in Germany | 2010

Requirements Programmes Career Prospects Editorial 3

Doing a Doctorate in Germany

A doctorate is a decision for life, an investment in your future – but also a time-consuming challenge that needs to be given careful consideration. A doctorate demands a great deal of energy, discipline and perseverance. In Germany some 25,000 graduates successfully complete the doctoral process every year – far more than in any other European country. Web addresses lead to more Publisher And increasing numbers of up-and-coming international researchers are coming to detailed information on each Germany to write their doctoral dissertations, to complete their doctorates as members of topic. research teams: since 1997 the number of foreigners registered as doctoral students in DAAD Germany has more than doubled to just under 17,000. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst German Academic Exchange Service The German doctorate enjoys an outstanding reputation in all disciplines. And today Long versions of the interviews Kennedyallee 50 universities and research institutions between Aachen and Zittau present young research- with experts are available online 53175 Bonn ers with many different paths to a doctorate. Especially the structured doctoral programmes at www.daad.de/promotion Germany that have been established over recent years offer international graduates extremely attrac- tive opportunities – as a member of a research team that provides intensive support and Coordination: swift results. Nevertheless, there is no single ideal path to a doctoral degree. That is why Alexander Haridi, Cornelia Hauswald, Section 532: Promotion of this brochure aims to present an overview of the different forms of doctoral research – from Study and Research in Germany, Campaigns traditional individual supervision to the structured programmes at graduate schools, re- search training groups and the International Max Planck Research Schools. It should also Publishing House: help by providing a lot of useful information on the formal requirements as well as Societäts-Verlag different forms of funding. International students who have decided to do a doctorate in Frankenallee 71–81 Germany will also have their say: they report on their everyday routine and their experi- 60327 Frankfurt ences, offer tips and words of encouragement for other scholars considering taking up

Germany the challenge of doctoral research. Human resources consultant Dr. Tiemo Kracht con- firms that this decision is worthwhile: “In any event, doing a doctorate in Germany is Editors: a benefit.” However, he also explains that the important thing about a doctorate is not Janet Schayan (responsible), the academic title, but the satisfaction of getting to grips with complex subject matter. Gunda Achterhold, Dr. Sabine Giehle And that has its own lasting merit – irrespective of your subsequent career. Design: Sylvia Bernhardt Production: André Herzog We hope you have an enjoyable and informative read. Translators: R.W. Culverhouse, Pauline Cumbers, Derek Whitfield

Cover Design: Christian Padberg Picture Credits: cover: Dörthe Hagenguth; page 3: Dominik Gigler, Ausserhofer/Himsel/DAAD (2), Dominik Mentzos, Jörg Gläscher; page 4: Ausserhofer/Himsel/DAAD; page 5: Jan Greune, page 7: Dominik Gigler; pages 8/9: Tim Wegner; page 10: Jörg Gläscher; pages 11, 12: Lichtenscheid/DAAD; page 13: Jan Greune; page 14: Jörg Gläscher; page 15: Dominik Mentzos; page 19: Ausserhofer/Himsel/DAAD; page 20: Jan Greune; page 23: Dominik Gigler; pages 24/25: Toma Babovic; page 27: Jörg Gläscher; page 28: Jan Greune; page 30: Ausserhofer/Himsel/DAAD, Jan Jacob Hofmann, Hub/DAAD; page Contents 31: Ausserhofer/Himsel/DAAD (2); Hub/DAAD;

Printer: Bonifatius GmbH, Paderborn 04 What Germany offers as a centre of 18 What you can do before you start October 2009 higher education and research 20 Which forms of funding exist © DAAD 06 Which paths lead to a doctorate 22 What is special about life in Germany This publication was funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. 10 What structured programmes offer 26 How a doctorate can help your 12 What professors expect career

14 What everyday research involves 30 Where to find more information

16 Where to do a doctorate 4 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Research in Germany 5

Advanced scientific research: A Doctorate Involves Research: Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Germany Research, Cologne

Germany is a world-class centre of scholar- sity research establishments offer ideal ship and research. German universities working conditions rarely matched any- and research institutions are among the where in the world. The most productive Higher Education Landscape best in the world. There are many reasons research organizations include the Max German Academic Roughly two-thirds of the 360 higher edu- for this: for example, the large choice of Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association, Exchange Service (DAAD) cation institutions (universities, universi- higher education centres and types of insti- the Leibniz Association and the Fraun­ The DAAD, a joint agency of institutions of ties of applied sciences, colleges of art tution – namely some 165 locations with hofer Society. The Helmholtz Association higher education in Germany and major and music) in Germany are state-run. In 360 higher education institutions includ- alone – with 16 research centres and 8,000 funding organization, supports interna- contrast to many other countries, private ing 140 entitled to award doctorates (uni- staff – has an annual budget of roughly nanoscientific publications. In the environ- tional relations in the higher education Doctorates – Germany Ranks First higher education institutions play only a versities of applied sciences do not have 2.8 billion euros. Since the Max Planck So- mental field, Germany holds a leading sector. As a rule, its programmes and in Europe minor role. Well over 90% of the students this right). Additionally, Germany can offer ciety was founded in 1948, researchers at position among the OECD countries in projects are open to all disciplines and in Germany attend a state-run institution a wide range of subjects (more than 5,000 its 76 institutes have been honoured with terms of the proportion of gross domestic USA 56,067 countries and benefit Germans and non- of higher education. The principle of the different study programmes from agricul- 17 Nobel Prizes – in addition to numerous product spent on research and develop- Germany 24,946 Germans alike. The DAAD maintains a “unity of research and teaching” applies ture to zoology), well-equipped research other international awards. ment. UK 16,456 worldwide network of offices, lecturers at universities: in other words, they are establishments as well as highly qualified Japan 15,979 and alumni associations and also offers teaching institutions and centres of ad- staff and an increasingly international Excellence clusters German universities also enjoy great inter- France 9,818 guidance abroad. vanced research that engage in intensive orientation. The German higher education landscape national recognition in the humanities and Italy 9,604 interchange with scholars and research in- stands out because of the close cooperation social sciences. Innovative researchers and An international comparison of completed doctorates in the OECD countries (in absolute terms, stitutions in and outside Germany. Germany is one of the world’s most attrac- between universities, research institutions prize-winners teach at German universi- 2006), source: OECD tive centres of higher education: some and industry. Research institutions and ties. Humanities specialists and social German Research Foundation (DFG) 235,000 foreigners study here (including business enterprises come together at the ­scientists have won 58 of the 270 Gottfried search schools and centres comparable to The DFG is the central, self-governing re- 56,000 with a German school-leaving regional level in “excellence clusters” to Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes, the most highly Anglo-American graduate schools have al- search organisation and the most impor- qualification). That means that more than pool their innovative force. That is also endowed German research award, that so been established in collaboration with tant funder of research in Germany. one in ten students holds an international why Germany is one of the leading coun- have been presented since 1986. non-university institutions such as Max passport and Germany is the most impor- tries in innovative, forward-looking re- Planck Institutes or the German Research tant host country for international students search fields such as environmental tech- Structured doctoral programmes Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemein- – after the USA and the UK. nology and nanotechnology. This applies to Doctoral students in Germany are part of schaft, DFG). Their structured doctoral research and industry: for example, Ger- this research process. Gaining a doctorate programmes enrich the higher education However, top research is not only conduct- many ranks third in relation to patent reg- is seen as the first phase of a research ca- system and expand the opportunities for Links ed at universities. Hundreds of non-univer- istrations in nanotechnology and fourth in reer. That also explains how the traditional international students to gain a doctorate process of attaining a German doctorate in Germany. www.daad.de differs in many respects from the Anglo- The DAAD website offers everything you American PhD system, in which the PhD Many scientific organizations and research need to know about higher education in student merely acquires a degree. How­ institutions support young international Germany. A scholarship database helps ever, German higher education is in the scholars with project funding, scholarships users find appropriate funding opportuni- midst of a far-reaching process of renewal and prizes. The most important are the ties (German, English, Spanish). and many universities already have what Federal Ministry of Education and Re- are known as structured doctoral pro- search (BMBF), the DFG and the German www.research-in-germany.de grammes and research training groups Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher This Internet portal is aimed at interna- (Doktorandenkolleg). Additionally, re- Akademischer Austauschdienst, DAAD). tional scholars and provides a great deal of useful information about the research IncreasingImmer Numbers mehr ofinternationale International Doktoranden Doctoral promovieren Students in DeutschlandGermany landscape in Germany. It also highlights recent developments in German higher 18,000 education and offers advice and guidance 16,994 for research visits (German, English). 16,000 15,818 15,283 14,847 14,000 www.hochschulkompass.de 13,411 The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) 12,000 12,326 provides information about study pro-

10,644 grammes and international collaborations 10,000 9,707 at this address. A database enables visi- 8,997 tors to search for doctoral programmes, 8,000 for example, or the names and addresses of contacts at universities (German, Eng- Modern surroundings: Norman Foster, the leading British architect, designed the Philological Library at FU Berlin

1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Registered doctoral students, Destatis 2009 lish). 6 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Paths to a DoctorateFinanzierung 7 

Structured or Traditional? The traditional doctoral Paths to a Doctorate path was ideal for me because I wanted to write my doctoral dissertation

