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How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

Germany is an excellent destination for both young and experienced researchers. 

The European country is third behind the U.S. and China for research & development expenditure . Plus, it is home to some of the most prestigious (and affordable!) research universities in the world.

If you’re considering doing a PhD in Germany, you will need to follow these steps:

The main steps to doing a PhD in Germany:

• Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor
• Decide Between Individual and Structured PhD Programs
• Meet All Requirements & Prepare Your Application
• Apply for Doctoral Studies
• Secure Funding
• Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit
• Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

Why Pursue a PhD in Germany?

If you’re not yet sure if you should choose Germany for your PhD studies, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider it:

• Top-tier universities. Four German universities are ranked in the top 100 global universities, and many more are in the top 200.
• Large international student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community. Over 458,210 international students are currently studying in the country.
• Quality research institutions. There are over a thousand publicly funded research institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies) that you can choose from in Germany.
• High investment in research and development. Germany’s public expenditure in the research and development sector reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
• Strong economy. Germany is known for its strong and stable economy. After completing your PhD, there are plenty of employment opportunities in the academic, business, and research sectors.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

From finding the perfect program for you to submitting your application and starting your PhD, here are all the steps you need to take:

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1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

After all the years of studying leading up to this step, you most likely have a few areas of interest you want to do your research in.

This is the first important step: define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. If you need more help, you can consult online resources from research universities. Or, even better, you can discuss your decision to pursue a PhD with academic communities online or offline and seek advice from current PhD students in Germany who can tell you more about their individual experiences.

If you already know what your research direction is, you can begin searching for suitable programs right ahead. 

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an extensive list of current opportunities, which you can look up at the  DAAD PhD Database . 
• Another option is to research universities in Germany individually to find the newest opportunities and offerings at each institution.

You will also have to find a supervisor. The best way to do this is to go to university websites and find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research fields/current projects. Contact professors whose work aligns with your interests via email to inquire about supervision opportunities.

> Search PhD programs from 31,000 research institutions listed on the GERiT database .

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

There are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD: individual PhD programs and structured PhD programs. Each comes with its own set of advantages and requirements.

2. Verify That You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

Requirements and application documents to apply for a PhD in Germany are specific to the institution and research area you’re applying to. But, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

• Academic degree recognized in Germany. You need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a field relevant to the PhD program to qualify.
• Copy of master’s thesis. Submit a copy of your master’s thesis. The work should demonstrate your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
• Research proposal. Craft a clear and detailed research proposal that includes your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance. 
• Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose why you want to do a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with them.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV). Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, publications, and any other qualifications.
• Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency in English and/or German. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF and DSH for German or TOEFL and IELTS for English. Proof of previous studies in the language is also sufficient.
• Academic references. Provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors/ academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.
• Predoctoral examination. Some programs ask that you pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

3. Apply for Doctoral Studies

After finding a suitable PhD program and mentor, and making sure your academic qualifications are recognized, you can send in your application.

You can send in your application online or by post, depending on the hosting institution’s preferences. To make sure, check their guidelines and specifications. Admission committees are selective, so you may also have to attend an interview soon in the application process.

4. Secure Funding

You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €934 per month (€11,208 per year) to meet visa requirements and live comfortably while you’re in Germany. You can prove this through an admission agreement or relevant PhD contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are many ways to support yourself financially while pursuing a PhD in Germany:

• PhD scholarships. DAAD offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139. 
• Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will work on specific research projects on a contract and receive a salary.
• Research associate positions. You can also work as a research associate in a university, research institution, or company and receive a salary as compensation.
• Part-time jobs. Some PhD students/researchers work part-time jobs that are not related to their studies for extra income.

> Read more about the costs of studying in Germany.

> Discover PhD scholarships in Germany.

5. Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit

If the institution confirms your place in the PhD program, next in line is applying for a student visa or residence permit. The requirements for a German PhD visa or permit can vary depending on your nationality and circumstances: 

Visa Requirements

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you don’t need a special permit or visa for a PhD in Germany. You can enter the country for research and work purposes with a valid passport or ID card.

Otherwise, you will need a visa and/or a residence permit to do your PhD in Germany. Nationals of some countries, including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, don’t need a visa but must apply for a residence permit.

