It is possible to obtain a doctorate in almost all subjects at the University of Osnabrück. The program consists of writing a dissertation, or thesis, which must detail the student’s own research, as well as an oral examination and at least one minor subject ("Disputation" or "Rigorosum").
 Generally speaking, doctoral candidates must first have a graduate degree (Diplom, Magister, Staatsexamen, Master’s).

Increasingly, PhD students are being organized into graduate or PhD colleges. Here, doctoral candidates have the chance to exchange knowledge with other students and be mentored by several professors within the framework of a defined program.

The University of Osnabrück also offers three other PhD programs.