Where’s the best place to study for a doc- it involves completing a doctorate within the under the supervision of my torate? Douwe Bonthuis had no trouble an- framework of a structured programme com- professor. His research group swering this question. “My subject was the parable with the PhD programmes offered is one of the best in Europe. Supervisors decisive factor,” says the Dutchman. For by the higher education systems in English- The fact that I have to hold In German the supervisor of a doctoral the last two years he has been researching speaking countries. Structured doctoral pro- student is known as Doktorvater or Doktor­ a biophysical question at the TU Munich. grammes are offered by: seminars does involve work, mutter (literary “doctor father” or “doctor “The group working with my professor, Research training groups organized by but I also benefit from that. mother”). No one has an automatic right Roland Netz, is considered one of the best the German Research Foundation to be accepted as a doctoral student by a in Europe.” (DFG) Douwe Bonthuis, Netherlands professor. In all cases outside structured Graduate schools at universities The physicist is doing a doctorate at the programmes acceptance by a supervisor If you decide to do a doctorate in Germany, Doctoral programmes at universities TU Munich. is the prerequisite for recognition as a you can choose between two different ap- International Max Planck Research doctoral student by a university and ad­ proaches. Students who take the traditional Schools mittance to study and/or take the doctoral route must first find supervisora (Doktor- The literary studies specialist was won over many people remain at the university Structured Doctoral Programmes examination. vater or Doktormutter) before they can start There are already some 600 structured doc- by the programme at the International where they studied or spent a semester These doctoral programmes are run at on their doctoral dissertation, which they toral programmes available in Germany. Graduate School for the Study of Culture abroad and then just use the options that universities according to a relatively strict Research Training Groups complete very much on their own. This very Many of them are internationally oriented at Giessen University: “Doctoral students are available to them there.” If you studied timetable and involve intensive support. A group of researchers study a topical free system with no compulsory attendance, and conducted in English. They are usually meet with two professors every two weeks abroad and now want to do a doctorate in They have a clearly defined curriculum subject within these temporary organiza­ deadlines or binding curriculum calls for a organized by several research groups work- to discuss their results in special collo- Germany, it is much easier to gain an over- that prescribes participation in seminars tions. Research training groups are funded great deal of personal initiative. Doctoral ing in close cooperation, which enables re- quia,” explains the Russian researcher. view of structured doctoral programmes and the production of papers at specific by the DFG, universities or foundations. students are very much left to their own de- search of the highest standard. Such pro- “That structures your schedule enormous- from outside the country. Places on these intervals. As a rule, this kind of doctorate With 10 to 20 doctoral students, these vices. However, for someone like 27-year-old grammes offer many advantages, especially ly.” If you take the traditional doctoral path, programmes are advertised publicly and takes three years. groups are manageable and enable very Douwe Bonthuis, who wanted to complete for international candidates. These include, you also have the opportunity to exchange the application process is more transpar- intensive support. Research training his doctorate with a particular specialist, for example, curricular programmes, flexi- views in postgraduate seminars and collo- ent. Frequently support contracts are groups are interdisciplinary in nature and this so-called “apprentice model” is very ap- ble admittance for Bachelor’s graduates and quia, but structured programmes offer agreed that precisely define rights and obli- offer doctoral students tailormade semi­ propriate. The vast majority of doctoral stu- also more general support in everyday situa- much more intensive support and encour- gations. That gives doctoral candidates a nars and programmes. As a rule, a doctor­ dents in Germany – according to data pub- tions. Another advantage is the relatively agement. better idea of what is expected of them. ate takes three years in such a group (see lished by the German Science Council, short time in which doctoral students can One major difference to the traditional ap- page 17). some 90% – still select this approach. achieve their goal – as a rule, after three What’s best? A doctoral programme or the prentice model is the fact that as a rule years. Ksenia Robbe from St. Petersburg, apprentice model? The choice hinges on a structured programmes give doctoral stu- Graduate Schools Additionally, however, a second route to a who is also 27 years old, decided in favour variety of factors. “First of all, it depends dents two supervisors. That means their The graduate schools established under doctoral degree is gaining in popularity and of this kind of structured doctoral pro- on the specialist interest,” says Dr. Birgit academic support does not depend on the the auspices of the Excellence Initiative attracting increasing numbers of students: gramme. Klüsener, DAAD. “For practical reasons goodwill of a single professor. An interdis- are much broader in scope and more interdisciplinary in nature than the the­ Pros and Cons: Traditional Doctorate Pros and Cons: Structured Doctoral Programmes matically more focused research training groups. Participants are integrated in a Although the “apprentice model” qualities as a mentor. It is useful to put Structured programmes quickly lead to in a variety of ways throughout the entire team in which they regularly present their demands a high degree of individual ini- out feelers in the department early on, a doctoral degree – as a rule in three years. doctoral process. Assistance with every- results. Admittance is dependent on a tiative, it also offers doctoral students a because word soon spreads about who day problems is also provided, as is performance-based selection procedure. great deal of freedom and enables them successfully supports doctoral students. Supervision is carried out by several personal guidance. Interviews are even conducted by video to shape their own doctoral research. university teachers. Doctoral students are link for foreign students (see page 17). A traditional doctorate takes longer – not dependent on the goodwill of a single Applicants have to complete a multi- It is particularly well suited for doctoral roughly four to five years. professor. level application procedure. That’s why students who would like to study for a you must plan ahead and leave enough doctorate with a specific professor. The subjects of doctoral dissertations Special emphasis is placed on team- time for the application process. are frequently too specialized, too little work and practical application. Students The traditional path offers great integrated into research frameworks. frequently work on joint research projects The programme of colloquia and freedom in the choice of subject for the and have a lot of opportunity to exchange workshops is very packed. If you attempt doctoral dissertation (particularly in You have to take care of funding views with other students and supervisors. to take all the options available, you can the humanities and social sciences). yourself. easily overload your timetable. ! The question of funding is often re- Finding a suitable supervisor can There are few guidelines and doctoral solved by acceptance on the programme. The subject of your doctoral dissertation prove difficult. He or she should be an students have to struggle through on must fit in with the programme; it is often expert in the field, but also have certain their own. Foreign doctoral students are supported not possible to select your own subject. 8 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Paths to a DoctorateFinanzierung 9 

I decided in favour of a structured doc- toral programme at a graduate school. I like the interdisciplinary work atmos- Engineering and Natural Sciences Roughly half the doctoral students in phere. Additionally, the timetable is well- the natural sciences (the proportion is a structured and there are lots of interesting little higher among engineers) become seminars on offer. research assistants and are tied into re­ search projects from the outset. They are regarded as colleagues from their first Ksenia Robbe, Russia day and gain valuable experience for their The literary studies specialist is studying for a doctorate at the future careers. Time management is the International Graduate School for the Study of Culture in Giessen. order to the day: not neglecting your own research can become a challenge in addi­ tion to the many duties at the institute.

Medicine Whether they are involved in clinical, ex­ perimental or theoretical research, medical scientists usually take the traditional route to a doctorate. Students should complete their doctorate before beginning their Differences between Subject Groups ciplinary framework also enables students only have to walk across the corridor to field of theoretical physics. He meets with posts and work with colleagues within strenuous internship. In research terms, a The kind of doctorate candidates choose to look beyond their own noses. “Different discuss a question,” enthuses the Russian his supervisor twice a week, the working their respective department. This is a de- doctoral dissertation in medicine is more depends on the subject: disciplines work within the graduate researcher. She makes full use of the group comes together once a week. The velopment that is now also emerging comparable with a diploma thesis and in­ school, so I also have dealings with histori- graduate school’s many opportunities. differences between subject groups are in other disciplines. DAAD expert Birgit volves far less input than in other disci­ Humanities and Social Sciences ans and ethnologists,” emphasizes English She has courses two or three days a week considerable: while humanities specialists Klüsener says, “In principle, the struc- plines. Large, interdepartmental research projects studies specialist Ksenia Robbe. “I could and heads a seminar for students herself or social scientists often work on their tured doctoral programmes are fostering are rarer here than in the natural sciences. already sense the open-minded work at- every Monday. It’s a voluntary arrange- doctorate alone, natural scientists and en- a culture that has always existed in the Although the traditional apprentice model is mosphere on the website – that was a very ment, not an obligation. “I choose the gineers are more likely to have doctoral natural sciences.” still prevalent, a growing interest in struc­ important criteria for me.” subjects myself and structure and devel- tured programmes is evident here too. A op the course,” says Ksenia Robbe. recent study focusing on international doc­ The programme in Giessen relies on Has the traditional supervisor gone out of style? torates in Germany (HIS), which involved multilevel monitoring. Doctoral and post- For Douwe Bonthuis, who is taking the An interview with Nobel laureate Professor Erwin Neher an online survey of doctoral students at 20 doc scholars from different disciplines traditional path to a doctorate, teaching is universities, shows that so far some 15% of work together in what are known as “re- part of his contract. The Dutchman has Professor Neher, you are the speaker of the International Max Planck Research humanities specialists are involved in struc­ search areas”. “Everyone can present his a part-time (three-quarters) post at the TU School (IMPRS) for Neurosciences in Göttingen. Do structured programmes rep- tured programmes. One quarter of doctoral or her project in these courses and re- Munich and is well able to live on the resent a more attractive route to a doctorate than the traditional path? students are employed as research assist­ ceives feedback from very different direc- salary. He has to teach five seminars, each Doctoral students used to be very much left to their own devices, which is not easy, ants at university and non-university insti­ tions,” says Ksenia Robbe. Interchange of them on a different subject. In the especially for international candidates. The IMPRSs offer support that makes the tutes. A little over half of all up-and-coming also functions very well on an informal beginning he was not very enthusiastic process easier. We help students find their feet, for example, by assisting them in researchers in the humanities conduct their level because all the doctoral students are about this obligation. Today, however, their dealings with authorities or establishing contacts with fellow researchers. Link research alone. in the same building. “It’s great that I he sees the advantages: “Seminars involve a lot of work, but they offer a good op­ Has the traditional supervisor gone out of style? www.academics.com Most Popular Doctorate Subjects portunity to gain teaching experience and It is a good system for the best, because it offers much greater freedom – provided the to revise fundamental principles.” The supervisor is committed. But that is not always the case. To that extent, supervision by The joint website of weekly newspaper Biology 14.2% natural scientist spends the remaining a committee with several members certainly has advantages. Having to present your Die Zeit and specialist journal Forschung Chemistry 11.6% time doing research – very traditionally – results before a commission once a year can add a healthy element of compulsion. & Lehre offers a lot of topical information Medicine 10.6% on his own. “In experimental physics, under the heading “Do a PhD”. This in­ Physics 8.4% of course, the situation is very different,” How are German doctoral degrees regarded internationally? cludes articles on the advantages and dis­ Mechanical Engineering 4.0% explains Douwe Bonthuis. “Work in In our subject, very highly indeed! In biochemistry and neurosciences successful doc- advantages of a traditional doctorate and Electrical Engineering 3.7% the laboratory is always done in a team, toral students from Germany are highly appreciated as postdoc researchers abroad. structured programmes, advice on appli­ Subjects with the most doctorates by foreign you exchange opinions and discuss cations and funding as well as background students, 2007 (of a total of 3,499 passed www.daad.de/promotion examinations), source: Destatis your findings.” He decided very con- information on the differences between sciously in favour of a doctorate in the subjects (German, English). 10 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Paths to a Doctorate 11

