Doctoral Research Topics

The PhD topics offered in the 2026 admissions round are listed below. They are provided for informational purposes and offer an overview of the research areas at FTMC, as well as the topics that were offered to candidates during the previous admissions round.

Steps for Admission to Doctoral Studies

Admission to PhD studies takes place in several stages. Although specific deadlines and certain procedures may change from year to year, the overall admission process remains broadly similar. Familiarising yourself with the process in advance will help you prepare more effectively for future admissions.

1. Selection of a Research Topic

The candidate selects one PhD topic from the published list of topics.

If you already have a research idea or would like to discuss potential PhD topics, please contact us at admissions@ftmc.lt.

2. Obtaining a Supervisor’s Recommendation

Candidates are invited to contact the prospective supervisor of their chosen PhD topic and complete the candidate application form, which is usually provided together with the list of PhD topics.

The application form typically asks candidates to describe their motivation for pursuing PhD studies, academic and research experience, and interest in the chosen topic.

The prospective supervisor reviews the submitted information and may invite the candidate for an interview. During the interview, the candidate’s preparation, motivation and ability to conduct research on the chosen topic are discussed.

Following the interview, the prospective supervisor submits a recommendation to the FTMC PhD Admissions Committee.

3. Payment of the Application Fee

Applicants to PhD studies are required to pay an application fee.

Information on the fee amount, payment procedure and deadlines is published together with the admissions information for each year.

Proof of payment is usually required to be submitted together with the other admission documents.

4. Submission of Documents

Applicants to PhD studies submit their documents through the FTMC PhD Admissions System.

Document submission usually takes place during the spring and early summer.

Required documents

• Application to participate in the competition (completed in the system);
• Candidate application form (completed in the system);
• Copy of the Master’s degree diploma and its supplement;
• Curriculum vitae (CV);
• Copy of an identity document;
• Two recommendations from researchers in the relevant field (one of them must be from the prospective supervisor);
• List of scientific works and publications (if applicable);
• Proof of payment of the application fee;
• Other documents specified during the admissions process.

Important: If all required documents are not submitted, the application may not be considered.

If the qualification was obtained abroad, it may need to be recognised in Lithuania. More information is available from the Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC): www.skvc.lt.

5. Motivation Interview

All candidates who have submitted the required documents are invited to a motivational interview with the FTMC PhD Admissions Committee.

• The interview may take place in person or remotely;
• Information about the interview time and format is provided by email;
• During the interview, the candidate’s motivation, preparedness for PhD studies and research potential are assessed.

The interview is an important part of the admissions process, allowing the committee to gain a better understanding of the candidate’s research interests, experience and planned research.

6. Competitive Score

Admission to PhD studies is conducted through a competitive selection process.

Candidates are generally assessed based on:

• academic performance;
• results of the motivational interview;
• research experience and publications;
• other assessment criteria specified during the admissions process.

The procedure for calculating the admission score and the assessment criteria are published each year together with the admissions information.

7. Signing the Study Agreement

Candidates who receive an offer of admission to PhD studies must sign a PhD study agreement within the specified period.

Information on the deadline, procedure and required documents for signing the agreement is provided together with the competition results.

8. Preparation for the Start of Studies

Admitted PhD students are informed about the start of their studies, the organisation of studies, the integration week and other important information related to their PhD studies.

Start your research journey at FTMC

Have a research idea? You don’t have to wait for the next admissions round to be announced. If you are already considering PhD studies and would like to discuss your research idea or potential research directions, please contact us at admissions@ftmc.lt.