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You could well imagine doing a PhD in Germany? Depending on the academic field in which you obtained your university degree, there are two basic routes to a doctoral degree in Germany: if you opt for the individual doctorate path, you select a professor to be your supervisor and work largely independently on your dissertation.
Key features of structured doctoral programmes
Structured doctoral programmes are a bit different and involve a team of supervisors looking after the doctoral students. They are similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries:
- they feature a curriculum within which you work towards your PhD
- many are interdisciplinary in orientation
- they often provide training in soft skills and additional qualifications
A doctorate in three to four years
Because doctoral students receive very systematic and intensive support in structured programmes, they are generally able to obtain their doctoral degrees in three to four years. More information about structured doctoral programmes and help with finding the right programme for you can be found in our website section entitled “Info for PhD Students”.
An overview at the click of a mouse
Perhaps you would first like to find out which bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programmes with an international focus are available in Germany, and obtain an overview of the associated language and subject-specific courses and programmes aimed at preparing you for your studies in Germany. You will find the information you need in the database “International Programmes in Germany”, which lists a total of 300 PhD programmes: www.daad.de/international-programmes
Structured doctoral programmes in and around Berlin
People from all over the world are attracted to the German capital. In cooperation with Berlin’s universities, the Einstein Foundation Berlin has launched a new Internet portal: www.doctoral-programs.de provides the first comprehensive list of structured doctoral programmes available in the capital region. It allows young researchers from around the world to search for suitable offers in their field, with more than 100 programmes to choose from.
How to obtain a PhD in Germany
Germany offers two ways to do your PhD. Before you start your search for a PhD place you should choose between "individual doctorate" and "structured PhD programmes".
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Financing your PhD
PhD students in Germany usually work as a research associate (paid PhD position) at a higher education institution or receive a scholarship.
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