Depending on the circumstances, you need one of the following visas:

• Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program.
• Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany.
• EU Blue Card. If your PhD contract pays a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you can apply for an EU Blue Card . This is a special residence title for international academics and other professionals.

Residence Permit Requirements

If you come to Germany on a visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. This also applies to nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who are exempt from the visa requirement.

You can apply for one of the following residence permits:

• Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, apply for a study-based residence permit. It lasts up to two years, extendable.
• Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, apply for a research permit. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
• EU Blue Card. With a PhD offer that has a minimum salary of €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for some bottleneck professions , you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. Apply for this permit if you meet the criteria.

> For more specific information tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also use this visa navigator.

6. Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

The most exciting step of all is near—time to unpack your bags and begin your life as a PhD student or researcher in Germany. Once you’re settled in, there are some formalities you need to take care of.

The international office at the university or another representative can guide you best on this. However, here are some of the main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:

Register Your Residence

Shortly after your arrival, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is mandatory, and you typically have a window of two weeks to complete this process. 

Get Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany is required by law to have health insurance coverage. This includes international PhD students. Depending on the source of your funding, you are eligible for one of the following health insurance coverages: 

• Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are automatically insured with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) in most cases.
• Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) can choose between:
• Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
• Coverage with a private health insurance company.

There are some exceptions in which you can use your insurance from your home country. These apply to students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account 

You should open a German bank account as soon as possible. Most financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are done through a German bank account.

Enroll at the University

If your PhD program is part of a university degree, you need to enroll as a student at the university. Follow your university’s instructions to submit the necessary documents to the enrollment office. These usually include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and semester fee.

After you complete this process, you will receive an Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). This is a very important document that you most likely need in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot of planning involved if you’re considering doing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Germany?

A PhD in Germany usually takes between three to six years to complete. Just like in other countries, it can take longer or shorter than expected, depending on several factors. The type of PhD you choose (structured programs can be more rigid), your subject area, and individual progress can all make a difference in the time it takes to get a PhD in Germany.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

The majority of PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if need to enroll at a university for your PhD, there is a small semester fee you need to cover. The fee can be higher or lower depending on the university, but it usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

You don’t necessarily have to know German to do a PhD in Germany. In fact, most PhD programs in Germany are in English, especially in fields such as science, engineering, and humanities. In these programs, you can both write your thesis and communicate with your advisor and peers in English.

There is of course the chance that the program you’ve chosen is in German or requires knowledge of German (in most cases, in addition to English). In this case, you have to prove your proficiency through a recognized language certificate or proof of previous studies in German.

Even if German isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage you to learn the basics. They will be super helpful in daily interactions and getting accustomed to life in Germany.

How Much Does a PhD Student Earn in Germany?

Most PhD candidates in Germany receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant. This includes candidates affiliated with universities, research institutes, or company collaborations.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under either the Collective Agreement for Civil Service TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst or the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of Individual Federal States TV-L (Tarifvertrag der Länder). Since universities are funded by their respective federal government, if your PhD is affiliated with one, your salary will be structured under the TV-L.

Doctoral positions fall within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6). The difference between the tiers (Stufe) depends on prior experience in the field. If you don’t have any research experience, you will fall under Tier 1 and progress to the other tiers throughout your PhD.

Your salary will ultimately be determined based on a wage agreement that specifies the contract tier (Stufe) and working hours (percentage-based). Many entry-level PhD students start with tier 1 contracts that are not full-time. For example, if your contract places you in Pay Group E-13 Tier 1 of the TV-L and you work at 75% capacity, your monthly gross salary will be €3,141.

> Learn more about pay ranges for PhD students using this convenient calculator .

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

Part-time work is an option in most cases unless it’s strictly stated otherwise in your contract. Whether or not you are allowed to work on the side as a PhD in Germany depends on the working hours stated in your PhD contract, supervisor, and other specific circumstances. 

However, since the PhD is considered a job in itself, it’s usually frowned upon to have a side hustle. Even if you have a 50% contract, a PhD is demanding and requires long hours of work and research. If you choose to work on the side, make sure to find the right balance between work and your PhD commitments. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to your supervisor and go over all the legal and contractual obligations related to your PhD.

