Finally Got My PhD!
After four and a half years of hard work, I finally completed my doctoral defense at the University of Zaragoza. Looking back on this journey, I have so much experience to share with everyone. I hope this post can provide some useful reference for friends who are considering or already pursuing a PhD in Spain.
About the PhD Program at the University of Zaragoza
The PhD program at the University of Zaragoza is relatively well-structured. I was enrolled in a program under the School of Engineering and Architecture, and the entire process included coursework, research plan development, thesis writing, and final defense. The first year mainly focused on coursework and determining the research direction, with manageable pressure, though it required close communication with the supervisor. The university requires PhD students to publish at least two SCI papers before applying for defense, which is considered a moderate standard in Spain.
My Timeline
Here’s a rough breakdown of my schedule over these years for your reference:
| Year | Main Tasks | Completion Status |
|---|
| Year 1 | Coursework + Literature Review | Completed 8 courses |
| Year 2 | Experimental Design + Data Collection | Published 1st paper |
| Year 3 | In-depth research on Zaragoza PhD programs + Thesis Writing | Published 2nd paper |
| Year 4 | Complete Thesis + Defense Preparation | Passed pre-defense |
The defense preparation stage was the most stressful period. I spent about three months preparing my defense presentation, revising it more than ten times. The defense committee at the University of Zaragoza typically consists of five professors, with at least two from external institutions. On the defense day, you need to give a 45-minute presentation in Spanish, followed by answering questions from the committee, with the entire process lasting about two hours.
Advice for Future PhD Students
If you’re also planning to pursue a PhD in Zaragoza regarding Zaragoza PhD employment, I have a few suggestions: First, don’t expect your supervisor to guide you step by step—autonomy is very important. Second, start publishing papers early; don’t wait until the last year to rush. Third, attend academic conferences frequently, as this is very helpful for expanding your network and understanding the cutting edge of Zaragoza PhD fields. Although Zaragoza is not a major city like Madrid or Barcelona, the cost of living is relatively low and the academic atmosphere is quite good.
Now that I have my degree, I’m considering whether to stay in Spain for an academic position or return home to develop my career. Are there any friends with experience working in Spanish academia? Feel free to share your thoughts!
