Rigorosum · field of study: Philosophy · information in English

PhDr. rigorosum, fully online, any time of year.

The PhDr. (rigorosum, a post-master's doctoral-level title used in Slovakia and Czechia) is awarded by the University of Technology and Economics in Prešov. The procedure is conducted in Slovak or Czech. This page is for information only; applications are made on the Slovak or Czech page.

Open the Slovak page Open the Czech page

AI transparency: the preliminary field check and draft reviews are prepared with AI as supporting material. Every decision is made by the guarantor, the rector or the board.

Who Process Fees Subjects Online exam FAQ Contact

Who can apply

Holders of a master's degree (Mgr. or equivalent) in philosophy or a related field. The programme guarantor assesses whether the field is related.

teachers of ethics, civics and social sciences
public administration
PR, communication and protocol
management and HR
helping professions

Not sure your field is related? A free preliminary check of your field and topic runs before any payment.

The procedure, thesis and exam are in Slovak or Czech. Graduates of VŠTE do not submit master's documents.

The procedure in 8 steps

Day 0

E-application

Online form, documents as PDF, declaration. Free preliminary field check.

Fee €150

within 30 days

Guarantor's opinion and rector's decision

The guarantor assesses the field and topic; the rector decides on admission. Decision delivered electronically.

after decision

Start of the procedure

Paying the second fee starts the procedure: course access, theses and the AI consultant.

Fee €650

6–12 months

Writing the thesis

Six milestones with AI feedback. A supervisor on request at no extra cost.

your pace

Thesis submission

PDF with originality and AI-use declarations. Formal and originality checks (CRZP).

5–8 weeks

Reviews and date

Reviewer reports at least 7 days before the exam. You choose from three dates.

exam day

Online defence and oral exam

Video conference, identity verification, public session. Defence plus oral exam in two subjects.

after exam

Degree confirmation and diploma

Confirmation on exam day. Diploma in person or by registered mail.

Fee €150

Fees

One published price list, paid in three steps as the procedure progresses, by bank transfer with a QR code. The university is not a VAT payer.

Step	Applicants from SK and CZ	Other applicants
1 · Application	€150	€200
2 · Examination (start of procedure)	€650	€700
3 · Diploma	€150	€200
Total	€950	€1,100

Change of exam date at the applicant's request: €200.

Paid fees are non-refundable, including in case of failure or withdrawal (Directive 1/2019 on the rigorosum, art. 10).

Included

AI consultant and practice discussion of theses
supervisor on request, no extra cost
reviewer reports and examination board
online defence and exam
degree confirmation and diploma

Not included

registered-mail postage for the diploma (actual cost)

How to pay

Bank transfer to the VŠTE account with a variable symbol; the application shows a QR code. The study office confirms the payment and the system moves you on. Card payment is being prepared.

Subjects

The oral exam has one compulsory and one elective subject. The guarantor proposes the elective according to your thesis topic.

Compulsory subject

Theory and History of Ethics

Elective subject (one, by topic)

History of philosophyEthicsAestheticsPolitical and social philosophyOntology and epistemologyPhilosophy of scienceApplied ethicsLogic and methodology… 17 electives in total

Topics follow the approved theses (approved by the guarantor on 6 Oct 2026). The full list is in the e-application and in the course.

The online exam

Technology

A technical check the day before. You need a computer with camera and microphone and a stable connection.

Identity verification

You show an ID document to the camera before the exam starts. Recording starts after verification.

Public session

The defence and oral exam are public; guests join via a link, without microphone. The board's deliberation is private and not recorded.

Sequence: thesis presentation (15 min) → reviews and replies → board questions → oral exam in two subjects (drawn theses, 15 min preparation) → announcement. About 90 minutes in total.

Frequently asked questions

Can I write and defend in Czech?

Yes. The thesis and exam may be in Czech, with a Slovak summary of at least 10 %.

Can I do the procedure in English?

Not at the moment. The procedure, thesis and exam are in Slovak or Czech.

Is the PhDr. recognised abroad?

It is a degree awarded by an accredited Slovak university in the EU. Recognition for professional purposes depends on the country and employer; check with them before applying.

What does the AI consultant do?

Feedback on six thesis milestones and practice discussions. It does not write or grade the thesis; reviewers and the board never see its output.

How long does it take?

Usually 6 to 12 months. The submission deadline is 12 months from the start and may be extended on request.

What if I fail?

You may repeat the failed part after at least one month, at most twice. Fees are not refunded.

When can I apply?

Any time of year. Exam dates are individual.

Contact

VŠTE study office

studijne@vste.sk · +421 904 183 805

applications, documents, payments

EUVERSA technical support

podpora@euversa.com

course access, video conferencing, technical check

Ready to apply?

Applications are made on the Slovak or Czech page. The application takes about 20 minutes.

Open the Slovak page