Program in a nutshell
Our PhD program is really unique within the Czech Republic. For students of postgraduate studies, it is a unique opportunity to create their dissertation in cooperation with Škoda Auto experts. Thanks to the PhD program, you easily connect theory to practical skills.
Requirement
Admission to a PhD programDuration of the program
Up to 4 yearsTime Allocation
Max. 20 hours per weekRemuneration
335 CZK/hourCome and shape the future with us
The PhD program is customized for each student. The experience goes beyond departmental work and includes networking events, breakfasts with managers, and various training sessions. The program also includes an annual group meeting for PhD students from across the Volkswagen Group.
What the PhD program looks like
- This is a multi-year development and motivation program for PhD students at the university (up to 4 years).
- Dissertation topics are announced by Škoda Auto, we can also try to find a topic together.
- The time fund of the program can be adapted to you, the maximum is 20 hours per week.
- We will draw up a cooperation contract ("Agreement on Work Activity") with you.
- This is a paid form of cooperation (335 CZK/hour).
What we offer
- Close collaboration on your dissertation with top industry experts.
- Development of your professional knowledge and skills during the internship.
- Language courses and specialized training.
- Meetings with managers.
- Group-wide meetings for doctoral candidates.
- Opportunity to get employed at Škoda Auto.
Something extra
- Subsidized meals.
- Educational activities (training, workshops).
- Regular meetings of the PhD program members (every 3 months).
- Ambassador position at your university.
What experiences and expertise are we looking for?
Acceptance to a PhD study...
At the time of starting the internship, the student must be accepted to PhD studies, or already study at any Czech or Slovak university.
… with language skills,
Advanced knowledge of English or German at level B2 is essential.
… communication and organizational skills,
You will meet other colleagues and representatives of individual departments and share your experience and suggestions together. There will be also meetings all across the VW Group.
… and broad knowledge of the field studied.
Interest in the field studied and its broad knowledge is essential for acceptance.
Selection process
Once you submit your application and we agree on a specialized topic, we will invite you for an interview. If the meeting goes well, you'll proceed to language tests and our Assessment Center, where you'll get the chance to show off your skills. After that, you can look forward to the results.
CV screening
The recruiter has 2 weeks from the time you submit your application to review your CV.
Language Test
If you pass the CV screening, a link to an online language test will be sent to you within 3 weeks of submitting your application.
Face-to-face/online interview
If you meet the required level, you will be invited to interview within a week.
Agreement on the dissertation topic
If you don't choose from the topics listed, the recruiter will contact the departments with your topic to see if they are interested in a collaboration.
Nominations to the Assessment Centre
If we agree on a professional topic, you will be invited by the recruiter to the AC.
Assessment Centre
At the end of the Assessment Centre, you will find out whether you have been accepted.
Start of the program
From AC to your onboarding, you are already in close contact with the program coordinator who will help you through the onboarding process.
What have our doctoral candidates gained from the program?
Students from all over the Czech Republic and abroad come to us for experience. Read their stories. Perhaps, they will inspire you to take the first step towards your dream career.
“I could not find another doctoral program - which would focus specifically on the area of innovation and digitization - as comprehensive as this. That is why Škoda Auto was a clear choice for me.”
Lucie Bezecná PhD student and marketing managerExplore the offer of PhD positions picked just for you
Where does the doctoral program take place?
At any Škoda Auto plant in the Czech Republic, according to the current requirements of the specialist departments. Nevertheless, the majority of postgraduate students work in Mladá Boleslav at the company's headquarters.
How many postgraduate students will be accepted this year?
We do not have any limits for the doctoral program. We accept postgraduate applications throughout the year.
As a postgraduate student, will I get a part-time or full-time employment contract?
Postgraduate students at Škoda Auto sign an Agreement on Work Activity, which corresponds to a part-time position.
What are the requirements to get accepted into the PhD Program at Škoda Auto?
The main requirement is to be a PhD student at any Czech or Slovak university. Additionally, it’s important to agree on the topic of your dissertation with your potential supervisor.
Is it possible to apply more than once for the selection procedure?
Yes, after one year.
Can I participate in the selection procedure while I am still studying for my master’s degree?
Yes, it is possible to sign up for the doctoral program at the end of your master’s studies. After receiving confirmation of acceptance for doctoral studies, you will be accepted on to the doctoral program.
What is the deadline for doctoral applications?
Postgraduate students are accepted on to the program throughout the year.
Is the doctoral program tied to studying at the Škoda university?
Application to the PhD program is not linked to study at Škoda university (ŠAVŠ). At present, ŠAVŠ has no accreditation for the PhD program. You can join the PhD program at Škoda Auto only after you have been accepted to a PhD program at any university in the Czech or Slovak Republic.
What happens if I am successful in all rounds of the selection procedure, but I don't graduate university in time?
You can enter the doctoral program after being accepted for doctoral studies. In the meantime, you can start a university internship.
What should I do if I am not accepted to the program, but I am still interested in working at Škoda Auto?
If you do not meet the required criteria for the doctoral program at Škoda Auto, you can start a university internship or you can collaborate with experts from Škoda Auto on your final thesis.
What is the difference between a doctoral program and a university internship?
Within the doctoral program, you will have access to language courses, various training events, meetings with managers, Group meetings of postgraduate students, networking events, and higher hourly rates. Only students holding a postgraduate degree will be accepted to the doctoral program, whereas for university internship students, any degree is accepted.
What kind of employment agreement will I have?
During the onboarding process at Škoda Auto, we will conclude a work agreement with you, which means you may work on average 81.5 hours a month.
What is the typical career path of postgraduate students after completing the doctoral program?
Postgraduate students often enter their main employment as specialists.
Is it possible to start a foreign internship?
Foreign internships are not offered as part of the doctoral program. However, you may have the opportunity to go on business trips within the VW Group.
What if things don’t go as planned?
If you make it to the Assessment Center but don’t pass it, you can still prepare your dissertation by means of a university internship.