The admission procedures and requirements for doctoral studies, the education of doctoral students, as well as the conduct of public defenses are in accordance with the Higher Education Act, the Law on the Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria, the Regulations for the Implementation of the Law on the Development of the Academic Staff in the Republic of Bulgaria, and the Resolutions of the Council of Ministers. Regulation for the Development of the Academic Staff at Trakia University..

Doctoral studies are conducted in full-time and part-time formats on-site and remote learning  и independent doctoral studies.

The period of preparation for a full-time PhD is up to three years, up to four years for a part-time PhD and up to five years for an independent PhD.

Full-time doctoral studies in research projects according to Art. 21, par. 7 of the EIA for up to 3 years, or the possibility of extension in case the form of project funding allows.

Candidates for doctoral studies must hold a master's degree.

In accordance with the Higher Education Act, doctoral studies can only be conducted in specialties that have received an "excellent" rating during accreditation. National Agency for Assessment and Accreditation.