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

Here are the main steps to defending your PhD thesis in Germany:

• Submit your thesis. The first step is submitting submit your thesis and supporting documents in adherence to all the formal requirements. A commission will be formed, and in some cases, you can suggest reviewers.
• Oral defense. The next step is preparing and undergoing an oral defense, which can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, you will present your research and discuss it with the committee. The defense can be either public or private.
• Receive the title and publish your work. The outcome of the discussion determines your final grade, to be received after the defense. If everything goes well, you’re granted the Ph.D. title and have about two years to publish your dissertation.

What Are the Career Prospects Like After Doing a PhD in Germany?

Career prospects after a PhD in Germany are quite promising. 

The most common paths for PhD holders in Germany are either in academia as professors or post-doctorate researchers or in industry positions. 

Technology, healthcare, and finance, in particular, are some of the most in-demand industries in Germany. The country’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place to develop your career.

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You can earn a doctorate after successfully completing a university degree (e.g. master's, Magister, Diplom, Staatsexamen). Special conditions apply, which are specified in the doctoral regulations, for applicants with a degree from a university of applied sciences, a first state examination for a teaching degree for primary schools, special-needs schools or secondary schools, or for those with a bachelor's degree.  

For all formal questions, the first point of contact is always the relevant dean's office or doctoral studies office of the related faculty. It is also recommended that you consult with the responsible academic advisor. The doctorate is awarded upon successful completion of the doctoral program.  

The prerequisite for enrollment is the certificate of acceptance as a doctoral candidate from the doctoral committee of the faculty.

Please note:  On the GRADE webpages, you will find a clear 3-step guide on how best to proceed in your search for a doctoral thesis. For a doctorate in a humanities or social-science field, contact the examination office for humanities, cultural and sport sciences ; for a doctorate in a field of the natural sciences, contact the doctoral studies office for the natural sciences ; and for a doctorate in a medical field, contact the doctoral studies office of the faculty of medicine . Further information on the doctoral procedure can be obtained from the doctoral committee of the respective faculty.

Supporting documents:  For doctoral studies, acceptance as a doctoral candidate must be submitted at the time of enrollment by the doctoral committee of the relevant faculty. 

The application is a two-step process. Please register first as a doctoral student via the Goethe-Campus portal and submit the required documents to the relevant dean's office or doctoral studies office. Upon successful acceptance as a doctoral student, you will receive an acceptance letter. If you would also like to enroll as a doctoral student, please submit once again an electronic application for doctoral studies via the Goethe-Campus portal. You should then submit the documents required for enrollment. Enrollment as a student is not always mandatory.

Exception: Medical students in Faculty 16 first go through a separate application procedure and only then register electronically as doctoral students via the Goethe-Campus portal. You can find more information on the Faculty 16 website .

Note for prospective international students

Application and enrollment for international doctoral students.

You can enroll as a doctoral student if you already have an official "acceptance as a doctoral student" (Anahme als Doktorand*in). The Enrollment is not mandatory. Those candidates working in German must present a certified DSH-2 certificate (or equivalent) upon enrollment (see German language skills ).

Enrollment deadlines: Summer semester: April 30 Winter semester: October 31

Enrollment is a two-step process:

1. Submission and review of documents by the “Studium Lehre Internationales” department (if not yet done). 

Please send the originals of the following documents as a PDF by e-mail to: [email protected] :

• all transcripts with overview of subjects and grades entitling you to pursue a doctorate 
• translations of the transcripts by a sworn translator (this is not necessary if the originals are in English)
• notification of acceptance as a doctoral student
• proof of language skills (if required)

Please note : If your transcripts have already been reviewed by the "Studium Lehre Internationales" department for doctoral studies via the respective faculty, you do not need to resubmit your transcripts. In this case, please follow only the second step.

2. Enrollment via online form 

Enrollment takes place via the online form for enrollment in a doctoral studies program

You will require the following documents:

• signed application for enrollment
• copy of passport/identity card
• curriculum vitae (if applicable)

Please send these documents by e-mail after completing the online enrollment process: [email protected] Alternatively, you can send your documents by regular mail: Goethe-Universität Studium Lehre Internationales First-Level Support 60629 Frankfurt am Main

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Earning a doctoral degree at the University of Göttingen

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Doctoral studies at HHU

There are several ways to earn a doctorate depending on the faculties, the individual research fields as well as on the type of doctorate. It can be completed within a structured programme or quite independently under the supervision of a professor. Over a period of about three to four years, doctoral students conduct independent research, write a dissertation and usually defend it through an oral examination. The starting date is not bound to the university semesters, but rather depends on the available funding options for the individual research projects.

