online phd education germany

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

If you’re considering advancing your academic journey with a PhD and have a passion for conducting research in your field, Germany could be an excellent destination for you. With its top-tier universities, exciting research opportunities, financial support, and diverse culture, Germany stands out as an excellent choice for PhD studies.

These are 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.

Here are some compelling reasons to pursue a PhD in Germany:

• Top universities. Germany boasts four universities ranked in the top 100 globally, offering access to world-class education and research facilities.
• International student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community, with over 458,210 international students studying across the country.
• Abundant research institutions. Germany’s 1,000+ publicly funded research institutions, spanning universities, applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies, offer countless opportunities for collaboration and networking.
• Investment in research and development. Germany’s commitment to research and development is evident through its increasing expenditure, which reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
• Strong economy. Germany is known for its robust and stable economy, offering potential career opportunities in academia, industry, and research sectors after completing your PhD.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

Below, you will find all the steps you need to take, from discovering your perfect program to submitting your application and commencing your PhD adventure in Germany.

To start your PhD in Germany, define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. Explore resources, attend conferences, and connect with professors. Use online sources, engage with academic communities, and seek advice from current PhD students for insights into the research scene.

If you’re already clear about your research direction, it’s time to search for suitable programs. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a comprehensive database of current opportunities, which you can explore at the DAAD PhD Database . Additionally, consider researching universities in Germany individually to understand what each institution offers in terms of research and programs.

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You will also have to find a supervisor. One way to do so is by visiting university websites to find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research interests. Contact professors whose work aligns with your research interests, express your interest and inquire about supervision opportunities.

> You can search PhD programs using the GERiT database , which features over 31,000 research institutions.

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

Before you start searching for a PhD program, it’s essential to understand that in Germany, there are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD, each with its own set of advantages and opportunities.

Individual PhD Programs

An individual doctorate program is considered the more common and traditional PhD route in Germany. It is a flexible and self-directed path to earning a doctoral degree, particularly in fields like humanities and social sciences. You take the initiative to find a supervisor (called “Doktorvater” or “Doktormutter”) for your research project and often suggest your research topic.

There’s no fixed curriculum, giving you the freedom to set your research timeline and choose coursework. This approach requires self-discipline and active networking, including participation in doctoral candidate meetings and research events.

Structured PhD Programs

Structured PhD programs in Germany offer a clear path to a PhD degree, typically lasting three to five years. Unlike individual doctorate studies, they include a curriculum, research proposal submission that has to fit an existing program, and a set timeline for coursework and research.

Candidates benefit from advisor supervision and are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, making structured programs ideal if you’re seeking a guided and comprehensive doctoral experience.

Ensure You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

The requirements and application documents for a PhD in Germany can vary depending on your chosen institution and research area. However, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

• Academic degree recognized in Germany. Typically, you’ll need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) to qualify for a PhD program.
• Copy of master’s thesis. Provide a copy of your master’s thesis, showcasing your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
• Research proposal. Craft a clear and comprehensive research proposal outlining your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance.
• Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose explaining why you wish to pursue a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with your aspirations.
• 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 (usually German or English), you may have to provide proof of language proficiency. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, IELTS, or proof of previous studies in the language.
• Academic references. You may need to provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors or academic advisors confirming your academic abilities and research potential.
• Predoctoral examination. Some programs may require you to pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

Once you’ve found a suitable PhD program and a mentor, and your academic qualifications are recognized in Germany, you can start your application. Depending on the university or research institute, you can apply online or by post, so it’s essential to check their specific requirements. Keep in mind that admission committees are selective and may conduct interviews to admit the best candidates.

Securing funding is a crucial step when preparing for a PhD in Germany. To meet visa requirements and stay in the country, you must demonstrate access to a minimum of €934 per month, totaling €11,208 annually. This proof can be provided through an admission agreement or relevant contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are various ways to financially support yourself 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 have a contract and work on specific research projects while receiving 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 to secure additional income.

> Read more about the costs associated with studying in Germany.

> Explore scholarship opportunities.

Once your acceptance into the PhD program is confirmed by the university or institution, you can begin the process of applying for a student visa or residence permit. The PhD visa or permit requirements for Germany can vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances:

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need any special permit or visa to pursue a PhD in Germany. They can research and work with just a valid passport or ID card.

For international researchers who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, a visa will be required to work as a researcher in Germany.

The type of visa you need depends on your specific situation:

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

Residence Permit Requirements

Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit based on the visa you have:

• Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, you can get a study-based residence permit for up to two years, extendable.
• Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, you can get a research permit for Germany. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
• EU Blue Card. You may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, which is for foreign academics and qualified workers in Germany. To get it through a PhD offer, your salary should be at least €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for certain bottleneck professions .

*Note that nationals of certain countries , including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, who are not required to obtain a visa, must still apply for a residence permit.

> 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.

Arriving in Germany and commencing your PhD program is an exciting step, but there are certain formalities you need to take care of. The international office at the university or a representative can guide you, however here are the main things to take care of once you’re in the country:

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.

Obtain Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany, including international PhD students, is obligated by law to have health insurance coverage . The type of health insurance you are eligible for depends on the source of your funding:

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

Some exceptions allow you to retain your insurance from your home country, such as students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account

It’s advisable to open a German bank account as soon as possible. Many financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are typically done through a German bank account.

Enrollment at University

If your PhD program requires enrollment at a university, you’ll need to complete this step. Submit the necessary documents to the university’s enrollment office, which may include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and proof of financial means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot to think about when you’re considering pursuing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

What Is the Duration of a PhD Program in Germany?

In general, a PhD program in Germany typically lasts between three to six years.

The duration of a PhD program in Germany can vary depending on several factors, including the university, the subject area, and individual progress.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

Most PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if you are enrolled at a university, you will need to cover a semester fee. This can vary depending on the university but usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is Knowing German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

Knowing German is not always mandatory to pursue a PhD in Germany. Many German universities offer PhD programs in English, especially in fields like science, engineering, and the humanities. In such programs, you can write your thesis and communicate with professors and peers in English.

However, language requirements differ by university and department. If your program is in German, you might need to prove your proficiency. Knowing German can also be helpful for daily life and integration if you’re living in Germany.

Will I Get a PhD Salary in Germany?

PhD candidates in Germany, whether affiliated with universities, research institutions, or companies collaborating with them, typically receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under the TV-L (Tarifvertrag im Öffentlichen Dienst) salary scale, often falling within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6).

Salaries are typically 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.

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

It’s generally allowed for PhD students in Germany to have part-time jobs to cover living expenses. However, the rules and expectations can vary depending on your supervisor, field of study, and specific circumstances.

