from among the members of the Academic Council of the University. In case of a positive conclusion from the experts, a copy of the justification, certified by the signatures of the seeker, scientific consultant, and experts, is handed over to the scientific secretary of the University. Consideration of the issue takes place at the regular meeting of the Academic Council of the University in the presence of the seeker.
For carrying out scientific consultation on the dissertation work of one doctoral student, the scientific consultant is annually allocated a workload of 100 hours within the limits of scientific work time norms for scientific-pedagogical employees (within the main workload – for scientific and scientific-pedagogical employees) and 100 hours additionally upon the fact of successful defense of the dissertation by the Doctor of Science degree seeker.
If necessary, the dissertation topic can be clarified and approved in a new edition by the Academic Council of the University after discussion by the department and the faculty academic council.
3. Preparation of Higher Education Degree Seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Postgraduate Studies
3.1. Within a month from the date of the Rector's order on enrollment, a scientific supervisor is appointed for the postgraduate student from among the scientific-pedagogical or scientific employees of the University who have a scientific degree and the appropriate scientific qualification, as a rule, a Doctor of Science (upon the recommendation of the respective department and the decision of the faculty academic council) or, by the decision of the Academic Council of the University (upon the recommendations of the department and the faculty academic council), as an exception – a Doctor of Philosophy (Candidate of Sciences).
A scientist who is a Doctor of Science may simultaneously provide scientific consultation (supervision) to no more than five degree seekers, including no more than three Doctor of Science degree seekers.
A scientist who is a Doctor of Philosophy (Candidate of Sciences) may simultaneously provide scientific supervision to no more than three Doctor of Philosophy degree seekers.
The scientific supervisor provides scientific supervision of the postgraduate student's scientific work on the dissertation, the conduct of their own scientific research, provides consultations on the content and methodology of the postgraduate student's scientific research, controls the implementation of the individual plan of scientific work, and is responsible to the academic councils of the faculty and the University for the proper and timely performance of the duties of the scientific supervisor.
For carrying out scientific supervision of the dissertation work of one Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker, the scientific supervisor is annually allocated a workload of 100 hours within the limits of scientific work time norms for scientific-pedagogical employees (within the main workload – for scientific and scientific-pedagogical employees) and 75 hours additionally upon the fact of successful defense of the dissertation by the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker.
By the decision of the Academic Council of the University, a postgraduate student may be appointed two scientific supervisors with a corresponding distribution of workload and duties between them, or the scientific supervisor may be changed.
3.2. To ensure effective preparation of the degree seeker, the University changes the scientific supervisor, in particular in the event of: termination of their employment in scientific-pedagogical or scientific positions; inability to perform their duties due to health conditions or death; failure to perform their duties defined in clause 3.1; refusal to provide a conclusion based on the results of scientific supervision; adoption in the established manner of a decision to deprive them of the right to participate in the preparation and/or certification of scientific personnel; prosecution for academic liability for violation of academic integrity in accordance with the legislation; joint desire of the scientific supervisor and the degree seeker; in other cases provided for by legislation.
The decision to change the scientific supervisor is made by the faculty academic council on the basis of a written application from the degree seeker and/or the scientific supervisor and the decision of the department with a justification of the reasons. In the event of a conflict situation between the degree seeker and their scientific supervisor, the written application of the degree seeker and/or the scientific supervisor, considering the nature of the conflict, may be reviewed by the University Ethics Commission or the Commission on Academic Integrity of the faculty / University, or a commission that may include the guarantor of the educational-scientific program, the head of the department, the dean of the faculty, the head of postgraduate and doctoral studies, the vice-rector for research.
3.3. The educational-scientific program according to which the preparation of Doctor of Philosophy degree seekers is carried out consists of educational and scientific components.
The educational component of the educational-scientific program is aimed at achieving level 8 of the National Qualifications Framework and must contain information on the list and volume of educational components in ECTS credits (30 – 60 ECTS credits), their sequence, forms of organization of the educational process, types and volume of educational classes, schedule of the educational process, forms of current and final assessment.
