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The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Germany in 2024

Browse all phd programmes in germany.

• Oct-Sep Academic Year
• 71 Listed Institutes
• 72 Ranked Universities
• 369,000 Int. Students
• 3,280,000 Students
• 83,884,000 Population

Why study in Germany

If you're looking to study at a university in Germany , you will find a wealth of study options, from world-renowned technical universities to vibrant cultural hubs, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Its education has a strong research focus, clearly imposed high standards, a more traditional and hierarchical approach to lectures and seminars, and a highly competitive application system.  

There are over 400 higher education institutions in Germany , of which dozens feature in the World University Rankings. In Europe, German universities have always been highly regarded. And ‘always’, in this case, means since 1386 when they opened the first university in Heidelberg. And today, they care about higher education just as much: each year, Germany spends an average of 14,200 USD for each student (an amount higher than the OECD average of 11,800 USD). 

Why do international students choose to study in Germany?

1. Free higher education for international students 

Most public universities are free for all students , regardless of nationality, so many international students choose to study in Germany. However, getting in is not easy; the number of places is limited, and speaking German is usually necessary. On the other hand, private universities offer English-taught programmes, which are easier to get into, but also have quite expensive fees.  

2. Different types of study programmes for different fields of study  

In Germany, higher education is structured by fields of study and the specific goals of each degree. This means students benefit from clear career paths due to their specialised training and opportunities for professional development.  

3. Perfect place to study if you’re into Tech, Engineering, Arts, or Humanities 

German universities have consistently performed well in the field of Engineering & Technology . The country has a strong industrial and technological base which, combined with the strong partnerships between universities and industry, leads to high-performing, innovative study programmes perfect for tech enthusiasts.  

At the same time, German universities also excel in fields like philosophy, literature, and history. Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Heidegger are just some German names that changed these fields forever.  

Culture in Germany

German people place a high value on being on time and getting things done in an organised manner. They are also hardworking and appreciate good discipline, while their communication style is direct. You will also find that Germans care a lot about social justice and environmental protection, and the country has many initiatives and programs in place to promote sustainability and social responsibility. 

Cultural diversity in Germany  

Germany is among the biggest countries in Europe and the second most populous on the continent (with a population of more than 83 million people). Its position in the continent's heart exposed it continuously to cultural influences: northern and southern, eastern and western-European.  

Germany reflects its complex history and regional differences. Generally, western Germany has a slightly higher quality of life and salaries than eastern Germany. At the same time, religion is less important in the East than in the West, and there are lower living costs. Some of the major cities in the East include Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden. 

There are also cultural differences between the North and the South. The south is known for its traditional Bavarian culture, with lederhosen, dirndls (traditional clothes), and a strong beer culture. The north tends to be more international, with cities like Berlin and Hamburg known for their art scenes, nightlife, and fashion. 

Each region has its own distinct traditions, dialects, and culinary specialities. For example, Bavaria is known for its traditional folk costumes, beer festivals, and hearty cuisine, while the Rhineland is known for its carnival celebrations and love of wine. 

Different cultures in Germany 

The country is home to many different ethnic groups, including Turkish, Poles, Russians, Italians, Romanians and others. Each of these groups has its own unique cultural traditions, languages, and customs, which contribute to the overall cultural diversity of the country. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, the largest immigrant population in Germany is from Turkey, with more than 1,4 million people as of December 2021. Naturally, Turkish is the most commonly spoken immigrant language; in many schools, students can study it as a second language and even choose it as a subject for the Abitur (the German exam taken at the end of high school before they can continue to university). 

Languages spoken in Germany 

The main language spoken in Germany is called German or "Deutsch" (not to be mistaken with Dutch, which is spoken in the Netherlands). In school, most Germans learn the so-called "Standarddeutsch" or "Hochdeutsch," the standard or high form of German. However, there are many different accents and dialects spoken throughout the country. 

Aside from German, several other languages are spoken in Germany due to its diverse population and history. Some of the most common are English, Turkish, Polish, Arabian, and Russian. You can get by knowing only one of these languages, especially English, which is taught in schools, and Turkish, which has a large immigrant population speaking it, but your experience will be limited. If you want to move past basic day-to-day activities or situations and want to enjoy socialising, as well as full work and study opportunities , then you need to learn German.  

German food culture 

Germany is known for its love of pork, beef, and sausages, served in hearty dishes, with potatoes, vegetables, and bread. Some of the most well-known German dishes include: 

• Schnitzel - Thin, breaded and fried cutlets of meat, usually pork or veal, served with a side of potatoes, vegetables or salad. 
• Sausages - Germany is famous for its many types of sausages, including bratwurst, weisswurst, and currywurst, often served with mustard and bread or potato salad. 
• Sauerkraut - This is fermented cabbage commonly served as a side dish with meat. 
• Spätzle - Noodles often served as a side dish with meat, stews or gravies. 
• Pretzels - A soft, chewy bread often served as a snack with mustard or cheese. 
• Black Forest Cake - A chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream, named after the Black Forest region of Germany. 

Overall, German food culture is diverse and flavourful, and many German cities and regions also have unique specialities and local dishes. 

Weather in Germany  

Germany has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. However, there are some regional variations. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 25-30°C (77-86°F), especially towards the south of the country where it’s warmer. In fact, the southwest has a Mediterranean climate so you can even see exotic trees like lemons, kiwis, and figs. In winter, on the other hand, temperatures below the freezing point and snowfall are not uncommon, particularly in the Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest.  

How to choose a university in Germany?

The first thing you should know when thinking about how to choose a university in Germany is that there are four types of higher education institutions, each with its own particularities: 

1. Universities. They have a strong focus on theoretical knowledge and research. 

2. Universities of applied sciences. These universities have a practical approach to learning. Their most common fields of study are Technology, Business, Social Services, and Media. 

3. Colleges of Art, Film, and Music. These universities are entirely dedicated to the study and practice of Art, Film, and Music; typically, there is a talent-based admission test, and specially gifted people might get in even if they don’t fulfil the other requirements.  

4. Cooperative universities. These universities combine academic learning with practical work in a company (they offer dual study programmes – duale hochschulen) 

Deciding where you want to study is a deeply personal choice, but there are a few general ideas you should consider, like your budget, the language requirements, or the location of the university. To simplify things, we’ve compiled a list of the main aspects to remember when deciding which German university is right for you. 

Choosing a university checklist: 

1. Depending on what you wish to study, find out which type of higher education institution offers the programme you’re interested in: universities, universities of applied sciences, colleges of art, film, and music, or cooperative universities.  

2. Check the language of instruction: German is the primary language of instruction at most universities in Germany, although there are some programmes taught in English . 

3. Consider the key differences between different locations in Germany: 

• East vs West: The East is a bit less wealthy than the West but has lower living costs.  
• North vs South: The south is known for the traditional Bavarian culture, while the north tends to be more international. 
• Rural vs Urban: many students choose to study in rural areas like Bayreuth, Göttingen, or Tübingen for a quieter lifestyle and access to outdoor activities. However, urban areas offer more opportunities for internships, jobs, and cultural events. 

4. Choose between public and private universities: public ones have free tuition fees but are much harder to get into and most likely have programmes taught in German; private ones have tuition fees that are quite expensive but will likely have programmes in English, and it’s easier to be admitted into one.  

5. Read student reviews to learn how other students feel at that university. If you access a programme of study on our portal , you can read tens of student reviews for each study programme. And if you're still in doubt, try chatting with students who are currently studying at universities you are interested in.  

>>> There are plenty of international study programmes to choose from on Studyportals:  2000 study programmes in Germany .  

What are the best universities in Germany 

Known for their high academic standards, strong focus on research, and emphasis on theoretical education, 59 universities in Germany feature in the most important World Rankings . Here are the top 5 universities in Germany:

• Technical University of Munich .Known for its strength in engineering and technology, the university also strongly focuses on interdisciplinary research and international collaborations. It is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Germany and Europe.
• Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich . As one of the oldest universities in Germany, LMU has a strong reputation for research in a wide range of fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It is located in the heart of Munich, known for its vibrant cultural scene and high quality of life.
• Heidelberg University . Located in the charming university town of Heidelberg, this university has a long history of academic excellence and research innovation. It is particularly known for its research in medicine, natural sciences, and humanities.
• Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin . This university is a medical school, one of the largest and most prestigious medical institutions in Europe. It strongly focuses on research and innovation in healthcare and is located in the vibrant city of Berlin.
• Humboldt University Berlin . Founded in 1810, Humboldt University has a long tradition of academic excellence and research innovation. It is particularly known for its strengths in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and is located in the heart of Berlin.

>>> The full list of university rankings in Germany .

What are the top student hubs in Germany

When you think of studying in Germany, the first place that comes to mind might be the dynamic and rapidly evolving Berlin, and it sure is a worthy destination. But Germany has quite a variety of student hubs that you should absolutely consider.

Berlin. The German capital is cosmopolitan, welcoming to international students and ex-pats, and more affordable than other capitals in central and western Europe. It is also home to several prestigious universities, including Humboldt University, the Technical University of Berlin, and the Free University of Berlin.

München . München, the third largest city in Germany, hosts the famous Oktoberfest celebration and is considered a hub of technology, art, culture, and business. On top of that, you will have a lot of opportunities to do awesome outdoor activities . It is also home to the top two universities in the country, as per the latest rankings : the Technical University of München and Ludwig Maximilian University.

Heidelberg. In Heidelberg, you can find the oldest university in Germany, dating from the 14th century: Heidelberg University. The city sits between a river and a forest, with its own castle ruins, old bridge, Gothic churches, and funicular railroads.  The historic city is one of the most beautiful in Germany.

Rhine - Ruhr region. This region is the largest metropolitan area in Germany and is an international, industrial, and educational hub. The area sits in the country's West and includes large cities like Düsseldorf , Köln , and Dortmund . In the Ruhr area alone, there are 22 universities, which makes it the area with the largest number of higher education institutions in Germany.

Overall, each of these student hubs in Germany offers a unique and distinct experience for students, with different cultural, historical, and natural attractions to explore.

Tuition Fees in Germany

Tuition fees in Germany depend on the type of university you attend – public or private – and on your level of study – undergraduate, postgraduate or doctorate degree.  

Public universities are free for all undergraduate students, meaning there are no tuition fees for international students. The only cost is a small administration fee of 265 EUR per year. 

For Master’s degrees, the situation is a little different. MAs are free only if you completed your Bachelor’s in Germany and your MA is in the same field of study. PhDs are usually free. 

The only exception to this rule is the Baden-Wurttemberg area (which includes the cities of Freiburg and Stuttgart) , which has tuition fees for students outside the EU. Even in this area, some universities (e.g. The University of Stuttgart ) allow you to apply for a tuition fee waiver if you’re going through financial hardship, or request a tuition fee reimbursement if your financial status changes and you start having difficulties after you’ve already paid.  

Private universities are paid . Tuition fees reach up to tens of thousands of euros per year. The average for a Bachelor’s degree is between 10,000 and 15,000 EUR per year, while a Master’s varies between 10,000 and 20,000 EUR per year. However, some universities can have tuition as high as 50-60,000 EUR, like Bard University from Berlin. 

