The doctoral education at the AMU is organized in 12 federated doctoral schools within a Doctoral College. It covers a wide variety of scientific disciplines and a broad spectrum of research areas, and builds on a potential of qualified supervisors (HDR) of over 2,500 researchers. It gathers (in 2016-2017) more than 3300 doctoral candidates working in 137 research units within AMU, but also outside AMU. Half of the doctoral candidates enrolled in AMU are women.

A doctoral charter of AMU common to the 12 DS sets out, in compliance with the regulations, the conditions of registration, thesis progress and defense, as well as the rights and duties, and the reciprocal commitments of the doctoral candidate and his or her thesis supervisor(s).

The doctoral education at AMU attracts nearly 800 new doctoral candidates each year and awards more than 600 doctoral degrees per year in 81 different specialties. This great potential of young researchers in training greatly contributes to the development of the AMU's research activities and scientific production, thus reinforcing its reputation as an intensive research university.