Doing a doctorate in Germany

Professional spotlight: PhD student in Germany

Those who do a doctorate improve their chances on the work market. Are you considering to be a PhD student in Germany? Here's everything you need to know – requirements, options, duration and process.

The traditional doctorate

Doctorates following the traditional model still make up the majority of PhDs in Germany compared to structured programmes. For doctoral candidates from abroad, a traditional PhD requires a great deal of initiative, autonomy and tenacity.

Applying for a doctorate

Letter of application, CV, dissertation proposal: What are the requirements when it comes to applying for a PhD position in Germany? We have outlined the basic standards.

The systematic PhD - structured programmes in Germany

Whether a graduate school, a research training group or at the university: What is a structured doctoral programme?

How to prepare for a PhD

When preparing for a PhD, it is recommended to use the time effectively, to create the perfect preconditions for a application to a German graduate school.

Doctorate salaries: What does a doctoral candidate earn in Germany?

A doctoral degree will certainly only help you to become rich in an idealistic sense. The first contract for a PhD position should have a term of at least one year - after which, graduates are rewarded with their first salary increase.

A doctorate degree in Germany

25 000 doctoral students graduate from one of approximately 120 higher education institutions every year. Those who would like to pursue a doctorate degree in Germany will experience the interplay between an authentic higher education tradition and modern academic institutions.

Financing a doctorate

From doctoral positions and scholarships to industrial doctorates: There are many different ways of financing the pursuit of a doctoral degree. An overview.

How to find a dissertation topic

Doctoral candidates should be excited about their dissertation topic, but it should also be relevant either for scientific research or for industry, thus opening doors to a successful career. Follow these tips to find the right one for you.