While part-time work is an option, keep in mind that pursuing a PhD can be quite demanding, often requiring long hours of research and study. It’s essential to find the right balance between work and your academic commitments. Additionally, make sure to be aware of any legal and contractual obligations related to your employment while studying for your PhD.

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

In Germany, defending your PhD thesis involves several steps. You start by submitting your thesis and necessary documents, making sure they meet all the formal requirements. A commission is formed, and you may have the opportunity to suggest reviewers.

Then, you will have to prepare and undergo an oral defense, which can be either public or private and typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this, you present your research and discuss it with the committee.

The outcome of this discussion determines your final grade, which you receive 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 After Completing a PhD in Germany?

After completing a PhD in Germany, career prospects are promising. Graduates often find opportunities in academia as professors or researchers or in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Germany’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place for career development.

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Structured Doctoral Programs

Each of our structured doctoral programs offers a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary curriculum designed to help you realize your full potential and prepare for a successful career. The programs include innovative, personalized advising with regular progress checks, as well as extensive opportunities to broaden your research network and connect with peers in your field.

The University of Bonn offers a wide range of funding opportunities, which have been summarized for you on this page, divided into the following categories:

Bonn International Graduate Schools (BIGS)

Phd programs within our cluster of excellence.

• Structured Doctoral Programs by Discipline 

Third-Party Funded Programs

Doctoral education at the highest level: BIGS enable doctoral studies in outstanding research contexts with attractive international collaborations and a qualification program tailored to the needs of graduate students.

Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics and supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative, BIGS-M  is home to all of the University’s doctoral candidates in mathematics and contributes to Bonn’s excellent international reputation in the field.

BGSE offers a structured program that is tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates, including an internationally recognized research network.

Supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative and jointly administered by the renowned Physics Institutes at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, BCGS  offers doctoral studies through an integrated honors program.

Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS 6 6 is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

BIGS-OAS offers a wide range of courses within a research context, focused on the cultures and societies of Asia and Asia Minor.

BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

BIGS CPS's interdisciplinary approach combines medical, agricultural and pharmaceutical research.

BIGS Chemistry 10 doctoral candidates enjoy an exceptional and ambitious program covering all fields of chemistry.

This three-year doctoral program  is offered in conjunction with the University’s ImmunoSensation Cluster, which is funded by Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research, BIGS-DR   trains students for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

The BIGS Land and Food combines the research at the agricultural Faculty with an interdisciplinary study program.

Clusters of Excellence stand for international and interdisciplinary elite research and offer young scientists excellent funding and career conditions. The University of Bonn currently has six clusters of excellence, more than any other university in Germany, and thus opens up a broad spectrum of possible research topics to doctoral candidates. Here you will find an overview of the university's clusters of excellence.

PhD Programs within our Excellence Cluster

The goal of the Hausdorff Center of Mathmatics is to identify and address mathematical challenges of the 21st century, to advance groundbreaking fundamental mathematical research worldwide, and to develop the mathematical methods and tools required by science and society.

Part of the Hausdorff Center is also a graduate school: The Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) hosts all doctoral students of mathematics and contributes to the outstanding international reputation of the university in this field. The duration of the program is usually 3 years, and the doctorate (Dr. rer nat.) can be earned as a degree.

More information: https://www.bigs-math.uni-bonn.de/de/studies/ 14 15 15

ImmunoSensation2 aims to continue the success story of the existing ImmunoSensation cluster. While the emphasis so far has been on fundamental research in particular of the innate immune system, now the mechanisms of immune intelligence are to be uncovered, i.e. the question of how the body succeeds in adapting immune responses to specific situations and then remembers this in order to be optimally prepared for similar challenges in the future. The cluster's graduate school, the Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection offers a structured, three-year doctoral program.

You can find further information about this program here: 

https://www.immunosensation.de/opportunities/young-scientists

Until today, dependency studies has almost exclusively dealt with slavery on the American continent or in antiquity. The Cluster of Excellence "Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS)" aims to broaden this perspective in terms of content, space and time. Within the framework of the cluster, a structured doctoral program with a duration of 4 years is offered.

Further information can be found at:  https://www.dependency.uni-bonn.de/en 15 16

Over the last few decades, computer hardware has become smaller and smaller, but their technology remains more or less the same. Slowly, this development is reaching its limits.Thus, we need new technologies that satisfy our growing hunger for even more powerful hardware.

Quantum physics could be a solution.

Together with the University of Cologne and the RWTH Aachen, Bonn researchers want to work on making this new technology usable. To achieve this, quantum bits or even qubits - the quantum counterpart to our previous bits - quantum communication channels that build networks and error correction methods have to be explored from the ground up. As part of the Excellence Initiative, the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) offers a doctoral program with an integrated honors program.

Further information can be found at:  http://www.gradschool.physics.uni-bonn.de/. 4 4

The ECONtribute researches the functioning of markets as well as reasons for their failure. In doing so, the cluster goes beyond traditional analyses by systematically combining model-based theoretical approaches and behavioral explanatory models while incorporating legal and political frameworks. Within the cluster, the Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) offers doctoral students a tailored structured doctoral program that includes an internationally recognized research network.

Further information can be found at:  https://www.bgse.uni-bonn.de. 3 3

Increasing agricultural production despite limited land while reducing the ecological footprint of agriculture - this is one of the challenges of our time. For this reason, the University of Bonn and Forschungszentrum Jülich are jointly developing methods and new technologies to observe, analyze, better understand and more specifically treat plants. The cluster's graduate school, the Theodor Brinkmann Graduate School, offers an interdisciplinary study program to master's students and doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Agriculture.

More information: https://www.phenorob.de/ .

The Third-Party Funded Programs at the University of Bonn offer structured doctoral studies on selected research topics. They enable close networking among doctoral students conducting research on related topics.

Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) 2 17 18 18 Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, BIGS-M provides an umbrella for all Bonn PhD students in mathematics. Thus, the BIGS-M contributes to the excellent national and international reputation of mathematics at Bonn.

Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection The BIGS Immunosciences and Infection is a structured 3-year PhD program in conjunction with the ImmunoSensation Cluster/Bonn. The ImmunoSensation Cluster is part of the Excellence Strategy.

DFG Research Training Group "Gegenwart/Literatur. Geschichte, Theorie und Praxeologie eines Verhältnisses" (GRK 2291) [only in German]

The Research Training group supported by the DFG  aims at the exploration and analysis of the constitutive dimensions of the concept of contemporary literature.  

