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Doctoral School
home link Admission for the academic year 2026/2027

Admission for the academic year 2026/2027

Admissions Paths to the Doctoral School

  1. The main path is in the form of an open, international competition. Full details below.
  2. Admission for places financed by grants – information about open calls.
  3. Admission for the Implementation Doctorate programme

International competition – main admission for the Doctoral School

Admission to the Doctoral School for the academic year 2026/2027 is conducted through an open international competition. The competition is divided into five areas:

  • Humanities and Theology,
  • The Arts,
  • Exact Sciences, Engineering and Technology,
  • Natural Sciences,
  • Social Sciences.

The competition is conducted by an admission committee appointed by the Rector.
The legal basis for the procedure is Resolution No. 182 of the Senate of the University of Silesia in Katowice of November 18, 2025, on the rules and procedure for recruitment to the Doctoral School at the University of Silesia in Katowice for the academic year 2026/2027. The information below provides a selection of the most important recruitment conditions and details regarding the executive decisions of the aforementioned resolution.

Link to the resolution:

https://aktyprawne.us.edu.pl/d/8662/5/ (anonymous login).

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Recruitment areas and scientific disciplines - place limits Recruitment areas and scientific disciplines - place limits

Humanities and Theology (17):

  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Literary Studies
  • Culture and Religion Studies
  • Arts Studies
  • Theology
  • Polish Studies

The Arts (3):

  • Film and Theatre
  • Music
  • Fine Arts and Art Conservation

Exact Sciences, Engineering and Technology:

  • Computer Science (2)
  • Biomedical Engineering (1)
  • Materials Science and Engineering (2)
  • Mathematics (2)
  • Chemical Sciences (3)
  • Physical Sciences (4)

Natural Sciences (10):

  • Biological Sciences
  • Earth and Related Environmental Sciences

Social Sciences (22):

  • Social and Economic Geography and Spatial Management
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Political Science and Public Administration
  • Law
  • Sociology
  • Education
  • Psychology

Enrollment limits are provided in brackets next to the research areas, and in the case of Exact and Natural Sciences and Engineering and Technology, next to the specific disciplines.

Admission schedule Admission schedule

Detailed schedule of activities in the admissions process for the Doctoral School at the University of Silesia in Katowice for the 2026/2027 academic year

June 1, 2026, 12:00 pm

Registration opens in the IT system

June 1, 2026

Date of publication of the list of admissions committee members (subsequent changes are permitted if a committee member needs to be changed or added)

June 12, 2026, 12:00 PM 3:00 pm

Closing of the admission process in the IT system and submission of all documents, excluding diploma – see July 13.

June 15-22, 2026

Formal evaluation of submitted applications

June 23-29, 2026

Substantial evaluation of submitted applications

July 1, 2026, 3:00 pm

Announcement of the results of the first stage of admission and interview schedule

July 3-10, 2026

Interviews with candidates (the number of days depends on the number of candidates in a given area; the interview dates and dates are determined by the selection committee)

July 13, 2026, 12:00 pm

Deadline for submitting the diploma or declaration of delivery of the diploma to the IT system (including the delivery date, no later than September 10, 2026)

July 14, 2026, 3:00 pm

Notification of admission results to candidates

July 15–17, 2026, Wed. 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 1:30 pm–3:00 pm; Thu. 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 1:30 pm–3:00 pm; Fri. 9:30 am–12:00 pm

Registration of candidates qualified for admission; notification of candidates on the reserve list

July 21, 2026, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 1:30 pm–3:00 pm

Registration of candidates qualified from the reserve list

September 10, 2026, by 12:00 pm

Deadline for submitting a diploma of completion in the IT system for those who have submitted a declaration of completion of a diploma (item 8)

September 11, 2026, by 3:00 pm

Information of candidates from the reserve list about their qualifications

September 14-15, 2026, Mon. 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, Tue. 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Registration of candidates from the reserve list, referred to in point 12, and candidates who submitted their diplomas after July 14, 2025

September 18, 2026, 12:00 pm

Announcement of the list of candidates admitted to the Doctoral School

Admissions criteria Admissions criteria

Admission criteria vary depending on the admission area, and in the cases of Exact Sciences, Engineering and Technology, they are separate for each discipline.

