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1. Outstanding reputation of German doctorate

The German doctorate enjoys an outstanding reputation in all disciplines. And today universities and research institutions between Aachen and Zittau present young researchers with many different paths to a doctorate. Especially the structured doctoral programmes that have been established over recent years offer international graduates extremely attractive opportunities – as a member of a research team that provides intensive support and swift results.

2. Excellent research infrastructure

As a nation with a long cultural and scientific tradition, Germany offers exceptional infrastructure for research work:  pproximately 8,400 public and 240 academic libraries guarantee outstanding research opportunities. Moreover, German universities and research institutions are among the best in the world. There are many reasons for this: for example, the large choice of higher education centres and types of institution – namely some 165 locations with 360 higher education institutions including 140 entitled to award doctorates (universities of applied sciences do not have this right).  Additionally, Germany can offer well-equipped research instiutions such as the Hemholtz Associations or Max Planck Society. Moreover, German companies are among the most actively engaged in research in Europe. More information

3. Good funding opportunities

Germany welcomes international graduates and many funding organisations support foreign PhD students. For instance, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supported 2,580 international doctoral candidates with individual funding in 2008. In addition, the DAAD supports some 2,000 foreign doctoral candidates a year in various projects. In exceptional cases, a full doctoral programme in Germany can be funded for up to four years. But also other organisation offer interesting funding programmes for PhD students. More information

4. Strong international focus

Germany`s research institutions, universities and companies welcome international researchers and offer excellent opportunities for doctoral students. In many cases, the institute`s language is English.

5. High standard of living

The world knows the “Land of Ideas” not just from its products “Made in Germany” but also as the “land of poets and thinkers” with a high standard of living. This includes a unique cultural range with a huge music and theatre scene. More than 20 million tourists travel to Germany every year – they wander around the capital Berlin, enjoy the unique cultural range with a huge music and theatre scene or experience the many-sided countryside. More information