We recommend that you write to a professor who is concerned with your specific field of study and that you enclose a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, relevant certificates and an abstract of your project. You should also include details as to why you would like the respective professor to supervise your dissertation.

The basic requirement to commence a PhD programme in Germany is that the respective international degree of a candidate’s home country entitles them directly to PhD graduation and formally corresponds with a scientific German degree (formal verification).

Additionally it may be necessary to complete further conditions / requirements or to acquire further degrees. This is dependent on the type, length, structure and content of the studies as well as the general level of schooling of the respective home country and university (substantial verification). This includes a formal interview and examination of knowledge by the accommodating University.

The decision, if a request for doctorate studies is accepted is made by the appropriate Postgraduate Admissions Board

Registration for doctorate studies can be undertaken in another language apart from German if this is permitted by the PhD regulations and the supervisor approves.

When you have found a professor to supervise you, you can fill out the admissions application (Antrag auf Zulassung zum Studium). You will find the application in the download-area for international students.  For winter semester admissions, please submit applications by 15th July, for summer semester admissions, the application deadline is 15th January of every year.

Please submit the following along with your application:

• notarized copies of your diploma and transcripts in your own language, as well as in either German or English. You must also include your secondary school diploma and transcripts, as well as your college degree and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees or diplomas). In some cases, you must submit the results of an admissions test;
• your professor’s agreement to supervise you;
• evidence of German-language skills. If your dissertation will be written in another language, then you must not provide this. In this case, your professor must confirm his or her permission to write your dissertation in a language other than German.

Ways of Earning a PhD

There are three different ways to earn a PhD at the University of Osnabrück. However, in every case, you must have a professor to supervise your work. Basically, you can write your dissertation as a member of a Graduiertenkolleg (graduate college), through a doctoral program, or in the traditional German way, without any additional coursework.

Graduate Colleges > In graduate and doctoral colleges, you are supervised along with other doctoral candidates who are researching related topics. Classes relevant to your topic are offered. As a member of a graduate college, you are often provided with financial support, but that means that new students are only occasionally accepted.

The DFG supports the following graduate colleges at the University of Osnabrück:

• "Molecular Physiology: Interaction of Cellular Nanostructures"
• ”Non-linear Optical Materials" 
• "Migration in Modern Europe"
• "European Integration and Changes in Social Structure"
• "Integrative Abilities and Wellbeing"

The Hans Böckler Foundation supports the following doctoral colleges at the University of Osnabrück:

• "European Integration – Opportunities and Limitations in Expanding European Integration"

Please note, however, that you must register before October 15 for a winter semester start at the University of Osnabrück. The deadline for summer semester registration is April 15. No registrations will be accepted after these deadlines. Applicants to graduate colleges must also observe these deadlines.

Doctoral Programs > The University also offers two doctoral programs, for which students may register every year. Here, too, you will be supervised and attend seminars along with other doctoral candidates, whose research is in similar areas.

• Advanced Materials
• Cognitive Science

Particular rules apply to applicants interested in these graduate colleges. For more information, please see the programs’ websites.
Please note, however, that you must register before October 15 for a winter semester start at the University of Osnabrück. The deadline for summer semester registration is April 15. No registrations will be accepted after these deadlines. Graduate college applicants must also observe these deadlines.

PhD without a Program > Even if there is no doctoral program for your topic, it is still possible to earn a PhD. First, you must find the appropriate mentor. If a professor is ready to supervise your dissertation, you can apply for admittance as a doctoral candidate.

Following your admission > The International Office is happy to help you both with the preparations for your stay in Osnabrück and during your stay at the University itself.
Further information can be found in the brochure ‘General Information for PhD students’.

Center for phD students at the University of Osnabrück (ZePrOs)

The center for phD students at the University of Osnabrück (ZePrOs) offers phD students from all faculties information and support, a tailor-made training, contact with regional employers and a doctoral network. For your gratuitious registration with ZePrOs please complete  the contact form and the application of admission and send them to ZePrOs. The ZePrOs team invites you to join ZePrOs and is looking forward to welcome you as a member of the network soon!
Further information >>