>>> Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s , or PhD   search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee by clicking the top right Sort button. 

Learn about tuition fee insurance for international students and why it's useful . 

Can I study in Germany for free?

Yes, you can access free education in Germany for international students, and this is a big attraction point for students who want to study abroad in Europe. However, there are a few restrictions to accessing tuition-free programmes: 

• You must study at a public university 
• Undergraduate and PhD programmes are free, but the only way to study a Master’s in Germany for free is if you completed a BA in that country and your MA is in the same field of study as your BA.  
• There is an exception to the rule: public universities in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg area have tuition fees for non-EU international students. Some of the best universities here are:  
• Heidelberg University  
• University of Tübingen  
• University of Freiburg  
• Ulm University  
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)  
• University of Mannheim  
• University of Hohenheim  
• University of Konstanz  

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Germany

Because higher education in Germany is mostly free, there are not so many scholarships available. The main organisation offering scholarships and awards is Begabtenförderungswerke - scholarships for gifted students . 

This is a group of 13 scholarship providers supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 

Types of scholarships on offer

There are several types of financial aid and scholarships available in Germany , and to choose which ones are best fitted for you, you should keep in mind a few factors: eligibility, requirements, what kind of support they offer, and whether that meets your needs, how difficult is the application process, and how competitive is the award.   

These are the main scholarship types in Germany: 

DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students and researchers to study or conduct research in Germany. 

Deutschlandstipendium: This is a merit-based scholarship that provides financial support to highly talented students enrolled in a degree program at a German university. 

Erasmus+ Scholarships: The Erasmus+ program provides scholarships for students from EU member states to study or conduct research abroad, including in Germany. 

StipendiumPlus: This is a scholarship program funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) that provides financial support to talented and committed students who face challenging social or personal circumstances. 

Foundations and organisations: Many private foundations and organisations in Germany also offer scholarships to students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. 

Where you can find scholarships

An excellent starting point when figuring out where to apply for scholarships is the Mastersportal search for scholarships in Germany .  

Other credible sources with up-to-date information about scholarships and financial aid: 

• Studyportals Scholarship – International Distinction Award, open to all international students – see FAQ about the award here. 
• Your preferred university's official website . They will likely award scholarships themselves or recommend partner organisations where to apply for financial aid.  
• Funding programmes for musicians and artists . If your area of study is art, music or film, you can also look into accessing a programme that supports artists and musicians.  

How to apply 

Once you’ve researched and shortlisted the scholarships you want to apply to, it’s time to get going with the actual application. Applying for a foreign university scholarship may be intimidating, but if you follow these steps, it won’t be that hard: 

• Check the eligibility criteria: ensure you meet all the requirements, including academic achievements, nationality, age, field of study, and more. Applying for a bursary or a university grant may have different rules from applying for a scholarship. 
• Gather the required documents: Financial aid providers all have a how-to-apply for university funding or scholarship page. This is the place to find and check what documents you need, things like transcripts, a motivation letter for applying to the scholarship , and recommendation letters. 
• Complete the application: pay attention as you fill out the scholarship application form to ensure you include all required information. 
• Submit the application: a very important step, take a deep breath and click submit! 
• Wait for a response: this may be harder than it sounds. But if you are shortlisted, you will probably be called for an interview or asked to provide additional information. See our advice on how to do well in a scholarship interview.  
• Accept the scholarship: the best part! If you are selected, read through the terms and conditions and accept the scholarship offer if you are happy with the terms. 

What to include in your application 

The specific requirements for a scholarship application will vary depending on the type of financial aid or scholarship and the program you are applying to. However, a scholarship application will always ask you to explain why you are applying for financial aid and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. This is usually done in a motivation letter or a request letter for your scholarship application, and it is the most important element of your application. That’s why it’s essential to Learn how to write a motivation letter for your scholarship .  

Other information to include in your application will likely be: 

• Personal information 
• Academic background, such as your academic transcripts, degrees, and certificates 
• Letters of recommendation, typically provided by teachers, professors, or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential 
• Financial Information 
• Essays or writing samples that demonstrate your writing skills and ability to think critically. 
• Other supporting materials, such as a portfolio of work or a list of awards and honours 

Interested in scholarships for Germany? Check out our scholarship search page.

Apply to university in Germany

How to apply.

The easiest way to apply to a German university as an international student is through Uni-Assist .  This service guides you step by step as you put together your application, it evaluates your certificates and sends your application to the university you’re interested in.

How much does it cost to apply to university?

The cost for the service is 75 EUR for the first application and 15 EUR for subsequent applications.

Can you apply directly to a university?

The alternative to Uni-Assist is to apply directly at the university and contact their International Office for assistance.

There are also differences between public and private universities. At public universities, admissions are regulated by “numerus clausus,”   a numbers-based system determining the number of available places on a programme. It doesn’t matter how good students are; the set number will be respected. Also, admission is based on high school marks, so again, the numbers will determine whether you get in or not.

However, demand is not as high for private universities because of their tuition fees, so getting in is considerably easier.

What’s the structure of the German academic year

The academic year in Germany generally runs from October 1st to September 30th of the following year and is divided into two main semesters:

1. Wintersemester : from October 1st to March 31st

The lecture period typically begins in mid-October and ends in mid-February, while the examination period typically lasts from late February to mid-March

There is also a semester break, usually from mid-February to mid-April

2. Sommersemester: from April 1st to September 30th

The lecture period typically begins in mid-April and ends in late July, with the examination period lasting from late July until mid-August. The semester break takes place from mid-August to mid-October.

There are also three extra short breaks during the academic year:

• Christmas break: around Christmas and New Year time in late December - beginning of January.
• Easter break: it depends on when Easter falls, but it’s usually in March or April
• Pentecost break: usually one week in May or June (depending on when Pentecost falls)

Of course, there can be variations to this schedule depending on the individual university, so it’s always best to check with your university as well.

When to apply for German universities 

Depending on when your course starts, there are also two application deadlines: 15 July if your programme starts in the winter semester and 15 January if your programme starts with the summer semester.

Documents needed to apply for university

The specific documents required to apply to a German university may vary depending on the program and the university. However, here is a list of common documents that are usually required:

• A completed application form: This can be an online application form or a paper-based form.
• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent: This may include a transcript of grades or a certificate of completion.
• Proof of language proficiency: This may include a certificate of proficiency in German (such as TestDaF or DSH) or in English (such as TOEFL or IELTS), depending on the language of instruction of the program.
• A curriculum vitae (CV): This should include your education, work experience, skills, and achievements.
• A letter of motivation: This should explain why you are interested in the program and why you are a suitable candidate for it.
• Letters of recommendation: These should be written by teachers, professors, or employers who can attest to your academic or professional abilities.
• A valid passport or ID card: This is needed to prove your identity and citizenship.

It's important to note that some universities may require additional documents, such as a portfolio of artwork or a medical certificate. Make sure to check the specific requirements of each university and programme before applying.

Language requirements

To study in Germany, you need to speak German or English. Most programmes of study require German, especially those at public universities.  

German Language requirements 

If you apply at a public university in Germany, chances are the main language of instruction will be German, so you will need to show proof of your German language skills by taking one of these tests: 

• DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) - the German language exam for university entrance 

The test is organised and hosted by the university at which you apply, but keep in mind that not all universities offer this test. Check which institution offers DSH . 

• TestDaF (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)  

The test can be taken both on paper and digitally at one of the registered test centres worldwide. Find the available centres to take TestDaF .  

English language requirements for German universities

If, on the other hand, you apply for an English-taught degree , you’ll have to show proof of English language proficiency, in which case these tests would apply (but check your university’s page to be sure which tests they accept): 

• IELTS . You’ll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, German universities ask for a score of 6.0 or 6.5.   
• TOEFL . The four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) have a score of 0 to 30 points each. You can get a maximum of 120 points. Many universities ask for a score of 90 to be admitted.  
• PTE Academic . You can obtain a score between 10 and 90 points in the three sections Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. To study for an undergraduate degree, you usually need a score between 51-60 points, and for a postgraduate degree a score of 57-67.  
• Duolingo English test . The test is gaining more and more popularity and is already accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. You’ll get a score between 10 and 160 points, where 95-100 points is the equivalent of the 6.0 IELTS score.  

>> To learn more about the different English tests you can take, read this comprehensive guide we’ve put together.  

Student housing in Germany

Finding suitable and affordable housing can be a challenge, especially in major cities where demand is high. The main options you have in Germany are the following: 

• Student dormitories . Many universities have their own dormitories, which can be a good option for international students. These dormitories can be a bit basic, but they are affordable and offer a great opportunity to meet other students. 
• Student housing apartments. Many students in Germany live in shared apartments, called "WG" (Wohngemeinschaft). These apartments have shared kitchens and bathrooms, but each person has their own private room. 
• Off campus student housing - Private apartments. If you prefer to live alone or with family, you can also look for private apartments. However, these can be more expensive and harder to find, especially in big cities like Berlin, München, or Hamburg. 

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Germany varies between 500 and 1000 EUR on average, depending on the city you choose (München and Stuttgart being the most expensive) and how close to the city centre you want to live. Of course, you can also share a flat, and that will amount to a smaller rent.  

Check these useful resources where you can find student accommodation: 

• Amber   

You can look for a flat on Amber - a private platform where you can easily book student accommodation across 9 countries.  

• Studentenwerk    

Studentenwerk is a student organisation that provides affordable housing options for students. They manage dormitories, shared apartments and single apartments at affordable prices. 

When to apply for student accommodation

You should start looking for accommodation as soon as possible, ideally several months before your planned move-in date, as long as you have an offer from the university you applied to.  

Many universities in Germany have their own housing facilities or partnerships with local accommodation providers, so it's also a good idea to check with your university's international office or student services department for information on available options and application deadlines. 

Cost of living in Germany

Overall, Germany is a more affordable place to live compared to other countries in Western Europe. You can make do with less than 1000 EUR per month. And if you combine this with free tuition fees, you’ve got a very budget-friendly study destination.  

Accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense. The cost of rent varies depending on the location and size of the apartment or room. In bigger cities like Berlin, München, or Hamburg, the average rent for a single room in a shared apartment ranges from €300 to €600 per month, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from €600 to €1000 euros per month. A monthly pass for public transportation can cost around €70 to €100 per month. 

Cost of food in Germany

The cost of food in Germany is relatively affordable, with a basic meal in a restaurant costing between 8 and 15 euros. Grocery shopping can also be affordable at discount stores like Lidl, Aldi, or Netto. Here are some general estimates of the cost of food in Germany: 

Groceries   

On average, a litre of milk costs around 0.70-1.20 EUR, a loaf of bread costs around 1-3 EUR, and a dozen eggs costs around 1-2 EUR. A kilogram of apples, bananas or potatoes costs around 1-2 EUR, and a kilogram of chicken or beef costs around 8-15 EUR. 

Eating Out 

A basic lunch in a fast-food restaurant or cafeteria can cost around 5-8 EUR, while a sit-down meal in a mid-range restaurant costs, on average, 12-25 EUR per person. Fine dining restaurants can be much more expensive, with prices ranging from 40-100 EUR per person or more. 

