Habilitation

Habilitation is a term used within the university system in Germany, Austria, and some other European countries such as the German-speaking part of Switzerland, in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Russia, and other countries of former Soviet Union, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kirgizstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc. It can be used to describe either a qualification, the process of earning that qualification, or - incorrectly - the thesis written as part of that process (which is called Habilitationsschrift). A Habilitation qualifies for being admitted as a professor at a university.

Similarities in other countries

The degree of Docteur d'Etat formerly awarded by universities in France had a somewhat similar purpose.

Related Topics:
Docteur d'Etat - France

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Belgium had a similar degree until 1995: it was called "Aggregatie voor het Hoger Onderwijs" (roughly: Higher Education Faculty Qualification) in Dutch and "Agrégation pour l'Enseignement Supérieur" in French.

Related Topics:
Belgium - Dutch - French

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Although these awards are at a higher level than the Ph.D., they should not be equated to the higher doctorates awarded by universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and the Commonwealth: these are given in recognition of an extended research career, and would normally only come after some years at professorial status.

Related Topics:
Ph.D. - Higher doctorate - United Kingdom - United States - Commonwealth

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