DFG international Research Training Group "Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity" GRK (2168) 19 19 19 19 The DFG-funded project is a cooperation of the University of Bonn and the University of Melbourne. The principal research focus is the intersection between innate and adaptive immunity in the context of infection.

DFG Research Training Group  "The Macroeconomics of Inequality"  ( GRK 2281) 20 20 20 20 The research program focuses on the macroeconomic aspects of inequality, an aspect of first-order importance for society. 

DFG Research Training Group "Template-designed Organic Electronics (TIDE)" (GRK 2591) 21 21 21 The Graduate Program 'Template-Designed Optoelectronic Devices' (TIDE) aims to provide comprehensive doctoral education in the field of Organic Electronics (OE) to meet the requirements of highly qualified and multidisciplinary professionals. 

DFG Research Training Group "Tools and Drugs of the Future - Innovative Methods and New Modalities in Medicinal Chemistry" (GRK 2873)

The goal of the RTG " Tools and Drugs of the Future" is to modernize medicinal chemistry and train a new generation of medicinal chemists and researchers at the interface with interconnected disciplines. In addition, the projects are intended to contribute to the development of new drug substances.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease" (SFB 1089) 22 22 27 27 Located at the newly inaugurated SFB 1089 on neuronal networks, the Integrated Research Training Group offers a structured graduate program for all doctoral researchers at the Centre.

Integrated Research Training Group at theDFG Collaborative Research Centre "Future Rural Africa" (SFB/TR 228) The integrated research group is investigating the relationship between land use change and shaping the future in rural africa in a total of 14 subprojects.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Open System Control of Atomic and Photonic Matter" (SFB/TR 185) 24 The collaborative research centre Oscar will explore the physics of open systems.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Aortic Diseases" (SFB/TR 259) 25 The aim of this research initiative is to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of resident and non-resident cells in aortic diseases.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Regional Climate Change: Disentangling the Role of Land Use and Water Management" (SFB 1502) The SFB combines the strengths of the University of Bonn and its project partners to answer one of the most difficult questions in understanding climate change.

Integrated Research Training Group at the DFG Collaborative Research Centre "Brown and Beige Fat - Organ Crosstalk, Signaling and Energetics (BATenergy)" (SFB/TRR 333) The CRC investigates metabolism/diabetes and focusses on brown adipose tissue. 

One Health and Urban Transformation

The NRW Forschungskolleg One Health and Urban Transformation is a transdisciplinary graduate school that aims to find interventions to achieve optimal health for humans, animals, plants and the environment with a special focus on developments in NRW, Saõ Paulo, Accra and Ahmedabad.

International Max Planck Research School Moduli Spaces 27 27 In cooperation with the University of Bonn, the renowned Bonn Max-Planck-Institute for Mathematics offers a PhD program with a special focus on the study of moduli.

International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Astrophysics 28 28 In cooperation between the Max-Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and the Universities of Bonn and of Cologne, the Research School facilitates 3 years of PhD studies with a curriculum tailored to the individual student.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior 29 The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn

International Max Planck Research School - Recharge IMPRS-RECHARGE focuses on interdisciplinary research between chemistry and physics with an emphasis on catalytic mechanisms, physical-chemical analysis and energy topics. Scientific challenges shall be looked at from different angles. Furthermore the combination of theory and practice is a vital aim of the IMPRS-RECHARGE.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Macro and Microplastic in Agricultural Soil Systems“ (SOPLAS) The SOPLAS project will assemble a multidisciplinary team to study the nexus of plastic–agriculture–soil. It will also train a new generation of leading experts. The project aims to identify the plastic cycle within agricultural soil systems and support the development of environmental policies related to mitigating the impact of plastics. The findings will advance our knowledge about the sustainable use of plastics in European agriculture.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Early Stage Researchers EDUCational Program on Factor VIII Immunogenicity“ (EDUC8 ) 32 37 The EDUC8 program is a multidisciplinary training program with exposure of the enrolled ESRs to a core common educational package and development of individual PhD researchprojects dedicated to decreasing the societal burden associated with the development of anti-FVIII antibodies in Europe.

Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Research and Training in Early Life Nutrition to Prevent Disease" (GROWTH)

GROWTH is an Innovative Training Network that aims to train young business-oriented researchers in developing pathological insights, biomarker diagnostics and personalized nutritional interventions for intestinal failure in neonates and preterm infants.

Tools4Teams - "Research Training to Design and Implement Tools Supporting Safe Teamwork in Healthcare"

The Tools4Teams research project will prepare the next generation of teamwork experts to contribute new insights and smart technologies for safe and effective care. Tools4Teams brings together expertise from social and technical sciences, human-centered design, education, and clinical specialties.

Trinational Graduate College "Mass and Integration in Antique Societies" [in German/French] Supported by the Deutsch-Französische Hochschule since 2011, the tri-national Graduate School in Ancient History offers curriculum events in Bonn, Berne, and Strasbourg.

Structured Doctoral Programs by Discipline

Find the right structured doctoral program at the University of Bonn in your discipline here:

• Cross-Disciplinary Options
• Medicine and Life Sciences
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• Agriculture

Faculties at the University of Bonn work together to design interdisciplinary programs that combine key perspectives and offer unique insights.

Cross-Disciplinary Programs

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 42 Unique in Europe, BIGS-DR links perspectives from the Faculties of Philosophy, Agriculture, and Law and Economics – with an international focus.

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) 8 8 A collaboration between the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, as well as external partners, BIGS Neuroscience offers a medical program alongside five research areas in medicine.

SciMed Doctoral College 43 42 The Doctoral College offers scientific training for students in medicine and dental medicine, leading to a dual Dr. med. and Dr. med. dent. degree.

Researchers at the University of Bonn explore a wide variety of issues in economics, including game theory, applied microeconomics, monetary and international macroeconomics, contract theory, labor economics and finance.

Economics Programs

Bonn Graduate School of Economics (BGSE) BGSE offers a structured program that is tailored to the needs of doctoral candidates, including an internationally recognized research network.

DFG Research Training Group "Die Macroeconomics of Inequality" (GRK 2281) The research program focuses on the macroeconomic aspects of inequality, an aspect of first-order importance for society. 

Law Programs

Graduate School of Law and Political Science Department of Law The Graduate School of the Faculty of Law and Political Science was founded in the summer semester of 2018 and supports the doctoral students in preparing their doctoral studies.

The University of Bonn’s Faculty of Medicine offers doctoral programs in medical biochemistry, neurosciences and pharmacology. With the exception of the SciMed Doctoral College, all programs are administered in cooperation with the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Cross-Disciplinary Program

SciMed Doctoral College The Doctoral College offers scientific training for students in medicine and dental medicine, leading to a dual Dr. med. and Dr. med. dent. degree.

