Pre-doctoral student is not a doctoral student  

Pursuant to the new regulations in the Circular No. 08/2017/TT-BGDDT and the Decision No. 1695/QD-DHH, doctoral programs open to holders of a master's degree or a bachelor’s degree with distinction, and an article or a report related to the intended field of study published in a scientific journal, or a scientific conference proceedings with a review within 3 years (36 months) up to the date of the application. Furthermore, the new regulation focuses on foreign language proficiency with high requirements on the entrance of doctoral candidates.

In order to be selected for a pre-doctoral program, applicants are expected to submit a bachelor's degree (with the right and relevant field) with distinction or a master's degree (with the right and relevant field). A diploma issued by a foreign training institution must be appraised by the Department of Quality Management, the Ministry of Education and Training. Moreover, applicants must have at least one supervisor who has a doctorate degree (with at least 36 months of conducting scientific research or teaching) and guides them during the pre-doctoral training.

Pre-doctoral enrolment and training  

In order to be recognized as a doctoral candidate, candidates have to meet requirements of the admission committee consisting of 3 members. For a period less than 24 months, candidates will be allowed to participate in pre-doctoral training programs and methods of scientific research, do scientific research and publish scientific articles related to the research thesis. This period is not included in the official time of doctoral program. It is the time for learners to complete and supplement the missing admission requirements for doctoral candidates.

Reported: AH / Translated: Department of Science, Technology and International Relations Hue University