A Guide to PhD Programs in Germany: Top Universities, Application Process
Talk to ExpertPhD in Germany: Learn all about the Ph.D. Programmes in Germany - the structure and the types as well, the eligibility, application process and important resources that would help you gain a doctoral degree from Germany. Every year, roughly 5,800 international scholars are awarded a doctoral degree by a German university.
PhD in Germany: German universities, research institutions and companies offer excellent opportunities for doctorate studies to international students. Deciding to pursue your PhD in Germany is merely the beginning of a rather invigorating journey. More than 28,000 graduate students complete a doctorate in Germany every year – far more than in any other member state of the European Union. Every year, roughly 5,800 international scholars are awarded a doctoral degree by a German university. (source: Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany)
What is needed to keep you from pursuing your PhD in Germany is a sound understanding of how to study PhD programs in Germany, what is the process and what all would be required of you. Furthermore, you would need to understand the cost involved as well as the prospects for pursuing PhD in Germany for Indian students. The article below answers all of the above questions and more, so read on.
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Check: Study in Germany - Colleges, Eligibility & Scholarships
Top Reasons to do your PhD in Germany
In this section, we are going to be discussing the top reasons for you to pursue your PhD in Germany:
- Exceptional research environment
- Strong international focus: PhD in English
- Outstanding funding opportunities
- Freedom to realise your creative potential
- Moderate tuition cost (but) high standard of living
PhD in Germany: Where to Study?
You need to understand that Germans are serious about their research programmes and a host of educational/ research centres offer doctoral programs in the country. You can receive a doctoral degree either from
- Individual Universities in Germany of natural/applied sciences (often called Technical Universities) that have the right to award Doctoral Degrees. Overall there are over 140 universities that can award the degree. The list includes famous names ranging from the oldest universities like the Ruprecht – Heidelberg University to the country’s largest universities like the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich in Munich.
- Non-University Organizations which include research training groups funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation). This category includes prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Society (MPG), the Scientific Community Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (WGL), the Helmholtz Association and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG).
- Private Universities/ Business Schools that are part of the Excellence Initiative like the European Business School.
- Industrial Research Facilities also offer doctoral programmes. Usually supported by a university, these industrial research facilities in collaboration with various universities offer scholarships to candidates and invite them to work on the various doctoral programmes. It is interesting to note that approximately 70% of the companies in Germany have their research centres and many are extremely interested in not only inviting students for research work but also offering permanent jobs to their doctoral graduates.
How to Obtain a PhD in Germany for Indian students
Furthermore, broadly classifying, there are two kinds of PhD programs available in Germany,
- Individual PhD. Programmes
- Structured PhD. Programmes
An Individual Doctorate/Ph.D. is the traditional doctoral programme in Germany wherein you work directly under a professor on the chosen topic of your study and complete the same individually. As such, the programme often varies in length and usually extends anywhere between 3 to 5 years. You would be working under the explicit guidance of the professoforchosen by you on your dissertation. Sometimes the same might extend to a team of 2 or three individuals working towards gaining their doctorates.
The Structured Doctorate is similar to PhDs offered in English-speaking countries as well as India. These are formal doctoral programmes run by the University/Research Centre. The programme has a clearly defined process and the information is shared by means of stipulated seminars/lectures by the professor.
The two are summarized for your below.
| Individual PhD. |
Structured Ph.D. |
|
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility |
Masters recognized by German institute offering the Ph.D. + Language Proficiency certificate. The specific requirements, however, may vary from program to program and it is advisable to check the same before applying. |
|
| Tuition Fee |
There is no tuition fee for doctoral programmes at public universities. As for the doctoral students at the research training groups, graduate schools or the non-university research schools, they complete their research usually as a research associate or receive a scholarship |
|
| Flexibility |
Highly flexible and completely dependent on the individual's pace and how he/she wishes to pursue it. It usually takes anywhere between 3&5 years to complete a doctoral thesis and depends on the work contract/permit entered to by the individual at the time of admission. |
Dedicated slots are given for lectures/ seminars/ lab work. Usually extends up to 3 years. It becomes the responsibility of the individual to manage the research accordingly. |
| Application Process |
||
| Step 1 |
Choose a Supervisor/ Professor |
Choose a Structured Doctoral Programme commensurate with your chosen field of research |
| Step 2 |
Present your application which should ideally include your educational transcripts, a copy of your undergraduate dissertation topic, chosen area of specialization, an outline of your doctoral thesis as well as your research proposal. The applications are directed to the Dean's Office or the Board of Examiners for recognition of the degrees. |
Submit your CV along with degree certificates, a brief of your doctoral research proposal along with a letter signifying why you are interested in joining the programme (SOP). The applications are sent to the Thesis Committee or the Department Office as per the program specification. |
| Step 3 |
Apply to the department/university/ board of examiners with a detailed application as desired. This might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency |
Submit a detailed application which would ideally have a comprehensive research project outline, reference letters from previous professors/employers, copies of all certificates asked as well as a copy of your previous dissertation |
| Step 4 |
Apply for and get accepted as a doctoral candidate in the university/research centre |
Submit documents as asked which might include a proof of language proficiency |
| Step 5 |
Appear for a personal Interview. Sometimes the interview might be conducted by means of a telephone conference. |
|
Check: Top Reasons to Study in Germany
Also, Germany has part-time PhD for Indian students. Students can become research scholars by meeting the set requirements and can pursue PhD in various subjects at renowned universities or colleges.
