Application for a Doctoral Degree

Tutorial: How to apply (pre-registration)

In this tutorial, we explain, step by step, how to apply (including screenshots of the GAUR online platform: Tutorial for pre-registration for a PhD programm (pdf, 1.41 Mb)

Requirements

List of degrees giving access to the PhD: Academic qualifications accepted as entry requirements for a PhD programme (pdf).

Steps to apply (pre-registration)

• Step 1: Access the GAUR application via this link (choose "Programas de Doctorado verificados mediante el RD 99/2011".
• Step 2: Complete the information about your studies
• Step 3: Choose a PhD programme (you may only apply for one programme)
• Step 4: Upload the documents (prepare all documentation before accessing the platform)
• Step 5: Click on ‘Confirm’
• Step 6: Download the proof of registration.

Clarifications

• If you have problems uploading documents: For pre-registration to be valid, applicants to the Programme must upload the required documentation online. In the event of any problems with the application, this documentation may be sent directly to the person listed as the administrative contact on the PhD Programme’s website.​​​​
• If you do not yet hold the required qualification: Those who, whilst meeting the entry requirements set out in the EHU Regulations on the Management of Official Doctoral Programmes of 23 December 2025, are not yet in a position to apply for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, may pre-register and be admitted on condition that they hold such a degree at the time of enrolment.

CONTACT

GENERAL DOCUMENTATION (compulsory):

• Identity document: National ID card (DNI), residence card for foreign nationals (NIE) or passport (obligatory, except for UPV/EHU students).
• CV (Curriculum vitae).
• Photocopies of the qualifications providing access to the doctoral programme or receipts showing they have been applied for.
• "SET" or certificate of accreditation at SFQHE level 3 (Spanish Framework of Qualifications for Higher Education).
• Photocopies of the academic certificates pertaining to all previous university official qualifications, indicating the marks and dates of all subjects taken.

FURTHER DOCUMENTATION (required only in specific cases):

1. REQUIREMENTS OF DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES

• Specific requirements of the programme: Documentation accrediting compliance with the specific requirements for access to the doctoral programme.
• ​​​​Merits required by the programme: Documentation accrediting merits, if applicable. 
• Endorsement of future supervisor: Certain doctoral programs require the formal endorsement of a faculty member affiliated with the program, who may serve as the prospective supervisor of the doctoral thesis. With this endorsement, that person confirms in writing his or her interest in supervising the thesis of the person who has pre-registered.
  • Academic endorsement (document to be fulfilled, signed and submitted)
  • To find a lecturer who can supervise your dissertation, please check the “Faculty” section of the website for the programme you wish to pre-register for.

2. DISABILITY

• Documents attesting to a degree of disability equal to or over 33% (obligatory for all candidates who wish to be admitted within the quota established for people with disabilities).

3. FOREIGN DEGREES

A. In the case of degree qualifications issued by a university in an EHEA country (European Higher Education Area). 

• Sworn translation of documents accrediting official university entrance qualifications that are not written in Spanish, Basque or English (certificates and degrees).
• DS or certificate of accreditation of level EQF 7 of the European Qualifications Framework. In the event that the certificate provided does not state that this qualification qualifies for access to doctoral studies, it must be accredited in one of the following two ways:
  • By submitting a certificate issued by their university of origin stating that the degree they have earned qualifies them to pursue doctoral studies in that country.
  • By submitting a statement of justification, written and signed by the candidate, providing information sources (websites, etc.) that accredit this fact, along with an affidavit stating that the documents submitted are authentic.

B. If the degree qualification has been issued by a university outside the EHEA (European Higher Education Area), in addition to the previous documents, candidates must also ensure that:

• Their official university degree certificate has been legalised/apostilled.
• Their academic transcript includes the number of hours dedicated to each subject.
• Certificate accrediting that the qualification qualifies for access to doctoral studies, it must be accredited in one of the following two ways:  
  • By submitting a certificate issuedby their university of origin stating that the degree they have earned qualifies them to pursue doctoral studies in that country.
  • By submitting a statement of justification, written and signed by the candidate, providing information sources (websites, etc.) that accredit this fact, along with an affidavit stating that the documents submitted are authentic.
• Candidates must also submit written authorisation for pursuing doctoral studies at the UPV/EHU, issued by the UPV/EHU Postgraduate Commission. This authorisation is independent of the doctoral programme admissions process.