The educational-scientific program is the basis for the postgraduate student to form an individual curriculum and an individual plan of scientific work, which are agreed upon with the scientific supervisor and approved by the faculty academic council within two months from the date of the person's enrollment in the University for postgraduate training.
The individual curriculum must contain a list of disciplines chosen by the postgraduate student in an amount that is at least 25 percent of the number of ECTS credits of the educational component.
During the first year of study, the postgraduate student makes a choice of disciplines in accordance with the educational-scientific program. The postgraduate student confirms their choice with an application.
Postgraduate students have the right to choose academic disciplines offered for other levels of higher education that are related to the dissertation topic, upon agreement with their scientific supervisor and the dean of the faculty.
The postgraduate student may change their individual curriculum upon agreement with their scientific supervisor.
The decision to introduce changes to the postgraduate student's individual curriculum is made by the faculty academic council, as a rule, during the vacation period, on the basis of a written application from the degree seeker upon agreement with their scientific supervisor and the decision of the department with a justification of the reasons. The approved changes are recorded in the postgraduate student's individual curriculum.
The study of educational components by postgraduate students can be carried out at the base of the University, as well as within the framework of realizing the right to academic mobility – at the base of other institutions.
During the validity period of the martial law regime in Ukraine, the individual curriculum of the third-year full-time postgraduate student includes a single state exam in Ukrainian and foreign languages for academic purposes as a mandatory final assessment using the organizational and technological processes of external independent evaluation, which is conducted in the manner determined by the MES.
Failure to fulfill the individual curriculum, in particular violation of the terms of its execution without valid reasons provided for by legislation, violation of contract conditions or academic integrity, is the basis for the faculty academic council to adopt a decision on expelling the postgraduate student.
The scientific component of the educational-scientific program is its integral part, which is implemented in the form of the postgraduate student's individual plan of scientific work and provides for conducting their own scientific research under the guidance of one or two scientific supervisors and formatting its results in the form of a dissertation in accordance with the requirements under the legislation.
Postgraduate students conduct scientific research in accordance with the individual plan of scientific work, which is mandatory for fulfillment by the degree seeker and is used to evaluate the success of the planned scientific work.
Failure to fulfill the individual plan of scientific work or violation of the terms of execution of the individual plan of scientific work without valid reasons provided for by legislation may be the basis for the faculty academic council to adopt a decision on expelling the postgraduate student.
During the period of study in postgraduate studies, the postgraduate student must fulfill the educational and scientific components of the educational-scientific program, in particular acquire theoretical knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies sufficient to produce new ideas, solve complex problems in the field of professional and/or research and innovation activity, master the methodology of scientific and pedagogical activity, as well as conduct their own scientific research, the results of which have scientific novelty, theoretical and/or practical significance, publish scientific publications on the dissertation topic, prepare the dissertation, and undergo the certification procedure by an ad-hoc specialized academic council on the basis of a public defense of scientific achievements in the form of a dissertation.
3.4. Within two months from the date of enrollment of the degree seeker for postgraduate training at the University, the dissertation topic is approved by the Academic Council of the University upon the petition of the department and the faculty academic council. If necessary, the dissertation topic can be clarified and approved in a new edition by the Academic Council of the University after discussion at the meetings of the department and the faculty academic council.
To approve the topic, after consultation and agreement with the scientific supervisor(s), the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker submits a justification of the dissertation topic to the department (in the established form), which is reviewed by members of the department – competent scientists in the research subject of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker. Based on the performance of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker with the justification of the dissertation topic and its discussion at the department meeting, a corresponding decision is made (reject, revise, petition for approval in a revised edition, petition for approval, etc.). An extract from the minutes of the department meeting (mandatory indicating the code and name of the branch of knowledge, code and name of the specialty, surname, name, and patronymic of the scientific supervisor(s), their scientific degree, academic title, position) and the text of the dissertation topic justification with the signatures of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker and the scientific supervisor(s) are submitted for review by the faculty academic council.