Drinks  

A water bottle (0.5 litres) is typically around 0.50 - 1 EUR, while a regular beer costs between 1.50 and 3 EUR in a bar or restaurant. A bottle of wine (750ml) can range from 5 to 15 EUR, with higher-end wines costing more. 

Work and study in Germany

Are international students allowed to work in germany.

International students are allowed to work in Germany under certain conditions. If you are a non-EU citizen, you can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. However, during semester breaks, you are allowed to work full-time. You must request permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the Foreigners' Office to work more than that.  Also, remember that international students are not allowed to work as self-employed or freelance. 

It's also worth noting that some degree programs may have their own limitations on the working hours for international students in Germany. Therefore, it's important to check with your university's international office or career centre for specific guidelines regarding employment for international students. 

On the other hand, if you are an EU citizen or a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you can work in Germany without any restrictions. 

Where can I find jobs?

You can start by looking at specific job portals for student jobs in Germany. On these portals, you can find part-time work for students and flexible and short-term work opportunities.  

Some popular student job portals include: 

• Jobmensa  
• StudentJob  
• Nebenjob  
• Unicorns  

Moreover, many universities in Germany have career centres that can help students find work opportunities. These centres can provide information on job vacancies, internships, and career events, but they also guide in creating a resume and preparing for job interviews.  

>> Read this article for Tips on Finding Part-Time Jobs for International Students , including ideas of how to get an internship or online work-from-home jobs for students. 

There are also online communities and groups where students and professionals in Germany share job opportunities and career advice, like InterNations and Meetup . 

Is Germany safe?

In general, Germany is considered a safe country ; however, you should use the same common-sense personal safety measures that you would use anywhere else in the world: 

• 110 for emergencies that require the police (national Emergency Number) 
• 112 for medical and fire emergencies (European Emergency Number) 

In the case of health issues that require medical attention but are not so urgent as to require a trip to the hospital but can’t wait until you can see your GP (general practitioner), you can also call 116 117 . 

Student insurance in Germany

Everyone living in Germany must have healthcare insurance, whether statutory or private. International students need health insurance as well, so you must already hold insurance when you enrol at the university at the start of the new semester.    

For that, you have several options:  

• Use health insurance from your home country. This situation applies to students from the EU (you need to request the European Health Insurance Card - EHIC from your country) and a few other countries with which Germany has such an agreement.  
• Take statutory health insurance from Germany, which will cost you around 110 EUR per month. 
• Choose health insurance from a private insurance provider in Germany  
• Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.
• Opt for the health insurance offered by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) 

Support services available for international students

Your university is the most important place where you can find quality student support services during your university years, offering various services in mental health, academic support, language support, and others.  

Within your university, you should look for: 

• The International Office : this is the first point of contact for international students where you can find support for issues specific to international study. 
• Office of the University Registrar : which deals with general administrators tasks. 
• The Students Union : a student organisation which represents and protects students’ rights. Each university has its own Students Union which is part of FZS - Free Federation of Student Unions  

Other organisations which offer great support for international students in Germany are: 

• DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service : the largest support organisation for international students in Germany 
• German National Association for Student Affairs : This organisation provides services to support international students in Germany, including information about accommodation, health insurance, and social events.  
• Study-in-Germany : website with a lot of useful information for international students. 
• Uni-Assist : the platform that helps international students apply to German universities.  
• The Federal Foreign Office : where you can find official information regarding Visa application and legal requirements of living in Germany. 
• Studentenwerke : a network of student service organisations, which provides a wide range of services to support students in their academic and personal lives. There are 58 Studentenwerke throughout the country. 

Student organisations

There are quite a few student organisations in Germany, fit for many different tastes and interests. We’ll go through some of the best-known ones: 

• AIESEC is a global youth-led organisation that provides leadership development and cross-cultural exchange opportunities for young people. It is present in over 120 countries, with several chapters in Germany. 
• The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Germany is a student organisation that helps international students integrate into German university life. It offers social and cultural events, language courses, and other support services. 
• Campus for Change is a student-led organisation that focuses on sustainability and climate action. It supports student initiatives and projects, and advocates for sustainable policies on campus and beyond. 
• Enactus Germany works with students to develop and implement sustainable business projects that address social and environmental challenges. 
• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association for engineers, scientists, and other professionals in the technology field. IEEE Germany provides networking opportunities, conferences, and other resources for students interested in the field. 

Things to do for students on a budget

Germany has plenty of things to do for students on a budget like visiting museums and galleries because many of them offer free admission, particularly on certain days of the week or during specific hours. There are also a lot of events like concerts and sports events which have discounted admission for students with a valid student ID card.

In Germany, you also have the opportunity to spend time in nature because there are many parks, forests, and other natural landscapes worth exploring. You can go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature without spending any money.

Moreover, some of the best free things to do in Germany for students are street festivals, concerts, and markets organised in cities across the country. These are a great way to experience the local culture.

Top urban attractions for students

• Oktoberfest : Held annually in Munchen, Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival and draws millions of visitors from around the world. The festival runs for 16 days, usually from mid to late September until the first weekend in October, and features traditional Bavarian food, music, and of course, plenty of beer.
• Karneval/Fasching : Also known as the "fifth season," Karneval/Fasching is a pre-Lenten festival celebrated in many regions of Germany. The festivities usually include parades, costumes, music, and dancing, and take place in February or March.
• Christmas Markets : This is one of the best things to do in Germany in winter. Found in many cities and towns across Germany, these markets offer traditional crafts, foods, and gifts, as well as plenty of glühwein (mulled wine) and other holiday treats.
• Berlin International Film Festival : Also known as the Berlinale, this film festival is one of the most prestigious in the world and takes place annually in Berlin in February. The festival showcases films from around the globe, and attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie fans from around the world.
• Berlin Wall : The Berlin Wall was a symbol of the Cold War, and its remains serve as a powerful reminder of the country's divided past. Visitors can see portions of the wall still standing, as well as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which chronicles the wall's history.

Top 5 Outdoor Attractions:

• The Romantic Road : The Romantic Road is a picturesque route that winds through some of Germany's most beautiful towns and villages, including Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Augsburg. The route is perfect for a road trip and offers plenty of scenic beauty and historic landmarks.
• The Black Forest : Located in southwestern Germany, the Black Forest is a dense, evergreen forest known for its natural beauty, cuckoo clocks, and traditional Black Forest cake. Visitors can hike, bike, and explore the many towns and villages in the area.
• Rhein in Flammen : Rhein in Flammen, or "Rhine in Flames," is a series of summer festivals held along the Rhine River. The festivals feature elaborate fireworks displays, music, and other entertainment, and take place in various towns and cities along the river.
• Neuschwanstein Castle : This castle, located in the Bavarian Alps, is the inspiration for the famous Disney castle and is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations.
• Brandenburg Gate : One of Berlin's most recognizable landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century triumphal arch and a symbol of unity and peace.

Travelling in Germany

In Germany, you can travel by train, bus, trams, and ferries. As a student, you might receive a free travel card from your university , but even if you don’t, princes are quite affordable. 

The Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the national railway company and operates both regional and long-distance trains. If you are under 27, you can receive student travel discounts and find tickets starting from 12.90 EUR.

Other useful resources are:

• BVG Berlin which operates the public transportation system in Berlin.
• MVG Munich which operates the public transportation system in Munich.
• RMV Frankfurt which operates the public transportation system in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region.
• VRR Ruhr which operates the public transportation system in the Ruhr area.

Moreover, while studying a German university, you can take advantage of different programmes such as:

• Erasmus+ a European Union program that provides funding for students to study, work, or volunteer in another EU country.
• The German Youth Hostel Association which offers affordable accommodation. 
• Youth Interrail Pass , you can buy a discounted interrail pass to travel by train either in Germany, in Europe, or across the world. 

Learning German

Many language schools in Germany offer courses for anybody interested in learning. Some popular language schools include  

• Goethe-Institut is a global organisation that promotes the German language and culture through language courses, cultural events, and examinations. 
• Berlitz , a language education company that offers a range of language courses, including German, through various formats such as in-person classes, online courses, and self-study materials. 
• DeutschAkademie , a language school which offers German courses for various levels of proficiency, both in-person and online, with a focus on small class sizes and personalised teaching. 

Many universities in Germany also offer German language courses for international students. Some universities even have preparatory courses for those students who want to study with them but do not meet the language requirements yet. 

A third option is online courses. These allow you to learn German from anywhere in the world. Some popular online language-learning platforms include  

• Duolingo is a very popular language-learning app that offers gamified lessons for free. You can learn a variety of languages, including German, and can access it both on mobile devices and web browsers. 
• Babbel is another language-learning app that offers interactive lessons and exercises for a subscription fee. It provides personalised feedback and tracks progress, and covers a range of languages, including German. 
• Rosetta Stone is a language-learning software which offers personalised lessons and feedback, and you can learn German for a subscription fee. 

Living as an expat in Germany

Germany is a welcoming and multicultural society; expats can find many opportunities to connect with others and explore the country's rich culture. However, if you managed through your studies without learning German, now it’s time you start language classes. If you want to be successful in the job market, speaking the country’s official language is very important in Germany.  

Finding expat apartments is usually not difficult, and if you pick something outside the city centre or choose to share the apartment, you can get by with an affordable rent.  

At the same time, remember that health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including expats. Similarly to when you were a student, you can choose between public or private health insurance, depending on your needs and preferences. Public health insurance is generally more affordable, while private health insurance offers more personalised care and additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage. 

Expat communities in Germany

According to Deutschland.de , a service of The Federal Foreign Office, the best cities for expats in Germany are Aachen , Düsseldorf , Hamburg , and Frankfurt am Main . These results are based on a survey taken by 20,000 expats and revealed 8 German cities in total, which were among the 82 most popular with the ex-pat community.  

At the same time, you can look at the quality of life in general in Germany and discover that apart from the four cities mentioned above, Berlin , München , Nürenberg , and Stuttgart are some of the best places to live in Germany for expats. 

In terms of what nationalities are predominant in Germany, based on the Federal Statistical Office of Germany , at the end of 2021, the largest migrant population was Turkish, followed by Polish, Romanian, and Syrian people. 

If you want to connect with fellow nationals in Germany, you can start by joining DEGIS , the biggest international student network in Germany. Here you can participate in events, meet other students, and volunteer with them to gain useful experience.

Germany Immigration rules

How your immigration status changes after graduation.

Once you graduate, if you are from outside the EU, the main thing that changes is that you will no longer have a study Visa so you’ll need to find a different type of visa to stay in the country. Depending on your situation, you have several different Visa options.

Keep in mind that the German immigration process can be complex, and there are fees associated with it. The current immigrant visa application processing fee is €75. Additionally, applicants may need to provide extra documentation and attend an in-person interview.

