phd in development economics germany

Universität Bonn

Department of Economics / BGSE

• Department of Economics

PhD Program

Doctoral program (phd) with integrated msc economic research.

Our two-year program Master of Science in Economics with a specialization in Economic Research (MSc/Economic Research) prepares you for independent academic research, providing you with the skills to push the knowledge frontier in economics. It is the gateway to our doctoral program in Economics.

Funding & Fees

There are no tuition fees at public universities in Germany - neither for domestic nor for international students. There are grants available from the very beginning of the MSc/Economic Research program.

Workshops & Seminars

From their 2nd year onwards, BGSE students participate in one or more of the BGSE workshops where current research projects are discussed.

FAQ Program

Below you find a collection of the frequently asked general questions about our combined research master/doctoral program.

Exchange Programs

The Bonn Graduate School of Economics offers doctoral students various ways of gather research experience in prestigious universities abroad.

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Economics Concentration

This concentration is one of the four concentrations offered in Frankfurt School's Doctoral Programme.

We conduct scientific research projects, aiming at publishing them in top journals in the fields of industrial organization, behavioural economics, and macroeconomics. Frequently, these projects are collaborative efforts, partnering with representatives from central banks, governmental bodies and industry, and actively involving our doctoral students.

The prerequisite for a successful participation in research projects is a thorough training in economics and quantitative methods. The economics concentration provides this training through core courses and electives taught by resident staff.

Furthermore, our curriculum is enriched by electives led by globally renowned guest professors, each an expert in their respective field. Alternatively, electives can also be covered by taking part in a summer school or a specialised mini-course at prestigious universities worldwide.

Sample Publications

Frankfurt School publishes in the top outlets for economic research. To get a sense for the kind of research we conduct, please click on the following sample publications:

Grounded strongly in economics and quantitative methods, our faculty encourages students to explore creative, new ideas in a rigorous way.

We prefer students to extend the boundaries of the field by incorporating insights from adjacent areas such as finance, management, and the behavioural sciences rather than making incremental technical improvements.

The economics concentration offers the following courses to help students achieve those objectives*:

Mathematics & Statistics

Calculus of Several Variables Functions of Several Variables Implicit Functions and Their Derivatives Quadratic Forms and Definite Matrices Unconstrained Optimization Constrained Optimization Concave and Quasiconcave Functions Economic Applications Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors Advanced Linear Algebra Advanced Analysis Basic Probability and Statistics

Econometrics I

The class provides key knowledge on how different econometric models work and most importantly sheds light on their limitations. The course also provides step by step application of new tools to different data sets in the computer lab. You will be asked to replicate, and in some cases improve, prior empirical studies.

Microeconomics

1. Demand Theory 2. Expected Utility Theory 3. General Equilibrium Theory 4. Non-Cooperative Game Theory a) Dominant strategies and applications b) Nash Equilibrium and applications c) Subgame Perfect Equilibrium and applications 5. Principal-Agent Theory 6. The Theory of Incomplete Contracts

Macroeconomics

The course delves into foundational techniques and concepts integral to representative-agent macroeconomics. It provides a comprehensive understanding of key frameworks, exploring topics like economic growth, business cycles—both with and without frictions—and examines the role of monetary and fiscal stabilization policies. Additionally, we'll address the empirical facet, highlighting the concept of causality within macroeconomics.

Students choose five electives in total that cover their research interests. Two out of these five electives are in the following set of courses: multivariate statistics, field experiments, computational statistics, machine learning (MADS), asset pricing theory, empirical asset pricing

Econometrics II

The class provides key knowledge on how different econometric models work and most importantly sheds light on their limitations. The course also provides step by step application of new tools to different data sets in the computer lab. You will be asked to replicate, and in some cases improve prior empirical studies.

Game Theory

The course aims to familiarise students with the basic concepts of game theory. Students learn different classes of games and a variety of solution concepts to predict strategic behaviour in these games. They will learn how to capture practically relevant situations in a game and the necessary tools to solve these games.

