Germany is an excellent destination for both young and experienced researchers.Ìý
The European country is third behind the U.S. and China for . Plus, it is home to some of the most prestigious (and affordable!) research universities in the world.
If you’re considering doing a PhD in Germany, you will need to follow these steps:
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 »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥ & Prepare Your Application
- Apply for Doctoral Studies
- Secure Funding
- Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit
- Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program
[Infographic Below]
Why Pursue a PhD in Germany?
If you’re not yet sure if you should choose Germany for your PhD studies, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider it:
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- Top-tier universities. Four German universities are ranked in the top 100 global universities, and many more are in the top 200.
- Large international student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community. Over 458,210 international students are currently studying in the country.
- Quality research institutions. There are over a thousand publicly funded research institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies) that you can choose from in Germany.
- High investment in research and development. Germany’s public expenditure in the research and development sector reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
- Strong economy. Germany is known for its strong and stable economy. After completing your PhD, there are plenty of employment opportunities in the academic, business, and research sectors.
How to Apply for a PhD in Germany
From finding the perfect program for you to submitting your application and starting your PhD, here are all the steps you need to take:
1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor
After all the years of studying leading up to this step, you most likely have a few areas of interest you want to do your research in.
This is the first important step: define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. If you need more help, you can consult online resources from research universities. Or, even better, you can discuss your decision to pursue a PhD with academic communities online or offline and seek advice from current PhD students in Germany who can tell you more about their individual experiences.
If you already know what your research direction is, you can begin searching for suitable programs right ahead.Ìý
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an extensive list of current opportunities, which you can look up at the .Ìý
- Another option is to research universities in Germany individually to find the newest opportunities and offerings at each institution.
You will also have to find a supervisor. The best way to do this is to go to university websites and find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research fields/current projects. Contact professors whose work aligns with your interests via email to inquire about supervision opportunities.
> Search PhD programs from 31,000 research institutions listed on the .
Types of PhD Programs in Germany
There are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD: individual PhD programs and structured PhD programs. Each comes with its own set of advantages and requirements.
Individual PhD Programs | Structured PhD Programs |
Individual doctorates are the most common and what is considered the more ‘traditional’ PhD route in Germany, especially in humanities and social sciences.Ìý
They are flexible and you’re expected to take charge of your work. You are responsible for finding your supervisor (“Doktorvater” or “Doktormutter”) and proposing your research topic. These programs don’t have a fixed curriculum, so you’ll have plenty of freedom to design your research timeline and choose the coursework you like.Ìý To succeed, you need a lot of self-discipline and to actively network, be it in doctoral candidate meetings or events related to your research. |
Structured PhD programs are ideal for people who want a clear path to completing this degree, although they’re not as common in Germany.
It usually takes three to five years to complete a structured PhD path.Ìý They are called such because they include a curriculum and research proposal that has to fit an existing project, within a set timeline for coursework and research. Candidates work under the supervision of an advisor and collaborate with peers from different disciplines to get the best possible results. |
2. Verify That You Meet All »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥ & Prepare the Application
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥ and application documents to apply for a PhD in Germany are specific to the institution and research area you’re applying to. But, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:
- Academic degree recognized in Germany. You need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a field relevant to the PhD program to qualify.
- Copy of master’s thesis. Submit a copy of your master’s thesis. The work should demonstrate your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
- Research proposal. Craft a clear and detailed research proposal that includes your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance.Ìý
- Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose why you want to do a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with them.
- 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, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency in English and/or German. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF and DSH for German or TOEFL and IELTS for English. Proof of previous studies in the language is also sufficient.
- Academic references. Provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors/ academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.
- Predoctoral examination. Some programs ask that you pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.
3. Apply for Doctoral Studies
After finding a suitable PhD program and mentor, and making sure your academic qualifications are recognized, you can send in your application.
You can send in your application online or by post, depending on the hosting institution’s preferences. To make sure, check their guidelines and specifications. Admission committees are selective, so you may also have to attend an interview soon in the application process.
4. Secure Funding
You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €992 per month (€11,908 per year) to meet visa requirements and live comfortably while you’re in Germany. You can prove this through an admission agreement or relevant PhD contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.
There are many ways to support yourself financially while pursuing a PhD in Germany:
- PhD scholarships. offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139.Ìý
- Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will work on specific research projects on a contract and receive 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 for extra income.
> Read more about the costs of studying in Germany.
> Discover PhD scholarships in Germany.
5. Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit
If the institution confirms your place in the PhD program, next in line is applying for a student visa or residence permit. The requirements for a German PhD visa or permit can vary depending on your nationality and circumstances:Â
Visa »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥
If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you don’t need a special permit or visa for a PhD in Germany. You can enter the country for research and work purposes with a valid passport or ID card.