The primary admission process consists of two stages: the first stage involves an evaluation of the merit-based documents, and the second stage is an interview.

1. Common criteria for:

  • Humanities and Theology,
  • Natural Sciences,
  • Social Sciences.

Recruitment rules for the areas of Humanities and Theology Natural Sciences Social Sciences The Arts                                                                                                                                                                                                         2.

2. Criteria for The Arts (note: see paragraph 5 of the document)

Recruitment rules for the areas of Humanities and Theology Natural Sciences Social Sciences The Arts

3. Criteria for Exact and Natural Sciences and Engineering and Technology:

Topics in the area of ​​exact sciences and engineering a(...) Topics in the area of ​​exact sciences and engineering and technology

List of project topics for which candidates can apply in the fields of science and engineering, including:

• computer science
• biomedical engineering
• materials science
• mathematics
• chemical sciences
• physical sciences

Link to topics: https://us.edu.pl/szkola-doktorska/rekrutacja-na-rok-akademicki-2026-2027/topics
In other disciplines, recruitment is based on topics and projects proposed by candidates.

Admission Committee Admission Committee

The Doctoral School Recruitment Committee is composed of:

Function Person
Chair of the Committee, Dean of the Doctoral School Prof. Alina Świeściak-Fast
Vice-Dean of the Doctoral School Prof. Michał Baczyński
Vice-Dean for Research and International Cooperation of the Faculty of Science and Technology Mirosław Chorążewski, Associate Professor
Chair of the Recruitment Committee for the Humanities, Theology, and Arts Area Piotr Machura, Associate Professor
Chair of the Recruitment Committee for the Natural Sciences Area Marek Ruman, Associate Professor
Chair of the Recruitment Committee for the Social Sciences Area Olga Sitarz, Associate Professor
Chair of the Recruitment Committee for the Arts Area Joanna Wowrzeczka, Associate Professor
Doctoral Student Representative Monika Lisiecka, MA
Secretary Ryszard Knapek, PhD

Humanities and Theology 

Discipline Examiner Participation in the Recruitment Process
Committee Chair Piotr Machura, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Philosophy Prof. Gabriela Besler Research plan project evaluation only
Philosophy Tomasz Kubalica, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Philosophy Prof. Krzysztof Wieczorek Entire recruitment process
History Prof. Maciej Fic Research plan project evaluation only
History Prof. Dariusz Rolnik Entire recruitment process
History Prof. Dariusz Nawrot Entire recruitment process
Linguistics Jarosław Pacuła, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Linguistics Katarzyna Wyrwas, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Linguistics Krystyna Warchał, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Literary Studies Robert Rduch, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Literary Studies Anna Szawerna-Dyrszka, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Literary Studies Małgorzata Poks Entire recruitment process
Polish Studies Monika Ładoń, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Polish Studies Filip Mazurkiewicz, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Polish Studies Piotr Bogalecki, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Cultural and Religious Studies Małgorzata Rygielska, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Cultural and Religious Studies Ewa Dąbek-Derda, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Cultural and Religious Studies Anna Drożdż, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Theological Sciences Rev. Prof. Antoni Bartoszek Research plan project evaluation only
Theological Sciences Rev. Arkadiusz Wuwer, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Theological Sciences Rev. Prof. Artur Malina Entire recruitment process
Arts Studies Ryszard Solik, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Arts Studies Aleksandra Giełdoń-Paszek, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Arts Studies Prof. Irma Kozina Entire recruitment process
Doctoral Student Tomasz Janocha, MA Interviews
Committee Secretary Diana Pasek, MA

