The standard period of doctoral studies is four years. Admission to doctoral studies is by passing an examination (two tours) in a main subject. The progress of doctoral students shall be evaluated by the Doctoral Council once a year.
Doctoral studies are regulated by the directive “Organisation of Doctoral Studies and the Terms and Conditions of and the Procedure for Defending Doctoral Theses at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre” and by its appendix Cooperation Principles, Rights and Responsibilities of the Participants in Doctoral Studies. See also Documents and Regulations.