At HHU, doctoral candidates are individually supervised and supported in order to advance their careers. The following applies to all faculties of HHU:

• the regulations for doctoral studies stipulate that doctoral theses must be overseen by two supervisors; i.e. a second supervisor may be added to the PhD advisory committee
• the course "Good Scientific Practice" is mandatory for all doctoral candidates
• the doctoral research is conducted within a structured doctoral programme or, alternatively, can be completed within the framework of a structured curriculum at the respective faculties' graduate academies
• international junior researchers receive advice and support from the Junior Scientist and International Research Center (JUNO) regarding their stay in Germany and at HHU
• the faculties' graduate academies offer a broad qualification programme for doctoral students and a comprehensive counseling service
• the  Heine Research Academies and the graduate academies of the  Faculty of Medicine (MedRSD) , the  Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Sciences (iGRAD)  and the  Faculty of Arts and Humanities (PhilGRAD) provide a common framework of support and structured education for all doctoral researchers.

In Germany and at HHU, the most common PhD track is completing an individual doctorate under the supervision of a professor and thereby conducting research largely independently on one's own research topic. This offers a great deal of flexibility but also demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility. To start such a doctoral project, you first need to find a supervisor at HHU. The supervision of a doctoral thesis is an individual agreement between the doctoral researcher and the supervisor. In some faculties at HHU (e.g. Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Sciences) an additional supervising professor is mandatory. 

Doctoral students conducting an indivual doctorate may be employed by the supervisor's institute, which often requires them to work on a specific project or to participate in the teaching requirements of the institute. Vacancies for this path to a doctorate are often advertised on the research institute's website or can be found at the HeRA job portal . Doctoral researchers who are not employed by the institute are advised to organise funding for their dissertation project , for example by a scholarship.

How long it takes to complete an individual doctorate depends mainly on one's own time schedule. Three to four years are within in the normal range.

Find further information on how to apply for an individual doctorate here .

In structured doctoral programmes, doctoral students and their research topics are integrated into a larger scientific framework in which the students work on a common research focus or methodology. These programmes are often interdisciplinary and/or have a strong international orientation with English as the team language. In general, they offer a subject-specific curriculum as well as opportunities to acquire transferable skills and additional qualifications. Doctoral students are generally supervised by a thesis advisory committee, i.e. in teams of several professors participating in the programme. 

At HHU you have a broad spectrum of structured doctoral programmes in research training groups and graduate schools funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Excellence Initiative, the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and HHU itself. Sometimes they include collaborations with other universities, non-university research institutes such as the Helmholtz Association or the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) as well as other international partners.

Programme specific scholarships or job offers for doctoral candidates usually provide funding for at least three years. Find further information on available scholarships or job offers at the graduate programmes' websites or and the HeRA job portal . Click here  for details on how to apply for a graduate programme.

Steps to a doctorate

Application

Re-Registration of doctoral students for a new semester

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• Dahlem Research School

Dahlem Research School (DRS) is the central contact point for current and prospective doctoral researchers. DRS offers individual advice, an extensive qualification program and information on all general aspects of doctoral research. Special consideration is given to the needs of international researchers.

• Step by Step towards the Doctorate
• DRS Course Program for Doctoral Researchers
• Una Europa Early Career Host Program

Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service Freie Universität Berlin offers support for doctoral researchers who wish to gain experience in hosting scientific workshops, developed and organized with participants of other universities within the Una Europa network.

• FUB-CSC-Program

In cooperation with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), Freie Universität Berlin offers qualified chinese young academics the opportunity for a PhD or postdoctoral scholarship.

Mobility for Doctoral Researchers: Direct Exchange

Within the so-called "Direct Exchange" doctoral researchers can apply for research stays at prestigious partner universities of Freie Universität Berlin and gain new intercultural experiences.

• General Information
• Application Dates

Mobility: Erasmus+ Europe and Worldwide

As part of Erasmus+ enrolled doctoral researchers at Freie Universität Berlin can apply for student mobility, teaching stays and internships in Europa and beyond. Doctoral researchers with an employment contract can also participate in training stays.