Besides the above, it would be advisable to mention that though the costs of tuition are not much or non-existent, you should still understand that more or less you would have to bear the cost of living in Germany. On average, you would end up spending somewhere around €750 – €900 in a month to stay in Germany. This is important to note as, during the time of visa, you would be asked to show proof of funds for at least the first year of your stay in Germany.
So, gear up and start your journey. We recommend you start researching the right doctoral programme for you. Important resources for starting your journey would be
- www.daad.de/researchexplorer,
- www.phdgermany.de,
- www.research-in-germany.org/en/ and
- www.hochschulkompass.de/en.html.
All the best!
Q: Is BSBI degree valid in Germany?
BSBI does not hold degree-awarding powers in Germany and its programmes are validated by private Italian distance learning institution UniNettuno International Telematic University. BSBI has also partnered with Concordia University Chicago to deliver programmes at its Berlin campus.
Q: What is the cost of a student visa in Germany?
International students going to pursue higher education in Germany are required to apply for a German study visa. The cost of study visa for Germany is EUR 75 per applicant. Below we have provided a check list for German student visa:
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information
- Copy of passport
- Proof of admittance to the study course
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Financial Means
Q: Why study at IU International University of Applied Sciences Germany?
IU International University of Applied Sciences courses are state accredited and recognized internationally. The university is known as Germany’s largest private state-accredited university. Students can learn a mix of online self-study and classroom learning (2-3 days per week) alongside their peers. IU University Germany is the 1st German university to be a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Hence, it is one of the best study abroad universities for international students.
Q: Is Hof University Germany a good university?
Hof University is voted the most popular university in Germany for 2024. It continues to receive the highest marks for teaching. These rankings are as per the ranking published by the renowned portal Studycheck.de. More than 40 bachelor’s and master’s programs in Computer Science, Business, Engineering as well as Interdisciplinary and Innovative Science are offered by the university. Also, the teaching at this university is based on innovative methods to convey application-oriented knowledge.
Q: Why study at UE Germany?
Some of the reasons to study at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences are:
- UE Germany is one of the most diverse student bodies in Europe with students from more than 100 nationalities represented on campus
- Students at the university are globally connected through international projects, innovative digital learning projects or by directly interacting with international fellow students
- The university also provides a practice-oriented environment. In other words, the consistent combination of international theoretical requirements and practical implementation promoted professional curiosity and provides orientation in the development of a unique profile
- UE Germany offers a practice-oriented degree that supports the individual development
- 4 out of 5 stars has been given to the university by students for overall satisfaction
Q: What are the requirements for Delft University of Technology?
TU Delft has its own criteria that vary as per the programs for international students. We have mentioned below the Delft University of Technology requirements for international students:
For Undergraduate Admission
· Must have a secondary school Diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university
· Required examination subjects as per the program
· English Language Proficiency test score
For Graduate Admission
· A bachelor’s degree
· Must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 75% in bachelor’s degree
· English Language Proficiency test score
· Additional test score of GMAT/GRE (if applicable)
Q: Is KIT Germany free for international students?
As per Article 3 LHGebG (Baden-Württemberg Act on State University Fees), international students from third-countries / Non-EU countries attending bachelor’s, teacher’s, and consecutive master’s programs and free movers will have to pay the tuition fee of amount EUR 1,500 per semester. Students can check the cost of living in Germany for International Students from here.
Q: How good is Hof University of Applied Sciences, Germany for an MBA?
Hof University is a reputed University in Germany and famous for its excellent education system and job opportunities. Pursuing an MBA at Hof University must depend on personal circumstances, career aspirations, and the university's particular offerings. International students can complete thier MBA from Hof University at no tuition fees.
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