Neuroscience

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease (SFB 1089) Supported by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft – DFG) collaborative research centers, this integrated research training group works to identify fundamental rules that govern neuronal behavior at the network level and translate network dynamics to mammalian and human behavior.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior A joint venture of the University of Bonn, the Max-Planck-associated Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and Florida Atlantic University, this graduate school offers a complete doctoral and research program in the neurosciences.

Marie Curie Initial Training Network "modelling and pRedicting Human decision-making Using Measures of subconscious Brain processes through mixed reality interfaces and biOmetric signals" (RHUMBO) RHUMBO proposes using measures of subconscious brain processes through the use of mixed reality technologies (MRT) and advanced biometric signals processing as a new paradigm to improve the knowledge that implicit brain processes have in human decision-making.

Pharma Research

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

Pharmacology of 7TM-Receptors and Downstream Signaling Pathways (GRK 1873) Supported by DFG, this group combines expertise in the areas of pharmacology and pharmacy.

Bonn International Graduate School of Immunosciences and Infection

This three-year doctoral program is offered in conjunction with the University's ImmunoSensation Cluster , which is funded by Germany’s Excellence Initiative.

DFG Research Training Group "Myeloid antigen presenting cells and the induction of adaptive immunity" GRK (2168) The DFG-funded project is a cooperation of the University of Bonn and the University of Melbourne.

At the University of Bonn’s Faculty of Arts, you’ll find a highly international environment with students and researchers in a wide range of fields.

German Studies, Comparative Literature and Culture 

Structured Doctoral Program in German Studies (SPP) [website in German] Taught in German, the SPP supports doctoral candidates’ initiatives within the Institute for German, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.

German-Italian Doctoral College [website in German] Taught in German, this three-year grant program provides structured doctoral studies for researchers in German and Italian, with time in both Bonn and Florence.

History and Ancient History 

Mass and Integration in Antique Societies [website in German and French] Supported by Franco-German University and taught in German and French, this trinational doctoral program includes study in Bonn; Berne, Switzerland; and Strasbourg, France.

Oriental and Asian Studies Bonn

International Graduate School of Oriental and Asian Studies (BIGS-OAS) BIGS-OAS offers a wide range of courses within a research context, focused on the cultures and societies of Asia and Asia Minor.

Romance Studies

Italian Studies [website in German and Italian] Offered in cooperation with the Universities of Florence and Paris-Sorbonne IV, this trinational doctoral program is taught in German and Italian.

Structured DPhil program at the Faculty of Arts The program supports qualified doctoral candidates from all disciplines in their doctoral projects. It provides the opportunity for networking, interdisciplinary exchange in diverse social sciences and humanities subjects, progress monitoring and financial support for travel, workshops or research funding as part of the doctorate.

European Founding Myths in Literature, Arts and Music [website in German, French and Italian] This trinational program is jointly organized by the Universities of Bonn, Florence and Paris-Sorbonne IV and taught in German, French and Italian.

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research, BIGS-DR trains students for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

The University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences offers numerous externally funded doctoral programs in areas including mathematics and informatics, physics, biology, pharmacology and molecular biomedicine.

Programs in neuroscience, pharma research, immunoscience, and infection and molecular biomedicine are offered in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine.

Mathematics

Bonn International Graduate School of Mathematics (BIGS-M) 2 2 Located at the Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, BIGS-M is home to all of the University’s doctoral candidates in mathematics and contributes to Bonn’s excellent international reputation in the field.

International Max Planck Research School on Moduli Spaces 53 53 This program includes courses, seminars and activities focused on the geometric spaces whose points represent fixed algebro-geometric objects (or isomorphism classes of such objects).

Physics und Astronomy

Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) 4 4 Supported by Germany’s Excellence Initiative and jointly administered by the renowned Physics Institutes at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, BCGS offers doctoral studies through an integrated honors program.

International Max Planck Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics 55 55 This program offers a broad spectrum of topics in observational and theoretical galactic and extragalactic astrophysics, observational and theoretical cosmology, and fundamental physics – using astronomical tools and instrumentation.

Leibniz Graduate School on Genomic Biodiversity Research Based at Bonn’s Alexander Koenig Research Museum, this school is focused primarily on insect genome evolution.

Bonn International Graduate School of Chemistry (BIGS Chemistry) 57 57 BIGS Chemistry offers an internationally competitive doctoral program and opportunities to perform cutting-edge research.

Neurosciences

Bonn International Graduate School of Neuroscience (BIGS Neuroscience) 8 8 BIGS Neuroscience provides a top-level, internationally competitive program in this rapidly growing field.

Synaptic Micronetworks in Health and Disease (SFB 1089) 22 22 Supported by DFG collaborative research centers, this integrated research training group works to identify fundamental rules that govern neuronal behavior at the network level and translate network dynamics to mammalian and human behavior.

International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior 29 29 The IMPRS for Brain & Behavior is a cooperation between the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar, the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn.

Bonn International Graduate School of Drug Sciences (BIGS DrugS) 6 6 Home to an international community of talented biomedical scientists, BIGS DrugS is the hub for doctoral candidates from pharma research institutes within the University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine.

Pharmacology of 7TM-Receptors and Downstream Signaling Pathways (GRK 1873) 18 18 Supported by DFG, this group combines expertise in the areas of pharmacology and pharmacy.

BIGS Immunoscience and Infection A structured, three-year doctoral program, IITB is offered in conjunction with the ImmunoSensation Cluster at the University of Bonn.

Doctoral candidates in the field of agriculture may choose to study through the Faculty of Agriculture’s Theodor Brinkmann Graduate School or earn their degree through the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research.

Agriculture Programs

Bonn International Graduate School for Land and Food (BIGS Land and Food)  Founded in 2008, the Brinkmann School is home to master's and doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Agriculture, combining research with an interdisciplinary study program.

Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) 12 Part of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research 59 , BIGS-DR trains researchers for an international career in development cooperation, policy or research through a combination of academic study and intensive tutorship.

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How to apply for a PhD in Germany – Online course

Thank you for your interest in our online course! Anyone interested in the course is welcome to participate. You will need about six to nine hours to complete the course.

In this course you will learn about:

• how to find a doctoral position,
• application requirements and how to write a good application,
• characteristics of the German research landscape,
• and how to find a doctoral supervisor.

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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
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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
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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
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• 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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The way to a doctorate

You would like to get a PhD in Germany? Here you will find attractive programmes for international doctoral students.

