Application Documents

Applications can be submitted throughout the year. For enrolment in the summer semester (start in early April) submission is recommend no later than November 1st, for enrolment in winter semester (start in early October) no later than May 1st. Checking your application and eligibility to pursue doctoral studies, finding a supervisor, decision of the PhD Committee and Faculty Council as well as visa application procedure take several months.

Please submit the following application documents via the online portal MoveOn:

1.Curriculum Vitae
2.Certified copy of your original higher education entrance qualification
e.g. School diploma, School-leaving certificate or German Abitur certificate
3.Certified copies of your complete Bachelor´s certificate and transcript of records
In English translation by a sworn interpreter and including an explanation on the grading system of the university
4.Certified copies of your complete Master´s certificate and transcript of records
In English translation by a sworn interpreter and including an explanation on the grading system of the university
5.1 to 2 pages summary of your Master´s thesis
Or similar academic thesis (e.g. Diploma thesis)
6.2 letters of recommendation
From university professors (e.g. your Master´s thesis supervisor), former employers or project partners
7.Proof of English proficiency and possible exemptions
8.Completed and signed Declaration
9.A coloured passport-styled photo
In JPEG format
10.A comprehensive PhD Research Proposal
Please use the given Template

You have to decide by yourself on which research topic to write your PhD Research Proposal, but the research proposal has to fit the Research Focus of the PhD programme.

The purpose of the research proposal is to evaluate your ability to pursue a PhD. If your application is complete and you meet our eligibility criteria, we forward your proposal to a professor/potential supervisor who decides if your proposal meets our criteria and fits the profile of the respective chair. Important is that your proposal is innovative, meets scientific standards and you use up-to-date scientific methods. Please ensure that you know about the state-of-the-art in your research field.

Do not submit any additional documents that are not required. The evaluation of your application will be based on the documents mentioned above.

Your application will only be processed after we received all required documents.