Structured Programmes: The Helmholtz Association maintains a rule, young researchers receive temporary total of 16 world-class research centres, in- contracts of employment, which also pro- Wide Range of Opportunities cluding such well-known institutions as vides financial security while they com- the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and plete their doctoral research. In return, Marine Research in Bremerhaven, the Ger- they have to work in the respective corpo- man Electron Synchrotron in Hamburg rate departments. However, combining a Compared with other countries, found the Structured doctoral programmes of a high and the German Cancer Research Centre job and research does not only demand a Federal Report on the Promotion of Up standard have also been established under in Heidelberg. Special emphasis is placed great deal of discipline. The interests of and Coming Academic Research Talent the umbrella of the Helmholtz Association, on international research and key areas in- university and company can differ and a International Doctoral Programmes (BuWIN), Germany offers the broadest Germany’s largest scientific organization. clude interchange with China and Russia. subject of great scientific interest may not Helmholtz Association The DAAD maintains an Internet database range of research opportunities for doctoral interest the company at all. Nonetheless, The Helmholtz Association is a community of structured doctoral programmes in Ger­ students – everything from cultural studies Doctoral research in industry this combination has great advantages: it of 16 scientific-technical and biological- many. All the programmes listed have to photonics. That’s also why gaining an Finding the Right Doctoral Programmes involving industrial coopera- allows doctoral students to gain profession- medical research centres. With 28,000 been carefully selected by the DAAD and overview of the countless programmes on Programme tion can be particularly interesting. Re- al experience and establish important con- staff and an annual budget of 2.8 billion stand out, for example, because they offer offer is not easy (see box for useful tips). In search-oriented companies find it useful to tacts. If they are employed by the company euros, it is Germany’s largest scientific or­ internationally recognized qualifications addition, each programme has its own dis- There’s no way around it: finding a suit- attract up-and-coming researchers through after completing their doctorate, they usu- ganization. Its mission is to advance re­ and are conducted partly or wholly in Eng­ tinct individual features. Yet a student’s able doctoral programme involves in- doctoral programmes, while doing a doc- ally assume responsibility much faster, be- search that contributes to answering the lish (or another foreign language). Their choice of programme can have a decisive tensive individual inquiry. There is not torate in industry or business offers re- cause there’s no induction period. Compa- urgent questions of science, society and curricula are internationally oriented and impact on his or her success. It definitely one comprehensive overview of all the searchers an attractive combination of the- nies such as Nokia Siemens Networks industry. In the process, it focuses, for ex­ they involve, for example, periods abroad pays off to obtain as much information as different programmes. ory and practice. Many big-name German (NSN), Audi and BoschRexroth, for exam- ample, on questions of mobility and ener­ and/or participation by foreign visiting lec­ you can and, if necessary, to use the adviso- companies cooperate with universities and ple, offer opportunities to join the business gy supply or on finding therapies for pre­ turers. The programmes in the DAAD data­ ry services provided by DAAD offices or The following websites, for example, offer appropriate research projects. As a through doctoral research. viously incurable diseases. base also offer special academic and gen­ DAAD information centres abroad (ad- provide a useful starting point for re- eral support for international doctoral dresses and links can be found on the search: students. More information is available at DAAD website at www.daad.de/offices). www.hochschulkompass.de How can you use the Research Explorer (REx)? An interview with Dr. Jürgen www.daad.de/international-programmes www.research-explorer.dfg.de Güdler, director of the Information Management Department at the DFG In addition to the research training groups, Websites of the Max Planck Institutes, international research training groups, the Fraunhofer Society, Helmholtz Dr. Güdler, can you briefly explain what the Research Explorer offers? graduate schools and International Max Association, and the Leibniz The Research Explorer is a unique online directory of German research centres that Planck Research Schools mentioned earli- Association provides central access to information about nearly 20,000 institutes at higher edu- er, the DAAD has also selected 188 inter- Websites of universities and graduate cation institutions and non-university research establishments with just a few clicks national doctoral programmes that meet centres of the mouse. specific criteria. These programmes cover almost all subject areas. A particularly It is also possible to use the advisory What is the service’s main target group? large number are available, however, in services provided by DAAD offices and The Research Explorer is completely bilingual and designed to present information mathematical and scientific disciplines as DAAD information centres abroad (see in German and English. It is thus aimed at an international audience – for example, well as in law, economics and the social page 30). young researchers who are interested in conducting research in Germany. However, sciences. established researchers and the staff of international research and support organiza- tions will also find it a useful starting point. REx is the best means of gaining infor- mation about and from the main participants in publicly funded research in Germa- ny from one source.

How can foreign students who are interested in doing a doctorate in Germany best use REx? Links I’m doing a doctorate in the For an initial overview of the higher education institutions that offer your particular environmental technology sector subject, you just have to select the subject and you will be presented with a list. The www.research-explorer.dfg.de and am investigating cost-benefit second step then leads to the website of the institute, which will present up-to-date Research Explorer is the research direc­ information and the relevant contacts. Cooperation with another partner, the Ger- tory of the DFG and DAAD. Continuously analyses of waste water treatment man Rectors’ Conference (HRK), will make it possible to use REx to conduct direct updated, it includes details of some 20,000 plants. Water is an important subject in searches of doctoral study opportunities at higher education institutions from the institutes at German higher education in­ my country. I need to exchange views beginning of 2010. stitutions and non-university research establishments which can be searched ac­ with other researchers. Next door there Can you describe the most effective way of carrying out a search? cording to geographical, subject and other are statisticians and chemists – I can To gain an initial impression, you can first select a city from the map to see which structural criteria (German and English). discuss results with them at any time. institutes are available at that location. If you want to find an institute with a specific subject specialization, you use the Search Assistant to select a subject group. You www.helmholtz.de can then gradually narrow down the area of research until you obtain the desired The Helmholtz Association provides infor­ Jaime Cardona, Columbia result. mation on its website about vacancies for The economist is completing a doctorate at doctoral students under the heading the Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Graduate School www.daad.de/promotion “Working at Helmholtz” (German, English, for Environmental Research in Leipzig. Chinese, Russian). 12 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Paths to a DoctorateFinanzierung 13 13

A Doctorate: What do professors expect of international doctoral candidates? Meeting the Challenge An interview with Professor Marion Gymnich, University of Bonn

Professor Gymnich, as one of the authors of Handbuch Promotion, a guide for doctoral students, you focused on “The Internationalization of Doctoral Train- ing”. Over the past years, the percentage of international doctoral students in Every doctorate is a challenge – from the Time Management Germany has risen significantly. How did that come about? initial choice of a suitable topic to finding Doing a doctorate involves various tasks. Overall there is growing interest in studying in Germany. In recent years, German Doctoral Dissertation an interested doctoral supervisor or an ap- For example, if you are working as an as- universities have also begun to compete more for doctoral students at the interna- Oral Examination The inaugural dissertation is an independ- propriate doctoral programme. The entire sistant in a university department, you will tional level, and this is now bearing fruit. A German doctorate still has a good repu- Part of the doctoral process is an oral ent written work of research with which process, which not only involves writing a have teaching duties and administrative tation – and this applies both to the traditional doctorate and structured pro- ­examination in the form of a so-called the doctoral student applies to be awarded doctoral dissertation but also an oral ex- tasks to perform in addition to your re- grammes. ­Rigorosum or Disputation. During this a doctoral degree. The formal criteria are amination and publishing the dissertation, search work. The best advice comes from oral exam, the candidate presents the laid down in the respective university can certainly have its ups and downs. colleagues: doctoral candidates can benefit As a professor, what do you expect of international doctoral students? method and findings of his or her disser­ ­department’s examination regulations. Sometimes the work involved is not quite from their experience and learn how to If you want to do a doctorate in Germany, you should be open-minded and willing to tation publicly at the university and The doctoral dissertation is intended to the way you imagined or relations with set priorities and structure tasks. adapt to a new academic system. This starts with the very way research texts are writ- ­defends and substantiates them in a sub- prove the candidate’s ability to carry out your supervisor turn out to be difficult. Cooperation ten. They are much more formalized in Germany than in France, for example. sequent discussion. As a rule, the Rigoro- thorough academic research and must Perseverance and self-criticism are also re- Particularly when it comes to the “appren- sum constitutes a non-public oral valida- constitute an advance in knowledge. Pre- quired in order to successfully and produc- tice model”, the doctoral student is depend- What should future doctoral students pay attention to when selecting a university? tion of the academic qualification. In senting a dissertation is the precondition tively complete the doctoral process. ent on the goodwill of one university pro- One point is whether there are multilingual opportunities – and how the final exam- addition to these two, there are also other for initiating the doctoral process. fessor. This dependence is something that ination is structured. At some universities you can be examined in English, French mixed forms. International doctoral students are expect- has to be accepted, even if this is occasion- or Spanish, which can be helpful. In terms of content, too, there are great differences ed to be open-minded about the German ally hard. The success of your doctorate is between the examinations. In Giessen, the main points in the doctoral dissertation Publication higher education system (see interview), at risk if you do not have the full support of are presented and discussed; in Heidelberg, this is followed by general questions; As a rule, the doctoral certificate is only which differs considerably in many points your supervisor. in Bonn, four theses have to be submitted that have nothing at all to do with the granted to the doctoral candidate when, from models in other countries. The tradi- Teamwork ­doctoral dissertation. It is important to study the examination regulations in good within a certain time-limit, the dissertation tional doctoral process in particular de- Research has a lot to do with communica- time. is made publicly available in printed or mands a high degree of personal initiative. tion, debate and collaboration. Working on similarly reproduced form, and when a Basically, the candidates should take the your own for months may get you no- www.daad.de/promotion certain number of obligatory copies have following points into account: where. If the regular presentation of your been presented to the university. The can- results is not institutionalized – as in struc- didate then receives the right to use the tured programmes – then doctoral students ­title of “Doctor”. Most universities now themselves must ensure that they receive accept a variety of ways of publishing doc- feedback on their work. toral dissertations (publishing house, scien- Flexibility tific journal, electronic form, etc.). They Supervisors often leave part of the supervi- are laid down in the respective examina- sion to their assistants. Doctoral candidates tion regulations. should therefore be open-minded and not fixated too much on one person. Exchanges of ideas with postdoc researchers take place on a more equal basis and are there- fore often a lot more relaxed. Adaptability Every university department and every ­research institute has unwritten laws that have to be obeyed. Initially, you should be more reserved and get to know the new surroundings. Dialogue and collaboration: doctoral Working Techniques ­students should try to get early feedback on their work Motivation The formal requirements of research Given that the topic of the dissertation will work in Germany differ from those in keep the doctoral student busy for several other countries. Even if doctoral students years, it should be well chosen and of real have already acquired a basic research interest to the candidate. After all, the best methodology during their earlier studies, motivation for work is to enjoy it. If you they should expand their repertoire. After have a genuine enthusiasm for the research all, they are involved in understanding project, then you will persevere during diffi- and processing a much more complex cult phases. An additional motivation is the subject matter than for a first degree. experience of accomplishment at an early Many universities provide appropriate stage – for example, through publication. courses for this. Good communication: Professor Liqiu Meng, TU Munich, in conversation with students 14 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Paths to a Doctorate 15

Research Routine: “Self-Discipline Is Essential”