Working in a team, following a clear programme and intensive mentoring by several scholars or scientists: if that sounds like a good idea, a structured PhD programme is the right choice for you. Two more pluses: such programmes usually offer an international environment and the language of teaching and working is often English.

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Research training group

In a research training group you are part of a team of doctoral students, post-docs, and scholars or scientists. You carry out research together on a subject, often interdisciplinary and focused on the specialty of the scholar or scientist who is supervising your doctorate.

International research training groups specifically promote scholarly and scientific exchange. During your doctorate work, you conduct research abroad for six months.

Some collaborative research centres of universities operate integrated research training groups . There you can do your PhD in a research-intensive environment in a structured PhD programme.

A survey of research training groups can be found on the DFG website. Applications must be sent to the head of the respective group.

Quick facts

Research schools.

In non-university research institutions, it is almost the rule to participate in structured, largely interdisciplinary doctoral programmes. The Max Planck Society , Helmholtz Association and Leibniz Association have set up research and graduate schools for their doctoral students, which are also open to international doctoral candidates.

Max Planck Schools

The new Max Planck Schools are something special. They are a joint project of universities and the major research organizations of the Max Planck Society, Helmholtz Association, Leibniz Association and Fraunhofer Society. In these international graduate schools, excellent graduates from all over the world work together in a structured doctoral programme with the best scholars and scientists in their fields.

Doctoral programmes and courses of study

Many universities also run special international doctoral programmes that either target specific research topics or support doctoral students with interdisciplinary offerings. These programmes can be found in the DAAD database (in English).

More information and tips can be found at Research in Germany

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Find your PhD position in Germany

Before you start your search ....

Before you start your search you should know that there are different PhD models:

• Individual doctorate  or
• Structured PhD programmes

What's the difference? Check out our  overview of the various ways to do your PhD in Germany  

Find your individual doctorate

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor . This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but demands a high degree of  personal initiative  and responsibility.

How to find your PhD supervisor

In Germany there is no central admissions or selection office for doctoral students. Therefore, your first step is to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor.

One way to find a supervisor is to look for a university institute that matches your area of research. The following online search engines might help you find a suitable supervisor:

• GERiT – German research institutions GERiT is a website containing information on approximately 29,000 research institutions in Germany. GERiT allows the user to search easily by location or subject. It provides all the information needed to choose an institution at which to research, study or do a doctorate. www.gerit.org
• Finding a PhD position PhDGermany publishes PhD openings in Germany that specifically target international applicants. Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and assists you with the online application process. www.phdgermany.de
• Higher Education Compass   This database provides up-to-date information from universities about doctoral opportunities in Germany. The search engine enables you to carry out targeted searches on the basis of departments, admission requirements and form of doctoral thesis. www.higher-education-compass.de

Furthermore,  your contacts with your professors or previous university  could help direct you to a suitable department or potential supervisor in Germany.

It is also helpful to attend  academic conferences  in your own subject area. There you will be able to exchange information and make contacts ­– and perhaps even find a future PhD supervisor.

Find your structured PhD programme

DAAD/Ausserhofer/Himsel

Structured PhD programmes in Germany are frequently very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries, in which a  team of supervisors  look after a  group of doctoral students . Around 12,000 doctoral students from abroad – roughly one in four – do their PhDs in structured programmes. As a rule, it is possible to complete a doctorate in four to five years.

Where to find your PhD programme

There is no central database of all structured PhD programmes in Germany. You can usually find these programmes directly through the respective universities, graduate schools or non-university research institutions. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) database is also a good place to look. Here you will find a large number of PhD programmes that are specially aimed at international doctoral students.

International doctoral programme database

Are you interested in an international doctoral programme in Germany? This DAAD database presents a selection of roughly 230 international doctoral programmes in Germany. The database can be searched according to different criteria.  www.daad.de/international-programmes 

Doctoral programmes at universities

Many universities offer structured doctoral programmes, which they publicise on their websites. The Student Advisory Service or Graduate Centre at the respective university will also provide help here. You can find the relevant addresses using the Higher Education Compass provided by the German Rectors’ Conference. www.higher-education-compass.de

​​​​​​​DFG-funded research training groups

Research training groups are also funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. www.dfg.de > Current Research Training Groups

Helmholtz Research Schools, Colleges and Graduate Schools

The Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation. In collaboration with various institutions of higher education, Helmholtz Association research centres have established structured PhD programmes under the auspices of Helmholtz Graduate Schools, Helmholtz Research Schools and Colleges.  www.helmholtz.de > PhD Candidates 

Leibniz Graduate Schools

The Leibniz Association connects 97 research institutes that conduct problem-oriented research and provide scientific infrastructure of national and international importance. Together with universities they run structured PhD programmes in Leibniz Graduate Schools. www.leibniz-association.eu > Leibniz Graduate Schools

International Max Planck Research Schools

The Max Planck Society specialises in innovative basic research and its institutes are able to offer up-and-coming researchers excellent infrastructure and support. The website lists the programmes available at International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS):  www.mpg.de > International Max Planck Research Schools  

Max Planck Schools

In Germany, the best researchers in a specific field are often work at different universities and non-university research institutions spread throughout the country. The Max Planck Schools serve as hubs which gather this distributed knowledge. Here, the brightest minds in their fields have come together from within the scientific community to interconnect in faculties made up of active researchers. Students gain access to these unique networks, learn in close personal exchange from leaders in their fields and their peers, and enjoy access to outstanding infrastructure. Currently, three Schools are operating in the fields of Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics. www.maxplanckschools.de

Where can I find out about requirements?

Application procedures  differ from programme to programme . The precise requirements and deadlines can be found on the website of the respective university, research training group or graduate school. You should therefore first choose a PhD programme and/or graduate school.

You've found the position you want to apply for, but how does applying to a potential supervisor or structured PhD programme work in Germany? Find out more here.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

We help you navigate through the large number of job portals that specialise in openings for academics and scientists. These are some of the sites that may get you started.

DAAD/Uta Konopka

Check out our brochure

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

English-Taught Online Universities in Germany: Study Abroad from Home

Traditional german (campus) universities with online programs, top-ranked universities with online programs, online-only universities in germany, online course styles, cost of attendance.

• List of Online Universities in Germany

2744 Study programs

Online degree programs are sought out by many international students who wish to study at a German university but may not have the availability to travel to Germany. The rise of online study programs has also led to the creation of online universities that have no physical campus and instead offer all services and courses online.