• Erasmus+ Teaching and Training Stays
• Erasmus+ Internships
• Erasmus+ Student Mobility (if places available)
• PROMOS Academic Courses and Language Classes

Doctoral researchers at Freie Universität Berlin can participate in the mobility program for students at German universities (PROMOS) and apply for funding to participate in individually organized academic courses (summer & winter schools) and language classes. Please note that conference travel can not be funded!

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Important information about closing days

The PhD office is closed from Monday, August 12 2024 to Friday, August 30 2024 . Please note that displaying periods cannot be started and registrations for oral exams will not be processed. Displaying periods will be extended accordingly. Registrations for oral exams during this closing period must be submitted until Wednesday, August 07 2024 the latest.

Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Science

Office hours.

Dr. Sarah Müller Monday - Thursday, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. (no appointment neccessary) (Auf der Morgenstelle 8, B-Building, 10th floor, room 10A38) and by appointment (29- 75955 ).

Dr. Elaine Huggenberger Monday - Thursday, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. (no appointment neccessary) (Auf der Morgenstelle 8, B-Building, 10th floor, room 10A23) and by appointment (29- 72751 ).

Sebastian Schlemender Monday - Thursday, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. (no appointment neccessary) (Auf der Morgenstelle 8, B-Building, 10th floor, room 10R38) and by appointment (29- 76853 ) .

  Feel free to contact us, if you have any further questions. However, we recommend reading the information sheet first, as it usually resolves most of the questions.

Areas of Responsibilities

Dr. Sarah Müller

Applications for acceptance as a doctoral student

Ongoing doctoral procedures (Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Psychology)

Verification and confirmation of doctoral degrees

Information about doctoral guidelines of the Faculty of Science

Cotutelle agreements

Dr. Elaine Huggenberger

Ongoing doctoral procedures (Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Physics)

State Postgraduate Fellowship Programme (Landesgraduiertenförderung)

Sebastian Schlemender

Submission/Acceptance of doctoral dissertations

Doctoral procedures (Biology and Geosciences)

Annette Goller

PhD Certificates

Doctoral Subjects

At the Faculty of Science, you can pursue a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.) in the following fields:

Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution

Biochemistry

Bioinformatics

Cognitive Science

Computer Science

Environmental Sciences

Geosciences

Mathematics

Medical Informatics

Pharmaceutics

Prehistory and Early History

Supervision of Doctoral Candidates

In general, all persons with professorship and all persons with a Habilitation are allowed to supervise doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Science.

Scientists without professorship and Habilitation have the possibility to apply for the supervision of doctoral candidates provided the funding of these candidates is provided by the scientists themselves.

Please submit the following application at the PhD office:

• Application for supervision (German) word |  pdf
• Application for supervision (English) word | pdf

Scientists from abroad are allowed to supervise doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Science provided they have this right at the relevant university abroad.

Code of Conduct for the Doctoral Phase

Advice and Help

The ombudsperson assists the doctoral students in settling conflicts or solving problems. All matters are treated as strictly confidential and neutral. Ombudsperson is the Dean of the Faculty, the Vice Dean for Research and the Dean of Studies ( Contact).

First Points of Contact within each Department

Confidental Representatives - Good Scientific Practice

Psychosocial Counseling Service for University Employees

Psychotherapeutic Counselling of the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim

Legal Advice of the Studierendenwerks Tübingen-Hohenheim

Family Office - Advice Concerning Work/Life Balance

Advice on sexual harassment/mobbing

Downloads and Information

Information.

Information Sheet for Doctoral Candidates: pdf

PromO-Rules and Guidelines for Doctoral Studies 2015: pdf   (This is a courtesy translation. The sole legally binding regulations are the Promotionsordnung der Mathematisch Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Tübingen, in der Fassung vom 24. April 2015 pdf )

Recommendations for Cumulative Dissertations: pdf

Recommendations for Dissertations including Scientific Manuscripts with Co-Authors pdf

Information on "systematic reviews" pdf

Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice

Library Info Sheet Concerning Online Publication pdf

Postgraduate Affairs Board

Forms and Policies

Application for acceptance.

Application for Acceptance as Doctoral Candidate and Supervision Agreement: pdf

Please be aware that incomplete applications cannot be processed. We need all required certificates and documents, the filled out supervision agreement, and the signatures of the docotral candidate and both supervisors.

According to German university law (LHG §38 (5)) PhD candidates must be enrolled as students (until date of oral exam). You can register as student at the Student Administration with the acceptance letter of the PhD Office.