Moussa Sangare has just held a conference available when he needs him. This dia- with his working group on Skype and logue is important for Sangare. Which is ­exchanged ideas with five other doctoral why he cycles to his office at the Institute Research Training Groups students about the next phase of their for Vocational Education as early as possi- Doctoral research training groups com- ­research. The 39-year-old African has been ble every morning. Over the past weeks, he bine elements of the traditional supervi- studying for a doctorate at the TU Dresden has taken advantage of every minute so as sion of individual doctoral students with for the past two years. He is writing his to complete the theoretical part of his the innovations of structured doctoral pro- doctoral dissertation on the quality of pri- work. grammes. These groups are supported in vate universities in his country, Ivory institutionalized form by an association of Coast. Regular exchanges of ideas in small He opens his laptop every day on the dot of university professors whose aim is to working groups and scheduled lectures ten, works at his dissertation until early jointly train and advise doctoral students. and seminars are part of the programme evening and then, to counterbalance this, Compared with the traditional approach, offered by theresearch training group on does two hours of sport. After that, he this improved supervision is intended to lifelong learning. This encourages net- works at his desk often until late into the considerably shorten the time required to working and forms a clearly defined frame- night. He is surrounded by piles of books, complete a doctorate. What is more, doc- work, thereby integrating significant com- which he was able to order and collect toral research training groups offer more ponents of structured doctoral from the university library. opportunities for feedback and help candi- programmes. dates find their place in the scientific com- Moussa Sangare is a bit behind in his When I start on the theoretical part of my dissertation, munity. This is ideal for overcoming the Dresden is another example of the trend schedule. He has a scholarship from the I’ll be in my university office every day and make sure my frequent social and scientific isolation ex- towards graduate schools and postgraduate Hans Böckler Foundation, which supports perienced by traditional doctoral students research groups that is catching on at Ger- the research training group. This political day is properly structured. I couldn’t work at home. and minimizing the risks that can arise man universities. “We meet regularly for foundation also expects sociopolitical in- during the doctoral process. Universities workshops and colloquia where we present volvement from its scholarship-holders, so Szilvia Major, Hungary can concentrate their doctoral research our research findings,” says Sangare. The Sangare has already written a book about The sociologist is doing her doctorate at Giessen University and also advises foreign doctoral students. training groups in centres for postgradu- doctoral students receive feedback from all the political situation in his country. Now ate studies. four professors in the participating depart- he has to make up for the time he devoted ments. These research groups are small to that publication. The scholarship is for and the working language is German – three years, during which he has to com- date works three times a week as a aration.” Anyone like Szilvia Major who German which is no problem for the African stu- plete his dissertation. “At the moment, my counsellor for foreign doctoral students at aims to study for a doctorate on the basis Although you can get by with English in dent, who studied German and trained as best friend is discipline.” the University of Giessen. She is clear of the traditional “apprentice model” relies many doctoral programmes and in most a teacher of German in Abidjan. “If I do about her career goal: “I would like to work heavily on the commitment of a single uni- university towns, you will miss out on have a question, I simply have to go to my Sociologist Szilvia Major is planning to in partnership counselling, which is what versity professor. Given that she is a coun- many aspects of everyday life if you have colleagues next door and they help me im- take a lot more time for her doctoral disser- my dissertation focuses on.” The 27-year- sellor for international doctoral students, no knowledge of German. And don’t for- mediately.” His doctoral supervisor, who tation on long-term partnerships. To fi- old is taking the traditional doctoral path, she hears many a lament about this partic- get that German is an important language already supervised his Master’s, is also nance her doctorate, the Hungarian candi- so she is able to combine writing her dis- ular topic. Her own experience, however, is of business and research. More than 100 sertation with a part-time job at her univer- that a committed university professor can million people speak German as their sity’s International Office. “I think it’s -im have a great impact, even within the tradi- mother tongue and another 24 million portant that I gather practical experience tional doctoral framework. “My professor’s people worldwide can speak the language. while writing my dissertaion – even if it doctoral students all meet twice a month takes longer as a result.” for a weekend where he lives to present their research findings,” says Major. They My best friend is discipline. I Szilvia Major is reckoning with a period of stay at the local youth hostel. “It’s not ob- would like to complete my four or five years to complete her doctor- ligatory, but it’s very useful.” doctorate quickly. We regularly ate: “I’m still in the reading phase, when I can occasionally take a book with me to the Szilvia Major is married to a Hungarian discuss our findings in work- swimming pool,” she says. But when she trainee doctor. They don’t know if they Link shops, which I find very helpful. starts on the theoretical part, she intends to want to return to Hungary. Moussa San- work in her office at the university every gare on the other hand is very keen to fin- blog.scholarz.net Moussa Sangare, Ivory Coast morning and to lock her door from midday ish his doctorate for personal reasons. He Everything on this communication plat- The German teacher is doing his doctorate at the to devote herself fully to her dissertation. has three children he only sees once a year. form for junior researchers revolves research training group on lifelong learning at the She is convinced this is a good plan: “That “My goal is to return home immediately af- around studying for a doctorate and writ- TU Dresden. way, the day is structured. But it all re- ter my doctorate to work there at the uni- ing a doctoral dissertation. Also of interest quires self-discipline, which is why I could versity and be able to lead a normal family are the posts on “working scientifically in never work at home. I need the spatial sep- life.” Web 2.0” (German, English). 16 Doing Promovieren a Doctorate in Deutschland in Germany Locations 17

Where Can You Study for Research Training Groups, Graduate a Doctorate? An Overview Schools, Max Planck Research Schools

Higher Education and Rankings cities. Rankings do not traditionally play Research Training Groups and Inter- a group at the German university and a a great role in students’ choice of universi- national Research Training Groups partner group abroad. Doctoral students The German higher education system of- ty. Reliable rankings based on various draw up a personal doctoral plan with a Higher Education and fers a wide range of different institutions. indicators of academic performance and The German Research Foundation (DFG) fixed time frame in conjunction with their Binational Doctoral Programmes Education Policy Germany’s 360 higher education institu- quality have only been produced for a currently supports 227 research training professors. Study and research pro- Binational doctoral programmes, also Germany is a federation of 16 Länder, tions include universities, technical univer- few years. The following rankings can be groups (Graduiertenkolleg, GRK), including grammes are developed jointly and the known as cotutelle programmes, involve or states, each of which has its own, sities, colleges of art, music and film as recommended: 58 international research training groups doctoral students are supervised by two cooperation in the supervision of doctoral although limited sovereignty. The Fed- well as the universities of applied sciences (IGK). One or more international universi- professors, who belong to different univer- candidates between (at least) one interna- eration and the Länder cooperate on (Fachhochschule, FH), which, however, do www.che-ranking.de ties cooperate with a German university sities. Additionally, bilateral doctoral tional university and one German univer- educational matters, but fundamentally not have the right to award doctorates. Aca- www.dfg.de/ranking in the international research training support entails a six-month stay abroad sity. As a rule, this includes working visits education policy, which also includes demic excellence is not only found in big www.humboldt-foundation.de/ranking groups. Doctoral students are supported by with the respective partner. to produce the doctoral dissertation at the the administration of higher education participating institutions as well as the institutions, is largely the responsibility participation of external supervisors in the of the Länder. The Federation is primarily final doctoral examination process. Per- responsible for the fields of educational Flensburg manent partnerships have been formed, research, vocational training, further train- for example, in the international research

ing as well as degrees and research fund- 3 Kiel training groups supported by the DFG and 2 ing at higher education institutions. Schleswig- Rostock Greifswald the 25 Franco-German graduate colleges Holstein organized under the umbrella of the Lübeck Mecklenburg-Western Franco-German University (FGU). Howev- Pomerania er, this process does not conclude with 7 Hamburg Hamburg the award of a “binational” doctorate, but Bremen Lüneburg a doctoral degree gained on the basis of Oldenburg 2 Bremen German examination regulations. Brandenburg

Vechta Lower Saxony Berlin 7 Berlin Golm Potsdam 2 Frankfurt/O. Osnabrück 3 Hannover Kaltenburg-Lindau 2 Braunschweig Friedensau Hildesheim Bielefeld Magdeburg Münster 2 Detmold Cottbus International Max Planck Excellence Initiative Clausthal- Saxony- Research Schools Graduate Schools Links Bochum 2 Paderborn Zellerfeld Anhalt Göttingen Halle Duisburg Dortmund Essen Witten-Herdecke Hagen Kassel 4 Leipzig International Max Planck Research Schools These graduate schools are doctoral pro- www.dfg.de/gk 3 2 Düsseldorf Wuppertal Saxony (IMPRS) are part of a support programme grammes funded within the framework of The German Research Foundation (DFG) North Rhine- Thuringia Dresden 3 Zittau Westphalia Hesse Weimar Freiberg for young researchers that is aimed at es- the Excellence Initiative. They offer struc- lists all currently funded national and in- 4 Erfurt 2 Cologne Jena Chemnitz Aachen Siegen pecially gifted German and international tured programmes for doctoral students in ternational research training groups at St. Augustin Marburg Bonn Gießen Fulda Ilmenau students. The 55 International Max Planck an outstanding research environment. At this address (German, English). Vallendar Bad Nauheim Research Schools at 32 locations offer an the present time, 39 graduate schools are Koblenz Oberursel Rhineland- 4 Frankfurt a.M. opportunity to prepare for a doctorate with- being funded with an average of roughly www.dfg.de/exzellenzinitiative/ Palatinate Oestrich- Winkel in the framework of a structured interdisci- 5.7 million euros each for 5 years. Graduate gsc Mainz Bamberg Bayreuth Darmstadt 2 This is where the DFG presents an over- 2 Trier Würzburg plinary training programme under excel- schools are more broadly based than the lent research conditions. more specialized research training groups: view, including links, of the funded gradu- Saarland Mannheim Erlangen Special emphasis is placed on international several departments engage in joint re- ate schools (German, English). Kaiserslautern 2 Nuremberg 3 Heidelberg Speyer cooperation: the research schools are espe- search on an overarching question. A great Saarbrücken Neuendettelsau Landau Bruchsal cially aimed at international doctoral stu- deal of emphasis is placed on the interna- www.mpg.de 4 Karlsruhe Regensburg dents, whom they wish to interest in study- tional and interdisciplinary composition of Clicking on the “Research Schools” Ludwigsburg Eichstätt Stuttgart 3 Schwäbisch Gmünd Ingolstadt ing for a doctorate in Germany. It is hoped the teams. One advantage of interdepart- heading at this address takes you to an Hohenheim Passau that half of the students will come from mental cooperation is the intensive inter- overview of all International Max Planck Tübingen Bavaria Ulm Lahr outside Germany. In September 2009 the change between doctoral students and pro- Research Schools (German, English). Baden- Augsburg Universities with the right to Württemberg proportion of international doctoral stu- fessors of related subject areas. Fast-track award doctorates 5 Munich Trossingen Martinsried Garching www.helmholtz.de/ 2 3 Freiburg dents among the 2,100 IMPRS partici- programmes can enable especially highly Cities with several universities Weingarten Seewiesen- with the right to award doctorates Starnberg pants was 53%. The doctoral examination qualified candidates to start at the graduate graduiertenschulen-kollegs Excellence Initiative Graduate Weilheim- Friedrichs- Benediktbeuern can be completed either at a German high- school after only one Master’s year. The ex- The Helmholtz Association supports Bierbronnen Konstanz hafen Schools er education institution or the student’s amination can also usually be completed in young researchers in graduate schools International Max Planck Research Schools home university. English. and research schools (German, English). 18 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Requirements 19