Types of Visa

The type of Visa you need after graduation depends on what you want to do regarding work and employment. The main categories for you are:

• Job seeker visa . This visa allows recent graduates to stay in Germany for up to six months while they search for employment. If a job is found, the individual can then apply for a work visa.
• Language course visa . This visa allows individuals to stay in Germany for up to one year while they study the German language. This can be a great way to improve language skills and increase employability in Germany.
• Visa for the self-employed.  This type is for  those who are active in liberal professions  like Art, Science, or Education and work as self-employed, as well as for those who wish to  start their own business  in Germany.
•  Work visa. This type covers several possible situations:
• Blue Card ;
• work with a contract ;
• work with a qualification that is partially recognised ;
• work as an IT-specialist with work experience ;
• job seeker (academic) ;
• job seeker (vocational training)

Immigration processing times

Processing times for German visas can range from a few weeks to several months. For example, a job seeker visa may take approximately 4-6 weeks to process, while a family reunion visa can take several months.

Job opportunities in Germany

Germany has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union while having the largest economy in the EU. This means there is a constant need for skilled workers and educated people to fulfil the labour force demands in the country.  

Apart from having a lot of work opportunities, the work-life balance in Germany is excellent , and the average gross monthly salary is 4,105 EUR .  

If you decide to stay and look for graduate jobs, here are some starting points:  

• Expatica : great job opportunities in Germany for international students who speak English 
• EURES portal (European Employment Services, part of the European Commission): for people from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.  
• The Federal Employment Agency : the largest provider of labour market services in Germany, and includes ZAV (International Placement Service) , a department specially dedicated to job opportunities in Germany for foreigners 
• English jobs : jobs that require English speaking 
• Jobooh : jobs in startups 
• Academics : academic and research jobs 
• Staufenbiel : jobs in Germany for graduates and students  
• Stepstone : includes internships and jobs for graduates 
• Monster  
• Kununu  
• MeineStellenboersen  
• JobStairs  
• The Local  
• Kimeta  

If you want to know more about working in Germany, you should also check  

• Expatica , with its comprehensive guide on how to find a job in Germany 
• EXpatrio , which gives a lot of useful information about the German work environment 

Continue your studies in Germany

If you are an international student who will graduate from a German university and would like to continue your studies in Germany, there are several options available to you: 

• Pursue a Master’s degree : you can apply for a tuition-free Master's degree if you already have a Bachelor's earned in Germany, as long as you continue in the same field of study at a public university. Head over here to see over 1800 Masters in Germany . 
• Apply for a PhD : if you are interested in pursuing a research-based degree and already have a Master’s degree, you can apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Germany. You can opt for an individual doctorate (self-directed research under one professor) or a structured PhD where you have team supervision and courses, and it’s usually advertised with grants. Here’s a list of PhDs in Germany .   
• Apply for a postgraduate diploma or certificate : postgraduate certificates and diplomas in Germany can be obtained from universities, technical colleges, and private institutions. They are typically non-degree programs that focus on practical, job-oriented training and often include a combination of coursework and hands-on experience. 
• Apply for a professional qualification : professions such as law, medicine, or teaching require additional qualifications beyond a degree. You can apply for these professional qualifications through professional organisations or regulatory institutions. 

Frequently asked questions

1. do international students need a visa to study in germany .

Non-EU/EEA students need a visa to study in Germany. The type of visa you need depends on your country of origin and the length of your stay. 

2. Is studying in Germany worth it? 

Studying in Germany can be worth it for many students because of the high-quality education, international reputation of German universities, and opportunities for research and career development. However, it ultimately depends on your individual goals and circumstances. 

3. What is the cost of studying in Germany? 

Studying in Germany can be free at public universities, except for the Brandenburg state. However, other expenses are to consider, such as accommodation, health insurance, and living costs. Overall, you can study in Germany for less than 12,000 per year if you opt for a tuition-free university. 

4. How much money is required to study in Germany? 

The amount of money required to study in Germany varies depending on factors such as the location of your university, your lifestyle, and the type of program you are studying. You can live in Germany with less than 1000 EUR per month if you budget well. According to Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (official student loans and scholarships regulator in Germany), the exact estimate is a minimum of €934 per month or €11,208 per year. If you’re a student of a non-EU country, you’ll have to show proof that you have the possibility to cover these finances when you apply for a Visa.  

5. Can I study in Germany without IELTS? 

Yes, it is possible to study in Germany without IELTS. Some universities may accept other language proficiency tests or allow students to take language courses at the university before beginning their degree program. 

6. What are the requirements to study in Germany? 

The requirements to study in Germany vary depending on the level of education and the program you are applying for. Generally, you will need to have completed secondary education and have proof of language proficiency (either German or English depending on the language of instruction for your course), as well as meet any additional requirements set by your chosen university. 

7. What exams are required to study in Germany? 

The main requirement is to pass the final school examination in your home country, which must be the equivalent of the German Abitur or the A-levels or the Baccalaureate. Apart from that, you will have to take a language exam and, depending on your programme, you might also have to sit additional tests. For example, for Med School, you will likely have to pass the "Test für Medizinische Studiengänge" (TMS), a subject-specific university entry examination.  

8. How to get permanent residency while studying in Germany? 

International students in Germany can apply for permanent residency two years after completing their studies if they meet certain requirements, such as being employed as a skilled worker and having sufficient financial resources. 

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in germany, what subject to study in germany.

• Agriculture & Forestry 5 Masters
• Applied Sciences & Professions 2 Masters
• Arts, Design & Architecture 2 Masters
• Business & Management 38 Masters
• Computer Science & IT 18 Masters
• Education & Training 4 Masters
• Engineering & Technology 33 Masters
• Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 20 Masters
• Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 3 Masters
• Humanities 23 Masters
• Journalism & Media 3 Masters
• Law 8 Masters
• Medicine & Health 65 Masters
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics 151 Masters
• Social Sciences 68 Masters

PhD Degrees in Germany

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 346 programmes
• Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) 4 programmes
• Doctorate (Doctorate) 11 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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We have 43 PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Germany

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PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in Germany

Phd researcher (f/m/x): origin of common diseases in childhood – health behaviour, nutrition and environment (9211) children's hospital, pediatric research center, life child, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Researcher (f/m/x): Origin of Common Diseases in Childhood – Genetic/Epigenetic Predisposition (9212) Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, LIFE Child

Phd position on inflammatory bone loss (f/m/x), phd position (f/m/d) in biophotonics / molecular biophysics, phd position / research assistent (f/m/d) on development and characterization of a reaction device for nmr measurements under harsh process conditions, phd student (f/m/d), doctoral researcher (m/f/div) in microbiome systems biology, phd student (f/m/d) center for optogenetic therapies, phd positions on research with the icecube neutrino telescope, phd position on radio detection of neutrinos, phd student (f/m/d), phd position in plant biochemistry of stress perception (m/f/d), phd position, research assistant (f/m/d) on thermomagnetic foil actuation, materials for the detection of minority species in optofluidic waveguides, funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD student (m/f/d) position

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Filtering Results

Structured Doctoral Programs

Each of our structured doctoral programs offers a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary curriculum designed to help you realize your full potential and prepare for a successful career. The programs include innovative, personalized advising with regular progress checks, as well as extensive opportunities to broaden your research network and connect with peers in your field.

The University of Bonn offers a wide range of funding opportunities, which have been summarized for you on this page, divided into the following categories:

Bonn International Graduate Schools (BIGS)

Phd programs within our cluster of excellence.

• Structured Doctoral Programs by Discipline 

Third-Party Funded Programs

Doctoral education at the highest level: BIGS enable doctoral studies in outstanding research contexts with attractive international collaborations and a qualification program tailored to the needs of graduate students.

Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics and supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative, BIGS-M  is home to all of the University’s doctoral candidates in mathematics and contributes to Bonn’s excellent international reputation in the field.

BGSE offers a structured program that is tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates, including an internationally recognized research network.

Supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative and jointly administered by the renowned Physics Institutes at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, BCGS  offers doctoral studies through an integrated honors program.

Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS 6 6 is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

BIGS-OAS offers a wide range of courses within a research context, focused on the cultures and societies of Asia and Asia Minor.

BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

BIGS CPS's interdisciplinary approach combines medical, agricultural and pharmaceutical research.

BIGS Chemistry 10 doctoral candidates enjoy an exceptional and ambitious program covering all fields of chemistry.

This three-year doctoral program  is offered in conjunction with the University’s ImmunoSensation Cluster, which is funded by Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research, BIGS-DR   trains students for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

The BIGS Land and Food combines the research at the agricultural Faculty with an interdisciplinary study program.

Clusters of Excellence stand for international and interdisciplinary elite research and offer young scientists excellent funding and career conditions. The University of Bonn currently has six clusters of excellence, more than any other university in Germany, and thus opens up a broad spectrum of possible research topics to doctoral candidates. Here you will find an overview of the university's clusters of excellence.

PhD Programs within our Excellence Cluster

The goal of the Hausdorff Center of Mathematics is to identify and address mathematical challenges of the 21st century, to advance groundbreaking fundamental mathematical research worldwide, and to develop the mathematical methods and tools required by science and society.

Part of the Hausdorff Center is also a graduate school: The Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) hosts all doctoral students of mathematics and contributes to the outstanding international reputation of the university in this field. The duration of the program is usually 3 years, and the doctorate (Dr. rer nat.) can be earned as a degree.

More information: https://www.bigs-math.uni-bonn.de/de/studies/ 14 15 15

ImmunoSensation2 aims to continue the success story of the existing ImmunoSensation cluster. While the emphasis so far has been on fundamental research in particular of the innate immune system, now the mechanisms of immune intelligence are to be uncovered, i.e. the question of how the body succeeds in adapting immune responses to specific situations and then remembers this in order to be optimally prepared for similar challenges in the future. The cluster's graduate school, the Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection offers a structured, three-year doctoral program.

You can find further information about this program here: 

https://www.immunosensation.de/opportunities/young-scientists

Until today, dependency studies has almost exclusively dealt with slavery on the American continent or in antiquity. The Cluster of Excellence "Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS)" aims to broaden this perspective in terms of content, space and time. Within the framework of the cluster, a structured doctoral program with a duration of 4 years is offered.

Further information can be found at:  https://www.dependency.uni-bonn.de/en 15 16

Over the last few decades, computer hardware has become smaller and smaller, but their technology remains more or less the same. Slowly, this development is reaching its limits.Thus, we need new technologies that satisfy our growing hunger for even more powerful hardware.

Quantum physics could be a solution.

Together with the University of Cologne and the RWTH Aachen, Bonn researchers want to work on making this new technology usable. To achieve this, quantum bits or even qubits - the quantum counterpart to our previous bits - quantum communication channels that build networks and error correction methods have to be explored from the ground up. As part of the Excellence Initiative, the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) offers a doctoral program with an integrated honors program.

Further information can be found at:  http://www.gradschool.physics.uni-bonn.de/. 4 4

The ECONtribute researches the functioning of markets as well as reasons for their failure. In doing so, the cluster goes beyond traditional analyses by systematically combining model-based theoretical approaches and behavioral explanatory models while incorporating legal and political frameworks. Within the cluster, the Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) offers doctoral students a tailored structured doctoral program that includes an internationally recognized research network.

