| Abstract: | The paths of university students from first matriculation to achievement of the doctorate are compared for nine technically-oriented universities in six countries. Although the ages at which doctorates are awarded vary by 6 or 7 years, the amount of effort invested in research in preparation of dissertations appears to vary little, from just under 3 years to just over 3½ years. The differences in ages at doctorate are mainly due to differences in the breadths of secondary education, in language studies and abilities, in military service and in teaching and administration required of doctoral students. The latter can be reduced by requiring an increased number of qualified researchers to take active roles in university level teaching. |