The Arts

Discipline Examiner Participation in the Recruitment Process
Committee Chair Joanna Wowrzeczka, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Film and Theatre Arts Paweł Chorzępa, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Film and Theatre Arts Krystyna Doktorowicz, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Film and Theatre Arts Prof. Jerzy Łukaszewicz Entire recruitment process
Fine Arts and Conservation of Works of Art Stefan Lechwar, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Fine Arts and Conservation of Works of Art Katarzyna Kroczek-Wasińska, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Fine Arts and Conservation of Works of Art Tomasz Kipka, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Musical Arts Prof. Krzysztof Gawlas Entire recruitment process
Musical Arts Prof. Izabella Zielecka-Panek Entire recruitment process
Musical Arts Prof. Joanna Glenc Entire recruitment process
Doctoral Student Sławomir Szczurek, MA Interviews
Committee Secretary Katarzyna Gołaszewska, MA

Natural Sciences 

Discipline Examiner Participation in the Recruitment Process
Committee Chair Marek Ruman, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Earth and Environmental Sciences Sławomir Kędzior, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Earth and Environmental Sciences Danuta Smołka-Danielowska, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Earth and Environmental Sciences Prof. Leszek Marynowski Research plan project evaluation only
Biological Sciences Damian Gruszka, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Biological Sciences Izabela Poprawa, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Biological Sciences Agnieszka Kompała-Bąba, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Doctoral Student Natalia Łatacz, MA Interviews
Committee Secretary Agnieszka Szewczyk, MA

Social Sciences 

Discipline Examiner Participation in the Recruitment Process
Committee Chair Olga Sitarz, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Legal Sciences Magdalena Habdas, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Legal Sciences Prof. Piotr Pionior Entire recruitment process
Legal Sciences Katarzyna Pokryszka, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Communication and Media Studies Katarzyna Brzoza-Kolorz, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Communication and Media Studies Damian Guzek, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Communication and Media Studies Dagmara Głuszek-Szafraniec, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Political Science and Public Administration Prof. Miron Lakomy Entire recruitment process
Political Science and Public Administration Sebastian Kubas, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Political Science and Public Administration Agnieszka Turska-Kawa, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Sociological Sciences Rafał Muster, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Sociological Sciences Sabina Pawlas, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Sociological Sciences Grzegorz Gawron, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Pedagogy Prof. Ewa Ogrodzka-Mazur Research plan project evaluation only
Pedagogy Violetta Rodek, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Pedagogy Marcin Gierczyk, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Psychology Elżbieta Turska, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Psychology Prof. Irena Pilch Entire recruitment process
Psychology Michalina Ilska, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management Valentin Mihaylov, Associate Professor Research plan project evaluation only
Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management Adam Hibszer, Associate Professor Entire recruitment process
Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management Prof. Justyna Chodkowska-Miszczuk Entire recruitment process
Doctoral Student Klaudia Nowak, MA Interviews
Committee Secretary Agnieszka Filipowska, MA

Exact Sciences and Engineering & Technology 

Recruitment Committee for the Discipline of Computer Science

Function Person
Chair Prof. Mirosław Chorążewski
Representative of the Doctoral School Dominika Dąbrowska, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Beata Zielosko, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Prof. Piotr Porwik
Discipline Representative Krzysztof Gdawiec, Associate Professor
Doctoral Student Dawid Drabek, MA
Secretary Agata Krawczyk-Kalitowska, MA
Topic Author Prof. Urszula Boryczka
Topic Author Agnieszka Nowak-Brzezińska, Associate Professor
Topic Author Bartłomiej Płaczek, Associate Professor
Topic Author Małgorzata Przybyła-Kasperek, Associate Professor
Topic Author Rafał Doroz, Associate Professor

Recruitment Committee for the Discipline of Biomedical Engineering

Function Person
Chair Andrzej Swinarew, Associate Professor
Representative of the Doctoral School Małgorzata Adamczyk-Habrajska, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Prof. Dorota Tarnawska
Discipline Representative Michał Mierzwa, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Prof. Zygmunt Wróbel
Doctoral Student Aleksandra Mrowiec, MA
Secretary Małgorzata Kasprzyk, MA
Topic Author Prof. Robert Koprowski
Topic Author Sebastian Stach, Associate Professor

