Facts & figures
Doctor of Philosopy (Ph.D.) in the field of Sociology
English
Program
The aim of this programme is to ensure the existence of a new generation of scholars dedicated to the social sciences, and especially sociology, and to prepare them thoroughly for the acquisition of the doctoral degree and for independent academic research and teaching at the postgraduate academic level. The doctoral school offers three programmes: Sociology, International Studies, and Interdisciplinary Social Research. The programmes follow international educational standards in the social sciences and have produced graduates who work as highly qualified research experts, university teachers, and training specialists in both theoretical and practical approaches to the various fields of social policy practice at a high level that is also recognized internationally.
This programme is recommended for applicants who are interested in pursuing a career as, for example a university professor, social researcher, scientific expert, political analyst, political expert, social policy analyst, media expert, or international policy expert (see the Career section below for more details on further employment opportunities). The Doctoral School welcomes all students, lecturers and research topics, and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic or cultural background, political views, disability, gender identity, self-expression or sexual orientation.
This programme enables students to observe and examine social phenomena and their interrelationships in their cultural and historical contexts, in their economic and social embeddedness, and in the diversity of their possible methodological approaches. Students must demonstrate their ability to conduct individual research leading to innovative solutions, to present their findings internationally according to the standards of scientific communication and to apply their results for the benefit of society.
Tracks/Specializations
- Sociology
- International Studies
- Interdisciplinary Social Research
- Compatibility with international social science doctoral programmes
- Interoperability with other programmes and educational levels
- Research-oriented education and training
- Interdisciplinarity
- Combining quantitative and qualitative methods
- Intensive personal professional care with students
- International relations and opportunities for shorter study abroad
Structure
Career
The programme aims to provide this in accordance with the international standards of education in the social sciences, meeting both formal and content requirements; and to produce highly qualified research experts and university teachers in the future, as well as training specialists (of both theoretical and practical) in the various fields of social policy practice at a high level, recognized internationally.
- University professor
- Social researcher
- Scientific experts
- Political analyst
- Political expert
- Social policy analyst
- Media expert
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 1200 EUR | 1750 EUR |
| Application fee |
EUR 50 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025-15/11/2025
EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 20/11/2025-15/01/2026
EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 20/01/2026-30/04/2026
EUR 200 (non-refundable) between 05/05/2026-31/05/2026
|
EUR 50 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025-15/11/2025
EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 20/11/2025-15/01/2026
EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 20/01/2026-30/04/2026
EUR 200 (non-refundable) between 05/05/2026-31/05/2026
|
| Entrance exam fee | ||
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
MA or MSc degree in social sciences, or related fields (as well as other university-level qualifications relevant to applicant’s research topics) and a successful admission interview.
Important Information for EU students
Language requirements
Minimum level of language proficiency (oral) (A1-C2): B2
Minimum level of language proficiency (written) (A1-C2): B2
Further comments:
Minimum B2 level or above (CEFR B2; IELTS: 6; TOEFL 72).
If the language of instruction during the applicant’s previous education was English, a university degree or high school diploma will suffice. Students are required to use the English language effectively for academic and professional purposes.
An additional Complex Intermediate State Examination or equivalent in a foreign language (non-Hungarian) is required to complete the programme. Native languages (other than English) may be accepted as a second foreign language. Knowledge of the native language may be demonstrated by a university degree or high school diploma.
Document | Comment |
Obligatory | |
Master-level degree | Obligatory |
Transcript of records | Obligatory |
CV | Obligatory |
Motivation letter | Obligatory |
Research work plan | Obligatory |
Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Obligatory |
Copy of application fee transfer | Obligatory |
Reference work | Obligatory. Length no more than 6000 words, an earlier work done by the applicant (e.g.: workshop work, shortened version of a thesis or published scientific paper) |
Language certificate | Obligatory |
Letter of Recommendation | Optional |
list of publications | Optional |
Statement by the supervisor, that they accept the role of supervisor/tutor until the end of the student's academic career | Optional |
Copy of awards in professional competitions | Optional |
The application starts at the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Students who (also) hold Hungarian citizenship must apply through https://doktorifelveteli.elte.hu/.
Entrance examination and selection process:
The application deadline refers to the final submission of the complete application package through the online system.
