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PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Education
Research, innovate, and shape the future of global logistics
Start date
September 2026
Duration
3 years
Location
ZLC Campus and MIT
Language
English
Mode
Full-time
Tuition fee
€12.000/year
Degree
University of Zaragoza and MIT
What Is the PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
This PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is designed to train the next generation of internationally recognized researchers in this field of knowledge.
You will work side by side with renowned faculty in an environment of excellence, developing pioneering research in key areas such as supply chain optimization and management, digital transformation and AI, sustainability, resilience, and urban mobility.
This program is your starting point to generate knowledge that makes a global impact on society.
Why pursue a PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?
- Study a PhD in supply chain management with international recognition.
- Experience a multicultural academic and research environment in Europe and the United States.
- Take part in an exclusive research stay at MIT in Boston as a visiting PhD student.
- Obtain a dual certification: Official PhD from the University of Zaragoza and a certificate from MIT.
- Receive official recognition as Doctor within the European Higher Education Area, with the possibility of earning an industrial PhD mention or an international PhD mention.
- Learn from a network of leading, internationally recognized faculty in research.
- Become part of the MIT Global SCALE network and connect with alumni worldwide.
- Broaden your career opportunities in education and research at universities, research institutes, and R&D departments in companies.
- Collaborate as a teaching assistant in ZLC master’s programs.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is designed to train future leaders in research and education at an international level. This three-year program serves as a starting point to generate transformative knowledge with real impact on society and on the future of supply chain management.
Overview
See official PhD program of the University of Zaragoza.
YEAR 1. Semester 1 (Sept-Dic, ZLC Spain)
Training seminars (examples):
- Mathematical Programmin
- Advanced Logistics Systems
- Probability Models and Stochastic Processes
- Transversal training activities
YEAR 1. Semester 2 (Feb-May, ZLC Spain)
Training seminars (examples):
- Inventory Theory
- Empirical Methods in Operations
- Management
- Dynamic Programming
- Transversal training activities
- PhD Summer Academy
YEAR 2. Semester 1 (MIT Boston)
- You will spend one semester during your second year at MIT (USA). The courses will depend on your research field.
YEAR 2. Semester 2 (ZLC Spain)
- The last three semesters are devoted to research, with the possibility of attending scientific conferences to present preliminary results of your dissertation. At the beginning of the fourth semester, each student must take and pass the qualifying exam to become a PhD candidate.
YEAR 3. Research
- The final year is dedicated to research, and students are expected to complete their dissertation by the end of the third academic year. Short research stays may be carried out at other leading institutions, both within the MIT Global SCALE Network and at other centers of excellence in higher education and logistics and supply chain research.
Admission Process
Our admission process is designed to support you every step of the way and to assess your potential beyond formal requirements.
Book a call with our team
Our admissions advisors will provide you with all the information about the program and guide you through the admission process.
Receive guidance and collect the required documents
During your admissions call, we will explain which documents you need to apply and inform you about the next steps.
Complete your online application
Once you have gathered all the required documentation, you will need to send the documents to the admissions committee so they can evaluate your application.
The committee will review your profile
After submitting your application, the admissions committee will review your student profile and decide whether you are eligible for the PhD program. Don’t worry—we will contact you, whether you have been admitted or not.
Secure your spot in the PhD program
Once admitted, you will have 10 working days to confirm your place.
Any questions?
We are here to help
Class Profile & Employability
This PhD program is aimed at candidates with advanced academic training, holding a bachelor’s and an official master’s degree that grant access to doctoral studies, as well as a good command of English.
This program is for you if…
- You work in the logistics sector and want to boost your research career to become an international reference in logistics and supply chain management.
- You are an experienced professional seeking to transition into a high-impact academic career in R&D.
- You are a young graduate with an excellent academic record and a clear research vocation in logistics and supply chain management.
Where our alumni work
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition
The tuition fee is €12,000 per year (for 3 years), but the ZLC may cover the full tuition cost and, depending on budget availability linked to projects or fellowships, may also provide students with a monthly stipend for 3 years.
In return, students are expected to serve as:
- Teaching Assistant (TA) in ZLC master’s programs
- Research Assistant (RA) in related projects
Living expenses
Accommodation:
€250–750/month
Food:
€180–250/month
Communications:
€30–50/month
Health insurance:
€60–90/month
Transport:
€30–45/month
Social activities:
€50–80/month
It could be you
FAQs
We answer the most common questions about the PhD program and the admission process. If you have specific questions, we are here to help.
What documents do I need to apply?
In addition, you must submit the following materials when applying to the program:
- ID card or passport
- Updated CV
- University diploma and academic transcript
- English certification (optional)GMAT, SC0x, or GRE (optional)
- 3 letters of recommendation
Introductory video
What is the application deadline?
The admissions process for the next academic year is open. All applications and required materials must be submitted before:
- 1st round of admissions: December
- 2nd round of admissions: March
How long does it take to receive a response?
After submitting your complete application, the admissions committee usually provides a response within one week.