Recruitment Committee for the Discipline of Materials Engineering

Function Person
Chair Maciej Zubko, Associate Professor
Representative of the Doctoral School Małgorzata Adamczyk-Habrajska
Discipline Representative Bożena Łosiewicz
Discipline Representative Krzysztof Aniołek
Discipline Representative Jacek Krawczyk, Associate Professor
Doctoral Student Julia Zając, MA
Secretary Klaudia Duch, PhD Eng.
Topic Author Mateusz Dulski, Associate Professor
Topic Author Mateusz Dulski, Associate Professor

Recruitment Committee for the Discipline of Mathematics

Function Person
Chair Tomasz Szostok, Associate Professor
Representative of the Doctoral School Dominika Dąbrowska, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Radosław Czaja, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Andrzej Kucharski, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Andrzej Olbryś, Associate Professor
Doctoral Student Dawid Drabek, MA
Secretary Karina Łętocha, BA
Topic Author Katarzyna Pichór, Associate Professor
Topic Author Hanna Wojewódka-Ściążko, Associate Professor
Topic Author Przemysław Koprowski, Associate Professor

Recruitment Committee for the Discipline of Chemical Sciences

Function Person
Chair Prof. Rafał Sitko
Representative of the Doctoral School Dominika Dąbrowska, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Prof. Monika Musiał
Discipline Representative Prof. Wojciech Pisarski
Discipline Representative Violetta Kozik, Associate Professor
Doctoral Student Wojciech Gumulak, MA
Secretary Tomasz Żarski, Eng.
Topic Author Barbara Hachuła, Associate Professor
Topic Author Monika Geppert-Rybczyńska, Associate Professor
Topic Author Jacek Nycz, Associate Professor
Topic Author Aneta Słodek, Associate Professor
Topic Author Rafał Podeszwa, Associate Professor
Topic Author Prof. Ewa Schab-Balcerzak
Topic Author Maciej Serda, Associate Professor
Topic Author Tomasz Siudyga, Associate Professor
Topic Author Prof. Robert Musioł
Topic Author Barbara Hachuła, Associate Professor
Topic Author Mateusz Korzec, Associate Professor
Topic Author Prof. Marzena Dzida

Recruitment Committee for the Discipline of Physical Sciences

Function Person
Chair Prof. Karolina Adrjanowicz
Representative of the Doctoral School Małgorzata Adamczyk-Habrajska, Associate Professor
Discipline Representative Prof. Jerzy Dajka
Discipline Representative Jerzy Kubacki
Discipline Representative Jarosław Paturej, Associate Professor
Doctoral Student Wojciech Gumulak, MA
Secretary Agnieszka Jankowska, MA
Topic Author Łukasz Machura, Associate Professor
Topic Author Szymon Puławski, Associate Professor
Topic Author Zbigniew Dendzik, Associate Professor
Topic Author Kajetan Koperwas, Associate Professor
Topic Author Anna Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz, Associate Professor
Topic Author Prof. Sebastian Pawlus
Topic Author Adam Konefał, Associate Professor
Topic Author Jakub Spiechowicz, Associate Professor
Topic Author Elżbieta Stephan, Associate Professor
Topic Author Karolina Jurkiewicz, Associate Professor
Topic Author Prof. Żaneta Wojnarowska
Topic Author Seweryn Kowalski, Associate Professor
Topic Author Jerzy Goraus, Associate Professor
Topic Author Arkadiusz Bubak, Associate Professor
Registration in the admission procedure Registration in the admission procedure

The admission process is conducted electronically via the Online Candidate Registration system (IRK). All documents and information are accepted solely through this channel, via the university’s IT system.

Link to the IRK system: irk.us.edu.pl. Please note that registration is currently not yet visible in the system.

Information and documents necessary in the admission process Information and documents necessary in the admission process

Applicable document templates and forms will be published here by the end of January 2026.