Causal Inference

Coming soon

Students choose five electives in total that cover their research interests. Two out of these five electives are in the following set of courses:  multivariate statistics, field experiments, computational statistics, machine learning (MADS), asset pricing theory, empirical asset pricing

Industrial Organization

Advanced Topics in Economics

This course discusses the research frontier of a variety of topics.

1) Advanced Topics in Industrial Organization

2) Advanced Topics in Macroeconomics,

3) Advanced Topics in Monetary Economics,

4) Advanced Topics in Organizational Economics,

5) Advanced Topics in Behavioral Economics

PhD Brownbag

Master Thesis / 2nd year paper

The second year paper is the first piece of the student’s very own presentable research work. It can also be used to obtain a Master’s degree in Business Research and Analytics.

Research (Dissertation and Defence)

Upon passing the Qualifying Exam at the end of the 2 nd year, students enter the research phase of the programme. Students dedicate themselves to their research projects, produce scholarly papers and present their research at international academic conferences. They also have the opportunity to interact with international scholars visiting Frankfurt School to present research in the seminar series.

Research at FS

As an applied macroeconomist,  Benjamin Born studies business cycles, focusing on monetary and fiscal policies and the role of uncertainty. In his research, he often employs both empirical methods, utilizing aggregate, micro-level, and survey data and dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models with representative or heterogeneous agents. Current research topics include the role of household heterogeneity in business cycles and stabilization policy and understanding firm expectations and behavior via surveys.

Heiko Karle is a microeconomist with focus on industrial organization (theory) and behavioral economics (theory and experiments) and examines the strategies of firms and platforms in digital markets and the resulting consequences for consumers. In current work, he studies how platforms optimally design recommender systems that facilitate customer migration among listed sellers. Another ongoing research of his explores the influence of price levels and ranges on the intensity of consumer search for lower product prices, drawing on the works of Thaler (1980) and Tversky and Kahneman (1981).

Ever wondered how misperceptions, political beliefs and extreme opinions spread through communication, social media, or social networks? One strand of Andreas Grunewald ’ research seeks to answer this question by conducting field and laboratory experiments. Further topics of his research agenda include the optimal design and evaluation of behavioral policy interventions such as default options, reminders, or simplifications in bureaucratic processes.   

Economics Faculty

Frankfurt School is among the few schools in Germany and even in Europe to offer fully-fledged coursework, which prepares students for the demands of dissertation research, on a par with what has traditionally only been available in top schools in the U.S. The programme has achieved remarkable successes:

Doctoral students have been invited for visiting scholarships in top schools in the U.S. (e.g., MIT) and in Australia (e.g. University of Melbourne).

Doctoral students have presented their dissertation work in highly visible and competitive conferences such as the Singapore Management University Accounting Symposium and the MIT-Asia conference.

Student funding and scholarships

Frankfurt School offers fully-funded study places for the doctoral programme in order to attract and support the brightest minds in academia.

Students are expected to devote 100% of their working time to their doctoral studies at Frankfurt School for up to five years.

Funding includes a tuition fee waiver and a cost-of-living stipend. The monthly stipend comprises of EUR 1,820.

The stipend will be granted for five years conditional on the continued satisfaction of all academic programme requirements.

From the first year onwards doctoral students will receive EUR 1,820 for the period of 5 years.

Furthermore Frankfurt School covers costs related to research, including conferences and overseas visits.

Application process

1. target group.

Outstanding graduates of a Bachelor‘s or Master’s programme in economics or related fields, such as mathematics, statistics, business administration, and finance, who aspire to launch an academic career.

Candidates in the final year of a Master’s or Bachelor’s programme are welcome to apply with their most recent academic transcript. Please note that the degree has to be completed by the time of the beginning of the programme.

2. Online Application

The first step of our application process is to complete the online application form. You will need to upload the following required documents. Please note that you need a certified English or German translation for all documents, that are not originally in German or English. The application platform will be open between 15 September 2023 and 15 January 2024.