A knowledge of the German language Before You Start: First Steps is always useful – but not neces- sarily an absolute prerequisite for ­Towards a Doctorate in Germany doing a doctorate in Germany

Anyone who wants to study for a doctorate ceptance as a doctoral student. As a rule in Germany has to have a recognized you need a certificate from your supervisor, university degree. This usually means certified qualification documents, and a Recognition of a having a qualification equivalent to a Mas- certificate recognizing that your university Doctoral Regulations University Degree ter’s degree, or a German Magister, Dip- certificates make you eligible for doctoral These contain the most important aca- Applications for recognition of university lom or Staatsexamen. In exceptional cases studies. The next step is enrolment for a demic and departmental rules governing degrees can be made at the dean’s office, you may also be accepted as a doctoral can- doctoral degree course. However, you do the doctorate procedure. They cover ad- the respective department’s doctoral ad- didate with a Bachelor’s degree. The next not have to enrol for doctoral studies in all What does an application to become a doctoral student need to be success- mission to a doctoral programme, admis- missions board or the university’s interna- step is to find a supervisor – a Doktorvater subject areas. It depends on the respective ful? An Interview with Professor Sandra Klevansky, Director of the Graduate sion conditions (degree qualifications, tional office. In some cases, final admis- or Doktormutter in German – or to apply department’s doctoral regulations, which School of Fundamental Physics at Heidelberg University grades, etc.), regulations on submitting sion to the doctoral process is made for a place in a structured doctoral pro- everyone should read through very carefully. the dissertation and drawing up expert dependent on a further examination to es- gramme. They can be found on every department’s Professor Klevansky, what requirements do doctoral students have to meet in Ger- opinions, as well as the details of the oral tablish whether the candidate has an website. Enrolment as a doctoral student many – apart from the academic ones? examination. equivalent level of proficiency to that of a At present the most common path to a doc- has many advantages – for example, a bet- First and foremost they have to be able to work independently and autonomously. This German qualification. Law faculties fre- torate in Germany involves working under ter status under Aliens Law. Admission to is important in Germany. DSH quently make additional demands result- the supervision of a professor. Everyone the course of study is a prerequisite. This The German Language Examination for ing from the differences in curricula relat- has to decide for themselves which field of is usually issued by the registrar’s office on What should an application for acceptance as a doctoral student include in order to University Admission (DSH) consists of a ing to respective national legal systems. research they want to pursue, and which submission of your qualifications, the cer- be successful? And what mistakes can be avoided in advance? written and an oral exam and is usually universities and professors are on their tificate of recognition and – if necessary – We expect outstanding grades, a comprehensive application with all the necessary docu- free of charge. Some universities charge Studying for a Doctorate short list. The potential doctoral student proof of your language skills. You have to mentation (certificates, transcripts of records, references) – and a clearly formulated inter- fees. An alternative is to furnish proof of with a Bachelor’s Degree then has to apply personally to these uni- provide evidence of your knowledge of est in the subject. Applicants should not take an unprepared, naïve approach. They should having passed an examination in your Particularly well-qualified foreign appli- versity professors. It is important to do so German (DSH or TestDaF examinations) if find out how the process in Germany differs from studying for a doctorate in their own home country according to the TestDaF cants can also be admitted to doctoral in good time, preferably in person (or in your dissertation is to be written in Ger- country in order to avoid unnecessary surprises – for example, that doctoral students do procedure (www.testdaf.de). studies with a Bachelor’s degree. As a writing) – and you should be well-prepared man. This is by no means always the case, not only conduct research but may also have to attend courses or give lectures. rule, admission is subject to an aptitude with information about your previous and it depends upon the respective doctoral Residence Permit test. This is usually preceded by a one- background and academic performance degree regulations. All doctoral students from non-EU coun- www.daad.de/promotion year preparation period. Individual univer- and your academic goals. “Well-prepared” tries or countries outside the European sities decide on the procedure and access also means that you should already have a In principle, if you are applying for a place Economic Area require a residence permit. to it. Decisions on admission are always brief synopsis of the doctoral dissertation in a structured doctoral programme or at a It is issued by the local aliens authority taken on a case-by-case basis. Candidates you are planning to write. Then you have research training group or graduate school, letter of application – with your CV, first definitely not enter the country on a tourist (Ausländeramt), where you can also ob- should therefore contact the responsible to convince your chosen supervisor to you will have to take similar steps. In this degree thesis, a synopsis of your planned visa. This cannot be converted later, and tain the application for a residence permit. faculty. Regulations can also be found in ­accept you. After all, the relationship be- case, however, the application for the pro- dissertation and the reasons for your appli- you may be forced to return to your home A residence permit is always limited to a the respective department’s doctoral tween supervisor and doctoral student gramme takes top priority. The research cation – is submitted to the responsible country. certain time period, but can be extended. degree regulations. is supposed to last several years – usually subject for the planned doctoral disserta- dean’s office or school. You may then be The application for renewal must always three to five – and involves a lot of work tion must fit in with the main focus of the asked to submit a detailed application with Top of the to-do list on arriving in Germany be submitted before the permit expires. for both sides. programme, and students must have grad- a more comprehensive synopsis and at is registering with the local residents’ reg- uated with a “good” or “very good” grade in least two references from university teach- istration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) or Once you have found a supervisor, the an examination that is recognized in Ger- ers. The third stage usually consists of a citizens’ service centre (Bürgerservice). most important step has been taken. The many. The application, which can often be personal interview. The programme and Everyone has to register there. Furthermore, responsible department or the doctoral made over the Internet, usually – but not college websites provide information on if you don’t come from an EU country, Ice- admissions board must confirm your ac- always – proceeds in several stages. First, a the exact procedures. If your application is land, Norway or Liechtenstein, you also successful, you will take part in a doctoral have to go to the local aliens authority programme with seminars and tutorials (Ausländeramt) to apply for a residence Links geared to a doctoral student’s needs, and permit. For this you need proof of your Seven Steps to Becoming a Doctoral Student be given individual supervision by a team health insurance (you also need this for en- www.internationale-studierende.de of university professors. A personal tutor is rolment, see page 22). You will automatically Comprehensive and very useful informa- If neces- If necessary, usually available to help with formalities. have health insurance cover if you have a tion for international students provided by Find and convince If neces- sary, apply ­apply for admis- contract of employment. It is also important Deutsches Studentenwerk, the student a supervisor, sary, apply Apply for for accept- sion to the doc- Practical advice to look for a place to live early enough. You services organization (German, English). or apply to join for admis- If necessary, recognition ance as a toral process (at Irrespective of whether you will be study- usually need a certificate of enrolment to Degree a doctoral sion to a enrol as a of your doctoral some universi- ing with a supervisor or in a structured get a place in a student hostel. Student ser­ www.research-in-germany.de/faq programme or course doctoral student degree student in ties this is not programme, the bureaucracy is the same vices will help with accommodation. Doc- This central website on research in Ger- research training of studies the depart- necessary until for everyone. Future doctoral students toral students also need a current account. many offers an information brochure group ment later) from non-EU countries need the appropri- You can open one at any bank or savings “FAQs – Prepare your research stay”, which ate visa to enter the country. They should bank – it is usually free of charge. you can download as a PDF file (English). 20 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Funding 21

