PhD in Germany: Universities, Fees, Application & More!

Germany has become the most sought-after destination to pursue a PhD given the affordability, style of living and, of course, a plethora of job opportunities. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a complete guide on PhD in Germany for international students that talks about top universities, costs, courses, student life and many more aspects! 

Why Study PhD in Germany?

Germany is popularly known for boasting a rich academic tradition and hosts several reputed universities. With renowned research institutions, efficient and top-notch education systems, along with a vibrant academic community, it offers a conducive environment for studying PhD in Germany. Here are some of the major reasons why students should consider pursuing PhD programs in Germany for international students.

1. Quality of Education

Germany has emerged as a well-reputed university that is popular globally. German universities have a long tradition of contributing to excellent research and Nobel laureates to the rest of the world. The German universities award around 5,800 doctoral degrees every year to international scholars.

2. Academic Eligibility

To get admission for PhD in Germany, it is not mandatory to have a master’s degree. Students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can also apply for PhD programs in Germany. However, the students must have an excellent academic record.

3. Fully Funded PhD Programs

The PhD programs in Germany are fully funded by the German government. This, in turn, makes studying for a PhD in Germany free of cost.

4. Structured Programs

The PhD programs in Germany are well-structured and focused and offer a combination of coursework, research and practical experience. The PhD courses in Germany are usually 3-6 years long, depending on the specialisation.

5. Affordability

To bear the cost of living, study materials, etc, there are plenty of funding options available to support the study PhD in Germany. The most popular among them is the DAAD scholarship, which offers scholarships to 4000+ students every year.

Types of PhD in Germany

PhD in Germany is classified into two types of doctorates. After taking into consideration many aspects like qualifications, area of research, discipline, etc, students can choose which path of PhD they would like to pursue.

1. Individual Doctorate

The Individual Doctorate is the traditional path that is followed by more than three-quarters of all doctoral students in Germany. In an Individual doctorate, the research is carried out independently by the student alone under the supervision of one professor. The traditional form of PhD in Germany offers great flexibility but also demands a high percentage of initiative and responsibility. The Individual doctorate can be approximately 5-6 years long. However, the duration also depends on the student’s schedule or the work contract duration.

2. Structured PhD Programs

Distinctive to the Individual Doctorate, the researcher is supervised by a team and not just one professor. The student is also required to attend courses, lectures and seminars along with other doctoral students. Usually these structured PhD programmes are advertised publicly and also feature grants or paid doctoral programs.

Students can conduct their research at:

1. University
2. Non-University Research Institute
3. Industry

Top PhD Courses in Germany

One can choose from an array of courses and specialisations to study PhD in Germany. We have listed some of the popular ones below.

1. Agricultural Science
2. Business Administration
3. Economics
4. Law
5. Social Sciences
6. Biology
7. Philosophy

Top Universities for PhD in Germany

It is very important to finalise the university you want to pursue a PhD from. Factors like the fees, faculties, curriculums and the quality of education play a crucial role in such cases. To guide you in picking the ideal university, here is a list of universities along with the fees.

Top Non-University Research Institutes for PhD in Germany

Students can obtain a PhD in Germany by conducting their research at a non-university research institute. These institutes do not have the right to award a PhD, but they collaborate with universities for the same. The non-university research institutes offer scholarships and may also offer employment contracts, which are usually fixed-term. Here are some of the top Top Non-University Research Institutes for PhD in Germany.

1. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
2. Helmholtz Association
3. Leibniz Association 
4. Max Planck Society  

Admission Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

The admission requirements usually vary depending on the university and specialisation. However, some requirements like the German student visa, transcripts etc need to be fulfilled for admission to a majority of universities. 

1. German Proficiency Proof: TestDaf Level 4
2. English Proficiency Proof: IELTS 7.0 (6.5 in each band), TOEFL-iBT score between 80-100
3. GPA of 2.5 or an overall grade of B+
4. German Student Visa
5. Overall GRE score of 160 or more 
6. A degree(Diploma, Magister or Master’s) from a recognised university with an above-average aggregate score.

Application Process

For Structured PhD: The student must apply directly to the faculty and the process will be carried out through online portals.

For Traditional PhD: The applicant has to reach out to the prospective supervisor. When the supervisor agrees to work with you, they will proceed with your request to the relevant faculty. After this, the department will request a few documents that we have mentioned below.

Documents Required

The students are required to submit a few documents while registration. Make sure to keep all of the documents mentioned ready while applying for a PhD in Germany.

1. Certified copies of official transcripts
2. A letter of motivation and 2 letters of recommendation
3. English/German proficiency certificates
4. An updated resume
5. Copy of the applicant’s identification document

PhD Scholarships in Germany 

Even if the PhD programs in Germany are fully funded, there are still a few costs that the students are required to pay. This is why it is advisable to look for scholarships in Germany which provide financial assistance! Here are some of the top scholarships for PhD in Germany for international students, along with the award amount.

1. TUM GS Bridge Financing Grant: €1,000/month + €150 for child and family support.
2. Heinrich Boll Scholarship: €934
3. Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship: €30,000
4. University of Goettingen Funding: €1,100 - €1,400 or employment contract
5. DAAD Scholarships: €1,200/month
6. Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme: €300
7. Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships: €1,000/month 
8. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships: €1,200/month 

To increase your chances of winning the scholarship, take a look at the ultimate guide to writing a cover letter! 

Cost of Living

Germany offers an affordable cost of living compared to other countries. Living alone comes with its share of challenges, and managing finances is one of the most challenging factors. In such cases, planning a monthly budget of €1,200 - €1,700/month will be of great help. Here are some of the estimates to help you plan the month.

1. Rent: €625 - €1,700/month
2. Public Transport: €60 - €80/month
3. Groceries: €150 - €170/month
4. Gas & Electricity: €200 - €250/month
5. Phone & Internet: €30 - €35/month
6. Entertainment: €10 - €15/month

Career Prospects & Average Salary for PhD Graduates

After completing the PhD in Germany, the students are exposed to the job market. The salaries the students might earn are dependent on several aspects like job position, the applicant’s skills, experience and industry. Here is a brief list of some job profiles that are offered to PhD graduates in Germany, along with their average annual salaries. Some of these are the highest-paying jobs in Germany for international students!

Pursuing a PhD in Germany for international students opens doors to golden opportunities that allow students to upskill and bag an average salary that ranges from €60,000 - €75,000 per year. The PhD programs in Germany offer expertise in writing thesis and research papers and also train students to conduct deep-rooted research. The German culture, affordability, exposure to the job market and the high quality of education compel students to pursue a doctorate in Germany.