Exceptions:

• Doctoral students accepted by their faculty prior to 30 March 2018 may enroll but are not compelled to do so.
• Employees of the university of Tübingen can apply for an exception of this compulsory duty (application on webpage of Student Administration).

 Admission to the Doctoral Examination Procedure

Application for Admission to the Doctoral Examination Procedure: pdf

Declaration Colaborative Publications: word | pdf

Please be aware that incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Registration Form Oral Exam: word | pdf

Abstract (Please hand in pdf file): word | pdf

Information on online exam: pdf

Self certification for online exam: word | pdf

Publishing Procedure

Declaration of Changes: pdf

• Oral Exams from April 1st, 2021: word | pdf
• Oral Exams before April 1st, 2021 and after August 19th, 2020 : word | pdf

Oral Exams before August 19th, 2020: word | pdf

Remark: In case of English titles, please capitalize the first word and all the principal words, i.e. not the articles, prepositions and conjuctions.

Please do not use double titles. Language of title should correspond to language of thesis.

Please do not use the university logo on the title page. For more information check the webpages of the Corporate Design .

Supervisors' Approval for Online Publication: pdf

Link to Dissertation Center of the University Library

Checking plagiarism

The ZDV offers the possiblity of conduction a similarity analysis for free by the software "Turnitiin". We recommend to make use of this offer before submitting the thesis. More information can be found under Link .

Please contact your supervisor if you do not have the authorization for using "Turnitin" yourself.

Dissertation Center of the University Library

Doctoral Studies at the University of Tuebingen

Welcome Center for Visiting Researches & Scholars

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Kann man einen PhD Online erwerben?

Immer wieder kommt die Frage auf, ob man einen PhD eigentlich auch zu 100% Online absolvieren kann. Diese und weitere Fragen möchten wir Ihnen an dieser Stelle gerne beantworten. Grundsätzlich ist es möglich, alle mit dem PhD in Verbindung stehenden Leistungen über das Internet zu absolvieren. Für Sie bedeutet das also, dass Sie Ihren PhD an einer ausländischen Hochschule erwerben können, ohne tatsächlich an dieser Hochschule vor Ort zu sein. Das bietet Ihnen den großen Vorteil, dass Sie aus sehr vielen verschiedenen PhD-Programmen auswählen können und Sie sich dann für genau die Variante entscheiden können, die optimal zu Ihrer Planung passt.

Wir von HEC Europe haben Kontakte zu Hochschulen aus ganz Europa und kennen die verschiedenen PhD-Programme. So wissen wir auch genau, unter welchen Bedingungen wo ein reiner Online-PhD möglich ist. So müssen Sie sich nicht mühsam über die verschiedenen Optionen informieren, sondern können einfach von unserer umfangreichen Beratung profitieren. Sprechen Sie uns einfach an und wir sind gerne bereit, Sie im Detail über Ihre Möglichkeiten rund um den Online-PhD zu informieren. Übrigens blicken wir in unserer Beratung über den Tellerrand und zeigen Ihnen die Möglichkeit einer berufsbegleitenden Promotion als Alternative zum PhD auf.

PhD im Fernstudium – Wie geht das?

Glücklicherweise ist ein PhD auch im Fernstudium möglich. Sie können Ihren PhD also auch an einer Hochschule außerhalb von Deutschland machen, ohne dort regelmäßig vor Ort sein zu müssen. Das ist vor allem dann von Vorteil, wenn Sie Ihren PhD neben dem Beruf machen wollen und Sie deshalb darauf angewiesen sind, diesen im Fernstudium zu machen.

Immer mehr Menschen entscheiden sich für einen PhD im Fernstudium und profitieren dabei von den zahlreichen Vorteilen. Im Fernstudium haben Sie die Möglichkeit, Ihren PhD von Zuhause aus zu absolvieren und flexibel zu bleiben. Mit einem guten Plan können Sie Ihre Zeit für den PhD im Fernstudium optimal strukturieren und dafür sorgen, dass Sie tatsächlich ihre selbst gesteckten Ziele erreichen. Wir von HEC Europe unterstützen Sie bei Ihrem PhD im Fernstudium und kümmern uns um sämtliche Aufgaben, die in diesem Zusammenhang anfallen. Da wir schon viele Jahre Erfahrung in der Beratung und Betreuung von PhD-Anwärtern haben sind wir in der Lage, auch Ihnen genau die richtige Unterstützung zukommen zu lassen. Wenn Sie also einen PhD im Fernstudium absolvieren müssen, dann sollten Sie sich an HEC Europe wenden. Denn hier werden Sie beraten und erhalten Unterstützung, bis Sie Ihren PhD verliehen bekommen haben.