Otherwise, you will need a visa and/or a residence permit to do your PhD in Germany. Nationals of some countries, including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, don’t need a visa but must apply for a residence permit.
Depending on the circumstances, you need one of the following visas:
- Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program.
- Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany.
- EU Blue Card. If your PhD contract pays a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you can apply for an . This is a special residence title for international academics and other professionals.
Residence Permit »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵֱ²¥
If you come to Germany on a visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. This also applies to nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who are exempt from the visa requirement.
You can apply for one of the following residence permits:
- Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, apply for a study-based residence permit. It lasts up to two years, extendable.
- Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, apply for a research permit. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
- EU Blue Card. With a PhD offer that has a minimum salary of €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for , you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. Apply for this permit if you meet the criteria.
> 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
6. Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program
The most exciting step of all is near—time to unpack your bags and begin your life as a PhD student or researcher in Germany. Once you’re settled in, there are some formalities you need to take care of.
The international office at the university or another representative can guide you best on this. However, here are some of the main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:
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.Ìý
Get Health Insurance
Everyone in Germany is required by law to have health insurance coverage. This includes international PhD students. Depending on the source of your funding, you are eligible for one of the following health insurance coverages:Â
- Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are automatically insured with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) in most cases.
- Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) can choose between:
- Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
- Coverage with a private health insurance company.
There are some exceptions in which you can use your insurance from your home country. These apply to students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.
Open a Bank AccountÂ
You should open a German bank account as soon as possible. Most financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are done through a German bank account.
Enroll at the University
If your PhD program is part of a university degree, you need to enroll as a student at the university. Follow your university’s instructions to submit the necessary documents to the enrollment office. These usually include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and semester fee.
After you complete this process, you will receive an Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). This is a very important document that you most likely need in the future.
How to Apply for a PhD in Germany [Infographic]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There’s a lot of planning involved if you’re considering doing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Germany?
A PhD in Germany usually takes between three to six years to complete. Just like in other countries, it can take longer or shorter than expected, depending on several factors. The type of PhD you choose (structured programs can be more rigid), your subject area, and individual progress can all make a difference in the time it takes to get a PhD in Germany.
Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?
The majority of PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if need to enroll at a university for your PhD, there is a small semester fee you need to cover. The fee can be higher or lower depending on the university, but it usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.
Is German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?
You don’t necessarily have to know German to do a PhD in Germany. In fact, most PhD programs in Germany are in English, especially in fields such as science, engineering, and humanities. In these programs, you can both write your thesis and communicate with your advisor and peers in English.
There is of course the chance that the program you’ve chosen is in German or requires knowledge of German (in most cases, in addition to English). In this case, you have to prove your proficiency through a recognized language certificate or proof of previous studies in German.
Even if German isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage you to learn the basics. They will be super helpful in daily interactions and getting accustomed to life in Germany.
How Much Does a PhD Student Earn in Germany?
Most PhD candidates in Germany receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant. This includes candidates affiliated with universities, research institutes, or company collaborations.
The majority of doctoral positions are structured under either the Collective Agreement for Civil Service °Õ³Õö¶Ù (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst or the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of Individual Federal States TV-L (Tarifvertrag der Länder). Since universities are funded by their respective federal government, if your PhD is affiliated with one, your salary will be structured under the TV-L.
Doctoral positions fall within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6). The difference between the tiers (Stufe) depends on prior experience in the field. If you don’t have any research experience, you will fall under Tier 1 and progress to the other tiers throughout your PhD.
Your salary will ultimately be 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.
> Learn more about pay ranges for PhD students using .
Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?
Part-time work is an option in most cases unless it’s strictly stated otherwise in your contract. Whether or not you are allowed to work on the side as a PhD in Germany depends on the working hours stated in your PhD contract, supervisor, and other specific circumstances.Ìý
However, since the PhD is considered a job in itself, it’s usually frowned upon to have a side hustle. Even if you have a 50% contract, a PhD is demanding and requires long hours of work and research.
If you choose to work on the side, make sure to find the right balance between work and your PhD commitments. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to your supervisor and go over all the legal and contractual obligations related to your PhD.
What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?
Here are the main steps to defending your PhD thesis in Germany:
- Submit your thesis. The first step is submitting submit your thesis and supporting documents in adherence to all the formal requirements. A commission will be formed, and in some cases, you can suggest reviewers.
- Oral defense. The next step is preparing and undergoing an oral defense, which can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, you will present your research and discuss it with the committee. The defense can be either public or private.
- Receive the title and publish your work. The outcome of the discussion determines your final grade, to be received 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 Like After Doing a PhD in Germany?
Career prospects after a PhD in Germany are quite promising.Ìý
The most common paths for PhD holders in Germany are either in academia as professors or post-doctorate researchers or in industry positions.Ìý
Technology, healthcare, and finance, in particular, are some of the most in-demand industries in Germany. The country’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place to develop your career.