PhD Studies
Department of Algebra welcomes PhD students interested in doing research in the fields covered by our doctoral program P4M1 Algebra, number theory and mathematical logic.
The core of the study is an individual study plan focused on joint research with your advisor. Therefore, choosing both the advisor and the research topic in advance is essential. Feel free to contact any of our staff members to inquire about available options. The list of research topics covered by our department can be found in section Research. You will find the contact details and fields of interest of each of our staff members in section People.
We offer several fully funded positions every year. The funding consists of two parts:
- The base scholarship: For the 4-year duration of their studies, all PhD students receive a country-guaranteed stipend of net 11,000 CZK/month, which increases to net 12,500 CZK/month in the second year, and finally to net 14,500 CZK/month after passing the state doctoral exam (usually during the second year of their studies).
- The department supplement: Additionally, the Department of Algebra offers stipends to active PhD students. The amount depends on available grant funding. In recent years, all active PhD students received at least 25,000 CZK/month (about 1000 EUR), including the base scholarship. In case of increased demand or decreased funding, a competition for the supplement might take place. The official rules are described in the following document.
All information about the admission procedures can be found on the faculty website. In particular, the format of the entrance exam (and conditions for
its waiver) are described here.
If you are applying for a given topic, the exam will verify that you have the background the advisor expects. The advisor is typically one of the members of the exam committee. Therefore, you ought to discuss the detailed requirements with them.
If you are applying for the program but not for any specific topic, and you do not have a potential advisor, the exam will try to determine which of our research areas attract you and whether you have the necessary background (the level is approximately MSc. final exams).
To become our student, we generally recommend to follow this procedure:
- During February or March, contact potential advisors.
- During March or April, select your advisor and agree upon a joint research topic.
- Submit your application in due time, following the official instructions.
You can also have an external advisor, usually at the Academy of Sciences. In such a case you should contact the head of the department regarding the scholarship etc.
Important notice: Some advisors may use a different pre-selection procedure with earlier deadlines; e.g., see here for the Number Theory group.
To finish the study, you have to pass the state doctoral exam and defend your thesis. The expected length of the studies is 4 years (the maximum is 8 years).
PhD students can take advantage of subsidized meals, discounted public transport, the possibility of staying in student dormitories, and a free "Czech as foreign language" course. The national health insurance scheme covers our doctoral students. There are no tuition fees or any other fees that would apply to PhD students. The price level in Prague can be estimated at Numbeo. The amount of net 25000 CZK/month is sufficient for a comfortable student life in Prague.
Inquiries about our doctoral program are welcome. For further information, please contact the head of the department David Stanovský, or the coordinator of the program Jan Krajíček.
