Doctoral education in Europe: Strong institutionalisation and evolving practices (EUA-CDE survey)

Doctoral education in Europe has transformed over the past two decades, demonstrating an increase in institutionalisation and marked progress in key practices, according to a report released by the European University Association Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE) on 06/06/2025.

The "2025 EUA-CDE Doctoral Education Survey" indicates that these developments align strongly with the aspirations of the 2005 Salzburg Principles, fostering a more supportive and responsive environment for early-career researchers.

As "doctoral education is at the heart of research, innovation and academic excellence in Europe", the EUA presents this report, based on a comprehensive survey of European universities, to assess the progress and current situation.

2025 is the 20^th anniversary of the Salzburg Principles, "a key milestone in the transformation of doctoral education in Europe. Adopted in 2005 as part of the Bologna Process, these principles laid the foundations for a shared vision of structured doctoral education, focused on supporting an increased number of doctoral candidates as they prepare…