COURSE DURATION AND SCHEDULE Both the Master’s Degree and the PhD programs have regular annual inflow of students in the second half of the school year (usually in August). In addition to this form of regular entry, there is a specific application form for foreign students, which can be submitted throughout the year (see foreign students admission below). Master’s Degree: The Master’s program lasts 24 months, and the qualifying examination of the dissertation proposal should take place within the first year. The conclusion of the Master’s Degree program requires obtaining at least 31 (thirty-one) credits in classes and defending his/her research. PhD: The program lasts 48 months, and the qualifying examination must take place within the first two years. The conclusion of the PhD program requires obtaining at least 58 (fifty-eight) credits in classes and defending his/her research.