Chapter I introduction to higher education system

Status of Doctorate Study Research Fellows
There are two categories of students receiving postgraduate education. First, senior research fellows staff members which are considered as academic staff at a higher educational or scientific-research
establishment, where they are enrolled for postgraduate studies. They have an education workload at the HEI (not less than 300 academic hours during 3 years of postgraduate studies). In parallel, independent research fellows get prepared to defend their dissertation at their main place of employment.
Supervision Arrangements
The decision of an admission commission indicates the name of an Academic Advisor responsible for a particular fellow. Every Academic Advisor may supervise the work of no more than three fellows. During their first year of studies all fellows cover the theoretical and methodological programme in the chosen speciality. Appointed Academic Advisors develop these programmes, while the HEI council approves them. These programmes include scientific research methodology issues for a given discipline.
To improve special knowledge of the fellows, in subsequent years of studies, the HEI council develops and approves qualification curricula in special disciplines. Fellows pursue these programmes independently. Prior to the defence of a doctoral dissertation all fellows should discuss the dissertation's results at international and republican scientific conferences and seminars, and have at least two scientific publications in international journals that are recognized by Supreme Attestation Commission (SAC), and at least two works should be published in international conference materials (one of them - abroad). The Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education together with the Academy of Sciences and
other interested Agencies monitor the effectiveness of the fellows' activities in line with established criteria for each year of studies.
Employability
Individuals awarded with a Doctor of Sciences diploma may apply for managerial positions in education and science, which require Doctor of Sciences diploma as a must.
In many cases, having a Doctor of Sciences diploma is seen as an advantage during the selection of candidates to managerial positions in public, international and private organizations.