Required Documents

• CV and list of publications (if existent)
• Certified copy of your University Entrance Qualification (Abitur, A-levels or equivalent)
• Certified copy of your University Degree Certificate or equivalent and academic transcript of records
• Official GMAT or GRE results
• Proof of English Language Proficiency Test (TOEFL IBT min. score of 100/IELTS min. score of 7.0)
• Statement of Purpose (up to 2 pages): Why are you interested in your chosen field of study? What are the potential areas of research you might pursue? Have you completed any research projects with faculty? Is the research of any member of the FS faculty of interest to you?
• Optional Statement: If you would like the committee to consider any of the following factors, you can describe their relevance in a separate statement within the application. This can contribute to the diversity of the entering class: background, extracurricular activities, work experience.

Two letters of recommendation: To request the letters from your recommenders, you have to register on a separate platform and send your request from there.

Please click on this link to access the platform: http://apply.interfolio.com/79802

Create a profile by clicking on the button “Apply now”.

If you require assistance, go to the “Home” tab and click the “Dossier Quick Start Guide”.

Once you send your request to your potential recommender, they will receive an e-mail together with a link where they can upload their recommendation letter confidentially. Please provide a deadline for your recommendation letter to ensure we receive it on time. Once the recommender has uploaded the letter, we will be notified and will be able to access it.

3. Interview

Successful applicants will be invited to a skype interview with faculty members.

The final decision regarding admission to our doctoral programme will be made by the Committee for Doctorate Proceedings. It is based on the overall portfolio of the candiate and the interview. The results will be communicated after the final decision.

Isabeau Köhncke Recruitment Officer

Lianna Mirzoyan Recruitment & Admissions Manager

The Berlin School of Economics offers excellent graduate training for junior economists.

The Hertie School collaborates with the Berlin School of Economics , a joint programme with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), WZB Berlin Social Science Center and DIW Berlin (the German Institute for Economic Research). It provides a structured career development programme for junior economists.

The Berlin School of Economics PhD Program unites the successful Berlin Doctoral Program in Economics and Management Science (BDPEMS) and German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) Graduate Center programmes and incorporates the best of both in a single career development programme.

The Berlin School of Economics  offers four tracks: PhD in Economics and three business tracks (PhD in Accounting, PhD in Finance and PhD in Management).

PhD candidates of Berlin School of Economics  who have a Hertie School faculty member as their first supervisor are usually matriculated at the Hertie School, and receive their degree from the Hertie School.

Applications are currently closed. Information on the next open call will be updated in the fall.

Associated Hertie School faculty

Prof. dr. christian traxler, prof. arianna ornaghi, phd, prof. egon tripodi, phd.

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Welcome to the Berlin School of Economics

The Berlin School of Economics offers career development programs in economics, accounting, finance and management at the PhD and Postdoc levels in a single and unique structure. It combines two pre-existing, very successful career development programs: the Berlin Doctoral Program in Economics and Management Science (BDPEMS) and the Berlin Economics Research Associates (BERA) program. The following major institutions active in economics research in Berlin and beyond cooperate within the Berlin School of Economics:

Statement by Roland Strausz (Berlin School of Economics Speaker) against discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse of power

Monday 01. july.

Speaker:   Aletheia Donald  (World Bank)

Speaker:  Sarah Cattan (Institute for…

New INSIGHTS pieces

Addressing climate neutrality through green innovation: insights from the 2023 d\carb event.

by Nils Handler (DIW Berlin)

Political influence on international climate agreements with border carbon adjustment

by Achim Hagen (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) and Mark Schopf (FernUniversität in Hagen)

Are energy standards fairer than carbon prices?

by Linus Mattauch (Technical University Berlin) and Jiaxin Zhao (School of Public Policy and Management)

Roland Strausz receives ERC Advanced Grant

Successful application for third-party funds of 1.8 million Euros

Joonas Tuhkuri was awarded the 2022 Upjohn Institute Dissertation Award

Joonas Tuhkuri, postdoctoral fellow in the BSE Research Associates Program and at the Rockwool Foundation Berlin Institute for the Economy and the…

Ceremonial Welcome Event of the Berlin School of Economics at the School of Business and Economics of Freie Universität Berlin

On October 4, 2022, the Berlin School of Economics celebrated a welcome event for the new cohort of doctoral students and research associates at the…

Discover the Berlin School of Economics programs

The Berlin School of Economics PhD Program offers PhD tracks in Economics, Accounting, Finance and Management. All tracks are highly compatible with each other and allow for numerous specializations. The doctoral program provides outstanding doctoral students with a vibrant, intensively networked research community and a training structure that will develop their talents in a unique combination of high-level academic and applied research.

