Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music Budapest

Programme overview

This is the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music's organised four-year (eight-semester) PhD in musicology. The programme comprises an initial two-year training-and-research phase followed by two years focused on research and dissertation preparation. Entry is by competitive admission to the Doctoral School; state-funded and self-funded places are available.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured as a training and research phase in the first two years and a research and dissertation phase in the final two years. At the end of the fourth semester candidates must pass a comprehensive (complex) examination that assesses academic progress and research readiness; passing this exam is required to move into the dissertation stage. Following the complex exam, the doctoral thesis must be submitted within the timeframe stipulated by the Doctoral School (see official regulations).

Entry requirements

• Completed university degree with at least a "good" (jó) grade overall and in the subject; exceptional cases aside, the degree should be in musicology.
• At least one accredited intermediate (CEFR B2, complex "C" type) language exam in English, German, Italian, French, Russian or Spanish — or Hungarian as a foreign language for non-native speakers.
• Demonstrable comprehensive knowledge of the field and documented scientific/research output.
• Application materials (sent by e-mail to fustos.kata@zeneakademia.hu): completed application form, CV and publication list, a 3–5 page research plan/dissertation outline with bibliography, proof of payment of the application fee (9 000 Ft), copy of university diploma (or transcript if still completing studies), and copies of language certificates.
• Applicants finishing their degree must present the final diploma by the admission interview date; conditional admission is possible but a diploma grade below "good" invalidates conditional admission.
• Foreign diplomas must be recognised/honosítva; requests for recognition for the 2026 intake must be submitted by 15 March 2026 per the Doctoral School instructions.
• Selection includes an interview by a committee of Doctoral Council members (the committee scores up to 100 points; a minimum of 70 is required for admission). Decisions are final and applicants are notified within 30 days. Expected interview: 15 June 2026, 9:00. Application deadline: 15 April 2026.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for academic and research careers in musicology, positions in higher education, cultural institutions (libraries, archives, museums), editorial and publishing roles relating to music scholarship, and specialist research posts. The programme emphasises research skills and publication activity required for scholarly careers.

Scholarships & funding angle

• The musicology PhD typically offers approximately three state-funded scholarship places per year. State-funded doctoral students receive a monthly stipend: 140 000 Ft/month for the first two years and 180 000 Ft/month for the final two years.
• Self-funded admission is possible; the tuition fee for self-funded full-time PhD study is stated as 325 000 Ft per semester.
• Successful doctoral candidates who completed the scholarship-funded programme receive a one-off award of 400 000 Ft on successful defence.