Duration
Duration
The duration of PhD studies is regulated by Royal Decree 99/2011, which regulates official doctoral programmes.
This regulation was amended in July 2023, providing for two possible situations regarding the duration of studies, depending on the academic year in which the student first enrolled.
Although there is no actual difference in the total time available to complete the thesis, there is a difference in how extension requests are handled, so it is important to understand the doctoral student's situation.
Enrolled in 24-25 or later
- Full-time: 4 years
- Part-time: 7 years
- In any case: 1 extra extension of 1 year
Enrolled in 23-24 or earlier
- Full-time: 3 years + a first extension of 1 year + a second extension of 1 year
- Part-time: 5 years + a first extension of 2 years + a second extension of 1 year
