Doctoral studies in Germany
A doctoral program in Germany means independent research work with the support of a professor. As a rule, doctoral studies take three to five years. The research results are presented by the student in the form of a written thesis, the so-called dissertation. In addition to the written thesis, an oral examination (viva voce or disputation) is required to obtain the doctoral degree. The doctorate usually focuses on the student's own academic work and not on attending courses.
In Germany, it is an important part of the doctorate to find your own supervisor. However, before you send an email to many professors, you should ask yourself a few questions and take a few steps.
To be admitted to a PhD program, you must have a scientific degree (e.g. Master's, Magister, Staatsexamen). Foreign degrees may be accepted as admission requirements for doctoral programs; the decision is made by the doctoral committee of the relevant Schools.
Please note that a doctorate in English or languages other than German is not possible for some professors.
First steps
Find Schools
First check whether one of the
covers your field of research. If this is the case, you can take a closer look at the website of the respective Schools and look through the departments and working groups that relate to your subject area. Also check what information the Schools offers for doctoral candidates.
Search for a supervisor
Before you contact a professor, you should check whether they are allowed to accept doctoral students. Most professors are allowed to do so, but there are exceptions. A good way to check this is to see if there are any doctoral students - past or present - listed on the website. Next, you should read some of the publications of the professors in question to find out whether they really fit your planned research or doctoral topic. If this is the case, you can proceed to the next step.
Contact supervisor
As soon as you have decided on a potential supervisor, you can contact them directly. Please attach a CV (one to max. two pages, certificates, awards, etc.) and a letter of motivation/exposé in which you outline your research goals or your planned project, your motivation and your academic background. It is recommended to indicate how your research is related to that of the professor. Please note that professors may receive a number of applications and it is therefore important that you choose the person who is academically best suited to be your supervisor and that you write a convincing application.
Examination by the doctoral committee
The doctoral committee is responsible for a number of formal matters relating to the acceptance of doctoral candidates, the admission and awarding of doctoral degrees, etc. It is therefore essential that you have the doctoral committee of your respective Schools check whether you are suitable for a doctorate in your desired subject and whether you can be officially admitted to doctoral studies.
