The formal doctoral program facilitates the acquisition of the knowledge and scientific research practice needed for obtaining the doctoral degree (PhD).

During the doctoral program, PhD students

- participate in formal academic training,
- conduct individual academic research work.

During formal training, the first two years consist of the subjects (Educational phase), while in the last two years of the program, PhD students can write their dissertations (Research phase).

During the academic research work, PhD students conducts individual literature review and research work, with the help of their supervisor.

During the period of the formal doctoral program (4 academic years), students have to accomplish a workload of 8 semesters (240 credit points).

PhD students participating in the formal training have a legal relationship with the university during the training period. This status is terminated on receiving the final pre-degree certificate.

The form of education can be:
- full-time, state-financed,
- full-time, full fee-paying,
- correspondent (part-time), full fee-paying.

The full-time form of education means that PhD students are employed at the university, so they cannot have another full-time job (only part-time). PhD students participate in educational (holding seminars) and research work and the organization of conferences etc. at the university.

The quota of state-financed students is 2-3, the quota for full fee-paying students about 20.