Study and research in Germany

Structured PhD programmes

In addition to individual doctoral study, candidates can also attain their doctorates in structured PhD programmes which strongly resemble those in Anglo-Saxon countries. In such a programme, a team of supervisors are responsible for advising the doctoral candidates. The programmes offer a curriculum of accompanying courses which are usually interdisciplinary in focus and promote the acquisition of "soft skills” and additional qualifications. The system-atic and intensive supervision offered in these programmes allow candidates to complete their doctoral studies within three to four years.  

Over 700 structured PhD programmes

There are some 700 PhD programmes in Germany and their number is steadily increasing. Most structured PhD programmes at universities are offered in research training groups, funded largely by the German Research Foundation (DFG) or at affiliated graduate schools, funded through the Excellence Initiative. In addition to state-funded programmes at individual universities and doctoral programmes at graduate schools, some non-university research organisations offer structured PhD programmes as well, such as the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS).  

Structured PhD programmes usually have an international orientation and are conducted in English. Some programmes like the "International PhD Programmes” offered by the Helmholtz Association, are explicitly targeted at international doctoral candidates. In fact, almost half of the doctoral candidates at the International Max Planck Research Schools and the Helmholtz Research Schools are foreigners. Candidates can generally finance their studies through programme-based scholarships and paid research positions.

How do you find the right structured programme?

Structured PhD programmes vary in terms of thematic focus – for example, some deal with areas closely related to a particular research project while others are interdisciplinary in nature and involve work in various subject areas. There are also significant differences in how much financing and personnel are available, and how much support they can provide their doctoral candidates.

Unfortunately, a comprehensive database containing all PhD programmes in Germany does not yet exist. However, most programmes can be found on the web. You could also peruse the DAAD online database "International Programmes in Germany” which includes numerous structured PhD programmes. These programmes are particularly of interest to international doctoral candidates as most are conducted in English (or another foreign language). Applicants should begin preparing their applications well in advance, as the admission procedures at many institutions often involve several application rounds.  

www.daad.de/international-programmes

How to apply?

When applying for admission to a structured PhD programme, your proposed dissertation should correspond to the programme’s main area of focus. Applicants must also have received a good to excellent final grade in their post-graduate degree programme, the level and content of which must be recognised in Germany. Applicants can often follow the application process – which usually, but not always, involves several phases – via the Internet. First, the candidate submits an application letter, CV, master’s thesis, exposé of the planned dissertation, and a letter of motivation to the responsible Dean’s Office or graduate school. If the application passes this preliminary round, the candidate is asked to submit a detailed application with an extensive exposé and at least two references by university professors. In the third round, the applicant is invited to a personal interview. Other modalities and application deadlines are usually announced on the website of the PhD programme or graduate school. If accepted, the doctoral candidate is permitted to start his PhD studies with courses specially tailored to the needs of the candidate. In addition to individual supervision by a team of university instructors, a mentor is usually assigned to help the candidate with the formalities.  

More information about structured PhD programmes:  
www.research-in-germany.de/phd

Tweet

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

• Africa Sub-Sahara
• Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Latin America
• North America
• Northern Africa and the Middle East
• Western Europe