PhD Study Tracks

PhD candidates who intend to study as external students (not as full time-scholarship recipients), are required to submit a detailed letter guaranteeing to dedicate at least three days towards their research (on Technion campus or outside it). The letter is to be supported by their employer and approved by the departmental Graduate Committee.

The regular track
The most common track for earning a PhD at the Technion. This track is intended for students who have already earned a master’s degree (with thesis). Students in this track devote most of their time to research and are required to complete a limited number of courses.

The direct track
Students who are enrolled in a master’s degree (with thesis) program and who have demonstrated an aptitude for and excellence in research, who have earned a high GPA, and whose research topic can be extended to the scope required for a doctoral dissertation, may transfer to the direct PhD track if their advisor and the department’s graduate studies committee recommends it. After the transfer, the student’s status will change to that of a PhD student. The duration of studies will be extended and additional credit points will be required, in accordance with the recommendation of the department.
It is possible to transfer to the direct track only within the same department in which the student is registered and under the guidance of the same advisor/s.

The special track
An excellence track for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, who have completed their bachelor’s degree with honors (GPA of 90 or above) or who have been on the president’s list in the last 4 semesters of their study program, and who have demonstrated exceptional research abilities during their undergraduate studies.