Assessing equivalent knowledge for general eligibility for doctoral education
To qualify for selection as a doctoral student, each applicant must meet the entry requirements for doctoral education at KI. An applicant whose academic background does not attain the necessary level may ask KI to judge whether his/her credit or experience amounts to the equivalent knowledge.
A person meets the general entry requirements for doctoral education if he or she:
- has been awarded a degree at the advanced (second-cycle) level,
- has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the advanced level, or
- has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
About assessment of equivalent knowledge
Those who are likely to fall short of the general entry requirements as per point 1 or 2 above but possess alternative research credit/experience (see below) can apply for an assessment of equivalent knowledge.
A form is completed and uploaded together with all other required documentation when applying for a doctoral position.
Please note that an assessment of equivalent knowledge is only made if the required form has been uploaded. Only those credit/experience specified in the form, and attested according to the list below, will be considered.
Please note that no assessments or notifications are made in any other way than within the present routine. Applicants themselves must decide the relevance of their credit/experience from the information below.
Relevant credit/experience in the judgement of equivalent knowledge
Relevant credit/experience is limited to research-preparatory activity or other research experience (see below). The amount of experience required depends on how much is lacking in order to attain eligibility. When completing their forms, applicants must therefore make sure to also state the duration and scope of all relevant experience.
| Credit/Experience | Attested by |
|---|---|
| Authorship of a scientific paper published by a journal included in PubMed | Link to PubMed |
| Authorship of a scientific paper accepted by a journal included in PubMed | Confirmation from the journal that the paper has been accepted (must show author list) |
| Authorship of a scientific paper submitted to a journal included in PubMed | Confirmation from the journal that the paper has been submitted (must show author list) |
| Lead authorship of a non-submitted scientific paper | Print out of manuscript with attestation of the author list by the supervisor (or similar) |
| Presented research results as lead author | Published conference abstract or other documentation (e.g. conference programme) showing the author list |
| Activity at a higher education institution that includes research-related responsibilities - e.g. study design, method development, data collection, experimentation, grant applications, ethical permit applications, presentation of results | Attestation signed by someone with reasonable insight |
| (NB: Data collection per se is not sufficient as it can also be part of the regular duties of a doctor, nurse, etc.) | |
| Other activities of relevance - e.g. participation in journal clubs and scientific seminars | Attestation signed by someone with reasonable insight |
| Work outside academia that is similar in nature to research - e.g. investigations, surveys or any other activity that necessarily involves analytical duties | Attestation from employer or a written report or the like showing the name(s) of the author(s) |
| Swedish licence to practice can be of advantage to people with an overseas education/training as a registered professional (e.g. doctor) | Proof of Swedish licence from the National Board of Health and Welfare |
| As a complement to other credit/experience, an attestation of suitability from the KI department where the doctoral position is available can affect the equivalent proficiency judgement. Such attestation can come from the prospective supervisor, director of studies, head of department or other person in such a position of authority |
Examples of credit/experience that is not relevant:
- Work experience that is not research preparatory, research-related or research-like
- Regular work as a laboratory assistant, doctor, nurse or similar
- Credit/experience/knowledge that cannot be attested
Note that such equivalent knowledge judgements are only made for general eligibility, not specific eligibility (English skills).