Graduate School
Welcome to the Graduate School at the University of Split School of Medicine
The University of Split School of Medicine offers an exceptional graduate program focused on the forefront of medical and biomedical research. Our PhD programs, including Biology of Neoplasms and Evidence-Based Clinical Medicine, emphasize rigorous clinical studies, while our Translational Research in Biomedicine program bridges the essential gap between basic biomedical sciences and their clinical applications. With the flexibility to pursue studies in both English and Croatian, we cater to a diverse student body, fostering an inclusive academic environment.
Our faculty comprises a dynamic group of young scholars, many of whom have received their education abroad, primarily in the United States. This unique background empowers our faculty members to engage in advanced research across various exciting fields, positioning them as exceptional mentors and advisors for our doctoral students.
At the School of Medicine in Split, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive training in the latest research methodologies. Our students can expect a blend of rigorous coursework complemented by hands-on, supervised original research experiences. This integration ensures that our graduates are not only well-equipped with knowledge but also prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field of medicine.
If you are considering pursuing a PhD, we would be honored if you chose the University of Split School of Medicine as your doctoral school. We enthusiastically await the opportunity to welcome you into our friendly and intellectually stimulating learning environment!
The Graduate School has three doctoral programs:
Contact:
phd@mefst.hr
Graduate School Documents
Graduate Studies Regulations
Regulations on University postgraduate studies and process of earning a doctor of science degree (pdf)
Research integrity - Checklist for doctoral students and their supervisors (pdf)
Funding / co-financing of tuition fees:
At the University of Split School of Medicine (USSM), we are committed to making graduate university doctoral studies accessible and financially manageable for our employees. Since 2019, doctoral students employed at USSM in the roles of assistant or doctoral student, whose tuition is not covered by project funds, have been granted exemption from tuition fees by decision of the Faculty Council. This initiative underscores our dedication to supporting the academic growth of our staff.
We have established cooperation agreements with our teaching bases to further regulate the financing of tuition fees for doctoral studies. These agreements ensure financial relief for students from these institutions, facilitating their pursuit of higher education.
As of 2022, in accordance with the Law on Higher Education and Scientific Activity, all tuition fees for employees of the Faculty will be covered by the institution itself. At present, 15% of our PhD students are USSM employees, while a significant 45% are employees of the University Hospital Split (UHS). Their tuition is co-financed by UHS through a supportive financing model established by the Agreement between USSM and UHS. This collaborative effort aims to encourage medical doctors to pursue doctoral studies while ensuring comprehensive training within a clinical context. Under this model, UHS reimburses 50% of tuition fees to PhD students upon their successful completion of their studies.
Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a vibrant academic community that empowers our employees to advance their education and contribute to the field of biomedicine collaboratively and effectively.
Co-Financing of Research Costs
At the University of Split School of Medicine (USSM), we recognize the importance of supporting our doctoral candidates in advancing their research endeavors. To facilitate this, we have established a comprehensive system of co-financing aimed at covering the costs associated with open access publishing of scientific articles and procuring materials necessary for conducting research.
Each enrolled candidate in the Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and Biology of Neoplasms (BN) programs is eligible for co-financing of up to €1,300.00. This funding is allocated to cover expenses related to chemicals, consumables, and publication costs, with the necessary financial support derived from the tuition fees collected by the program. The award of funds is contingent upon the student providing a detailed scientific rationale and explanation, along with a comprehensive research plan and a breakdown of anticipated costs. These submissions also serve as valuable tools for assessing the progress of both the students and their supervisors.
Furthermore, additional research costs can be co-financed through funds allocated by the Program Funding of Science of Public Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Croatia, which is readily available to all supervisors employed at the USSM. Notably, 30% of research expenses are supported through projects funded by the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) and various EU Horizon projects. These initiatives not only provide financial resources for research activities but also aid in the purchase of essential equipment and literature, as well as in the dissemination of research findings and provision of other necessary resources.
Additional Funding Opportunities for Doctoral Students
In addition to our institutional funding mechanisms, doctoral students at the University of Split School of Medicine (USSM) have the opportunity to secure financial support through sponsorships and donations from the pharmaceutical industry and other external stakeholders. This type of funding is specifically designated for doctoral candidates and significantly enhances the resources available for their research initiatives.
These external contributions provide the Faculty with valuable supplementary support that can be utilized to cover a variety of essential costs, including research expenses, tuition fees, and expenses related to the presentation of research findings at national and international conferences. This not only enables students to further their academic pursuits but also encourages the dissemination of their research outcomes, fostering connections within the broader scientific community.
Through these diverse funding avenues, we aim to create a robust financial framework that empowers our doctoral students to thrive in their academic and research endeavors, providing them with the necessary tools to excel in their fields.
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