The Berlin School of Economics Research Associates Program recruits its members from the international job market for new PhD graduates. The program provides a mentoring program and multiple support structures for research activities, travel, and skills development for its members.

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Why Study Economics in Germany

• Studying Economics in Germany is a great choice, as there are 32 universities that offer PhD degrees on our portal.
• Over 369,000 international students choose Germany for their studies, which suggests you’ll enjoy a vibrant and culturally diverse learning experience and make friends from all over the world.
• We counted 319 affordable PhD degrees in Germany , allowing you to access quality higher education without breaking the bank. Moreover, there are 75 available scholarships you can apply to.

26  Economics PhDs in Germany

Doctor of Philosophy Stuttgart Media University (HdM)'s Doctor of Philosophy program is a hallmark of academic excellence, offering... Stuttgart Media University (HdM) Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Economics University of Cologne offers four research-oriented doctoral programmes: management, Economics and social... Cologne Graduate School in Management, Economics and Social Sciences Köln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Business Administration and Economics The individual chairs and departments form the core of the research conducted within the Faculty of Business... Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Bioeconomy The Heidelberg University Bioeconomy Research Program Baden-Württemberg was designed to support research... Heidelberg University Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Economics The Düsseldorf Graduate School of Economics and its doctoral program are an initiative of the Heinrich Heine... Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The Macroeconomics of Inequality Economic inequality shapes our times. The research training group in The Macroeconomics of Inequality provides... University of Bonn Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Study in Germany

Germany is a very attractive destination for people from all over the world. Excellent academic standards, a thriving economy, and major developments in engineering are only some of the reasons why German universities should be on your study-abroad list. Internationals are treated as equals and benefit from fair social policies. Another amazing advantage is that almost all public universities charge no tuition fees to all international students. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn German, an important skill that can help you land jobs in Germany as well as Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, or at many international corporations all over the world.

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Explore your Economics degree

Economics degrees investigate all factors involved in the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Economics analyses both small scale (Microeconomics) and global (Macroeconomics) economic factors. Economics degrees offered by universities and colleges worldwide teach students to optimise all economic actions, to improve the well-being and prosperity of economic entities and consumers.

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2732 Study programs

Study Development Economics in Germany: 13 Universities with 10 English Degree Programs

All important info for international students in germany (2024/2025).

Development Economics is a specialized field within economics that focuses on understanding the economic challenges and growth patterns of developing countries. This discipline explores how to improve fiscal, structural, and human capital development to reduce poverty and increase living standards. Students delve into topics like income distribution, rural development, microfinance, and international trade policies. The curriculum combines economic theory with practical policy analysis, equipping students with tools to analyze and design strategies for economic development. Graduates often pursue careers in international organizations, government agencies, economic consulting, or research institutions, where they apply their expertise to devise policies and initiatives that foster sustainable economic growth in developing regions.

Study Programs in English

Universities

Universities in International Rankings

€ 0 (6 programs for EU citizens, 4 programs for Non-EU citizens)

€ 6,540 per semester (1 program for EU citizens/Non-EU)

Winter Semester

between July 15 and June 15

Summer Semester

between July 15 and July 15

Top-ranked German Universities in Development Economics

public University

No. of Students: approx. 28,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 38,000 students

Tuition Fees

3 english degree programs for development economics in germany.

HFU Business School Furtwangen University · Villingen-Schwenningen

International business management (ibm).

International Management

TU Dortmund University / Ruhr-Universität Bochum / University of Duisburg-Essen Dortmund / Bochum / Essen

Econometrics.

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Summer Semester 2025

Winter Semester 2025/2026

Open Programs

Application Modes

Application process.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences Fulda

Social sciences for intercultural relations.

Witten/Herdecke University Witten

Ppe – philosophy, politics and economics.

Hochschule Fresenius - University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Philosophy, politics and economics.