3.5. The University may decide to recognize competencies, acquired learning outcomes, and ECTS credits acquired by the postgraduate student in another institution, provided by the educational-scientific program, and determine the academic difference (if necessary).
Based on the decision of the department (the postgraduate student's scientific supervisor participates in the meeting), the faculty academic council has the right to decide to recognize competencies in one or more academic disciplines acquired by the postgraduate student in other higher education institutions (scientific institutions), both Ukrainian and foreign (to credit ECTS credits), the acquisition of which is provided by the postgraduate educational-scientific program. For this purpose, the postgraduate student submits an application to the head of postgraduate and doctoral studies along with a certificate or other document confirming the fact and results of study. Courses are credited provided they correspond to the specialty and have the necessary volumes compared to the volumes of disciplines / content modules that the postgraduate student must master during studies under the educational-scientific program.
3.6. Postgraduate students can be transferred to another institution, including if the University does not have an accredited educational-scientific program in the degree seeker's specialty, or within the University:
- to study under a state order, if they study at the University at the expense of physical (legal) entities;
- to study under a contract at the expense of physical (legal) entities, if they study at the University under a state order;
- to preparation under an accredited educational-scientific program in another specialty, which is the realization of their right to choose the types, areas, and means of scientific and scientific-technical activity in accordance with their interests, creative capabilities, and universal human values.
Postgraduate students whose preparation was carried out at the expense of state budget expenditures, in the event of transfer to another institution, enjoy a priority right to state order places provided there are vacant places.
In the absence of such places, postgraduate students, with their consent, can be transferred to study at the expense of physical (legal) entities.
The transfer of postgraduate students is carried out within the licensed volume of the University.
Transfer of postgraduate students is prohibited during the first year of study.
Recognition of competencies acquired by the postgraduate student in another higher education institution (scientific institution) and re-crediting of credits upon transfer to study take place in accordance with clause 3.5 of these Regulations and the corresponding procedure approved at the University.
3.7. If the University has not received a certificate of accreditation for the educational-scientific program or the validity period of the accreditation certificate for such a program has expired at the University, the degree seeker is transferred to another institution in which the corresponding educational-scientific program is accredited.
For this purpose, the degree seeker submits an application addressed to the Rector of the University for expulsion in connection with transfer to another institution and the issuance of an academic transcript. The degree seeker may send the application in electronic form with a qualified electronic signature attached. The application is reviewed by the University within two weeks.
Upon receiving the academic transcript, the degree seeker applies with an application for enrollment by way of transfer to the head of the institution to which they are transferring. The degree seeker may send the application in electronic form with a qualified electronic signature attached. An academic transcript or its scanned copy is attached to the application. The application for enrollment by way of transfer is reviewed by the institution to which the degree seeker is transferring within two weeks. In case of a positive review of the application, the head of the institution to which the degree seeker is transferring issues an order according to which the degree seeker is admitted to classes, and sends a request to the University for the transfer of their personal file.
The head of the institution to which the degree seeker is transferring may refuse enrollment by way of transfer in the following cases:
- exceeding the licensed volume for the respective higher education level or the corresponding educational-scientific program;
- the academic transcript contains information certifying a low theoretical level of training of the degree seeker;
- the educational-scientific program pursued by the degree seeker differs from the educational-scientific program according to which preparation is carried out at the institution to which they are transferring.
The Rector of the University, upon receiving the request, within a week issues an order to expel the degree seeker in connection with their transfer, after which within ten working days the personal file of the degree seeker together with a copy of the order (extract from the order), duly certified, is transferred to the institution to which the degree seeker is transferring. The relevant information is entered into the Unified State Electronic Database on Education.
Copies of the academic transcript and the personal file of the degree seeker remain at the University.
The head of the institution to which the degree seeker is transferring, upon receiving the personal file, issues an order for their enrollment by way of transfer. The relevant information is entered into the Unified State Electronic Database on Education.
3.8. The state of preparation of the degree seeker's dissertation for defense is determined by the scientific supervisor (or by a consensus decision of two supervisors).
