PhD study in Germany

It is not easy to pursue a PhD in Germany and, to get admitted to a PhD program in Germany it is necessary to have a tutor/supervisor which is very difficult to find. Since education in most of the German universities is free (free tuition), many applicants, even the ones from the European Union, choose Germany to continue their studies in this country. So there is definitely an extensive competition for student selection, especially at the doctoral level.  Of course, you should keep it in mind that the first priority of universities is to accept students who graduated from the same university, and they will be given priority over others. In Germany, as in other European countries, there is no entrance exam for doctoral programs. However, the student’s grade point average (GPA) and the university from which he/she graduated, along with a professor’s recommendation letter and having published international articles are among the factors that have great impact on doctoral admission. It is definitely necessary to have a suitable language score. Communicating and contacting with a supervisor/tutor is one of the things that students should be able to do properly.

The student’s Proposal must be approved by the supervisor/tutor. Usually, doctoral studies in Germany are not in the form of classrooms, and the student engages in research work during his/her studies and he/she will do research under the supervision of the supervisor/tutor. The thesis should be presented in writing, and of course it must be defended orally.

The required documents for getting admitted into a PhD program in Germany are:

• The student must have published and approved international articles during his/her studies
• International conferences and student’s published journals
• Appropriate language certificate (IELTS 7 Academic)
• Provide a suitable Proposal that is approved by the tutor/supervisor
• Global patent (not required but has a high positive impact)
• Work experience related to the field of study if the student has a study gap

The PhD admission process in Germany is not a short process and may take up to a year and a half, and students who want to study at this level must apply to several supervisors at the same time in order to be able to find their desired professor.

As you can see, it is not easy to get admitted to a PhD course in Germany. Therefore, many applicants who want to study in Germany prefer to apply for a master’s degree so that they can be present in the environment and in the university therefore they will be able to communicate directly with the tutor.

The duration of doctoral studies in Germany is three to four years and, of course, depends on the student’s activity. In most disciplines the thesis must be submitted in German, but in disciplines related to engineering and some of the other disciplines, the student can submit his/her thesis in English with the consent of the professor.