PhD Berufsbegleitend? So geht es

Es gibt sehr viele Möglichkeiten, um einen PhD berufsbegleitend zu erhalten. Denn viele Hochschulen haben sich mittlerweile darauf eingestellt, dass ein PhD oft neben dem Beruf erreicht werden soll. Vielerorts gehen sie sogar so weit, dass die Präsenz vor Ort gar nicht mehr notwendig ist. Ein berufsbegleitender PhD kann dann also auch ausschließlich Online gemacht werden.

Damit das reibungslos funktioniert ist es aber wichtig, dass Sie direkt das passende PhD-Programm suchen, das Ihnen auch die notwendigen Freiheiten bietet, um den PhD tatsächlich parallel zur beruflichen Belastung zu absolvieren.

Wir von HEC Europe halten Ihnen gerne den Rücken frei, wenn Sie Ihren PhD berufsbegleitend erreichen wollen. Denn wir kümmern uns nicht nur um die Suche nach dem passenden PhD-Programm. Wir beraten Sie auch umfangreich und unterstützen Sie bei den bürokratischen Vorgängen, die in diesem Zusammenhang anfallen. Das werden Sie vor allem zu schätzen wissen, wenn Sie sich für eine Hochschule außerhalb von Deutschland entschieden haben und die entsprechenden Vorgänge dort in einer Fremdsprache durchgeführt werden müssen. Denn so können Sie sich auf Ihren PhD und die damit im Zusammenhang stehenden Leistungen konzentrieren, während wir von HEC Europe alle anderen Dinge für Sie übernehmen.

PhD im Ausland auf Deutsch machen?

Manchmal werden wir von Interessenten gefragt, ob man einen PhD im Ausland auch in deutscher Sprache machen kann. Diese Frage lässt sich nicht ganz so einfach beantworten, denn es kommt auf unterschiedliche Faktoren an. Grundsätzlich ist es möglich, einen PhD im Ausland auch auf Deutsch zu machen. Allerdings kann es je nach Fachrichtung auch sein, dass eine Übersetzung von gewissen Leistungen notwendig ist. Außerdem ist eine Promotion im Ausland nur dann anzuraten, wenn Sie über gute Englischkenntnisse oder Kenntnisse der jeweiligen Landessprache verfügen.

Im Einzelfall lässt sich aber auch eine Lösung finden, um die Sprachbarriere zu überwinden. Nutzen Sie ganz einfach unser Kontaktformular und teilen Sie uns Ihre konkrete Anfrage zum PhD auf Deutsch mit. Wir melden uns kurzfristig bei Ihnen und informieren Sie umfangreich, um den Grundstein für Ihren PhD zu legen.

Wo kann man in Deutschland einen PhD machen?

In Deutschland ist der klassische Doktortitel sehr weit verbreitet. Doch der PhD wird immer beliebter. In vielen Fachbereichen ist es bereits möglich, einen PhD zu erwerben. Der große Vorteil des PhD ist der Fakt, dass er international bekannter ist als der deutsche Doktortitel. Wenn internationale Karriereschritte geplant sind kann es also sinnvoll sein, einen PhD statt des Doktortitels zu wählen.

Es gibt schon eine relativ große Zahl an Hochschulen in Deutschland, die einen PhD als Alternative zum Doktortitel offerieren. Wer in Deutschland einen PhD machen möchte, der kann sich aber auch für eine Hochschule im Ausland entscheiden. Denn viele Hochschulen aus der Europäischen Union sind dazu übergegangen, den PhD auch im Fernstudium anzubieten. Dann kann die Kommunikation primär über das Internet erfolgen und eine Anwesenheit vor Ort ist gar nicht erforderlich. So kann man seinen PhD also auch dann von Deutschland aus machen, wenn man sich für eine Hochschule im Ausland entschieden hat. Wenn man neben dem Beruf nur begrenzt Zeit für seinen PhD hat, dann ist das also genau die richtige Lösung. Mit einem PhD im Fernstudium erhalten Sie sehr viel Flexibilität und Sie können Ihren Titel erwerben, ohne beruflich zu stark zurückstecken zu müssen.