No later than nine months before the completion of the normative period of study under the accredited educational-scientific program, the degree seeker:
- receives a certificate of fulfillment of the educational-scientific program and the conclusion of the scientific supervisor(s) with an evaluation of the degree seeker's work in the process of preparing the dissertation and fulfilling the individual plan of scientific work and the individual curriculum;
- applies to the department of the University that implements the corresponding educational-scientific program and carries out the preparation of the degree seeker, with a written application to obtain a conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results. The dissertation in printed and electronic form, scientific publications (or copies thereof) highlighting the scientific results of the dissertation, the certificate of fulfillment of the educational-scientific program, and the conclusion of the scientific supervisor(s) are attached to the application.
3.9. In order to provide a conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results, no later than a month from the date of receipt of the application, a public presentation by the degree seeker of the scientific results of the dissertation and its discussion are held at a meeting of the respective department of the University that implements the corresponding educational-scientific program and carries out the preparation of the degree seeker. The results of the discussion and the presentation are reflected in the conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results, which is signed by the presiding officer at the meeting of the University department. The conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results is provided to the degree seeker no later than within two weeks from the date of the presentation.
In case of receiving a negative conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results, the degree seeker may reapply to the University department no later than six months before the completion of the normative period of study under the accredited educational-scientific program with a written application to obtain such a conclusion after revising the dissertation or for reinstatement at the University to complete the fulfillment of the corresponding educational-scientific program in case of expulsion.
3.10. If there is a positive conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results, the degree seeker applies to the Academic Council of the University, in which they completed the educational-scientific program, with a written application for the formation of an ad-hoc specialized academic council no later than within two weeks from the date of receipt of the specified conclusion.
The formation of an ad-hoc specialized academic council of the University and the award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree by it are carried out in accordance with the legislation regulating the award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
3.11. Preparation in postgraduate studies is completed by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy diploma after the public defense of the dissertation in an ad-hoc specialized academic council.
3.12. A person who was expelled from the University in connection with the completion of studies under the corresponding educational-scientific program without defending the dissertation may re-enter the University.
A person who previously underwent postgraduate training under a state order may re-enter the University for postgraduate training under a state order only on the condition of reimbursing the funds spent on their training, in accordance with the legislation.
A degree seeker who was expelled from the University before completing studies under the corresponding educational-scientific program at their own request, based on failure to fulfill the individual curriculum, violation of the terms of the agreement (contract) concluded between the higher education institution and the person studying, or a physical (legal) entity paying for such studies, or in connection with other cases provided for by law, may be reinstated to study at the University for the year of study from which the degree seeker was expelled, within the licensed volume.
Reinstatement of postgraduate students to study, who have been expelled from the University or granted academic leave, as well as the transfer of higher education degree seekers, is carried out, as a rule, during the vacation period.
Expulsion and reinstatement of a postgraduate student are carried out in the presence of an application addressed to the Rector, agreed upon by the scientific supervisor, head of the department, guarantor of the educational-scientific program, dean of the faculty, head of postgraduate and doctoral studies of the University, and the head of the Scientific Society of Students, Postgraduate Students, Doctoral Students, and Young Scientists of the University. In the event that the postgraduate student is not reinstated after the expiration of the academic leave period, the person is expelled from the date the leave ends.
The procedure for expulsion, interruption of studies, reinstatement, and transfer of Doctor of Philosophy degree seekers at the University and the granting of academic leave to them is regulated in accordance with the Regulations on the Organization of the Educational Process at the University.
3.13. Grounds for expelling a postgraduate student are: completion of studies under the corresponding educational-scientific program; own request; transfer to another higher education institution (scientific institution); failure to fulfill the individual curriculum and the individual plan of scientific work without valid reasons; violation of the terms of the contract concluded between the University and the postgraduate student, or a physical (legal) entity paying for such studies; other cases in accordance with the legislation.
3.14. A Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker expelled from the University before completing studies under the educational-scientific program receives an academic transcript containing information on learning results, names of disciplines, grades received, and the number of ECTS credits earned.