Further information can be found at:  https://www.bgse.uni-bonn.de. 3 3

Increasing agricultural production despite limited land while reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture - this is one of the challenges of our time. For this reason, the University of Bonn and Forschungszentrum Jülich are jointly developing methods and new technologies to observe, analyze, better understand and more specifically treat plants. The cluster's graduate school, the Theodor Brinkmann Graduate School, offers an interdisciplinary study program to master's students and doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Agriculture.

More information: https://www.phenorob.de/ .

The Third-Party Funded Programs at the University of Bonn offer structured doctoral studies on selected research topics. They enable close networking among doctoral students conducting research on related topics.

Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) 2 17 18 18 Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, BIGS-M provides an umbrella for all Bonn PhD students in mathematics. Thus, the BIGS-M contributes to the excellent national and international reputation of mathematics at Bonn.

Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection The BIGS Immunosciences and Infection is a structured 3-year PhD program in conjunction with the ImmunoSensation Cluster/Bonn. The ImmunoSensation Cluster is part of the Excellence Strategy.

DFG Research Training Group "Gegenwart/Literatur. Geschichte, Theorie und Praxeologie eines Verhältnisses" (GRK 2291) [only in German] The Research Training group supported by the DFG  aims at the exploration and analysis of the constitutive dimensions of the concept of contemporary literature.  

DFG international Research Training Group "Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity" GRK (2168) 19 19 19 19 The DFG-funded project is a cooperation of the University of Bonn and the University of Melbourne. The principal research focus is the intersection between innate and adaptive immunity in the context of infection.

DFG Research Training Group  "The Macroeconomics of Inequality"  ( GRK 2281) 20 20 20 20 The research program focuses on the macroeconomic aspects of inequality, an aspect of first-order importance for society. 

DFG Research Training Group "Template-designed Organic Electronics (TIDE)" (GRK 2591) 21 21 21 The Graduate Program 'Template-Designed Optoelectronic Devices' (TIDE) aims to provide comprehensive doctoral education in the field of Organic Electronics (OE) to meet the requirements of highly qualified and multidisciplinary professionals. 

DFG Research Training Group "Tools and Drugs of the Future - Innovative Methods and New Modalities in Medicinal Chemistry" (GRK 2873) The goal of the RTG " Tools and Drugs of the Future" is to modernize medicinal chemistry and train a new generation of medicinal chemists and researchers at the interface with interconnected disciplines. In addition, the projects are intended to contribute to the development of new drug substances.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease" (SFB 1089) 22 22 27 27 Located at the newly inaugurated SFB 1089 on neuronal networks, the Integrated Research Training Group offers a structured graduate program for all doctoral researchers at the Centre.

Integrated Research Training Group at theDFG Collaborative Research Centre "Future Rural Africa" (SFB/TR 228) The integrated research group is investigating the relationship between land use change and shaping the future in rural Africa in a total of 14 subprojects.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Open System Control of Atomic and Photonic Matter" (SFB/TR 185) 24 The collaborative research centre Oscar will explore the physics of open systems.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Aortic Diseases" (SFB/TR 259) 25 The aim of this research initiative is to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of resident and non-resident cells in aortic diseases.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Regional Climate Change: Disentangling the Role of Land Use and Water Management" (SFB 1502) The SFB combines the strengths of the University of Bonn and its project partners to answer one of the most difficult questions in understanding climate change.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Brown and Beige Fat - Organ Crosstalk, Signaling and Energetics (BATenergy)" (SFB/TRR 333) The CRC investigates metabolism/diabetes and focusses on brown adipose tissue. 

One Health and Urban Transformation

The NRW Forschungskolleg One Health and Urban Transformation is a transdisciplinary graduate school that aims to find interventions to achieve optimal health for humans, animals, plants and the environment with a special focus on developments in NRW, Saõ Paulo, Accra and Ahmedabad.

International Max Planck Research School Moduli Spaces 27 27 In cooperation with the University of Bonn, the renowned Bonn Max-Planck-Institute for Mathematics offers a PhD program with a special focus on the study of moduli.

International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Astrophysics 28 28 In cooperation between the Max-Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and the Universities of Bonn and of Cologne, the Research School facilitates 3 years of PhD studies with a curriculum tailored to the individual student.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior 29 The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn

International Max Planck Research School - Recharge IMPRS-RECHARGE focuses on interdisciplinary research between chemistry and physics with an emphasis on catalytic mechanisms, physical-chemical analysis and energy topics. Scientific challenges shall be looked at from different angles. Furthermore the combination of theory and practice is a vital aim of the IMPRS-RECHARGE.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Macro and Microplastic in Agricultural Soil Systems“ (SOPLAS) The SOPLAS project will assemble a multidisciplinary team to study the nexus of plastic–agriculture–soil. It will also train a new generation of leading experts. The project aims to identify the plastic cycle within agricultural soil systems and support the development of environmental policies related to mitigating the impact of plastics. The findings will advance our knowledge about the sustainable use of plastics in European agriculture.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Early Stage Researchers EDUCational Program on Factor VIII Immunogenicity“ (EDUC8 ) 32 37 The EDUC8 program is a multidisciplinary training program with exposure of the enrolled ESRs to a core common educational package and development of individual PhD researchprojects dedicated to decreasing the societal burden associated with the development of anti-FVIII antibodies in Europe.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Research and Training in Early Life Nutrition to Prevent Disease" (GROWTH)

GROWTH is an Innovative Training Network that aims to train young business-oriented researchers in developing pathological insights, biomarker diagnostics and personalized nutritional interventions for intestinal failure in neonates and preterm infants.

Tools4Teams - "Research Training to Design and Implement Tools Supporting Safe Teamwork in Healthcare"

The Tools4Teams research project will prepare the next generation of teamwork experts to contribute new insights and smart technologies for safe and effective care. Tools4Teams brings together expertise from social and technical sciences, human-centered design, education, and clinical specialties.

Trinational Graduate College "Mass and Integration in Antique Societies" [in German/French] Supported by the Deutsch-Französische Hochschule since 2011, the tri-national Graduate School in Ancient History offers curriculum events in Bonn, Berne, and Strasbourg.

Structured Doctoral Programs by Discipline

Find the right structured doctoral program at the University of Bonn in your discipline here:

• Cross-Disciplinary Options
• Medicine and Life Sciences
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• Agriculture

Faculties at the University of Bonn work together to design interdisciplinary programs that combine key perspectives and offer unique insights.

Cross-Disciplinary Programs

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 42 Unique in Europe, BIGS-DR links perspectives from the Faculties of Philosophy, Agriculture, and Law and Economics – with an international focus.

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) 8 8 A collaboration between the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, as well as external partners, BIGS Neuroscience offers a medical program alongside five research areas in medicine.

SciMed Doctoral College 43 42 The Doctoral College offers scientific training for students in medicine and dental medicine, leading to a dual Dr. med. and Dr. med. dent. degree.

Researchers at the University of Bonn explore a wide variety of issues in economics, including game theory, applied microeconomics, monetary and international macroeconomics, contract theory, labor economics and finance.

Economics Programs

Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) BGSE offers a structured program that is tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates, including an internationally recognized research network.

DFG Research Training Group "Die Macroeconomics of Inequality" (GRK 2281) The research program focuses on the macroeconomic aspects of inequality, an aspect of first-order importance for society. 

Law Programs

Graduate School of Law and Political Science Department of Law The Graduate School of the Faculty of Law and Political Science was founded in the summer semester of 2018 and supports the doctoral students in preparing their doctoral studies.

The University of Bonn’s Faculty of Medicine offers doctoral programs in medical biochemistry, neurosciences and pharmacology. With the exception of the SciMed Doctoral College, all programs are administered in cooperation with the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Cross-Disciplinary Program

SciMed Doctoral College The Doctoral College offers scientific training for students in medicine and dental medicine, leading to a dual Dr. med. and Dr. med. dent. degree.

Neuroscience

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease (SFB 1089) Supported by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft – DFG) collaborative research centers, this integrated research training group works to identify fundamental rules that govern neuronal behavior at the network level and translate network dynamics to mammalian and human behavior.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior A joint venture of the University of Bonn, the Max-Planck-associated Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and Florida Atlantic University, this graduate school offers a complete doctoral and research program in the neurosciences.

Marie Curie Initial Training Network "modelling and pRedicting Human decision-making Using Measures of subconscious Brain processes through mixed reality interfaces and biOmetric signals" (RHUMBO) RHUMBO proposes using measures of subconscious brain processes through the use of mixed reality technologies (MRT) and advanced biometric signals processing as a new paradigm to improve the knowledge that implicit brain processes have in human decision-making.

Pharma Research

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

Bonn International Graduate School of Immunosciences and Infection

This three-year doctoral program is offered in conjunction with the University's ImmunoSensation Cluster , which is funded by Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

DFG Research Training Group "Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity" GRK (2168) The DFG-funded project is a cooperation of the University of Bonn and the University of Melbourne.

At the University of Bonn’s Faculty of Arts, you’ll find a highly international environment with students and researchers in a wide range of fields.

German Studies, Comparative Literature and Culture 

Structured Doctoral Program in German Studies (SPP) [website in German] Taught in German, the SPP supports doctoral candidates’ initiatives within the Institute for German, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.

German-Italian Doctoral College [website in German] Taught in German, this three-year grant program provides structured doctoral studies for researchers in German and Italian, with time in both Bonn and Florence.

History and Ancient History 

Mass and Integration in Antique Societies [website in German and French] Supported by Franco-German University and taught in German and French, this trinational doctoral program includes study in Bonn; Berne, Switzerland; and Strasbourg, France.

Oriental and Asian Studies Bonn

International Graduate School of Oriental and Asian Studies (BIGS-OAS) BIGS-OAS offers a wide range of courses within a research context, focused on the cultures and societies of Asia and Asia Minor.

Romance Studies

Italian Studies [website in German and Italian] Offered in cooperation with the Universities of Florence and Paris-Sorbonne IV, this trinational doctoral program is taught in German and Italian.

Structured DPhil program at the Faculty of Arts The program supports qualified doctoral candidates from all disciplines in their doctoral projects. It provides the opportunity for networking, interdisciplinary exchange in diverse social sciences and humanities subjects, progress monitoring and financial support for travel, workshops or research funding as part of the doctorate.

European Founding Myths in Literature, Arts and Music [website in German, French and Italian] This trinational program is jointly organized by the Universities of Bonn, Florence and Paris-Sorbonne IV and taught in German, French and Italian.

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research, BIGS-DR trains students for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

The University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences offers numerous externally funded doctoral programs in areas including mathematics and informatics, physics, biology, pharmacology and molecular biomedicine.

Programs in neuroscience, pharma research, immunoscience, and infection and molecular biomedicine are offered in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine.

Mathematics

Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) 2 2 Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, BIGS-M is home to all of the University’s doctoral candidates in mathematics and contributes to Bonn’s excellent international reputation in the field.

International Max Planck Research School on Moduli Spaces 53 53 This program includes courses, seminars and activities focused on the geometric spaces whose points represent fixed algebro-geometric objects (or isomorphism classes of such objects).

Physics und Astronomy

Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) 4 4 Supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative and jointly administered by the renowned Physics Institutes at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, BCGS offers doctoral studies through an integrated honors program.

