The doctorate is the highest university degree recognized at national and international level.
In France, the doctorate is a national diploma that can be obtained through both initial and lifelong training.
Doctoral training is training in and through research. It includes personal research work, complemented by scientific and professional training. It is also, and above all, a genuine professional experience in the profession of researcher, leading to the production of new knowledge and enabling the development of new skills, most if not all of which are transferable beyond the academic world.
While preparing for a doctorate, the doctoral student works as a junior researcher in a host research unit and doctoral school, under the supervision of a thesis supervisor authorized to direct research.
Its modalities, requirements and organization within the Doctoral Schools are set by a decree(amended decree of May 25, 2016) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research establishing the national framework for training and the modalities leading to the award of the national doctoral diploma. Since the decree of February 22, 2019, the PhD diploma has been referenced in the répertoire national des certifications professionnelles(RNCP).