4. Preparation of Higher Education Degree Seekers of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Outside Postgraduate Studies
4.1. Persons who professionally carry out scientific, scientific-technical, or scientific-pedagogical activities at their main place of work at the University have the right to acquire higher education of the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University outside postgraduate studies. Preparation of such persons is carried out at the expense of the University and lasts four years.
4.2. To acquire higher education of the Doctor of Philosophy degree outside postgraduate studies, a scientific-pedagogical / scientific employee of the University submits a detailed scientific proposal to the respective department of the University no later than a month before the start of the admission campaign. Within two weeks from the date of receipt of the detailed proposal, the department hears the scientific report of the applicant for enrollment in training outside postgraduate studies and submits the department's conclusion for consideration by the faculty academic council.
4.3. To acquire higher education of the Doctor of Philosophy degree outside postgraduate studies, a scientific-pedagogical / scientific employee of the University submits to the head of postgraduate and doctoral studies of the University within the periods established by the Admission Rules for postgraduate studies at the University:
- an application addressed to the Rector for preparation with the aim of acquiring the higher education degree of Doctor of Philosophy outside postgraduate studies;
- a list of published scientific works;
- copies of the Master's (Specialist's) higher education diploma and its supplement (if the diploma of a person, being equivalent to a Master's diploma, was issued by a foreign higher education institution, submission of the specified application is possible after the recognition of their diploma in accordance with the legislation);
- a copy of the passport;
- a copy of the certificate of assignment of the identification number;
- a written description of the degree seeker's scientific activity, drawn up by a Doctor of Science or a Doctor of Philosophy (Candidate of Sciences) who is a full-time scientific-pedagogical or scientific employee of the University with consent to be the degree seeker's scientific supervisor;
- an extract from the minutes of the department meeting;
- an extract from the minutes of the faculty academic council meeting.
4.4. After the University enrolls a person for preparation with the aim of acquiring the higher education degree of Doctor of Philosophy outside postgraduate studies, a relevant order of the Rector of the University appoints a scientific supervisor (two scientific supervisors) from among the scientific or scientific-pedagogical employees of the institution with a scientific degree in accordance with the requirements of clause 3.1 of these Regulations. The relevant information is entered into the USEDE.
4.5. Acquiring higher education of the Doctor of Philosophy degree outside postgraduate studies provides for the fulfillment of the relevant educational-scientific program of the University in accordance with the individual curriculum and individual plan of scientific work of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies approved in accordance with clause 3.3 of these Regulations, and a public defense of the dissertation in an ad-hoc specialized academic council.
Failure to fulfill the individual curriculum, in particular violation of the terms of its execution without valid reasons provided for by legislation, violation of contract conditions or academic integrity is the basis for the Academic Council of the University to adopt a decision on expelling the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies from preparation at the University.
Grounds for expelling the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies also are: completion of studies under the corresponding educational-scientific program; own request; failure to fulfill the individual plan of scientific work without valid reasons; other cases provided for by law.
4.6. In the event of dismissal from work of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies, the University takes measures to expel such a person from preparation at the University. The person may continue preparation outside postgraduate studies at the institution to which they are accepted for a scientific-pedagogical or scientific position (at their main place of work), with the crediting of relevant ECTS credits earned outside postgraduate studies.
4.7. The state of preparation of the dissertation of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies for defense is determined by the scientific supervisor (or by a consensus decision of two supervisors). Obtaining a conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results and certification of the degree seeker are carried out in accordance with clauses 3.9, 3.10 of these Regulations.
4.8. Preparation of the Doctor of Philosophy degree seeker outside postgraduate studies is completed by obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy diploma after a public defense in an ad-hoc specialized academic council.
4.9. The preparation of persons attached to the University for the purpose of acquiring the higher education degree of Doctor of Philosophy outside postgraduate studies is carried out in accordance with Section III of these Regulations.
5. Preparation of Doctor of Science Degree Seekers in Doctoral Studies
5.1. Preparation in doctoral studies provides for the completion by the degree seeker of their own original scientific research, the generalization of which is given in the dissertation (scientific report) with obtained scientific results that ensure the solution of an important theoretical or applied problem, have national or global significance, and are published in scientific publications in accordance with the requirements determined by the MES of Ukraine.
