The European doctoral degree is a title associated with the Doctorate degree awarded by the European universities – it is neither an academic degree or a joint degree awarded by two or more universities.

This title is awarded to candidates who meet the general requirements essential to obtain a doctorate degree at Universidade Aberta, in accordance with the General Regulation for the Pedagogical Offer, and who cumulatively fulfill the conditions for the Attribution of the European Doctoral Title by Universidade Aberta:

a) Registration as a PhD student at Universidade Aberta;
b) Carrying out a period of study, or research, at a university in another European country, within the scope of the thesis preparation, with a minimum duration of one quarter and framed by a protocol signed between Universidade Aberta and that university;
c) Proof of the work carried out through a certificate issued by the foreign university;
d) The existence of two favorable opinions for the acceptance of the doctoral thesis, issued by two professors belonging to two higher education institutions in two European countries other than Portugal;
e) Integration of a member of a higher education institution, which is not Portuguese, in the jury of the public doctoral test;
f) Carrying out a part of the public doctoral presentation in an official language of the European Union other than Portuguese.

After passing the public doctoral presentation, the candidate delivers to the Academic Services Directorate, the application addressed to the Rector of Universidade Aberta, with the documentation attached proving the research work carried out. In the case of a favorable rector’s order, the mention of the European Doctoral title will be included in the Diploma, after payment of the established fees.