After completing my master's, is it possible to pursue a PhD (HD) abroad in Germany?
Yes, holding a masters degree is the standard, required prerequisite for a PhD in Germany, since the country follows the Bologna system. You can pursue an individually supervised doctorate under one professor, or a structured PhD program at a graduate school, and many candidates are hired as paid research staff.
Yes, your masters degree makes you formally eligible to pursue a PhD in Germany, since a consecutive masters is the standard prerequisite under the Bologna system. Which path suits you depends on whether you prefer independent research or a structured cohort program.
Your Two Paths to a German PhD
| Path | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Individual Doctorate | You independently find a professor to supervise you and sign a Betreuungsvereinbarung agreement based on your proposed topic |
| Structured PhD Program | Cohort based programs at universities, Max Planck or Fraunhofer institutes, guided by a team, applied for as advertised vacancies |
Requirements and Funding to Plan For
- Your masters must be recognised as equivalent to a German masters, often verified through the Uni-assist portal if earned abroad.
- Structured and STEM programs are frequently taught entirely in English, while individual doctorates in humanities or social sciences may need German.
- Many PhD candidates are hired on a university contract under public pay scales like TV-L E13, or fund themselves through DAAD scholarships.
My Advice
Start reaching out to professors whose research matches your masters thesis at least a year before you plan to begin, since securing a supervisor and funding early is what actually determines when your PhD can start.
Looking for a specific course in Germany?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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