5.2. Doctoral students conduct scientific research in accordance with the individual plan of scientific work, which determines the content of tasks, the terms of their execution, and the volume of scientific works.
The individual plan of scientific work is agreed upon by the doctoral student with their scientific consultant and approved by the faculty academic council within two months from the date of enrollment of the degree seeker in the University for doctoral training.
The individual plan of scientific work is mandatory for fulfillment by the doctoral student and is used to evaluate the success and timeliness of the execution of the planned scientific work.
Failure to fulfill the individual plan of scientific work, in particular violation of the terms of its execution without valid reasons, violation of contract conditions, or violation of academic integrity, is the basis for the Academic Council of the University to adopt a decision on expelling the doctoral student.
Grounds for expelling the doctoral student also are: completion of preparation under the corresponding scientific program; own request; transfer to another higher education institution (scientific institution); other cases provided for by law.
5.3. Preparation in doctoral studies, subject to the fulfillment of the individual plan of scientific work, is completed by providing the conclusion of the scientific consultant (department).
Obtaining a conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the results of the dissertation (scientific report) and certification of the doctoral student by the specialized academic council for awarding the scientific degree of Doctor of Science of the University are carried out in accordance with the legislation regulating the awarding of the scientific degree of Doctor of Science.
A person who previously underwent doctoral training under a state order may re-enter the University for doctoral training under a regional order only on the condition of reimbursing the funds spent on their training, in accordance with the legislation.
5.4. Expulsion and reinstatement of a doctoral student are carried out in the presence of an application addressed to the Rector, agreed upon by the scientific consultant, head of the department, dean of the faculty, head of postgraduate and doctoral studies of the University, and the head of the Scientific Society of Students, Postgraduate Students, Doctoral Students, and Young Scientists of the University.
In the event that the doctoral student is not reinstated after the expiration of the academic leave period, the person is expelled from the date the leave ends.
6. Preparation of Doctor of Science Degree Seekers through Independent Preparation of Their Scientific Achievements for Defense
6.1. A person may acquire the scientific degree of Doctor of Science through independent preparation of their scientific achievements for defense. Such a person has the right to creative leave in accordance with the legislation, taking into account scientific and scientific-technical achievements in the chosen scientific specialty.
In the case of independent preparation of scientific achievements for defense, a scientific consultant is not appointed.
6.2. A degree seeker who independently prepared scientific achievements for defense in the form of a dissertation (scientific report) must:
- have the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (scientific degree of Candidate of Sciences);
- present scientific achievements with a generalization of independently conducted original research in accordance with the passport of the scientific specialty with obtained scientific results that ensure the solution of an important theoretical or applied problem and have national or global significance;
- have scientific publications on the topic of the dissertation (scientific report), in particular articles in scientific periodicals in the field in which the dissertation (scientific report) is prepared, in accordance with the requirements determined by the MES of Ukraine. Approval of the dissertation topic, obtaining a conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the results of the dissertation (scientific report), and certification of the degree seeker who independently prepared scientific achievements for defense by the specialized academic council for awarding the scientific degree of Doctor of Science of the University are carried out in accordance with the legislation regulating the awarding of the scientific degree of Doctor of Science.
7. Rights and Duties of Degree Seekers
7.1. Degree seekers perform duties and enjoy rights defined by the Laws of Ukraine "On Education", "On Higher Education", "On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activity", and may also have:
- free access to all types of open scientific and technical information available in institutions, libraries, and state archives of Ukraine;
- receiving methodological and substantive scientific consulting (guidance) regarding one's own research from the scientific consultant (supervisor / supervisors);
- safe and harmless conditions for conducting scientific research, provision of a properly equipped place for scientific work;
- academic mobility and scientific internship, which are implemented in accordance with the legislation;
- academic and social leave in accordance with the legislation, including for health reasons (if there is a certificate or disability certificate indicating the need for prolonged treatment), for family reasons (if there is documentary confirmation of the reasons), in connection with pregnancy and childbirth, for childcare until the child reaches the age of three;
- labor activity in extracurricular time in accordance with the legislation. For the timely processing of academic leave, the degree seeker submits: an application addressed to the Rector, agreed upon by the scientific supervisor / consultant, head of the department, guarantor of the educational-scientific program, dean of the faculty, head of postgraduate and doctoral studies; a document (invitation, sick leave certificate, child's birth certificate, etc.) confirming the reason for granting academic leave or interruption of studies.