International Max Planck Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics 55 55 This program offers a broad spectrum of topics in observational and theoretical galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, observational and theoretical cosmology, and fundamental physics – using astronomical tools and instrumentation.

Leibniz Graduate School on Genomic Biodiversity Research Based at Bonn’s Alexander Koenig Research Museum, this school is focused primarily on insect genome evolution.

Bonn International Graduate School of Chemistry (BIGS Chemistry) 57 57 BIGS Chemistry offers an internationally competitive doctoral program and opportunities to perform cutting-edge research.

Neurosciences

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) 8 8 BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease (SFB 1089) 22 22 Supported by DFG collaborative research centers, this integrated research training group works to identify fundamental rules that govern neuronal behavior at the network level and translate network dynamics to mammalian and human behavior.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior 29 29 The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn.

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) 6 6 Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

BIGS Immunoscience and Infection A structured, three-year doctoral program, IITB is offered in conjunction with the ImmunoSensation Cluster at the University of Bonn.

Doctoral candidates in the field of agriculture may choose to study through the Faculty of Agriculture’s Theodor Brinkmann Graduate School or earn their degree through the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research.

Agriculture Programs

Bonn International Graduate School for Land and Food (BIGS Land and Food)  Founded in 2008, the Brinkmann School is home to master's and doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Agriculture, combining research with an interdisciplinary study program.

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 12 Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research 59 , BIGS-DR trains researchers for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

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PhD in Germany: Top Universities, Admissions 2024-25, Fees, Scholarships

Veda Burman

| Updated On - Apr 30, 2024

Germany Admissions 2024, Latest Alerts

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The top PhD universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fee from international students. You might need to pay a semester fee between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR) to pursue PhD courses in Germany. After completing a PhD degree in Germany, graduates annually earn an average salary of 69,000 EUR (61.43 lakhs INR).

Best Universities in Germany for PhD

Germany is a center for higher education, with few top-ranked yet affordable institutions offering doctoral programs. Some top PhD universities in Germany and their corresponding details are as follows:

Why Study PhD in Germany?

• In Germany, a majority of the PhD programs are tuition free, at least for the first 6 semesters. The German government sponsors these programs. You will only need to pay a minimal semester fee between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR).
• According to UNESCO, Germany has enrolled over 28,000 Indian students including PhD scholars every year, higher than any other EU member state.
• Germany allows students to pursue doctoral programs without a masters degree. Students with a bachelors degree can directly pursue doctoral studies in Germany with satisfactory eligibility criteria.
• As a student, you can work for 120 full-days or 240 half days per year to earn extra pocket money.

PhD in Germany Admissions

The admission requirements for doctorate in Germany vary based on the chosen university and subject. The common requirement for PhD in Germany eligibility criteria for international students are listed below:

• Diploma, Magister, or Master’s degree with above-average aggregate from a recognized university
• At least 2.5 GPA in German grading system or B+ overall grade
• IELTS: 7.0 (with 6.5 in each band)
• TOEFL iBT: 80 - 100
• German language proficiency proof: TestDaf: Level 4
• GRE: 160 overall score or above
• Germany student visa

PhD in Germany Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for admission to the PhD programs in various German universities are as follows:

PhD in Germany Cost

The German universities do not charge any tuition fee for PhD programs. You might need to pay a semester fee between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR) across some universities. Besides, you can estimate to spend around 850 EUR per month as the cost of living in Germany . Following are some top-ranked universities and their respective fees:

PhD in Germany Scholarships

Although the doctoral programs in Germany are fully funded, candidates are still required to make the ends meet and bear the living costs. Therefore, such candidates may look forward to the following scholarships in Germany :

PhD in Germany Salary

Students with PhD in Germany secure an average salary of 69,000 EUR per annum. The average salary of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ranges between 45,000 to 94,000 EUR per annum. Doctor of Science (DS) degree holders annually earn between 42,000 to 120,000 EUR. The average salary of doctoral candidates pursuing jobs in Germany according to their levels of experience are as follows:

Note: The stage duration (time spent) of each of the 6 levels of experience increases by 1 year per stage. The contractual term at first level is at least 12 months with no interruption.

PhD in Germany is pursued by international students for a combination of benefits. The top public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, removing the financial burden from students. You can get research opportunities from industry experts in Germany. After completing education, you can get employed as research associate for Postdoc positions in German higher education institutions.

Ques. Is it free to do PhD in Germany for Indian students?

Ans . Yes. The public universities in Germany offer PhD programs without any tuition fees. The universities might charge a minimal semester fee to Indian students. You can estimate to pay between 100 and 325 EUR (8,900 to 28,930 INR) as semester fees in the German universities for pursuing a PhD program.

Ques. Do PhD students get paid in Germany?

Ans . Yes, some German universities provide financial support to PhD students through grants, stipends, and scholarships. You can also pursue part-time jobs while pursuing PhD, with permission from your university to earn some pocket money.

Ques. How many years is a PhD in Germany?

Ans . PhD programs in Germany can be around 5 years long or more. However, PhD in Germany is available within 3 years span across some universities. According to experts, the average time taken for PhD in Germany ranges between 3 and 4 years.

Ques. Is it easy to get PhD in Germany?

Ans . No. PhD in Germany requires you to be involved in research and activities on a particular subject or multiple subjects. The entry requirements for PhD programs in Germany for international students vary with the university and specialization. The most important requirements for admission to PhD in Germany are as follows:

• IELTS : 7.0 (with 6.5 in each band)
• German Proficiency proof: TestDaf: Level 4
• GRE Score: 160 overall score or above
• Germany Student Visa

Ques. Is a PhD in Germany taught in German?

Ans . PhD in Germany is taught in both the languages, German and English. You can choose the university and specialisation, based on the proficiency of language. If possible, German language proficiency is recommended to enhance your chances of securing admission to your dream university.

Ques. Can I pursue PhD in Germany without a Master’s degree?

Ans . PhD in Germany can be pursued by exceptionally performing Bachelor’s degree graduates. Moreover, candidates possessing an international Graduate Diploma with 2.5 or more GPA may also apply.

Ques. Is German PhD valid in India?

Ans . Yes. PhD degrees offered by prestigious universities in Germany are valid in India. You can pursue a faculty post in the Indian universities with a PhD from Germany. You can also look for postdoc opportunities or suitable employment opportunities for you with a PhD from Germany.

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29 PhD jobs in Germany

Find PhD jobs in Germany here. To have jobs sent to you the day they're posted, sign up for job alerts.

• PhD positions in Jena (4)
• PhD positions in Cologne (3)
• PhD positions in Frankfurt (Oder) (3)
• PhD positions in Saarbrücken (2)
• PhD positions in Oldenburg (2)
• PhD positions in Munich (2)
• PhD positions in Konstanz (2)
• PhD positions in Heidelberg (1)
• PhD positions in Karlsruhe (1)
• PhD positions in Berlin (1)

Other countries

• PhD positions in Belgium (189)
• PhD positions in Netherlands (85)
• PhD positions in Sweden (57)
• PhD positions in Switzerland (38)
• PhD positions in Norway (27)
• PhD positions in Luxembourg (25)
• PhD positions in France (17)
• PhD positions in Finland (14)
• PhD positions in Austria (12)
• PhD positions in Spain (5)

Search results (29)

Doctoral research position (f/m/d)

In the Institute of Process Measurement and Sensor Technology at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for up to 2 positions asDoctoral research position (f/m/d)for advanced academic training to obtain research skills and acade...

PhD Positions in Cancer Research

Are you looking for excellent research opportunities for your PhD studies at the forefront of cancer research? The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg invites international students holding a Master’s degree in (molecular) biology, ...

Upcoming PhD Positions at the International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life in Autumn 2024

More information for the new call-out will come up during Autumn 2024. Stay tuned!The International Max Planck Research School for Molecules of Life (IMPRS-ML) will have an open call for fully-funded PhD student positions in the areas of biochemis...

PhD Students

The CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security is looking for PhD Students in areas related to:Cybersecurity, Privacy and CryptographyMachine Learning and Data ScienceEfficient Algorithms and Foundations of Theoretical Computer ScienceSoftwar...

Three 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Zukunftskolleg

(Fulltime, E 13 TV-L)Reference No: 2024/114. The preferred start date is April 1st, 2025. Conditionally on the submission of an external grant, the position can be extended for an additional year. In principle, the position can be divided into two...

PhD Position / Research Assistant (f/m/d) Analysis and mitigation of offshore wind farm cluster wakes

ForWind – Center for Wind Energy Research has a vacancy in the research group »Wind Energy Systems« at the Institute of Physics of the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg starting as soon as possible for aPhD Position / Research Assistant (f/...

PhD Position / Research Assistant (f/m/d) Forecasts of wind ramps at offshore wind farms

Upcoming PhD positions at the IMPRS for Molecular Organ Biology in Autumn 2024

Thanks to all the academics who submitted their application!The application deadline has passed and the selection process started. More information for the new call-out will come up during this Autumn 2024. Stay tuned!PhD Studies in the Heart of E...

Several PhD positions in solid state physics (f/m/x) CRC 1238 (experiment and theory) Wiss2405-30 | CRC 1238 | Control and dynamics of quantum materials | Theoretical Physics and Institute of Physics II

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Several PhD positions in solid state physics (f/m/x) CRC 1238 (experiment and theory) CRC 1238 | Control and dynamics of quantum materials We are one of ...

Project Manager/PHD Position in Production Management

We specialize in facilitating the digital evolution of businesses towards Industry 4.0 and fostering data-driven circular economies. Our expertise lies in crafting IT ecosystems that streamline and enhance sustainability across all facets of opera...

Postdoc & PhD positions at the Collaborative Research Centre “Plant Proteoform Diversity”

Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1664 PLANT PROTEOFORM DIVERSITYGERMANY    Halle (Saale) • Gatersleben • Leipzig Postdoc & PhD positions availablePlant Science • Protein Science • Computer ScienceThe Collaborative Research Centre “Plant Proteofor...

12 Doctoral Positions (part-time 60 %, E 13 TV-L )

Reference No. 2024/119. The starting date is October 1st, 2024. The positions are available until September 30th, 2028 (48 months).The University of Konstanz is one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany. Since 2007 it has been successful...

Upcoming fully funded PhD Positions in Neurosciences and Translational Psychiatry research, including a residency/PhD track option for medical doctors

There are no tuition fees for this PhD program.We welcome applications through our online application portal starting on August 15, 2024 for a start in fall 2025. The application deadline will be on October 31, 2024. The International Max Planck R...

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Microbiome Systems Biology

Job AdvertisementLeibniz-HKI-29/2024The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-...

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Automated Processing of Bioimages

Job AdvertisementLeibniz-HKI-16/2024The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-...

Doctoral Researcher (m/f/div) in Computational Biology

Job AdvertisementLeibniz-HKI-15/2024The Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) investigates the pathobiology of human-pathogenic fungi and identifies targets for the development of novel natural product-...

PhD position (m/f/d) for the investigation of structural, optical, and thermal properties of SiGeSn alloys and their heterostructures

Job-ID: 0052/24 | Department: Materials Research | Salary: as per tariff (TV-L) | Working Time: 40h/week with part-time option | Limitation: initially 2 years with option of extension | Starting Date: as soon as possibleIHP is an institute of the ...

