Initial accreditation of doctoral studies is conducted in case of:

- introduction of a new study programme at a higher education institution

- a change of the co-providers of a joint study programme

- a change of the delivery venue of a study programme

- a change of the delivery language of a study programme

- a change of the academic title obtained upon the completion of a study programme

- a change of the methods of delivery of a study programme,

- changes in more than one third of the learning outcomes achieved upon the completion of the study programme.

The process of initial accreditation of a doctoral study is initiated by an application for a certificate to deliver a doctoral study programme. The application is submitted to the Agency on a form and in accordance with the instructions established by the Agency. The decision on the application for certificate is issued by the Agency.

The procedure determines whether the proposed doctoral study programme meets the standards of external quality evaluation, and the criteria for initial accreditation of studies described in Articles 8 and 12 of the Law on Quality Assurance (155/22).