The maximum duration of academic leave is set up to one year. If necessary, the duration of academic leave can be extended for another year in the presence of the aforementioned documents. The granting of academic leave is formalized by a corresponding order of the Rector indicating the reason for granting the leave and its term. For the entire period of study, the degree seeker can use the right to academic leave, as a rule, once.
7.2. In order to ensure the proper conduct of scientific research, degree seekers are also obliged to:
- comply with the principles of academic integrity, moral and ethical norms, and standards of conduct for researchers in the respective field established by the University – the Code of Corporate Culture, the Regulations on Academic Integrity of Scientific-Pedagogical, Scientific, Pedagogical Employees and Education Seekers of the University, the signed Declaration of Academic Integrity of a Student, Postgraduate Student, Doctoral Student of the University;
- fulfill the individual curriculum;
- fulfill the individual plan of scientific work and report on the progress of its fulfillment twice a year at the department meeting: intermediate (semester) reporting – in December-February; final (annual) reporting – in June. The results of the latter, which are the basis for transferring the degree seeker to the next year of study, are approved by the faculty academic council and approved by a corresponding order of the Rector;
- prepare their scientific achievements in the form of a dissertation (for Doctor of Philosophy degree seekers) and in the form of a dissertation or a scientific report – in the case of defending scientific achievements published in the form of a monograph or a set of articles in domestic and/or international peer-reviewed professional journals (for Doctor of Science degree seekers).
7.3. Compliance with academic integrity by degree seekers involves: compliance with legislative norms regarding intellectual property rights; references to information sources in case of using ideas, developments, statements, data; providing reliable information about the results of one's own educational, scientific, creative activity, used research methods and information sources, including artificial intelligence technologies and automated data processing tools; independent performance of tasks of current and final assessment of learning results (for persons with special educational needs, this requirement is applied taking into account their individual needs and capabilities); independent performance of current written works, dissertations.
Violations of academic integrity are considered to be academic plagiarism, self-plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, cheating, deception, bribery, biased assessment.
For violations of academic integrity, degree seekers may be subjected to the following academic liability: warning; repeated passing of assessment (intermediate and final control); repeated passing of the corresponding educational component of the educational-scientific program; expulsion from the University; refusal to award an academic scholarship; refusal to provide a positive conclusion on the scientific novelty, theoretical, and practical significance of the dissertation results; refusal to award the Doctor of Philosophy degree / Doctor of Science scientific degree without the right to re-defend the dissertation; deprivation of the Doctor of Philosophy degree / Doctor of Science scientific degree in the manner prescribed by legislation.
Scientific-pedagogical and scientific employees of the University who have violated academic integrity are deprived of the opportunity to carry out scientific supervision of postgraduate students / scientific consulting of doctoral students, as well as to teach disciplines of the curriculum for the training of Doctors of Philosophy.
7.4. The assignment by the University to a degree seeker of duties not related to the fulfillment of the educational-scientific program or preparation in doctoral studies is prohibited.
7.5. Degree seekers must participate in competitions for receiving grant support for scientific research and scholarships founded in honor of prominent figures of science, education, culture, public figures, as well as founded by the President of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, state or non-state bodies, enterprises, institutions, or organizations.
8. Concluding Provisions
8.1. These Regulations are approved by the Academic Council of the University and put into effect by an order of the Rector of the University.
8.2. Control over the implementation of these Regulations is exercised by officials of the University within the scope of their powers established in job descriptions.
8.3. Amendments and additions to these Regulations are reviewed and approved by the Academic Council of the University and put into effect by an order of the Rector of the University.