Graduation as a Doctor in the Spring Semester 2026

Dear Doctoral Researcher,

This message contains important information about the graduation schedule for the spring semester and the use of previously completed studies in degrees under the new curricula. 

The new doctoral programme curricula will begin on 1 August 2026. Doctoral researchers’ study rights will automatically continue in the new programmes. 

Read more about the doctoral programme reform in the Studies Service.

Graduation in the Spring Semester 2026

If you plan to graduate as a doctor during this semester, please note the following dates:

The last dean’s decisions regarding the evaluation and approval of dissertations in the spring will be signed on 18 June, which means your dissertation evaluation statements must be in the faculty by 11 June 2026 at the latest. You must also approve the given statements by that date.

If you wish your degree certificate to state your current doctoral programme, the last day to submit a graduation request is 31 July 2026. Submitting the graduation request is the final step in doctoral studies, and by then you must ensure that both your dissertation and the required study modules are registered in Sisu.

If you do not meet this schedule, the dean’s approval decisions will be signed again in August, and you can apply for graduation after the decision and the dissertation registration. From 1 August onwards, you will graduate under the name of the new doctoral programme. Follow the autumn decision schedules in the Studies Service.   

Use of Previously Completed Studies after 1 August 2026

If you have completed all required doctoral studies, you can compile your study modules during the spring semester, and they will be registered under your current doctoral programme. It is advisable to compile your studies well in advance during the spring, as studies will not be compiled in July. Compilation requests submitted by 1 June will be processed during June. Compiled and registered modules that are less than 10 years old at the start of pre-examination are eligible for degrees under the new programmes.

If your studies are still incomplete, all doctoral studies completed and registered in Sisu by 31 July 2026, and less than 10 years old, can be used in the new programme degree from 1 August 2026 onwards.

Creating a New Study Plan

The new curricula will take effect on 1 August 2026, after which anyone who has not graduated by 31 July 2026 must create a new study plan in Sisu in August.