Students also have the option of combining in-classroom and online courses in a blended learning approach if they are at a traditional “brick and mortar” university. Moreover, students can study at top-ranked German universities all with the ease of remote learning. There are several online course options available from great German institutions for students to search from which are taught in English! Our StudyFinder will be a vital tool in searching for the perfect program fit.

Below we break down the different distance learning options that students have via online study programs. A brief introduction to how online studies are carried out will be provided. The following will be a focus on different study program styles offered along with featured programs and universities. If you are searching for a more detailed account of online study programs instead of universities, please refer to our article on English-taught online degree programs in Germany . Alternatively, if you need a general overview first of how online learning is being done, please refer to our other article, Study Online in Germany .

There is a significant amount of flexibility in online learning programs. For students that may miss the ease and routine of having more traditional in-classroom courses, they may be more interested in a traditional university that has a campus and in-person course options.  Online learning has taken off and there have since been many traditional “brick and mortar” universities that now offer online options. Below are some universities students should consider if you are searching for an online degree from a traditional German university.

Students sometimes crave the simplicity and flexibility of an online degree program but fear that they may be sacrificing quality in their education. This is simply not true! Students can receive a quality education from an online degree program. Furthermore, the final completed degree that is issued upon completion of studies is just the same as a traditional study program. You don’t have to take our word for it, check out some of Germany’s top-ranked universities which offer online study programs below:

Further Reading

In addition to traditional universities that offer a selection of online study programs, there are also some universities that are either fully online or have most of their courses online. This means that the courses offered will be fully online courses with no in-person or in-classroom interaction. Below we feature a handful of universities that are either fully online or offer a high selection of online degree programs.

IU International University of Applied Sciences

IU is one of the most unique universities in Germany in that it is a fully online integrated institution. This means that you can study almost all study programs 100% online - or go for the "flexible" option (which allows you to switch from online to on-campus learning as you like). Don’t worry though! If students wish to have a graduation ceremony, there is one held in Germany at a location reserved by the IU for students who wish to travel to Germany.

While at the moment the IU is leading in online universities as it is currently the only one that is fully integrated online, it is setting a path for future universities to follow. Currently, there are a limited number of online programs offered by more traditional universities but this is quickly changing, especially in light of the current situation. Therefore, be sure to view all English-language online study programs on our page to find something for you!

Whether students are enrolled at a traditional “brick and mortar” university or a fully online university, also influences the styles of online courses they will have available to them. Generally, there are two different structures to online study programs: full online studies or blended studies. Full online means that there is no in-person interaction in the program. The blended learning can include in-classroom studies in combination with online studies. The two structures are elaborated below.

Full online learning

For students who are interested in studying remotely, there are some different styles their online program may follow. Distance learning means that all of your courses are done online and that you have no in-person interactions. Below are two different teaching structures that online degree programs may follow:

Group learning

Online group learning programs are modeled more closely after traditional in-person learning styles. This can involve course participants attending online courses and at the same time interactive among one another. Additionally, instructors can give lectures to the class online and provide time for group discussion. These live-streamed lectures and virtual classrooms are examples of what a group learning course would look like.

Independent learning

Online independent learning programs provide an added amount of flexibility to students. There may be a more limited amount of live interactions with the rest of the course and the instructor. Lectures are typically pre-recorded for the student to watch on their own time. Participants can study at different times and go through assignments at their own pace and along with their own schedule.

Blended learning

This form of online learning is exactly what it sounds like in that it bled online learning with traditional “in person” or “in classroom” learning. This means that students may have some courses which are either only online or mostly online and meet in-person every so often. Blended learning programs are popular in online study programs as they combine the benefits of both learning styles. Keep in mind that this option would not be suited for students who are interested in studying remotely i.e. 100% online.

As you may have heard, education in Germany is free for all students. In Germany, public universities do not charge tuition. Because most online study programs are specialized degree programs, these are typically not tuition-free. Online study programs are likely to charge a decent tuition fee as it takes more equipment to maintain an online course (e.g. purchasing access to only platforms to make the online learning possible). Tuition fees vary among degree programs, however, below is a general overview of tuition fees in German higher education:

• Most online programs have a tuition fee; only 2% of online programs are free.
• Tuition fees for online study programs average 3,000 € - 5,000 € per semester.
• Fees vary among study programs; even universities may charge different tuition fees depending on the online study program.
• Especially private universities with online programs may charge higher fees (e.g. up to 10,000 € per semester).

Remember to search for programs that are best suited to you and your study interests, so don’t skip over the tuition charging programs. Many private universities offer scholarships for students to put towards tuition costs. Should you be interested in a program that charges tuition, keep your many funding options in mind. There are many scholarships available for international students .

Summary Box

Online study programs are a very attractive option for international students to study at a German university from the comfort of their home country. Whether it is due to family, a job, or any other reason, online studies provide students the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Some things to keep in mind:

• Universities and online studies: Traditional universities have now begun to offer some degrees available online or a combination of online and in-person courses. There is also the option of attending a fully online university that offers all study programs online as it is 100% online and has no campus.
• Online course styles: Depending on the type of university students choose, there are options for the structure of their online course. Whether it is half online and half in-person of a fully online course, there are study programs for every student.
• Cost of attendance: Be aware that while public universities in Germany are tuition-free, online study programs typically charge a marginal tuition fee. This is because online-degrees are specialized and also require equipment and technology to maintain the course (paid access to online platforms, extra data security, etc).

Universities in Germany offering Online Degree Courses in English

accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg - University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 5,700

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Program Fees: € 1,250 - € 2,640

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

Program Fees: € 0

M.Sc. (Master of Science)

bbw University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 3,540 - € 4,110

B.Eng. (Bachelor of Engineering)

Berlin Professional School

Program Fees: € 3,400

Berlin School of Creative Leadership

Program Fees: € 15,667

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT)

Program Fees: € 3,960

Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt

Program Fees: € 4,000

Clausthal University of Technology

Program Fees: € 2,880

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6 Free Online PhD Programs in Germany (Plus Scholarships)

Even though it’s promising to further your education through PhD level – we won’t deny that it will totally boost your career and even make you an authority in your field – it doesn’t come cheap, you won’t only be sacrificing your money but also your time. Because, at this moment you probably have a family you’re responsible for, and you’re now a working adult, so no more quick conclusion.

In fact, a lot of decision goes on before anyone undertakes a Postgraduate Programme, because it may exceed the minimum time and might even hit ×2 of the years projected (depending on your research), so it won’t only cost you your time but also your money. The bright side is, that several colleges including FernUniversität in Hagen (which is the only open university in Germany) now provide some of their programs online, making it easy for anyone in any country to still partake in a Ph.D. program without travelling outside their home.

