Info session: Preparing for the final phase of your doctorate

Are you starting the final year of your PhD and aiming to defend your doctoral thesis within the next 6 to 12 months? This information session is designed to help you navigate the final phase of your doctoral journey with confidence.

During the session, we will provide an overview of the key milestones, deadlines and procedures that are involved in completing your doctorate at UHasselt. You will learn how to check whether you meet the doctoral school (DS) requirements, how to prepare and submit your DS-portfolio for approval, and what steps follow once your portfolio has been approved. We will also explain the administrative and procedural aspects of the final phase, including the preparation of your thesis, the composition of the doctoral jury and the defence procedure.

Special attention will be paid to common pitfalls, realistic timelines and practical recommendations to help you avoid delays and plan your final year effectively. The session concludes with ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss your individual situation.

The session will be facilitated by dr. Stefanie Kerkhofs and dr. Kirsten Braem, who support researchers in matters related to doctoral administration, DS requirements and the final phase of the doctoral trajectory.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this session, participants...

• understand the main milestones in the final phase of your doctorate
• know how to prepare your DS-portfolio for approval
• be aware of important deadlines and timelines
• understand the main administrative steps towards thesis submission and defence
• know where to find additional information and support

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current session, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

For whom?

• PhD researchers who are entering the final year of their doctorate or who intend to submit and defend their doctoral thesis within the next 12 months.

When?

• The session will take place on 25 January 2027 - 11:00-12:30.

Where?

• The session will take place online.

Registration?

• Register here as from 19 October 2027 until 05 January 2027.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cfr. cancellation & no-show policy).