doktorantuurikraadi

Doktorantuurikraadi is the doctoral degree awarded upon the completion of doctoral studies at a university or an equivalent institution. In Estonia, the term is used to describe the degree earned after completing the doctoral program, commonly referred to as doktorikraad. The degree represents the highest level of academic qualification and requires the completion of original research and the defense of a doctoral thesis.

Admission to doktorantuur typically requires a master's degree or an equivalent qualification. Candidates usually apply to a doctoral program, secure a supervisor, and develop a research plan. The program may include advanced coursework and compulsory research milestones, culminating in the preparation of a dissertation.

The duration of doktorantuurikraadi studies generally lasts several years of full-time research, commonly around three to four years, but total duration can vary and may extend beyond that, depending on funding, field, and institutional rules. During the program, candidates conduct original research, publish findings, and participate in seminars.

The culmination is the doctoral thesis (doktoritöö) presenting new, original contributions to the field. The thesis is examined by a committee, and successful defense leads to the awarding of the doktorikraad. Some fields also require published articles or conference papers as part of the requirements.

Graduates with a doktorantuurikraadi pursue academic careers, research positions, or leadership roles in industry and public institutions. The degree is internationally recognized and may enable further study, postdoctoral research, or eligibility for faculty positions, subject to country-specific recognition and accreditation.