Also, FernUniversität in Hagen provides some free online PhD programs in Germany through scholarships and other financial assistance. As a scholarship or other grant, you don’t need to pay them back.

The United Kingdom and Canada also provide some free online PhD programs.

Before we list these programs, let’s briefly explain why an online PhD might be the best fit for you.

Reasons to Study Online PhD in Germany

More affordable.

First of all, the tuition of a distance learning Ph.D. program is more affordable than an on-campus degree. Then the cost of living also adds up especially if you’re an international student.

More Flexible

As now a working adult and perhaps a spouse, creating time for evening classes can be complicated and might make your life more stressful, and we believe no one wants to add more headaches to their lives. Online PhD gives you the flexibility of coming to class, performing your research and reporting back to your supervisor in your comfort zone.

Maintain Job

If you’re already working, an online Ph.D. will help you to remain on your job, unlike an on-campus Ph.D. that might require you to change your city or if possible country.

This is not to say that a campus-based PhD doesn’t come with its own perks.

Free Online PhD Programs in Germany

FernUniversität in Hagen is the online university that provides different free online Ph.D. programs in Germany, and we’ll focus on these programs. With, more than 76,000 students annually, it makes them the University with the highest number of students in Germany, and 80% of their students study through distance learning.

The University provides its free online PhD programs in Germany through both internal and external non-fundable research funding.

Some of their internal research funding includes;

• FernUniversität research award: worth €20,000
• Completion Scholarship Doctorate
• Funding for female postdocs: own budget for material costs
• Postdoctoral funding: Postdoctoral fellowship

Some of their Research funding by external third-party include;

• Research grants from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Grants from the Heinrich Hertz Foundation
• Max Weber Foundation – German humanities institutes abroad
• Discipline-open doctoral scholarships from gifted organizations

And many more.

Let’s now focus only on the programs FernUniversität in Hagen provides

1. Research Topics in Mathematics (English & German)

FernUniversität in Hagen provides several research topics in mathematics that you can focus on, including Discrete Mathematics and Optimization; Research in Algebra; Research in Numerical Mathematics; Applied Stochastics; Stochastics and Mathematical Physics; Applied Mathematics; Analysis.

2. Research Topics in Computer Science (English & German)

Here are some of the research topics in Computer Science FernUni offers; Software Engineering and Theory of Programming; Data Science; Cooperative Systems; Multimedia and Internet Applications; Parallelism & VLSI; Research Professorship for Educational Technologies for Digital Transformation; Enterprise-wide Software Systems; Technical Informatics; Human-Computer Interaction; Theoretical Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence Group, etc.

3. Humanities and Social Sciences (German)

This is among the free online PhD programs in Germany that you’ll focus on analyzing and explaining the mechanisms of action, the history or the level of knowledge in our society from different perspectives.

4. Research at the Faculty of Psychology (German)

Faculty of Psychology has three (3) research topics you can focus on, they include;

• Psychology of Digitized Education
• Psychology, diversity and social cohesion
• forensic psychology

5. Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (German)

Some of the research topics provided through the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics include Douglas Endowed Chair for Service Management; Investment Theory and Business Valuation; Production and Logistics; Quantitative Methods and Business Mathematics; International Economy, Empiricism of the Foreign Exchange and Financial Markets. etc.

6. Research at the Faculty of Law (German)

FernUniversität in Hagen provides different PhD research topics in 3 Law areas, these areas are Civil Law, Public Law, and Criminal Law.

Questions to Ask Before You Choose Any Online PhD Program

Will this program benefit me and my career.

It’s best to enrol in a PhD program that aligns with our current full-time job, even though there could be a few cases where you want to pursue your passion. Since most PhD programs teach you things you can apply immediately at your work, that’s why it’s important to focus on programs that are in line with your work.

And, don’t say because a program is free or almost free, you can just enrol in it, remember your time is not free.

Is the Flexibility Perfect for Me?

Even though online programs are flexible, it is not fitting for everyone, because you need to be self-motivated to always show up, and now you have so many other responsibilities, some emergencies might even take the particular time you intend to always come to class or perform your research. 

You know doctoral programs can take a minimum of 2½ years and up to 7 years, so be sure that you can balance both, and complete your degree on time.

Conclusion  

You can see that FernUniversität in Hagen is the only school that provides free online PhD programs in Germany through several financial assistance. Be sure if their programs are best for you or better look for other countries that provide the program you need for free or through scholarships.

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Related posts.

8 Free PhD Programs Online UK

8 Free Online PhD Programs in Canada (Plus Free Scholarships)

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List of Free Phd Programs In Germany

Mar 4, 2024 | 5 min read

Free PhD programs in Germany are offered at public universities to all students regardless of their nationality, for up to the standard length of a PhD (3 years).

International students looking for free PhD programs in Germany can check out public universities in Germany that offer free PhD programs to all students regardless of their nationality, for up to the standard length of a PhD (3 years). PhD programs are free also in the state of Baden-Württemberg where tuition fees were reintroduced for non-EU students in 2017.

Germany is one of the most popular study abroad destinations and is home to around 3,600 international graduates completing their doctorate every year. Having first introduced the PhD in the 19th century, German universities and specialist research centres continue to offer innovative, tuition-free, postgraduate programs in various specializations to students from all over the world.

Table of Contents

Why Study a PhD in Germany?

Types of free phd programs in germany, top universities for free phd programs in germany, eligibility requirements for free phd programs in germany, how to apply for free phd programs in germany, cost to study free phd programs in germany, scholarships for free phd programs in germany.

Germany has a global reputation as a world leader in technology innovation and research. It also has a robust economy and an attractive quality of life and is particularly renowned in fields such as engineering and manufacturing. Some reasons to study a PhD in Germany include:

• Several German universities have a strong international reputation of which 46 are ranked within the top 1000 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2020
• Germany offers a high standard of living and welcomes international students with low costs of study and good funding opportunities
• PhD in Germany is usually tuition-free and more than a quarter of doctoral candidates in Germany receive public funding
• The German higher education system is also world-class that has produced some of history’s most formidable thinkers such as theoretical physicist Albert Einstein

There are two types of free PhD programs in Germany depending on their structure and their provider. More detailed information on each type of PhD in Germany can be found below:

Individual Doctorate: This traditional PhD program in Germany is the most popular where students produce their thesis or dissertation under the supervision of a professor, but will mostly be working independently. The duration of this doctoral program varies but usually takes between 3-5 years.

The individual doctorate is known for being flexible but also demands a high amount of personal initiative and responsibility. One can not only obtain a PhD degree by conducting research work at a university but also by completing a project at a non-university research organization or at a German company in the industrial sector.

