Doctorate programmes in Germany
In Germany there is the opportunity to complete a doctorate as part of an individual research project. To this end the doctoral candidate agrees on a subject with his/her supervisor. Individual doctorate procedures take around 3-5 years to complete. Doctoral candidates are generally free to organise and plan their research programmes.
There is also the option to complete a doctorate as part of a coordinated training concept. The German Research Association (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) has set up the Research Training Group (RTG) for this purpose. This offers a research programme that is classified by subject area in which the individual doctorates are integrated. Research Training Groups are often interdisciplinary in nature, can be set up internationally as an IRTG and convey soft skills that go beyond technical qualifications.
Saarland University counts many structured doctoral programmes, some of them including an international dimension, e.g. the International Max Planck Research School for computer science, supported by the German "Exzellenzinitiative", several RTGs funded by the DFG, the Marie Curie Initial Networks or programmes directly funded by the University. The UdS also provides PhD candidates with an interdisciplinary programme (GradUS) offering diverse support and training modules.
The University of Kaiserslautern offers various international doctorate programmes. The doctoral candidates take part in structured programmes, some of which take place in English. The work is generally completed in 3-5 years.
Trier University offers both the opportunity for individual projects as structured doctoral programmes. The "Internationales Graduiertenzentrum (IGZ)" is a central structure offering interdisciplinary trainings.
Enrolling for a doctorate
Individual enrolment is possible by the supervisor and department approving the thesis. In coordinated programmes there is usually a differentiated selection process with defined criteria after available positions are published.
Financing your doctorate
Most PhD candidates finance their PhD thanks to a research assistant position at a university or research centre. Many PhDs though get fellowships for their doctoral research for a period of around 3 years. The PhD candidate either applies in his/her name for a fellowship (e.g. foundations) or gets one when admitted to integrate a doctoral school / RTG. It is also possible to do the PhD in parallel to a permanent position as employee in the private or public sector.