Area: Humanities and Theology, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences

List of required documents to be prepared and uploaded to the IT system:

  1. A copy of the diploma certifying the qualifications referred to in § 1 (more: Participation in recruitment before graduation);
  2. In the absence of a diploma – a certificate of the professional title awarded, issued by the awarding institution; if the candidate is admitted to the Doctoral School, the copy of the diploma must be submitted immediately upon receipt;
  3. In the case of graduation from a higher education institution abroad, the diploma or other document must be authenticated in the form of legalization or an apostille, accompanied by a sworn translation into Polish or English (if the document was issued in a language other than those mentioned);
  4. A draft research plan (max. 12,000 characters including spaces, excluding bibliography); Form: project-of-the-research-plan-2026 (official form, must be used)
  5. A written opinion from a research worker of the University of Silesia in Katowice acting as the candidate’s academic supervisor, along with their consent to serve as the doctoral student’s supervisor or assistant supervisor; the opinion should concern the candidate’s previous achievements and their aptitude for research work. Form: opinion of the scientific advisor of the candidate 2026 (may be used)
  6. A written opinion from an additional academic teacher or research worker holding at least a doctoral degree. Form: opinion of an additional academic teacher or reseracher with at least PhD degree 2026 (may be used)
  7. A list of the candidate’s scientific achievements. Form: Scientific-achievements-and-international-cooperation-2026 (official form, must be used)
  8. Documents confirming scientific achievements according to the rules specified in the document from point 5.

The Arts

  1. A copy of the diploma certifying the qualifications referred to in § 1 (more: Participation in recruitment before graduation);
  2. In the absence of a diploma – a certificate of the professional title awarded, issued by the awarding institution; if the candidate is admitted to the Doctoral School, the copy of the diploma must be submitted immediately upon receipt;
  3. In the case of graduation from a higher education institution abroad, the diploma or other document must be authenticated in the form of legalization or an apostille, accompanied by a sworn translation into Polish or English (if the document was issued in a language other than those mentioned);
  4. A draft research plan (max. 12,000 characters including spaces, excluding bibliography). Form: project-of-the-research-plan-art-2026 (official form, must be used)
  5. A written opinion from a research worker of the University of Silesia in Katowice acting as the candidate’s academic supervisor, along with their consent to serve as the doctoral student’s supervisor or assistant supervisor; the opinion should concern the candidate’s previous achievements and their aptitude for research work. Form: opinion of the scientific advisor of the candidate_art_2026 (may be used)
  6. A written opinion from an additional academic teacher or research worker holding at least a doctoral degree. Form: opinion of an additional academic teacher or reseracher with at least PhD degree_art_2026 (may be used).
  7. A list of the candidate’s scientific achievements.
  8. Documents confirming scientific achievements according to the rules specified in the document from point 5;
  9. A portfolio / presentation of artistic achievements.

Exact Sciences, Engineering and Technology

  1. A copy of the diploma certifying the qualifications referred to in § 1 (more: Participation in recruitment before graduation);
    • In the absence of a diploma – a certificate of the professional title awarded, issued by the awarding institution; if the candidate is admitted to the Doctoral School, the copy of the diploma must be submitted immediately upon receipt;
    • In the case of graduation from a higher education institution abroad, the diploma or other document must be authenticated in the form of legalization or an apostille, accompanied by a sworn translation into Polish or English (if the document was issued in a language other than those mentioned);
  2. A transcript of records (course history);
  3. A cover letter justifying the desire to undertake education at the Doctoral School in a given discipline, taking into account the candidate’s research experience and justifying the choice of the research topic for which the candidate is applying (max. 12,000 characters including spaces, excluding bibliography); Form: cover-letter-2026
  4. At least one, but no more than two, written opinions from a research and teaching employee or a research worker holding at least a doctoral degree from a university or other research institution of the national or foreign higher education and science system; the opinion should concern the candidate’s scientific competence and experience.
  5. A list of the candidate’s scientific achievements; [No obligatory form]
  6. Documents confirming scientific achievements according to the rules specified in the document from point 5.

Note: In the discipline of mathematics, it is not required to prepare a cover letter.

Results of the admission process Results of the admission process
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