Algeria’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has issued new directives concerning the eligibility requirements for doctoral thesis defenses. The updated regulations, aimed at standardizing and improving the PhD process, stipulate a minimum training period before a student can defend their dissertation.
The ministerial instruction, addressed to the heads of regional university conferences and directors of higher education institutions, mandates that PhD candidates must complete a minimum of thirty-six (36) months of training from the date of their initial registration before submitting their thesis for defense. This requirement is outlined in Executive Decree No. 22-208, dated June 5, 2022, which pertains to the system of studies and training for obtaining higher education degrees.
The directive emphasizes that this decision was reached after consultations with various stakeholders within the university community. It aims to streamline the process of re-registering regular doctoral students for the 2025/2026 academic year and submitting their dissertation defense files. Universities are instructed to make the necessary administrative arrangements to facilitate the re-registration process in accordance with established procedures.
Specifically, the Ministry’s instructions direct university administrators to ensure that students complete the full 36 months of required training. Article 60 of Executive Decree No. 22-208 explicitly states that “a doctoral thesis cannot be defended until after the end of the third year of registration,” effectively setting the 36-month minimum from the initial registration date.
While students must complete the full training period before defending, the new directive allows for some flexibility. Students can submit their thesis documents to the relevant administrative departments for review and evaluation by scientific bodies before the 36-month period concludes. This allows for preparatory work to be carried out, potentially speeding up the defense process once the minimum training requirement is met.
The Ministry of Higher Education has urged university directors to rigorously enforce these new regulations, ensuring strict adherence to legally established procedures and deadlines. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality and standards of doctoral programs in Algeria. The stricter guidelines around thesis defense eligibility are expected to ensure that PhD candidates have sufficient time to develop their research and contribute meaningfully to their respective fields. These changes reflect a commitment to academic excellence and a dedication to producing highly qualified graduates ready to contribute to the Algerian economy and society. The new regulations impact all PhD students in Algerian universities and will be closely monitored for compliance.
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