Costs and Funding Opportunites: tutions – such as Fraunhofer Institutes – also offer doctoral candidates employment Private Universities Financing a Doctorate in research projects. Some companies, too, offer and fund doctoral dissertations. In Germany, 10 private and 12 church- affiliated state-recognized universities Scholarships for highly qualified have the right to confer doctorates. ­Students Many church universities do not charge What does it cost to study for a doctorate In the case of doctoral candidates who par- These jobs are scarce, however. Better op- tuition fees. A doctoral programme in Germany? The good news is that it ticipate in a structured doctoral pro- portunities are offered by the many schol- at a private university can cost several Semester Fees costs nothing – in principle. No fees are gramme and do their doctorate at a gradu- arship programmes, which also support thousand euros a semester. Scholarships Everyone who enrols for a course as a charged for doctoral programmes at state ate school, research centre or research ­international students. The DAAD offers Many organizations support highly talent- doctoral student has to pay special semes- universities and colleges – at least, for the training group, the question of funding is the most extensive scholarship programme. ed international students. As a rule, the ter fees. (These should not be confused first six semesters. However, you will usually resolved when their application is In 2008 it supported 2,580 international Everyone else has to finance their studies prerequisite is an above-average first de- with the tuition fees levied in some states; have to finance your living costs in Ger- accepted: they either work as research as- doctoral candidates with individual fund- privately, and that usually means part-time gree. Different institutions sometimes doctoral students are exempt for the first many, and the subject of money already sistants or receive a scholarship (usually ing. In addition, the DAAD supports some work. There are some restrictions on earn- have additional expectations, e.g. a specific six semesters!) Depending on the univer- crops up before you enter the country. about 1,000 euros a month). However, if 2,000 foreign doctoral candidates a year in ing money if you’re not a research assist- commitment to a social, sociopolitical or sity, enrolment is not always necessary, Prospective doctoral students have to you study for a doctorate on the basis of various projects. In exceptional cases, a full ant or a member of the teaching staff. religious cause. A scholarship is granted but we do recommended it. It makes it prove that they have enough money to the traditional “apprentice model”, you can doctoral programme in Germany can be ­Doctoral candidates from EU and EEA for a limited time, as a rule for two to three easier to deal with the authorities – your live in Germany when they apply for their also apply for a job as a research assistant funded for up to four years. countries have the same status as German years, and students usually have to re­ status as an alien is improved and you can visa or residence permit. German author- – if the supervisor you choose happens to students: they are allowed to work for up apply every year. Organizations that pro- take a part-time job outside the university. ities expect you to have access to roughly have a vacancy. Furthermore, a number of foundations to 20 hours a week during the semester; vide scholarships for outstanding students Furthermore, enrolled doctoral students 7,800 euros a year. In some cases, howev- support highly qualified foreign students if there are no restrictions during vacations. usually also support them with seminars are usually entitled to cheaper bus tickets er, they might want proof of a higher Working as a doctoral assistant they have been approved for the doctoral If they work longer hours, they risk being and opportunities to exchange views with- and discount meals in the university can- amount. The cost of living varies a great Under this scheme, doctoral students work process (examples include Evangelisches regarded as “normal” employees and hav- in an alumni network. teen (Mensa). Many theatres, museums deal depending on a person’s lifestyle on their dissertations as research assistants Studienwerk Villigst, Friedrich-Ebert-Stif- ing to pay higher social-insurance contri- and cinemas also offer price reductions. and the university’s location – after all, (often part-time) in their professor’s de- tung, Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, Hans- butions. Research Assistant The semester fees can cost between 50 rent alone usually accounts for a third partment and are paid in line with the re- Böckler-Stiftung, Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, The ideal situation for (traditional) doctor- and 250 euros, depending on the universi- of monthly expenses. And this can vary gionally agreed salary scale. Depending on Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Stiftung der deut- Students from non-EU countries are al- al students is a dedicated post that accom- ty and the services that are included. a lot in Germany. the subject and the university, the assist- schen Wirtschaft and Rosa-Luxemburg- lowed to work for up to 90 full days a year panies the doctoral process. Academic ant’s tasks usually include collaboration in Stiftung). Apart from the larger organiza- – exceptions apply for academic and stu- staff positions are also available in DFG Students in Germany spend an average of research and/or teaching and doing ad- tions providing scholarships for outstanding dent assistants. Student services can pro- projects. The respective project managers 740 euros on food, clothing, transport, ministrative work – in addition to complet- students, which are supported by the vide assistance in looking for a job. You are responsible for filling the posts. books, health, communications and lei- ing the dissertation. If the professor runs ­Federal Government, there are also a should definitely get permission from the sure, according to Deutsches Studenten- one of the DFG’s many Collaborative Re- number of smaller foundations and aliens authority (Ausländerbehörde) and/ werk, the student services organization. In search Centres, it might be possible to scholarship programmes. The DAAD’s or the employment agency (Agentur für Ar­ addition to this, students who have en- work as a research assistant on a DFG- database (www.funding-guide.de) is a beit) before starting work. After all, there rolled in a doctoral programme have to pay funded research project during the doctoral convenient way of researching these pro- are exceptions, and these do not just apply semester fees. process. Furthermore, non-university insti- grammes. to the new EU countries. Links

What do foundations expect of scholarship-holders? An Interview with www.academics.com Prof. Dr. Hans Fleisch of the Association of German Foundations This portal has Germany’s biggest online job market for researchers (German, Eng- Professor Fleisch, do international doctoral students have bigger hurdles to over- lish). come than Germans when they apply for a foundation scholarship? I can concentrate fully on my dis- Not in principle. Most foundations that grant doctoral scholarships do not restrict www.funding-guide.de themselves to one nationality. The DAAD’s scholarship database can be sertation. My doctorate is being searched by branch of study, country of funded by a foundation that specifi- How can people find the right foundation for a doctoral project? origin and academic status (German, Eng- You won’t find all foundations in the scholarship databases. You have to search indi- lish, Spanish). cally supports development coopera- vidually. That is often difficult for foreigners because many foundations have only tion in the field of renewable energies. a German website. But it’s worth investing some time here. Supply often exceeds www.euraxess.de I’m grateful for these very good condi- demand, especially in the case of small foundations. The “funding database” of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation also includes tions, because I want to research my What do the foundations expect of their scholarship-holders? programmes for visiting researchers (Ger- subject as thoroughly as possible. Foundations want to promote success, so they are looking for an important piece of man, English). work that really has an impact, a leverage effect and continues having an influence after the scholarship period. Conversely, foundations do not only offer their students finan- www.stipendienlotse.de Patricia Chaves, Brazil cial support, but also strong networks – and that can be very important “social capital”. This well-structured database can be used The engineer is doing a doctorate at Oldenburg University. www.daad.de/promotion to make a detailed, targeted search for cur- rent scholarship programmes (German). 22 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Living in Germany 23

Cosmopolitan or Cozy: Living in Germany

Most weekends, Yang Ji and his wife a two-room apartment in the student dis- Hang Zhao can be seen riding around on trict of Schwabing. “The owner is a gradu- Cost of Living their bikes. They cycle through the Eng- ate of the TU Munich,” Ji says, “so we According to a survey by the Deutsches lish Garden or to the Olympic Park, have something in common.” Studentenwerk, an average student in stretch out on the grass and enjoy the Germany has about 770 euros a month summer. “Munich is a very beautiful Yang Ji is employed as a research assistant at his or her disposal. Of this, 266 euros city,” says the Chinese computer science at the Computation in Engineering Depart- is spent on rent, 147 euros on food and graduate, who is studying for his doctor- ment. There are no fixed working hours. 50 euros on clothing. The average stu­ ate at the TU Munich. “The people are “We come in between nine and ten in the dent spends 82 euros a month on travel; open, the environment is very interna- morning and work until six in the health insurance costs 54 euros. Tele­ tional, and everything is very green here.” evening.” The computer scientist spends phone, Internet, radio and TV fees add up After graduating from the Friedrich the early evening with his wife. He then to 43 euros. Another 35 euros is needed Schiller University, Jena, in 2007, Ji had takes care of some organizational work at for equipment and study materials such two offers of a doctoral position, one in home, filling in forms or preparing a semi- as books. That leaves 62 euros for leisure, Munich and one in Stuttgart. He let his nar. “At the beginning there was a minor culture and sport – so that the monthly newly married wife decide – it wasn’t a crisis between us,” he says. “I had so many costs average 739 euros. difficult choice for her. Hang Zhao had things to do at the same time, and my first come to Munich as a student in 2001 thoughts were elsewhere in the evenings.” Health Insurance to take German courses. “I still have It’s a major challenge for many scientists Everyone must have health insurance in many friends here from that time.” She to make progress with their own research Germany. Proof of health insurance is subsequently went to Jena to study Ger- while assisting with exercises or work- required both for enrolment at the univer­ man as a foreign language. shops at the same time. The TU Munich sity and for your residence permit. You therefore offers targeted training courses can be insured with either a statutory or Main Countries of Origin for all doctoral students, where they can a private health insurance company. The improve their skills in presentation and China 8.2% terms vary, depending on the purpose of personal time management. “These We enjoyed living in Jena. A small town has the India 7.1% residence and your age. Student services courses have helped me a lot,” Ji stresses. Poland 5.1% advantage that you can settle in more easily. But we have more details on this. “I’ve learned to set priorities and work my Russia 4.9% way through one thing after another in a also like Munich very much – especially its inter- Italy 3.9% concentrated way.” national flair and the mentality of the people here. Greece 3.5% Romania 3.4% The atmosphere is very relaxed in his de- Austria 3.3% Ji Yang and Hang Zhao, China partment, he says. “It doesn’t matter what France 3.0% The computer scientist is studying for his doctorate at the TU Munich; his wife Hang Zhao country you come from. Everyone is re- Turkey 2.7% is studying in Munich and Jena. garded as a colleague.” His teammates also The most common countries of origin of foreign doc- toral students, 2007 (from a total of 3,499 examina- have things in common apart from re- tions passed), source: Destatis search. They do sport and go hiking in the mountains together. Once a week they just 19 years old at that time. He tried to staff – it was a bit like a family. You can Links Moving from the small university town in cook together with the professor in the in- speak a lot of German from the beginning. settle in more easily.” In Munich, by con- Thuringia to the Bavarian capital in stitute kitchen. “It’s a good opportunity to “Most people react very patiently and open- trast, everything is much more interna- www.daad.de/aaa southern Germany was quite a change for exchange ideas over lunch and sometimes ly, and they’re friendly about helping you – tional, he says. But the couple like that, The DAAD’s database lists the international the young couple. “In Jena, it’s easy to have a laugh about everyday academic life,” there’s no need to have inhibitions.” too: “I can go out for a Chinese or Thai or offices (Akademische Auslandsämter) find an apartment for 200 euros at the says the doctoral student. “For example, Vietnamese meal here. You can find sim- at German universities. They can help you most,” they explain. “We lived in a student about the bureaucracy in Germany,” he His wife, Hang Zhao is just about to fin- ply everything – even speciality food with key issues of higher education and hostel and didn’t pay much.” But the cost adds mischievously. ish her course of study. She’s writing her shops,” says Yang Ji. everyday life (English, German, Spanish). of living varies quite a lot in Germany, thesis in Munich and travels to Jena by and Munich is one of the most expensive The scientists talk English among them- train every two weeks to keep appoint- Furthermore, he is particularly fond of www.deutsch-uni.com cities in the country. The rents are high, selves and the working group is very inter- ments at the university there. Ji feels it the mentality of people in the Alpine foot- This website compiled by the German-as- and finding a place to live is difficult. “The national and diverse. “Even so, it’s very, was a great advantage that he spent his hills. “I love Munich because the Bavari- a-foreign-language experts at LMU in university’s international office helps in- very important to learn German,” says first years in Germany in a smaller city ans have a culture and identity of their Munich makes it easy to find courses for ternational doctoral students in their Yang Ji. He came to Germany eight years where everything was within comfortable own and are so proud of it,” says Yang Ji. learning German at home on your own search,” says Ji. He himself quickly found ago from north China to study for the Ger- reach. “I used to walk the same route And, of course, he also appreciates the computer. Some of the courses are a place on his own through an Internet man Abitur (school-leaving) exam and from my room to the campus every day; I famous beer. “I think the Oktoberfest is personally supervised by tutors (in six website. The scientist pays 780 euros for learn German at a college in Jena. He was knew the lady at the bakery and the library great!” languages). 24 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Living in Germany 25

Commitment and Initiative: them today. My father also studied in Ger- examines ways of enabling different com- many. I was actually born here, but grew puter systems to work together in mathe- What You Need to Feel at Home up in Turkey. I wanted to study here to get matical knowledge management. Apart to know the country, the people and the from the research, I’m involved in the culture; I also appreciate the individual Graduate Students Association. It means a freedom in Germany. I was also looking lot to me to be involved in shaping the col- I came to Germany after studying for an opportunity to study at a university lege life. I live in Bremen-Nord. It’s very with high, international standards. I decid- idyllic there, very green. In my spare time I ­mathematics in Istanbul. ed in favour of the private Jacobs Universi- like to ride my bike or go jogging, and the Getting Used to Life in Germany That was five years ago. That was very good for me because I was ty Bremen because of the expertise of my area is ideal for that. But I never really have The international offices at universities As a DAAD scholarship- the only foreigner there and everybody supervisor, Professor Michael Kohlhase, in much time for it, I’m afraid! and research institutes do a lot to make it holder, I obtained a Master’s degree in spoke German. This helped me to get to the field of artificial intelligence, and -be easier for international doctoral students computer science in Saarbrücken. The city know many different people and not just cause the campus is so international: it’s to settle in. Sightseeing tours, excursions seemed like a paradise to me! So calm, and students of my own age at the university. I exceptional to be among students from Fulya Horozal, Turkey into the surrounding area and language you could get everywhere you wanted to go was enthusiastic about the Germans’ men- 100 countries. I had a scholarship in the The researcher is a PhD student in the Everyday life on campus: Fulya Horozal, 27, is studying for her doctorate on courses all help, especially in the first few in 15 minutes. While I was there, I started tality – their respect, openness and friend- first year; now I have a part-time job in a Computer Science Department at knowledge management in computer months, and enable people to make con­ courses in ballroom and Latin dancing. liness – and I’m still friends with many of research project. My doctoral dissertation Jacobs University in Bremen. systems under Professor Michael Kohlhase tacts and gain an impression of their new home. Everywhere, student bodies, inter­ national forums and working groups offer an opportunity to engage in academic life. There are also many opportunities for in­ teresting leisure pursuits off campus. This might be a cooking class, a dance club or a subscription to the local gym. The ad­ vantage is that you can also get to know people there who have nothing whatso­ ever to do with research!