PhD Position (m/f/d) in the field of ADC converters

Job-ID: 5066/23 | Department: D-CD | Salary: as per tariff (TV-L) | Working Time: 40h/week (part-time work option) | Limitation: initially 2 years with option of extension for three more years | Starting Date: as soon as possibleIHP is an institut...

2 PhD positions (f/m/x) in Poisson Geometry Wiss2406-04 | Department of Mathematics and Computer Science | Division of Mathematics

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences 2 PhD positions (f/m/x) in Poisson Geometry Department of Mathematics and Computer Science | Division of Mathematics We are one of the largest and oldest...

14 doctoral researchers (f/m/d) for the DFG-funded Research Training Group 2721: “Hydrogen Isotopes 1,2,3H”

The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 2721 is a consortium at Leipzig University, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf / Research Site Leipzig (HZDR/RSL) and the Leibniz Institute for Surface Engineering (IOM). It spans the fields of an...

PhD position (m/f/d) for the electrical properties of graphene for the realization of advanced opto-electronic devices

Job-ID: 0041/24 | Department: Material Research | Salary: as per tariff (TV-L) | Working Time: 40h/week (part-time work option) | Limitation: initially 2 years with option of extension for three more years | Starting Date: as soon as possibleIHP i...

PhD position (f/m/x) in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Institute for Plant Sciences | CEPLASWe are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central...

Doctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics for Microbial Life Histories Prediction

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university rooted in the heart of Germany with a strong research profile. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—...

Research Associate (Doctoral Student) (m/f/x) in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

(100%, TV-L E13)TUM School of Management at TUM Campus Heilbronn invites applications for a Research Associate (m/f/x) at the level of TV-L E13 (public sector pay scale) at the newly founded Global Center for Family Enterprise (Prof. Dr. Miriam Bi...

PhD Position / Research Assistent (f/m/d) Development and characterization of a reaction device for NMR measurements under harsh process conditions

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges o...

PhD student for the research of microbiological risks in food from aquaculture (f/m/d)

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is the national institute which prepares expert reports and opinions on questions of food, feed and chemical safety and consumer health protection in Germany on the basis of internationally re...

Research associate / PhD candidate (f/m/d)

Doctoral Research Position (m/f/x)

Saarland University is a campus university that is internationally recognized for its strong research programmes. Fostering young academic talent and creating ideal conditions for teaching and research are a core part of the university’s mission. ...

Bioinformatician (m/f/d)/Data Scientist (m/f/d)

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Ways To Your PhD

 You have the choice of two routes to your doctoral title in Germany. Check out the differences.

Individual Doctoral Studies

Most doctoral candidates choose the individual study model. In this model, you need to find a university professor who will supervise your dissertation. You may elect to write your dissertation alone or collaborate with other researchers – it really depends on your subject.

As a doctoral candidate you have three options as to where you carry out your research:  at a university, at a research organisation or in the industrial sector.  You can decide which option best fits your goals.

How long it takes to complete an individual PhD is down to your schedule, or the period of your research grant, but the length of this form of PhD usually ranges from 3 to 5 years.

Structured PhD Programmes

An alternative route to your doctorate is via the structured PhD programme, similar to those in English-speaking countries. This model offers regular and intense supervision by a team of advisors.  The programmes include a curriculum of courses, usually with an interdisciplinary focus. These programmes will advance your skills not only in academic and scientific methods such as presentation techniques but also foster soft skills. This systematic approach allows you to complete your doctoral studies within 3 – 4 years.  

Find out more about the two ways to do your PhD: www.research-in-germany.org > two ways to get a PhD

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FellowshipBard

Phd in germany: cost, scholarships, & admission requirements.

Have you considered pursuing a PhD in Germany? Germany is a popular destination for international students seeking a high-quality education and a vibrant research environment.

Pursuing a PhD in Germany can provide you with a unique opportunity to work with leading researchers in your field, gain valuable experience, and develop your skills.

In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of pursuing a PhD in Germany, including the application process, funding opportunities, and the research environment.

How Much Does PhD Cost in Germany?

The cost of pursuing a PhD in Germany varies depending on several factors, including the university, the program, and the student’s lifestyle. However, most public universities in Germany offer their doctoral programs at a highly subsidized tuition or even at no tuition cost at all.

The only cost that students may have to pay is a semester fee ranging from 300-3,000 EUR a year. Private universities may charge higher tuition fees, but they are generally more expensive than public universities.

In addition to tuition fees, students will also have to consider the cost of living in Germany, which includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses. The average cost of living in Germany is around 700-1,100 EUR per month.

Follow FellowshipBard for daily updates!

How Many Years is a PhD in Germany?

The duration of a PhD program in Germany typically ranges from 3-5 years. The duration may vary depending on the field of study, the research topic, and the student’s progress. 

Who is Eligible for PhD in Germany? 

To be eligible for a PhD program in Germany, applicants must meet certain requirements. Here are the general eligibility criteria for pursuing a PhD in Germany based on the search results:

• A strong research-oriented master’s degree in a relevant field of interest is a major prerequisite while applying for a PhD in Germany.
• The acknowledged degree for entering doctoral studies in Germany is a Master’s Degree – taken by completing at least eight semesters of your Master studies.
• Extremely well-qualified international applicants with a bachelor’s degree may be admitted as doctoral students via a fast-track program, which will involve taking an entrance exam and perhaps attending an interview.
• Applicants must have a good higher education degree which is equivalent to a German master’s degree.
• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 80% from a recognized university.
• Applicants must have a valid Curriculum Vitae (CV) that mentions prior work experience, academic pursuits, etc.
• Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in either English or German. For English, applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 and above or TOEFL score of 80 and above.
• For German, applicants may need to prove their proficiency in the language with a test such as DSH-2 or the Goethe certificate C2.

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Do you get paid to do a phd germany.

Yes, PhD students in Germany receive a salary or stipend during their studies.The amount of salary or stipend varies depending on the university, the program, and the student’s experience.

The average stipend for PhD students in Germany is around 24,500 EUR per year (approximately INR 19,53,189 per year). However, some universities may offer higher stipends depending on the field of study and the research topic.

In addition to the stipend, PhD students may also receive other benefits such as health insurance, travel grants, and conference funding.

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What is top 20 universities in germany.

• Technical University of Munich
• Ludwig Maximilians University Munich
• Heidelberg University
• University of Bonn
• University of Gottingen
• University of Freiburg
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Tübingen
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Hamburg
• University of Cologne
• University of Stuttgart
• University of Frankfurt
• University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
• University of Würzburg
• University of Konstanz
• University of Mannheim
• University of Bremen
• University of Münster
• University of Duisburg-Essen

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What is top 10 phd scholarships in germany.

Here are some of the top PhD scholarships available for international students in Germany based on the search results:

• DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service)
• Helmholtz Research Scholarship
• Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation Scholarships
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
• Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships
• Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships
• Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarships
• Max Planck Society Scholarships
• Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship

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How to apply for a phd in the germany.

1. Find a suitable PhD program and a supervisor: The first step is to find a PhD program that matches your academic and career goals. You can search for programs on the university websites or other online platforms. Once you have identified a program, you need to find a supervisor who can guide you through your research.

2. Check the eligibility criteria: Before applying, you need to check the eligibility criteria for the program. The criteria may vary depending on the university and the program. Generally, you need to have a strong research-oriented master’s degree in a relevant field of interest, a valid Curriculum Vitae (CV), and language proficiency in either English or German.

3. Prepare the application documents: The application documents may include a CV, a copy of your degree certificate, a brief description of your doctoral research, language proficiency certificates, and letters of recommendation. You may also need to submit a research proposal, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample.

4. Submit the application: Once you have prepared the application documents, you can submit them online or by mail. The application process may involve multiple stages, and the timeline may vary depending on the program.

5. Wait for the response: After submitting the application, you need to wait for the response from the university. If your application is accepted, you will receive a confirmation letter from the university. You can use this letter to apply for a German student visa.

What is PhD Application materials in Germany?

The application materials required for a PhD program in Germany may vary depending on the university and the program. However, common application materials required:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV that mentions prior work experience, academic pursuits, research interests, and other relevant information.

2. Degree certificate: A copy of your degree certificate that proves you have completed a master’s degree or equivalent. Research proposal: A brief description of your doctoral research, including the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A statement that explains your motivation for pursuing a PhD, your academic and career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with your goals.

4. Language proficiency certificates: Proof of language proficiency in either English or German. For English, applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 and above or TOEFL score of 80 and above. For German, applicants may need to prove their proficiency in the language with a test such as DSH-2 or the Goethe certificate C2.

5. Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can attest to your academic and research abilities.

6. Aptitude scores: Some universities may require aptitude scores like GRE or GMAT.

7. Exposé of the dissertation project: A detailed description of the dissertation project.

Can I work while doing PhD in Germany?

Yes, it is possible to work while doing a PhD in Germany. PhD students in Germany can work as research associates at their universities, which is usually a part-time job. The research associate job description includes research, teaching, and administrative duties. PhD students can also work outside the university.

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PhD in Germany for Indian Students

Getting a PhD in Germany for Indian students can seem complicated, but it really isn’t.

According to the latest enrollment data, German universities are home to around 380,000 international students with PhD candidates sharing around 10% of that number. Indian students, as the second largest group of international students in Germany, account for a significant portion of that PhD student population.

What makes Germany such an attractive study destination for Indian PhD students?

Germany is the second most popular study destinations in the world and their universities enjoy a firm and undeniable global reputation. They’re valued for top class education standards, leading academic staff, state of the art facilities, modern educational approaches, a great emphasis on the practice, a wide variety of courses and excellent job prospects.

All these features make Germany a perfect choice for Indian students, especially for PhD students who need a well-suited environment to get a fulfilling experience both professionally and personally.

If you’re an Indian student who wants to get your PhD degree in Germany all we have to do is to greet your decision and help you go get through the application process.

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In order to help you with that, given below is a complete set of information about PhD in Germany for Indian students.

Eligibility

PhD degrees in Germany are open to all international students. Thus, your eligibility depends entirely on your previous academic background. German universities are global leaders and they only admit the best students. To achieve that your qualifications must meet the optimum standards as required. If your academic qualifications are recognized in Germany then you’re eligible to apply for a PhD.

Find a PhD degree

Finding a PhD degree in Germany is a bit more difficult than finding an undergraduate or a master’s degree. That’s mainly because PhD degrees in Germany are not only offered by universities but also from licensed companies engaged in the industrial sector.

Lucky for you, navigating this information is easy with the right management. Here is a completed and updated database of PhD degrees for you.

Important Information

In order for you to choose the right choice, it is important you know there are two types of  PhD degrees in Germany

Individual PhD Degrees

On an individual PhD degree course, you will carry out a research project under the professional provision of a personal tutor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). Although your mentor will be informed about your progress at any time, this study program allows you to work a lot by yourself on your dissertation thesis. Note that individual PhD degrees in Germany can be offered by accredited universities and licensed companies engaged in the industrial sector.

