The main goal of the PhD Program on Logistics and Supply Chain Management is to develop outstanding scholars who will pursue distinguished careers in research and education. Students work intensively with our faculty to create new knowledge in fields of interest such as supply chain coordination, inventory management, supply chain finance, supply chain risk management and security and supply chain innovation. Apply Now!
FULL
TIME
DEDICATION
4
YEAR
PROGRAM
INTERNA-
TIONAL
FACULTY
OFFICIAL
PHD
DEGREE
CERTIFICATE
FROM
MIT
MULTI
CONTINENT
EXPERIENCE
This full-time program follows the highest international quality standards for doctoral studies, from the rigorous admissions process, continuous high-performance control process, to the comprehensive exam and thesis defense, enabling graduates to take faculty positions at leading universities around the world or to become innovation leaders for international companies.
The program provides students with:
- Financial Aid
- Multicultural academic and research experience in both the EU and the US
- MIT SCALE Network: Multi-continent experience
- A unique focused PhD program on SCM
- Teaching assistantship opportunities in our Masters
- Faculty network with strong credentials
- Official PhD degree awarded by the University of Zaragoza
- Prospective MIT Exchange student
- Full time dedication


"The teaching experience and the research network at the MIT Zaragoza doctoral program provided me with immediate access to several academic and industry career offers upon graduation; comfortably allowing me to select the option that matched my life aspirations best"
Amir Behzad Samii, PhD 2010
Vlerick Management School, Belgium
Professor of Supply Chain Management EANDIS Research Chair in Resilient Supply Chains
PhD students complete the necessary coursework during the first two years. Specifically, during the first year, students take doctoral level courses offered at ZLC, while they typically spend one semester during the second year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Some examples of such courses are probability and stochastic processes, empirical methods, integer and dynamic programming, inventory management and game theory.
The last two years are dedicated to research. Each student is required to take and pass the qualification exam in order to become PhD candidates at the beginning of the fifth semester. They are also expected to submit a proposal for the dissertation.
The dissertations works are expected to be finished by students by the end of the fourth academic year.
Depending on the particular situation and subject to approval from the PhD Director, the Advisor and ZLC Director, students might be given the opportunity to have short research stays at other leading schools.


- Introduction to Math
- Mathematical Programming
- Probability Models and Stochastic Processes
- Inventory Theory
- Empirical Methods in Operations Management
- Dynamic Programming
Who should apply
A select group of students from around the globe are chosen to join the doctoral program every 2 years. Currently, the MIT Zaragoza PhD Program has an international student body of doctoral students from all different continents.
All PhD applicants must hold an undergraduate and a graduate degree (Master level diploma) or equivalent qualifications from their home countries that qualify them for doctoral studies.
When to apply
The admission process for next academic year will be open soon. More info will follow.
Ready to Apply?
All candidates must apply online. You can prepare and submit an application to MIT’s Department of Supply Chain Management and the academic programs of the MIT Global SCALE Network.
Additionally, you must submit supplemental materials to complete your application. Below is a list of all the necessary documents:
- Application form
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Copy of your passport
- Official GRE scores (it is a must for all candidates)
- Official TOEFL, IELTS or other similar English test (if not a native speaker)
- Official transcripts/diploma (both Master and Bachelor degree are required).
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of objectives
We recommend checking out these step-by-step instructions on the MIT Scale website when completing the online application.
PhD Team
Fees
International ZLC Tuition:
- 1st year: 10,000 €
- 2nd year: 10,000 €*
- 3rd year: 6,500 €
- 4th year: 6,500 €
Total: 33,000 € (4 years)
*Students who successfully pass the Qualifying exam will obtain a Certificate in Research in Logistics and SCM, from ZLC and MIT-Zaragoza International Logistics Program.
Financial Aid
The program covers the tuition and provides students with monthly stipends for 4 years. In return, students are expected to serve as:
- Teaching Assistant (TA) in our Masters Program
- Research Assistant (RA) in related projects
This program is co-funded by the European Social Fund
Living Expenses
Tuition does not cover administrative fees (€300), books, living or travel expenses to Zaragoza or to Boston for the international exchange. Living expenses vary, depending on lifestyle and whether students wish to live alone, with roommates or with a family. The cost of living in Zaragoza is lower than in much of Europe. Currently, a budget of around €400-€600 per month is the norm for single students.
ACCOMMODATION
250-700 €/month
FOOD
150-300 €/month
COMMUNICATION
50 €/month
HEALTH INSURANCE
700-1000€/year
TRANSPORTATION
90-150 €/month
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
50 €/month
Our PhD graduates are working for Universities and companies such as:
PhD graduates:
Gallery
Do you require further information?
Please fill in the following form to send an info request. Our admissions team are happy to assist you and answer any queries you may have about our master’s programs or the application process.