Pros and Cons: Doing a Doctorate in a Big City Pros and Cons: Doing a Doctorate in a Small Town Links

Anyone who likes opera, theatre, Yet all these advantages have their You’re more likely to get value for Small towns are quieter, but also www.thesis.de ­exhibitions and big-city bustle in gener- price. Rents are high, as is the general money here. Apartments are cheaper and more provincial. The range of cultural This interdisciplinary network for doctoral al will love cities like Berlin, Munich, cost of living. The capital Berlin, of all often easier to find than in big cities. events is more limited (but the quality and postdoc students already has about Cologne, Hamburg or Frankfurt. places, is an exception here: living in This is a major advantage, especially for isn’t necessarily poorer). 600 members. They are organized in local Berlin is much cheaper than in other families. and regional networks and also meet Shopping is almost like being home; major German cities or comparable Eu- There are usually fewer international for regular get-togethers and events (Ger­ the cosmopolitan flair of big cities also ropean capitals. It’s often easier to settle in here: every- restaurants and grocery stores. man). rubs off on the kind of shops that are thing is much smaller, less complicated, available. It’s no problem here to find A new language, new surroundings, you can find your way around quickly And although major corporations www.internationale-studierende.de ­international specialities. new job, little free time. Finding your and are soon meeting familiar faces. don’t settle exclusively in metropolitan The Deutsches Studentenwerk website way around as a newcomer in a big city areas, they do tend to be more concen- has collected lots of tips for a smooth start Large cities usually also have a high isn’t easy. Get on your bike! Being close to nature trated there. This is a drawback when to your time in Germany under the head­ concentration of international compa- is one of the great advantages of the more you’re looking for a potential employer. ing “On arrival” (German, English). nies. This is particularly interesting for And you need a lot of luck if you rural towns. people who want to do a doctorate in a bring your family with you, because! Longer travel times to the nearest air- www.studenten-wg.de company or make job contacts at an crèches and nurseries are completely Typical university towns like Heidel- port. You can use the search function here early stage. overrun in many city districts. It can be berg, Freiburg or Constance have a to look for apartments or rooms in shared difficult to find childcare places. strong student infrastructure. apartments throughout Germany (German). 26 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Career Opportunities 27

Job Prospects: How Can a Doctorate Help Your Career?

A doctoral degree takes a lot of time, a lot Top Universities for Doctorates As a postdoc researcher of effort and it means waiting several by Foreign Students in Berlin I’ll gain even years before you can start your first real University of Heidelberg 6.5% Careers in Higher Education job. Whether all this effort is worth it de- LMU Munich 5.2% more experience in my Since education in Germany is a matter pends both on your subject area and your University of Göttingen 4.2% subject area. Later I wish for the Länder, or states, it can be worth- career plans. A doctorate is a prerequisite TU Munich 3.3% to advance my career as a re- while to keep an eye on German geogra- for a career in research or higher educa- German universities with the most doctorates by phy in your career planning: according to tion, which can, for example, begin with a foreigners, 2007 (out of a total of 3,499 passed searcher in India. I would examinations), source: Destatis calculations by the specialist journal For- post as junior professor. Natural scientists then like to initiate interdisci- schung & Lehre, the remuneration of pro- will also not get very far in German indus- plinary projects with col- fessors can fluctuate by up to 15% from try without one. A Dr. med degree is sectors in which a Dr. phil is a definite one state to the next. ­almost obligatory for physicians who want ­advantage – for example, in publishing or leagues from India and Ger- to get off to a good start in their profes- in senior library administration. Large many. Junior Professors sion and they usually complete the neces- law firms and business consultancies also This is an attractive alternative to complet- sary research paper during their university place great emphasis on a doctoral degree. Dr. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, India ing a Habilitation, the German postdoctor- studies. A doctorate does not only document an The biochemist completed a doctorate in al degree that traditionally entitles its ability to thoroughly investigate a complex Leipzig and is now starting postdoc research holder to become a professor: junior pro- Yet a doctoral degree is by no means a subject. It also looks good on a business at the Free University in Berlin. fessorships enable outstanding young re- prerequisite for climbing to the top of the card. searchers to teach and research at Ger- career ladder: the closer a job is to the man universities without Habilitation. product or the customer, the less impor- Fundamentally, the proportion of senior There are already some 800 junior profes- tant a doctorate. A doctorate tends to play managers with doctoral degrees is above sors. In addition to junior professorships, a rather secondary role in achieving a suc- average in Germany. In certain operational posts are also available for heads of cessful start in sales, marketing or prod- sectors in industry – for example, research groups of young researchers – for exam- uct management, says Dr. Ulrich Langer and development – applicants with doctor- After studying at the Lomonosov Moscow A survey conducted by Hochschul-Infor- Postdocs ple, under the auspices of the Emmy of the graduate team at the Federal Em- ates are preferred. “Without a doctorate I State University, Natalia Ragozina complet- mations-System GmbH (HIS) documents Germany offers a raft of research scholar- Noether Programme of the DFG, in the ployment Agency in Düsseldorf. “In these would never have become laboratory man- ed a doctorate in pharmaceutical analysis the great significance holders of doctorates ships for highly qualified international Helmholtz Association and in the Max fields, practical skills like eloquence or the ager,” explains Dr. Natalia Ragozina. The at the German partner university in Mar- attach to the character-building aspect: postdoc researchers that open the door Planck Society. There are also postdoc re- ability to handle customers are more im- 31-year-old Russian is responsible for a burg. “The German degree definitely a dissertation is viewed as a vehicle for for the next step in their research careers. searchers who lead groups within one de- portant than formal qualifications.” Even team of five employees at the Boehringer helped me find a job,” she says. “It’s sim- ­personal study and an opportunity to work DFG research scholarships enable post- partmental unit. Selection procedures, in the humanities the situation is more Ingelheim pharmaceutical company. “At ply easier for local companies here to as- on an interesting subject. That is an aspect docs of all disciplines to work on their framework conditions and funding differ complex that it might initially seem. In first, of course, taking responsibility for sess the quality of the training.” that employers also highly appreciate (see own project in cooperation with a selected very considerably. The jobs with the view of the uncertain prospects on the staff is a very new experience for research- page 29). research host, for example, for a period Helmholtz Association have a tenure track, ­labour market there are very considerable ers,” says the chemist. “As a rule, however, Dr. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, a biochemist of up to two years. In 2008, 355 of these which offers career security. dangers involved in delaying entry into candidates with doctorates immediately who studied for a doctorate in Leipzig, is Gaining a doctorate has a corresponding- projects were supported. The DAAD also the world of work. Nevertheless, there are start working in a managerial position.” also sure his doctoral degree from an inter- ly positive impact on a career. The re- awards postdoc scholarships; applications nationally recognized German university spondents of the HIS survey gained a def- can be submitted during the final phase of will make it easier for him to make a name inite advantage. Above all, doctoral graduates a doctorate. The Alexander von Humboldt for himself in specialist circles. He is in in the natural sciences, medicine and law Foundation and many other foundations the process of moving to Berlin, where he saw their career prospects improved by a are also good addresses for postdoc has accepted a postdoc position at the Free doctorate. Especially the self-employed – ­researchers who want to realize their own University. “As a member of staff at a Ger- for example, doctors or lawyers – and research projects. man university with a doctoral degree I can ­economic scientists in commercial occu- develop interesting contacts with other pations found they received greater recog- ­researchers in the biotechnology field,” he nition from customers, clients and busi- says. “That’s an important basis for later ness partners. However, a doctorate does being able to initiate exciting interdiscipli- not only open doors, it also pays off finan- nary projects with colleagues from India cially. According to a recent study by and Germany. That’s my objective.” Kienbaum Executive Consultants, gradu- ates without a doctorate receive a gross The vast majority of holders of doctorates annual salary of 43,500 euros. So-called believe their doctoral dissertation was a high potentials with international experi- worthwhile investment – and not only as a ence and very good degrees can earn springboard for their future career. They ­between 45,000 and 50,000 euros. The Doctorate wanted: German industry prefers applicants with doctorates in areas like research and development place a high value on the personal benefit. annual salary for graduates with doctor- 28 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Career Opportunities 29

How can a doctorate help your career? An interview with Dr. Tiemo Kracht, Managing Director at Kienbaum Executive Consultants