For the September intake, there are four application periods:
- Super Early Bird Period: 2025 October 1- 2025 November 15 (23:59 CET)
- Early Bird Period: 2025 November 20 – 2026 January 15 (23:59 CET)
- Regular Period: 2026 January 20 – 2026 April 30 (23:59 CET)
- Last Call Period: 2026 May 5 –2026 May 31 (23:59 CET)
These distinct periods allow applicants the flexibility to submit their applications at their convenience. All applicants within each period have an equal chance of gaining admission to the programme.
After each application deadline, the Admission Board reviews the applications. After the admission interview, applicants are informed of the selection outcome through the online application system within approximately one month. If the offer is accepted, admission letters are sent out through the online application system as soon as possible, as specified in the offer decision.
Based on the results, certain students may be placed on a waiting list. Final results are expected by the first half of August.
Type of entrance examination: Oral
Place of entrance examination: Online
Further details of the entrance exam:
Applicants need to submit their MA/MSc degree, transcript of records, CV, motivation letter, research plan, and reference work.
IF the degree meets the eligibility criteria, the following step is the oral interview via MS Teams. The recruiting committee will decide upon admission.
Further details of selection and evaluation
Applicants with a full application package will be asked to participate in an oral entrance exam. The institutional admission scores are based on a total evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam. The entrance exam seeks to assess the general and professional knowledge and interest of the applicant.
A successful oral entrance exam is the prerequisite of getting admitted. If the applicant fails the oral entrance exam, the application will be rejected.
In case of of the International Studies Phd Program:
Applicants are required to submit their MA/MSc degree certificate (or a student status certificate if their master’s level studies are still ongoing), transcript of records, curriculum vitae, motivation letter, research plan, and a reference work. All documents must be provided in English. If the degree certificate and transcript of records are not issued in English, verified copies of the originals must be accompanied by official English translations.
After a complete application package has been submitted, the program director and the academic secretary will review the research plans in advance, assessing their quality and relevance to the program. Only applicants whose proposals fall within the thematic scope of the program will be invited to an interview.
If the degree (or ongoing master’s studies) meets the eligibility criteria and the research proposal is considered relevant, the next step is an oral interview, which will be conducted online. Final admission decisions will be made by the recruitment committee.
Contacts
E-mail: doktori@tatk.elte.hu
TEL: +36-1-372-2500/6650
H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/a
International Office, Faculty of Social Sciences
TEL: +36-1-372-2500/6779
E-mail: international@tatk.elte.hu
Postal address:, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest, H-1117
More information
Website of the Doctoral School
Facebook page of the Faculty of Social Sciences
Brochure
Dr. Zsombor BÓDY
Head of the Doctoral School of Sociology, Professor
Students develop key skills including critical and strategic thinking, intercultural awareness, diplomacy, negotiation, and respectful debate. At the master’s level, students can specialize in Human Rights, Security Studies, or European Development and Foreign Policy, while doctoral students pursue independent research in their chosen fields.
Graduates go on to careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and EU institutions, or continue their academic studies. Studying in Budapest, a vibrant and international city, students become part of a diverse, supportive academic community at one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading universities.
Besides training in methodology, students acquire a solid knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of economics, and are introduced to other social sciences and business studies, as well. The general character of the program is that it offers graduates high flexibility in their future career decisions. The program enables students to further their studies in several directions at the master’s level, including economics, business, sociology, and international relations, or to apply their broad-based knowledge in the areas of government, business, politics, or media.
Students develop key skills including critical and strategic thinking, intercultural awareness, diplomacy, negotiation, and respectful debate. At the master’s level, students can specialize in Human Rights, Security Studies, or European Development and Foreign Policy, while doctoral students pursue independent research in their chosen fields.
Graduates go on to careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and EU institutions, or continue their academic studies. Studying in Budapest, a vibrant and international city, students become part of a diverse, supportive academic community at one of Central and Eastern Europe’s leading universities.
Besides training in methodology, students acquire a solid knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of economics, and are introduced to other social sciences and business studies, as well. The general character of the program is that it offers graduates high flexibility in their future career decisions. The program enables students to further their studies in several directions at the master’s level, including economics, business, sociology, and international relations, or to apply their broad-based knowledge in the areas of government, business, politics, or media.
Post Graduate (PhD) Programme of Sociology
Discipline: Social Sciences
Structure - Sociology
Structure - Interdisciplinary social research
Post Graduate (PhD) Programme of Sociology
Discipline: International Studies
Structure - International Studies