To find such degree, you have to do a little research to see if there are universities in Germany offering PhD degrees in your field of interest. In addition to that, Universities can be used as a primary source of information to find available PhD degrees offered by industrial companies.

Structured PhD Degrees

Structured PhD degrees contain a small group of PhD students who are involved in a joint PhD project with a specific top. The team is supervised by a group of experts in that particular subject whose job is to mentor, advise and assess the progress PhD students have made at each stage. These PhD programs in Germany are instructed in English and last three to five years of full-time studies.

• Requirements

PhD entry requirements for Indian students in Germany change variously due to several factors, including here your previous education, your nationality, the university and the course of your choice.

Indian students must submit the following documents to apply for a PhD degree in Germany:

• Master Degree recognized in Germany
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Recommendation
• Relevant Job Experience

Note that your qualifications attained in India must initially be accepted at the university or the institution you want to enroll. If it is assessed that your master degree does not qualify you for PhD studies in Germany, there is still a chance you will be admitted upon undertaking a fast-track preparatory course to teach you the skills and knowledge required in your regular PhD course.

Also, note that sometimes universities in Germany may admit international undergraduate students who are able to show top quality in a related field.

As per the Proof of Language, most PhD degree courses in Germany are taught in English. That said, you need to undertake an English proficiency test, commonly TOEFL or IELTS. Since the language used at this academic level is advanced you must aim to score high otherwise the PhD provider in Germany may reject your application.

How to apply

After you have found your PhD degree course and complete all documents as required is time to submit your application. Keep in mind that the details of the application procedure may be typical of the university you’re willing to apply, therefore for e detailed explanation of the application process you must contact your PhD provider.

Usually, after you have found an available professional tutor for your individual doctorate degree, there is a committee in charge of deciding if your academic profile matches exactly the vacant place in their PhD programs.

In this case, the committee will need the following documents to assess if you’re the right candidate

• Certified copies of your qualifications
• A statement from your personal mentor
• Academic references

Note that the application for PhD studies in Germany can be carried online by scanning your documents into PDF or JPG format. Also, keep in mind that the committee may also be interested in doing an interview with you through Skype. Basically, the interview will contain questions around your master studies and its relation to the PhD course you want to attend.

Cost of Getting a PhD in Germany for Indian Students

The cost of getting a PhD in Germany for Indian students includes both tuition fees and living costs.

Although tuition fees are introduced in some German states as of 2017, this change does not affect Indian PhD students. That said, all international students seeking a PhD degree in Germany carry no tuition fees at least for the standard length of a PhD course which is typically three years of full-time studies. Note that if it takes more than three years to complete your PhD studies certain fees may be applied.

While you won’t have to pay for university tuition fees there are still living costs you need to cover. But don’t worry because with the right management Germany turn to an easy, affordable place to live and study. If you want to read more about living costs for international students in Germany

• German Student Visa

Every Indian student in Germany is obliged to have a student visa in order to legally stay in Germany for the period of their studies.

As soon as your PhD provider in Germany approves your admission you must go to the local German embassy and initiate a process for student visa application.

Below is given a list of documents you need to submit for your German Student Visa:

• Duly completed student visa application form,
• Valid passport (recommended with validity up to the period of studies or more),
• Recent Photos,
• Proof of mentors acceptance to supervise your doctoral thesis work– as a proof for your right of entry doctoral studies in Germany,
• Proof of health insurance,
• Proof of sufficient financial coverage for the given period of doctoral studies – typically a blocked German bank account,
• Certificates of education (all formal and informal education),
• Proof of sufficient German and/or English language skills (depending on the language of the doctoral program).

To Increase Your Chances of Getting Your Student Visa for PhD You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

Learn more about the German Blocked Account at Expatrio

It is important you apply for your German student visa well in time to avoid any possible delay in your enrollment. Fortunately, master and PhD candidates in India who want to get a German student visa can appear at the local embassy without making an appointment beforehand, thus helping you to save a lot of time.

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Top Studies From European Stroke Organisation Congress 2024 in Review

Hans-Christoph Diener, MD, PhD

Authors and Disclosures

Disclosure: Hans-Christoph Diener, MD, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:  Received honoraria for participation in clinical trials, contribution to advisory boards or oral presentations from: Abbott; Addex Pharma; Alder; Allergan; Almirall; Amgen; Autonomic Technology; AstraZeneca; Bayer Vital; Berlin Chemie; Bristol Myers Squibb; Boehringer Ingelheim; Chordate; CoAxia; Corimmun; Covidien; Coherex; CoLucid; Daiichi-Sankyo; D-Pharml Electrocore; Fresenius; GlaxoSmithKline; Grunenthal; Janssen-Cilag; Labrys Biologics Lilly; La Roche; 3M Medica; MSD; Medtronic; Menarini; MindFrame; Minster; Neuroscore; Neurobiological Technologies; Novartis; Novo-Nordisk; Johnson & Johnson; Knoll; Paion; Parke-Davis; Pierre Fabre; Pfizer Inc; Schaper and Brummer; sanofi-aventis; Schering-Plough; Servier; Solvay; Syngis; St. Jude; Talecris; Thrombogenics; WebMD Global; Weber and Weber; Wyeth; Yamanouchi

This transcript has been edited for clarity. 

Dear colleagues, I'm Christoph Diener from the University Duisburg-Essen. In this month's video, I would like to discuss eight studies that were presented at the European Stroke Organisation Congress in Switzerland last month. 

Blood Pressure in Acute Stroke

I would like to start with this never-ending story of lowering increased blood pressure in acute stroke . Whenever someone has a stroke, blood pressure is increased. Stroke physicians, for the past 10 years, have been obsessed with the concept of lowering blood pressure in acute stroke.

The INTERACT4 study in The New England Journal of Medicine was done in China. This study had more than 2400 patients with elevated blood pressure who had a stroke. In this study, the blood pressure lowering or control was done on the way to the hospital. There was no surprise that there was no benefit. 

In subgroup analysis, people with ischemic stroke had a worse outcome. Only those where, later on, a cerebral hemorrhage was diagnosed had a benefit. This doesn't help, because with the exception of mobile stroke units, you don't know whether a patient has ischemia or bleeding. Hopefully, this is finally the end of lowering blood pressure in acute ischemic stroke. 

The next study is the TRUTH study , published in The Lancet Neurology . This study investigated the concept of whether it's really necessary to lower blood pressure prior to thrombolysis if the blood pressure is above 185/110 mm Hg. This was a cluster randomized trial in the Netherlands in patients with acute ischemic stroke and elevated blood pressure. 

In half of them, the blood pressure was lowered; in the other patients, they waited until the blood pressure came down and then performed thrombolysis. In this study with 853 patients, there was no benefit of lowering blood pressure and no increased risk of waiting in terms of bleeding complications.

Finally, after 15 years, we have now, again, shown no benefit to lower increased blood pressure except for hypertensive crisis in people with ischemic stroke. 

Thrombolysis and Thrombectomy

The TEMPO-2 study , published in The Lancet , investigated thrombolysis with tenecteplase in people with a mild ischemic stroke, defined as NIHSS 0 to 5, and evidence of intracranial occlusion. This study had 886 patients and was terminated prematurely due to futility. There was no difference in functional outcome because there was an increased risk for mortality and intracerebral bleeding with tenecteplase. 

This means we now have two kinds of studies: ones with alteplase and the other ones with tenecteplase, which clearly indicate that it doesn't make sense to perform thrombolysis in mild ischemic stroke. 

The next study is the LASTE trial in The New England Journal of Medicine . This study investigated thrombectomy in large strokes. We have clear benefit that thrombectomy is highly effective in moderately sized ischemic strokes, but this study included people with ASPECTS 0 to 5, which are large strokes. 

The study had 333 patients. There was clear benefit of thrombectomy in these large strokes. Now we have altogether four trials which showed a benefit of thrombectomy in large ischemic strokes. 

Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants

Let's move to early secondary prevention. The ATAMIS study , published in JAMA Neurology , investigated the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin vs aspirin in people with moderate to severe strokes. We already have clear evidence that this is beneficial in people with high-risk TIA and mild strokes. The study had 3000 patients. 

The primary endpoint was clinical worsening within the first 7 days. There was a clear benefit of combination therapy vs aspirin monotherapy, and no increased risk of bleeding for a treatment period of about 10 days. This means that dual antiplatelet therapy is now established for the whole range of high-risk TIAs up to moderate to severe strokes. 

The next study deals with intracerebral bleeding. This was the ANNEXA-I study in The New England Journal of Medicine . This study recruited patients who were treated with factor Xa inhibitors, mostly for atrial fibrillation , and had an intracerebral bleed. They were randomized either to andexanet alfa, which is an antidote to factor Xa inhibitors, or standard of care, which usually was prothrombin complex.

The primary endpoint was quite complicated. It was hemostatic efficiency, defined by less than 33% increase in the volume of the bleeding and no worsening of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of more than 7 points, and no rescue therapy. There were 260 patients in each group, and there was clearly a benefit of andexanet alfa compared with standard of care. There were more thrombotic events on andexanet alfa, with 27 vs 15. This study shows that there is a clear benefit of andexanet alfa in these patients, but there is also a slight increase in thrombotic events. 

Tranexamic Acid and Hemicraniectomy in ICH

Another study with cerebral hemorrhage is the STOP-MSU study , published in The Lancet Neurology . Previous studies showed no benefit of tranexamic acid in people with intracerebral hemorrhage . This study is different because it investigated tranexamic acid in the first 2 hours after symptom onset. There were 202 patients and, unfortunately, no difference in increase in bleeding volume or clinical outcome. 

The last study is the SWITCH study , published in The Lancet . Previous studies showed little benefit of decompressive hemicraniectomy for cerebral hemorrhage, including lobar hemorrhages. This study in Europe investigated decompressive hemicraniectomy vs conservative treatment in people with large basal ganglia hemorrhages. There were 200 patients and a small benefit was observed. The clear downside is a high number of patients with permanent severe neurologic deficits and disability. 

Again, this means that the physicians have to discuss very carefully with the relatives of a patient or the patient (if the patient is not aphasic) whether this procedure should really be done. 

Dear colleagues, exciting results from the European Stroke Organisation Congress 2024 in Switzerland. I'm Christoph Diener from the medical faculty of the University Duisburg-Essen in Germany. Thank you very much for watching and listening. 

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Structured PhD programmes

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Structured doctoral programmes differ from traditional doctoral research. In Germany, structured doctoral programmes are  very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries , in which a team of supervisors look after a group of doctoral students.

Structured doctoral programmes often have a  strong international orientation  with English as the team language. Unlike the individual doctorate model that can be freely structured to suit the individual research project, here doctoral students and their research proposals have to fit in with an existing PhD programme.

The doctorate frequently entails a  clearly structured doctoral study   programme  with compulsory attendance at lectures or seminars and interim assessment (credit points). The programme frequently also covers  academic and scientific methods or soft skills , such as presentation techniques.

As a rule, PhD Students work steadily at realising their research project within the team and with intensive  support from a group of academic staff  (often referred to as the “thesis committee”).

The duration of your studies is generally   limited to three to five years, and there is usually a fixed curriculum within which you work toward your doctorate and write your thesis.