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Introduction
PhD in Germany has always been one of the favorable study options in Europe. Due to Germany’s excellent research facilities and internationally known universities, many international students choose to pursue their PhD studies in Germany. The international students apart from affordable education will have the opportunity of working with knowledgeable professors in different fields like medicine, engineering, and social or natural sciences.
Apart from these advantages, PhD graduates can remain in Germany and look for employment leading to long-term residence. Moreover, if the international students meet the required legal requirements, they can also apply for permanent residency.
In this guide, you can review the information about PhD requirements in Germany, application procedure, tuition fee and student visa requirements.
Reasons for Studying PhD in Germany
Studying PhD in Germany fosters innovative ideas in the minds of international students while offering valuable studying and research opportunities to them. International PhD applicants often choose to study in Germany because of the following reasons:
Recognized Universities
Many of the universities in Germany are recognized all around the world due to their strong academic and research facilities and have outstanding global rankings.
Affordable Education
Germany’s education system is affordable for many international students and they mostly do not need to pay any tuition fee for PhD studies.
Strong Research Facilities
The close relationship between universities and research organizations makes Germany an ideal destination for PhD candidates providing them with great access to modern laboratories and excellent research equipment.
Employment Opportunities
Strong connections between industries and universities on one hand and strong economies operating in Germany on the other hand improve employment opportunities for PhD graduates in different sectors.
Access to European Countries
International students holding student residence permits in Germany can travel throughout Schengen area freely without any need to request a new visa. PhD students can communicate with international students and also attend scientific conferences and events in other European countries.
Who is Eligible to Study PhD in Germany?
The admission boards often choose PhD candidates based on their own specific requirements. However, some factors are decisive in choosing candidates. The applicant’s academic background and excellence in terms of university degrees and research experience, GPA, paper publications, previous professors’ recommendations, English language skills, and research proposal could determine the chances for being accepted for a PhD position.
Document Checklist
Each institution has its own list of required documents and the documents may be requested with official English or German translations. Preparing the documents carefully could lead to successful admission. Generally, the following documents are requested by the admission board:
- Bachelor and master certificate
- Bachelor and master transcripts
- Identity documents like passport
- Motivation letter
- Complete CV
- Research proposal
- Language certificate
- Academic recommendation letters
Steps of Application Process
PhD applicants must follow several steps in order to apply for PhD positions. It is necessary that the application be submitted in due time especially considering the visa processing time for those candidates needing a visa.
- Choosing Research Field
Try to define your favorite research area. This not only helps you to pursue your academic and career goals, but also choose suitable study options and supervisors.
- Choosing University and PhD Position
The best reference for finding suitable doctoral programs in Germany is searching for them on the websites of the universities. This gives the applicants a clear idea of program characteristics.
- Finding a supervisor
Many international applicants find supervisors through web search. It is vital that you show your academic excellence by means of sending your comprehensive CV, educational documents, research proposal and any further documents that the supervisor requests.
- Document Collection
Gathering the required documentation thoroughly in the specified format will increase the chance of admission to the desired doctoral program.
- Submitting Application
When you have all the required info and documents, you may submit them through email or admission portal as per university’s request.
- Attending Admission Interview
Most of the time, the universities or supervisors invite the applicants to online interview in order to asses the applicant’s qualifications and language level.
- Receiving Admission Decision
After passing the steps and if the applicant is qualified, an admission letter is issued showing the positive decision of the admission committee.
- Apply For a Visa If Needed
Depending on the nationality of applicants and their place of residence, a student visa might be needed.
Cost of Living
Living expenses in Germany may vary depending on each individual’s lifestyle and place of living. The people living in larger German cities like Munich usually spend more than those living in smaller cities or towns. Sometimes, the universities consider budgets for doctoral students’ accommodation or transportation and this helps the students reduce the expenses.
The following table shows average monthly costs:
| Item | Price (Euro) |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | 15.00 |
| One bottle of water | 2.67 |
| Milk (1 Liter) | 1.17 |
| Potatoes (1 Kg) | 1.32 |
| One-way ticket | 3.30 |
| Rent for 1 bedroom apartment in city center | 810.36 |
| Rent for 1 bedroom apartment outside of city center | 624.39 |
PhD Tuition Fees
Affordable education is one of the advantages of studying doctoral studies in Germany. The students do not usually need to pay any tuition fee and sometimes they are even paid for the duration of doctoral studies. They usually just need to pay a slight amount of semester fee ranging from 150 to 350 Euro.
Which PhD Positions are Fully Funded?
Germany is one of those countries offering fully funded PhD positions. Fully funded positions often cover a monthly salary or stipend and also financial aids for accommodation and transportation based on the type. Some institutions also consider extra funds for example for participation in research projects.
Can You Work While Studying a PhD in Germany?
As a PhD student, you are allowed to work part-time during PhD studies. Apart from that, many PhD candidates receive job offers as research assistants or also at companies and are paid so they can cover their living expenses.
Is PhD a Pathway to Permanent Residency?
Holding a PhD degree does not lead to permanent residency itself. One of the ways facilitating permanent residency in Germany is being employed. Doctoral graduates can secure employment in Germany’s strong economy and industry. If the applicants intend to apply for Germany’s permanent residency, they need to live in Germany for at least 5 years and show that they meet legal requirements like financial ability, required German language level and integration to German society.
F & Q
Are PhD Programs in Germany free?
Generally, the students do not need to pay any tuition fee and they are just required to pay a semester fee.
What Is the Duration of PhD Studies?
Depending on the research area, the duration of the program may be three to five years.
Are PhD Studies also Offered in English?
Yes. Many universities offer programs in English.
Is It Possible to Apply for Fully Funded PhD Programs in Germany?
Yes. Fully funded doctoral positions are offered in many universities and research institutes.
Final Words
Germany offers an ideal environment for doctoral studies due to reasons such as academic excellence of the universities, great research and laboratory facilities and also affordable education.
Although securing a PhD position in some universities might be challenging, collecting the documents thoroughly and convincing the supervisor about the feasibility of your research proposal could help you succeed in the entire process.
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