TOEFL Scores

Cambridge Levels

4.5 (1 program )

60 (1 program )

B1 Preliminary (PET) (1 program )

7 (4 programs )

100 (1 program )

C2 Proficiency (CPE) (4 programs )

FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen / Nuremberg

Development economics and international studies.

HTW Berlin - University of Applied Sciences Berlin

International and development economics.

University of Göttingen Göttingen

Development economics.

3-7 semesters

→ View all programs with online courses

Master of Arts

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Winter intake

Summer intake

Winter & Summer intake

List of all German Universities offering English-taught Study Programs in Development Economics

FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

Program Fees: € 0

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Fulda University of Applied Sciences

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

Furtwangen University

Program Fees: € 0 - € 1,500

M.Sc. (Master of Science)

HFU Business School

Hochschule Fresenius - University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 5,700 - € 6,120

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PhD Programs in Economics in Germany

Study economics in germany.

If you are looking for a PhD studies in economics, Germany is a great option. The exceptional infrastructure available for your research work, combined with paid PhD positions, makes it an attractive destination when looking for opportunities to do your doctoral research in economics. Germany is home to many prestigious higher education institutions like  University of Mannheim , LMU Munich , University of Bonn and Technical University of Munich . They all rank in the Top 100 of the Times Higher Education World Rankings for Economics . Other great economics departments are located at  Technical University of Dortmund ,  Graduate School of Economic & Social Sciences (GESS), University of Mannheim ,  Berlin School of Economics (BSE) ,  Ruhr Graduate School in Economics (RGS Econ) ,  University of Cologne  or  Bonn Graduate School of Economics .

Germany’s research institutions, universities and companies welcome international researchers and offer excellent opportunities for doctoral students. PhD students can usually work as a research associate at a university or receive a scholarship. German education system offers two ways to pursue your doctoral degree: individual doctorate and structured PhD programmes. Structured PhD programmes, for example, have a strong international orientation with English as the team language.

Pursue your research interests, be it economics theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, health economics, financial economics, behavioral economics, applied economics or development economics. Start your postgraduate research training in Germany and enjoy international atmosphere in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich or Hamburg.

Key Information

• Academic year: October – July • Course length: 3-4 years • Type of degrees: Doctor of Philosopy (Dr. phil) also known as Promotion • Fees: free at public universities for up to three years (six semesters) of study (you only need to pay a small administration fee of €100-€250) • Scholarships: DAAD Scholarship , scholarships from German universities • Living costs: €800 – €1000 (Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg most expensive) • Average starting salary: €56,000 for economists with a PhD degree ( INOMICS Salary Report )

Highlighted PhD courses in economics in Germany

• PhD Program

Doctoral Positions at the Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS), University of Konstanz

Phd programme in economics (with integrated m.sc. economic research).

• PhD Program, Supplementary Course, Program

Ph.D. Supplementary Courses

Ph.D. in Finance, fully funded

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I have been a member of INOMICS community for over 8 years. I came across the platform when I was looking for a summer school in Europe to prepare myself for my Master’s studies, so I decided to give it a shot. As soon as I found my summer course on INOMICS (which I enjoyed a lot), I started to explore the website more and realized that I can also use it for finding great PhD programs, academic jobs, conferences and professional courses. I think it is the most complete source of information for students or career seekers in the field of economics. Gökhan, PhD Student in Economics at Ankara University

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Science and research in Germany are characterised by a distinguished infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities and competent staff. Germany offers various career opportunities for international PhD students and researchers.

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

Germany is an excellent destination for both young and experienced researchers. 

The European country is third behind the U.S. and China for research & development expenditure . 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 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?

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:

• 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:

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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. 

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an extensive list of current opportunities, which you can look up at the  DAAD PhD Database . 
• 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 GERiT database .

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.

2. Verify That You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

Requirements 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. 
• 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 €934 per month (€11,208 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. 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 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: 

Visa Requirements

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 EU Blue Card . This is a special residence title for international academics and other professionals.

Residence Permit Requirements

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 some bottleneck professions , 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 visa navigator.

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. 

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: 

• 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 Account 

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.

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 TVöD (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 this convenient calculator .

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. 

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. 

The most common paths for PhD holders in Germany are either in academia as professors or post-doctorate researchers or in industry positions. 

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.

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