Information for Foreign Graduates: Doctorates, Dissertations, PhD programmes

Please note that we can only process forms that have been filled in completely. We would appreciate receiving the form and the documents via e-mail. Therefore, please see the instructions given at the end.

Prerequisites

The applicant must have already obtained a university degree that is academically equivalent to the German Master, "Staatsexamen" (in law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), Diplom or Magister. The awarded grade should be above average.
Unlike many universities in other countries, German universities do not, as a rule, offer PhD programmes, in which doctoral students complete a set of courses an classes. A doctorate is rather an individual research project, carried out under the guidance and supervision of and in close cooperation with an entitled faculty member who also takes the responsibility for the scientific performance of the student (mentor). The foundation of all doctoral studies is based on the dissertation regulations of the respective faculty. In any case, a written academic thesis must be handed in, which should be completed as a rule within three or four years maximum. It is defined by the dissertation regulations whether the whole doctoral examination is comprised of this written thesis and an oral exam (Rigorosum), or of the written thesis and a "Disputation" (defence).

Note: No tuition charged for PhD candidates!

Status of the doctoral student

The doctoral candidate can be registered as a student with all rights and duties of a full time student. Anyway, dissertation regulations usually require the candidate to have been registered for at least two semesters before the doctoral exam can be taken. Thus, we recommend registration.
Under certain conditions the "Office for International Student Affairs" offers up to 15 places per semester on a low-cost programme for a smooth integration of foreign doctoral students. For more information click here please.

 

Linguistic preparation

By request the doctoral thesis can be written in English. Required German language skills are determined either by the mentor, or, in some cases, by the dissertation regulations. The dean of the faculty only is entitled to certify that a German language test is not necessary.


Financial details
The applicant has to ensure that he/she has sufficient financial means to cover his/her costs of living. The amount of money needed should be roughly equal the respective monthly award paid by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Generally, the University of Marburg does not award scholarships. Doctoral students are expected to support themselves by their own means or through a scholarship from a third party (e.g. DAAD).

Doctoral students in the faculties of natural sciences and in the faculty of business administration and economics from Egypt may be offered Jameel Scholarships by Marburg University, if particularly qualified.

Your next steps

Please fill in the form below carefully and send it back to us, preferably via e-mail. Do not forget to attach the documents as described under "Academic performance" in the form.
We will check your information and get back to you and advice whether you can pursue your PhD at our university and, if yes, the next steps.

Download our PhD form here.

Instructions

Please downlod the form and save it on your local harddisk. Save the form under your complete name, begining with your last name. Fill in the form please. Attach the form and the necessary documents to an e-mail. Please be aware of a good quality of all documents. Send the e-mail to: PhD application

Regulars' table

The association DOKSUM, an independent, interdisciplinary and self-governing initiative of graduate students of the University of Marburg with the support of ISA (office for International Student Affairs of the University of Marburg) founded a regulars' table. Meetings take place biweekly, everybody is welcome to join. For more information click here please.