Doing a doctorate with a German degree

Other admission

As well as evidence of a university degree, faculties may specify other admission criteria, such as a very good mark in the final examinations or certain language skills. Admission procedures are determined by the individual faculty culture. Ultimately, admission to a doctoral programme is decided on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of the applicable doctoral regulations.

For admission to a doctoral programme it is also relevant whether your chosen topic is linked to your degree or in a different field. There must usually be a connection with your degree subject. If you want to do a doctorate in a different field, the doctoral committee will decide whether to admit you and whether to impose any additional requirements.

Doctoral Studies

Admission to a doctoral programme with a bachelor's degree or Diplom (FH)

Under certain conditions, exceptionally qualified graduates with a bachelor's degree or a Diplom (FH) may be admitted to a doctoral programme at a university or higher education institution with equivalent status. For the purposes of admission to doctoral programmes, bachelor's degrees from universities and universities of applied sciences are considered equivalent to Diplom degrees from universities of applied sciences.

What is deemed to be "exceptionally qualified" is defined by the individual university in its doctoral regulations. Often this means a very good degree or equivalent criteria, for example the applicant being among the top graduates in her or his subject. Graduates with a bachelor's degree or Diplom (FH) are usually also required to pass an aptitude assessment.

Aptitude assessment process

There is no standard definition of the form, substance or duration of an aptitude assessment process. Access to the aptitude assessment process and the organisation of this process are defined by the individual university in its doctoral regulations. The details of the process are defined by the doctoral committee in consultation with the supervisor with due consideration of the requirements specified in the doctoral regulations and after interviewing the applicant.