Woher kommt eigentlich die Bezeichnung PhD?

Die Abkürzung PhD steht für Philosophiae Doctor , also die lateinische Version des Titels Doktor der Philosophie. Allerdings ist die Bezeichnung nicht wörtlich zu nehmen, denn auch in anderen Fachrichtungen gibt es den Titel PhD. Vor allem in Nordamerika ist diese Bezeichnung sehr weit verbreitet. Beim PhD handelt es sich um ein Forschungsdoktorat. Zahlreiche im Ausland erworbene PhD werden in Deutschland anerkannt und berechtigen den Inhaber des Titels dazu, in Deutschland auch den bekannteren Dr. Titel zu führen.

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In welchem Fach möchten Sie promovieren? – Bitte auswählen – Wirtschaftswissenschaften Rechtswissenschaften Ingenieurwesen Psychologie Medizin/Zahnmedizin Gesundheitswissenschaften Sozialwesen Naturwissenschaften Geisteswissenschaften Sonstige Fachbereiche

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Welchen postgradualen Abschluss möchten Sie machen? – Bitte auswählen – DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) MBA (Master of Business Administration) EMBA (Executive MBA) MPH (Master of Public Health) MPA (Master of Public Administration)

Welchen postgradualen Abschluss möchten Sie machen? – Bitte auswählen – LL.M. (Master of Laws) DPH (Doctor of Public Health)

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About DissOnline

The German National Library houses the largest national collection of online dissertations in Europe. We have been collecting online dissertations and theses since 1998. Since then, the collection has grown to more than 284,000 documents (as of November 2020).

Since these activities began under the aegis of DissOnline more than 20 years ago, electronic publishing has become a part of everyday university life. This is due to the close cooperation between universities, their libraries and computer centres, and representatives of academia as well as the long-standing support provided through projects funded by the German Research Foundation ( DFG ).

The DissOnline project was brought to a successful, sustainable conclusion. Stakeholders whose initiative had supported DissOnline then became free to transfer their commitment to other areas. In June 2012, the DissOnline advisory committee therefore decided to integrate the functions and information on the website www.dissonline.de into the German National Library’s services. This is particularly relevant in terms of the deposit of works with the German National Library. The extended metadata format XMetaDissPlus enables all types of publications and documents available in subject-specific and institutional repositories and on university servers to be deposited in just one fully automated transaction.

Deposit information

The DissOnline portal is also integrated into the German National Library's catalogue as a search option. This means that online dissertations are listed as a component of the German National Library’s collection alongside traditional printed dissertations, other online university publications and academic literature. Our catalogue offers a wide variety of search options that are constantly being developed and optimised further. You will find an explanation of all the available search options here:

Guide to searching dissertations and theses in the German National Library’s catalogue (only available in German)

In order to enhance the international visibility of the collection, the metadata for all German online dissertations is continually delivered to DART , the European portal for online dissertations. NDLTD : Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations is committed to the promotion of electronic publishing in the academic sector beyond Europe. The International Symposium on Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) takes place every year.

Statistical information

Online university publications have been collected, catalogued and archived at the German National Library since 1998. The illustration shows how the percentage of online publications has developed over the years since this work began. Here it must be considered that although dissertations are subject to a mandatory publication obligation and an obligation to be placed on deposit with the German National Library, only an approximate impression of doctoral and publication activities in Germany can be given.

As the statistics refer to the year in which the publication was released rather than the year in which it was deposited, it is quite possible that figures may rise in succeeding years. This applies in particular to the most recent full year.

The DissOnline projects

• 1998–2000 Dissertations Online
• 2003–2004 Establishment of a coordinating body for online university publications
• 2005–2007 DissOnline Tutor
• 2005–2008 Establishment of a portal for online university publications

The intensive cooperation between all partners and sponsors also made it possible to start collecting dissertations and theses on a voluntary basis in 1998, eight years before the amendment to the Law Regarding the German National Library and the provision stipulating the mandatory deposit of online publications.

Last changes: 08.03.2021 Short-URL: https://www.dnb.de/dissonline

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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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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.

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Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia