Doctorate in Theoretical Physics

Black holes, cosmology, extensions of gravitation theory, extended spacetime symmetries.

Quantum field theory, particle physic, physics beyond the Standard Model.

Applications are made through the digital platform of Universidad San Sebastián accesible at the top of the page through the button “Apply Here”.

Applicants must upload their certificates, degrees, transcripts or grades and academic history documents, in original or notarized copy. In the case of degrees or diplomas awarded by foreign universities, the accompanying documents must be endorsed and legalized in accordance with Article 345 BIS of the Chilean Code of Civil Procedure.

The requirements and background to apply for the PhD in Theoretical Physics are the following:

• Certificates of degree or academic degree of Bachelor and/or Master in Physics, Mathematics, and/or related disciplines. Academic degrees of foreign origin must be equivalent to those mentioned in the International Classification of Education (ISCED-UNESCO). If the applicant has other studies, he/she must also attach his/her advanced and postgraduate studies.
• Undergraduate and, when applicable, graduate transcripts, clearly specifying the evaluation scales used and the minimum passing grade.
• Certificate of the ranking of the applicant indicating the place occupied with respect to the total number of students of his/her graduating class. If the University does not issue such certificate, a letter from the institution must be attached. When applicable, complement with the ranking certificate of graduate studies.
• Curriculum vitae including: academic record, presentations at conferences, scientific publications, extension activities, among other activities relevant to the application.
• A statement of no more than 800 words specifying your short- and medium-term research interests and objectives.
• Each applicant must request letters of recommendation from two professionals familiar with his or her academic background, who should send them confidentially to the program’s e-mail address, indicating the applicant’s name.
• Photocopy of both sides of your ID card or passport.

The selection process consists of two stages:

1st Analysis of the applicants’ background:

The academic background, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation and statement of purpose of each applicant will be reviewed by the Academic Committee of the Program. Pre-selected students will be called to continue with the second stage of the process.

2nd Personal interview and knowledge test:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a personal interview and to take an assessment test evaluate the applicant’s proficiency in:

1. Classical Mechanics
2. Quantum Mechanics
3. Statistical Mechanics
4. Electrodynamics

In the case of applicants who reside abroad or cannot travel to the place where the evaluation will take place, the process will be carried out by videoconference.

Graduate studies at Universidad San Sebastián require a monthly tuition fee of $350,000 Chilean Pesos (approx. 360 USD)* for ten months per year. The PhD Program in Theoretical Physics, however, only admits students who have a scholarship that covers this expense, but also covers support for food and lodging at a reasonable level. *(Values for 2024).