Structured PhD Programs: These free PhD programs in Germany involves a group of doctoral students being guided by a group of supervisors. Over 600 programs are available for international students with English as the language of instruction.

The structured PhD programs differ from the individual doctorate programs as the research proposals of the students have to fit in with existing PhD programs and cannot be freely structured to suit the individual research project. Students are also required to attend lectures and seminars, and will normally have a mentor.

Several universities in Germany are ranked globally for their PhD programs by various ranking organisations such as Times Higher Education, QS Rankings, and more. Listed below are some of the top universities for free PhD programs in Germany for international students:

• Technical University of Munich
• Heidelberg University
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• University of Goettingen
• University of Freiburg
• Free University of Berlin
• RWTH Aachen University

The eligibility criteria for free PhD programs in Germany vary based on the university and chosen program. In general, students need to have a good higher education degree which is equivalent to a German master’s degree. Find below the other admission requirements for enrolling in free PhD programs in Germany:

• An entrance exam and interview is needed to enrol extremely well-qualified international applicants with a bachelor’s degree to a doctoral degree program in Germany via a fast-track program
• Students applying for a PhD in English need to prove their English language proficiency with an English language proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL
• Candidates studying or submitting their PhD in German need to prove their proficiency in the language with a test such as the DSH or TestDaF

Documents Required

• Master’s degree from a recognized institution
• Proof of language proficiency (English/ German)
• Motivation letter
• Work experience

The application process differs for admission to an individual doctoral program and a structured doctoral program. Students applying for a structured PhD program should apply directly to the chosen university. The steps below explain the procedure to be followed for admission to an individual doctorate program in Germany:

• Applicants should firstly find a suitable professor who is willing to be their supervisor
• The supervisor can be found through contacts from your previous university or by searching for institutes and research centres or teams related to your area of interest
• The next step after finding a supervisor is to get the confirmation of eligibility as a doctoral candidate from the responsible department or doctoral committee
• For this, one must complete an application that includes a statement from your doctoral supervisor, certified copies of certificates, proof of recognition of your qualifications from the Dean’s office, academic references and the university degree
• The application should also include an English or German language test result, if applicable

Doctoral programs at public universities in Germany are free for all students irrespective of their nationality for up to the standard length of a PhD (3 years). Students may be required to pay the fees if the doctoral degree exceeds this duration.

Students pursuing free PhD programs in Germany are required to make a semester contribution of between €150 to €200 (~US$175-230) for administration and other costs like all other students. The main expenses for free PhD programs in Germany are living expenses.

International students applying for a student visa for Germany need to have access to a minimum of €10,236 (~US$11,266) per year in a blocked account. This amount covers the living expenses, which include rent, food, clothing, transportation, working materials, recreation and other costs.

Most doctoral students in Germany work on a paid research project or receive a scholarship. Students willing to obtain a scholarship to cover their living expenses in Germany can find various funding options on the official website of the university they wish to study at.

Students pursuing free PhD programs in Germany can also take a part-time job to supplement their funding, either within the university or outside. Full-time students from outside the EU are limited to working up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year before applying for a work permit. One can also receive graduate assistantships and fellowships from their university as well as public funding provided by the German government.

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First steps to your PhD

Before starting your doctoral studies in Germany, there are some important steps you have to follow:

• Have your post-graduate degree recognised
• Apply for a residence permit
• Find a doctoral position
• Finance your research stay

To find some practical advice on preparing your research stay - visit: www.research-in-germany.org > phd

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10 colleges and universities shaping the future of cybersecurity education

Institutions featured on this list often provide undergraduate and graduate degrees, courses, as well as certificate programs tailored to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in various industries.

Some notable colleges and universities renowned for their cybersecurity programs and courses include:

Carnegie Mellon University (USA)

Information Networking Institute (INI)

The Information Networking Institute (INI) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) educates and develops engineers through technical, interdisciplinary master’s degree programs in information networking, security and mobile and IoT engineering that incorporate business and policy perspectives.

Program : Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS)

Georgia Institute of Technology (USA)

Institute for Information Security & Privacy (IISP)

The Georgia Institute of Technology’s Institute for Information Security & Privacy (IISP) is a research institution dedicated to advancing cybersecurity and privacy technologies. Established within Georgia Tech, the IISP serves as a focal point for interdisciplinary research, education, and collaboration in the field of information security and privacy.

Program : Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)

MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

A joint venture between the Schwarzman College of Computing and the School of Engineering, EECS is grounded in three overlapping sub-units: electrical engineering (EE), computer science (CS), and artificial intelligence and decision-making (AI+D).

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making

Stanford University (USA)

Cyber Policy Center and Computer Science Department

The Cyber Policy Center brings together researchers across the Stanford campus to solve the biggest issues in cybersecurity, governance and the future of work.

• Global Digital Policy Incubator
• The Program on Platform Regulation
• Geopolitics, Technology, and Governance

SANS Technology Institute (USA)

An independent subsidiary of SANS, the SANS Technology Institute offers graduate programs (master’s degree and graduate certificates) that develop technically-adept leaders and undergraduate programs (bachelor’s degree and undergraduate certificate) for people who want to enter the cybersecurity field.

Program : Cybersecurity Master’s Degree

University of California, Berkeley (USA)

School of Information

The School of Information is a graduate research and education community committed to expanding access to information and to improving its usability, reliability, and credibility while preserving security and privacy. This requires the insights of scholars from diverse fields — information and computer science, design, social sciences, management, law, and policy.

Program : Master of Information and Cybersecurity (MICS)

University of Cambridge (UK)

Department of Computer Science and Technology

The Department of Computer Science and Technology (formerly known as the Computer Laboratory) is the academic department within the University of Cambridge that encompasses computer science, along with many aspects of technology, engineering and mathematics.

• Cybersecurity
• Software and Security Engineering

University of Oxford (UK)

Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC)

The Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC) is an international centre for research on efficient and effective cybersecurity capacity-building, promoting an increase in the scale, pace, quality and impact of cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives across the world.

Course : MSc in Software and Systems Security

Technische Universität Darmstadt (Germany)

Department of Computer Science

The scientists of the Department of Computer Science combine their diverse research activities in three main research areas:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Complex Networked Systems
• Cybersecurity & Privacy

Program : Master’s degree program IT Security

Tel Aviv University (Israel)

Research is a cornerstone of Tel Aviv University’s mission, with its scholars making discoveries in fields ranging from biotechnology and cybersecurity to archaeology and social sciences.

• Cyber Security Program
• Cyber Politics & Government

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• Carnegie Mellon University
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