Study and research in Germany

Infos for Doctoral Students

1. The first steps to a doctorate
Before you can begin your doctorate in Germany, you have to complete a few steps – such as the recognition of your degree or the application for a residence permit. 

2. Paths to a doctorate: traditional or structured
If you decide on a traditional doctorate you will have to find an academic supervisor yourself, while if you opt for a structured doctorate you will have to apply to one of the Research Training Groups, Graduate Schools or Max Planck Research Schools.

3. Doing a doctorate at the faculties
A doctorate in Deutschland differs very strongly from one branch of science to the next. In some cases, the structured doctorate will predominate, such as in the natural sciences, while in some cases the individual (traditional) doctorate will prevail, such as in engineering, for example. Besides this, we also describe the procedure in the humanities and social sciences as well as the life sciences.

4. PhDGermany - The Platform for Doctoral Positions and Research Opportunities in Germany

Would you like to do a PhD in Germany? German higher education and research institutions are constantly on the lookout for qualified international doctoral candidates. In the DAAD database, you will find PhD positions specifically for foreign applicants.
Once you have found a PhD offer matching your interests, you can directly apply via the DAAD Portal.

5. Search for Research institutions: Research Explorer

The data compiled by the DAAD's Research Explorer in collaboration with the German Research foundation (DFG) gives you the opportunity to search specifically by subject, place and type and so choose from more than 17,000 research institutions to find the right contact person for your project.

6. Finances
Doing a doctorate in Germany is generally free of fees. However, you do need some money for your living expenses. Scholarships and grants are but just one option for financing your stay in Germany.

From my personal experience

"I need to exchange views with other researchers"

Jaime Cardona, Columbia
The economist is completing a doctorate at the Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Graduate School for Environmental Research in Leipzig.

"I’m doing a doctorate in the environmental technology sector and am investigating cost-benefit analyses of waste water treatment plants. Water is an important subject in my country. I need to exchange views with other researchers. Next door there are statisticians and chemists – I can discuss results with them at any time."

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