Dr. Kracht, how important is a doctorate for professional success? A doctoral degree continues to have considerable status because it reflects a high standard of achievement. If you study for a doctorate, you demonstrate a strong in- terest in keeping up with the times and understanding complex subject matter. That also indicates a healthy sense of ambition. Additionally, doctoral students develop a Proportion of Women network within the world of research that is of interest to companies. Doctoral Candidates Roughly 10,000 doctoral degrees were In which areas is a doctorate a precondition for getting ahead? gained by women in Germany in 2007. Ac- In all research-oriented disciplines – for example, pharmacy, information tech- cording to figures published by the Feder- nology and engineering – senior positions are only filled with researchers with al Statistical Office, the proportion of doctorates. In other sectors – for example, banking, in large law firms or in busi- women among all successful doctoral can- ness consultancies – a doctorate is not a requirement, but employers do very didates rose to 42% (2000: 34%). However, much look for one. women are still underrepresented in re- search and teaching: their share of re- Does that also have an effect on starting salaries? search and artistic staff at German higher The gap between high potentials with and without doctorates is somewhere between education institutions was one-third in 10 and 20%. That’s because researchers who have already spent three or four years 2007. working at a university and taught as lecturers can offer valuable professional and life experience. Beginners with a doctorate have a special status in business consult- DAAD Research Ambassadors ing. They tend to be assigned to broader subjects and very quickly assume full The Research Ambassador Programme ­responsibility for discrete project areas. was initiated by the DAAD Office in New York. Seventeen research ambassadors Can it be said that the smaller and more practice-oriented the business, the less have been chosen to communicate their My dream is my own research institute important a doctorate is? experiences of research in Germany to that meets European standards. My There are sectors in which a doctoral degree would tend to have only a decorative Links students and researchers in the USA and main concern is not increasing my list of function. For example, a family business that is looking for someone with practical Canada in 2009/2010. More details are experience. But it depends on the industry. In mechanical and plant engineering, www.academics.com available at www.daad.org publications. I want to make a difference for example, even small companies need highly qualified experts. Focusing on “Your Career in Research and for my country. Higher Education”, this website is the International qualifications like the MBA are becoming increasingly popular. Is place to look for vacancies at universities the Master’s superseding the doctorate? and research institutions. Academics of- Dr. Damaris Odeny, Kenya An MBA is now considered equivalent to the training as a Diplomkaufmann in Ger- fers the largest online job market for pro- The molecular biologist gained a doctorate at the Center for many and it represents an interesting option for companies that want to integrate fessors, junior professors, research assist- ­Development Research (ZEF) and did postdoc research at the staff at an earlier age. That doesn’t rule out a doctorate, which can also be completed ants, researchers and lecturers in Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne. part-time outside work. The doctoral title retains its significance – especially against Germany (German, English). the background of the current economic and financial crisis. www.fazjob.net What do you mean by that? Large numbers of management jobs are ates or MBAs heads the list at 50,000 to thing I needed to pursue my project,” the Character deficits also led to this economic imbalance. Many top-class CVs that were advertised in the renowned daily Frank- 65,000 euros. Important additional crite- scientist explains. “I spent a month in presented were just facades. That has led to personality now being more highly rated furter Allgemeine Zeitung. They also in- ria are work placements and knowledge Spain within the framework of a research than formal education. And the process of gaining a doctorate is an important aspect clude interesting vacancies for research- of foreign languages. International grad- partnership.” After gaining her doctorate here. Doctoral students are not obsessed with titles and status. It’s all about the ers. In addition, you will find useful tips uates who completed a doctorate in Ger- in early 2007, the biologist returned to ­challenge of getting to grips with complex subject matter. That represents a value and information about applications, ca- many are therefore in a very good posi- Toronto as a postdoc researcher and now in itself. reers, the world of work and employment tion. Incidentally, the proportion of works at the Ontario Cancer Institute. As (German). women gaining doctorates in Germany a DAAD Research Ambassador, she now How are doctorates “made in Germany” regarded internationally? has very significantly increased in recent shares her positive experiences of Germa- Germany has an outstanding reputation as a business location. When I look at www.unilife.de years. ny with other Canadian students and re- the top group of German institutions of higher education, they can match world- The student portal of the AOK health insur- searchers who are interested in doing a class universities in any international comparison. In any event, it is definitely an ance fund offers information for graduates “A doctorate from Germany is very highly doctorate or research in Germany. “As a advantage for international students to do a doctorate in Germany – the more under the heading “Job und Karriere” regarded here in Canada,” stresses Cana- contact person, I inform people about ­international the programme, the better. In an international environment up-and- (German). dian molecular biologist Dr. Gabrielle Germany as a centre for research and es- coming researchers develop a global network that improves their ability to act in Siegers. She says she learned a great deal tablish contacts with researchers.” It is management. Collaborations between universities and businesses are also attrac- www.findapostdoc.com at the Freiburg Max Planck Institute of not uncommon for alumni like Gabrielle tive. Structures in this area are changing considerably. A doctorate from an insti- FindAPostDoc lists international postdoc Immunobiology – not only about theory, Siegers to ensure that the circle of inter- tute that cooperates with SAP or Siemens, for example, has an extremely high positions and offers several forums for but also about molecular biology technol- national doctoral students in Germany status. doctoral and postdoctoral researchers ogy. “I had access to everyone and every- continues to grow. (English). 30 Doing a Doctorate in Germany Further Details 31

More Information about Language & Examinations Education & Research

Doing a Doctorate in Germany www.deutsch-lernen.net www.euraxess.de The DAAD offers a great deal of information about where and how to The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s information platform for learn German. It also answers FAQs (German, English, Spanish). international researchers also offers doctoral students interesting tips A doctoral dissertation needs to be well prepared – especially if www.research-in-germany.de/faq and advice about living and researching in Germany, a scholarship da- you plan to write it abroad. The Web addresses on these pages pro- This link takes you to an informative list of “FAQs – Prepare your re- www.goethe.de tabase, a Europe-wide job exchange and a large number of links to vide the most important information about doing a doctorate and search stay in Germany”, which is aimed at visiting researchers and The website of the Goethe-Institut, Germany’s globally operating cul- other interesting sites (German, English). living in Germany. No matter how exhaustive the information on contains a lot of useful information for a trip to Germany. An FAQ about tural institution, combines information and links on German courses the Web is, however, the best way to get to know Germany and the doing a doctorate will become available at the end of 2009. The website and examinations with sections covering the arts, society and knowl- www.scilife.net German research landscape remains a personal visit: for example, offers many insights into Germany as a centre of research (English). edge (German, English). SciLife aims to improve networking between researchers. Members during one of the many summer courses at German universities can create their own profile, add contacts, form groups and join exist- especially for international students. www.hochschulkompass.de Networks & Communities ing ones (English). The database allows you to search for doctoral study opportunities by university, subject and discipline, admittance criteria and region. How- www.kisswin.de www.bildungsserver.de ever, not all doctoral programmes are listed in the database (German, Kisswin.de, the platform for researchers of tomorrow, is aimed at un- The German Education Server sees itself as an online guide to educa- English). dergraduate and doctoral students as well as everyone interested in a tion-related information and resources. It is a meta-server facilitating Links research career in Germany. The website is funded by the Federal Min- access to information about the German education system provided www.auswaertiges-amt.de istry of Education and Research (BMBF) and offers information on aca- by the Federal Government and the Länder, the European Union, uni- Preparation & Overview Important information about visas as well as the relevant application demic career paths, workshops, networks and forums as well as news versities, schools, research institutions, documentation centres and forms are available here under > Welcome to Germany > Coming to or and events and its own database of funding organizations (German, museums (German, English). www.daad.de staying in Germany. German foreign missions also provide help on English). The website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the questions about entering the country (German, English, French, Span- www.forschungsportal.net first place to look for reliable and comprehensive information about ish, Arabic). www.thesis.de The search engine of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research studying and completing a doctorate in Germany. It also offers a large The interdisciplinary network for doctoral and postdoc researchers has (BMBF) combs the Internet servers of publicly funded institutions, number of links to useful databases and other resources. Staff at the Life & Accommodation more than 600 members, who are organized in local and regional net- such as colleges and universities, and non-university research estab- 14 DAAD offices and 50 DAAD information centres worldwide as well works. They also meet on a regular basis or for specific events. There lishments for research results and doctoral dissertations (German, as the many teachers and lecturers sent by the DAAD to international www.germany-tourism.de are various project groups on subjects such as higher education poli- English). institutions of higher education are also willing to provide help in per- The website of the German National Tourist Board presents lots of cy, international issues and transdisciplinary research. Thesis repre- son (over 20 languages). useful information on travel, leisure and excursions. An event data- sents Germany in Eurodoc, the European federation of national associ- Foundations & Scholarships base helps visitors find interesting things to do. ations of doctoral candidates in Europe (German). www.daad.de/promotion www.funding-guide.de This section of the DAAD website is aimed specifically at international www.young-germany.de www.eurodoc.net The DAAD’s scholarship database enables graduates to find appropri- doctoral students and offers crossmedia information that comple- This website is aimed at a young international target group with an in- Eurodoc is a Europe-wide association of doctoral students and young ate funding opportunities on the basis of subject and country criteria ments this magazine with additional texts and in-depth interviews on terest in Germany. Research is a regular topic and the site also offers a researchers that aims to represent their interests at the European level. (German, English, Spanish). this subject (German, English, Spanish). lot of tips about finding jobs and accommodation (English). Eurodoc also seeks to advance the quality of doctoral programmes

www.daad.de/sommerkurse www.facts-about-germany.de and promote cooperation between national associations of junior re- www.stipendiumplus.de The database assists in finding the right summer course at a German “Facts about Germany” provides background information on all as- searchers. Its website offers news and information and publishes de- This website presents the 11 organizations funded by the Federal university – the ideal opportunity to get to know Germany and its high- pects of life in Germany. An entire chapter is devoted to education and tails of events and the reports of various work groups. (English). Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to foster young talent er education system. Courses cover subjects ranging from German-as- research (in 17 languages). as well as their common goals and the criteria for and content of a-foreign-language to engineering. Most of these courses, which are blog.scholarz.net their support programmes. It offers an overview of the various pro- especially designed for international students, take place between www.magazine-deutschland.de Everything on the communication platform for junior researchers re- grammes and naturally also provides links to the individual organ­ June and September. However, there are also some programmes The website of Deutschland magazine offers reports, articles and back- volves around the subject of doing a doctorate as well as experiences izations (German). available in winter (German, English). ground information about topical themes in German politics, culture and insights gained while writing a doctoral dissertation (German, and science (in 10 languages). English). www.stipendienlotse.de www.academics.com The “scholarship pilot” is a new and very clearly structured easy-to- This website, which is run by the weekly newspaper Die Zeit and high- www.studenten-wg.de www.dab-ev.org use scholarship database of the Federal Ministry of Education and Re- er education journal Forschung & Lehre offers information on doing a An Internet accommodation exchange enables students to look for The website of the German Federation of University Women is specifi- search (BMBF). Doctoral students can find detailed information about doctorate in Germany as well as an up-to-date overview of vacancies apartments and rooms in shared apartments nationwide free of charge cally aimed at female researchers and also offers contacts to regional current scholarship programmes on the basis of various parameters for doctoral students at German universities (German, English). (German). networks (German). (German). Anz_PromtionHeft_A4_WOB_phaeno_01_4_en_rz_vek.indd 1 25.09.2009 16:02:16 Uhr