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International PhD candidates
International PhD candidates
Learn more about the following topics:
Why choose the Universität Leipzig for my PhD?
Which PhD programme is right for me?
Why choose the Universität Leipzig for my PhD?
In Leipzig you‘ll find the very best environment and conditions for your PhD
studies. You‘ll benefit from:
- Research-oriented, internationally recognised PhD programmes, that allow the creation of knowledge at the highest level thanks to interdisciplinary research focuses and state-of-the-art equipment.
- A broad spectrum of research opportunities at a comprehensive university which offers PhD programmes in every department.
- An excellent research environment featuring close to 20 research institutes located in Leipzig, including multiple Max Planck, Fraunhofer and Leibniz Institutes.
- An affordable city with a lively character. Leipzig offers a vibrant cultural scene, affordable flats and trendy neighbourhoods. And located right in the middle of the city is the new campus of the Universität Leipzig.
Which PhD programme is right for me?
The Universität Leipzig offers two different ways to gain a doctorate: either
individually or within a structured programme. The following description helps you understand the different concepts:
Which PhD programme is right for me?
5 steps to a PhD
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Determine whether your research topic falls under the research profile of the Universität Leipzig. Decide how you want to do your PhD: by help of a structured PhD programme or individually? Find an advising professor at the Universität Leipzig. |
Step 1: Prepare for your PhD
First, you’ll need to look at the research profile (Forschungsprofil) of the Universität Leipzig and determine if your research topic falls under one of the
research areas therein.
Before applying to the university you’ll also need to decide how you want to do your PhD: Are you more interested in working within a structured PhD programme or independently on your own?
Please note that in any case you´ll first need a written confirmation (Betreuererklärung) from your future advising professor before you can apply for
admission through the International Centre.
If you decide on a structured PhD programme, please also note the entrance
requirements of the Research Academy Leipzig.
Step 2: Apply for admission
Your application must include a comprehensive overview of all previous
education from secondary school to the highest completed level. The following documents form part of a full application:
Please hand in your application to Dr. Anne-Maria Stresing at the International Centre.
Step 3: The International Centre checks your application
The International Centre will check the formal qualifications of your application, i.e. how and if your previous university degrees are recognised in Germany. If you completely fulfil the formal requirements you‘ll receive a letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid). You will most likely need this for your visa application.
If your previous university degrees are not equivalent to the German prerequisites for study, the International Centre can provide a letter of acceptance with conditions.
The formal examination of all academic qualifications is based on the provisions of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). The ZAB is a part of the German Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs. It is the central office in Germany for questions regarding the evaluation of educational qualifications earned abroad.
Step 4: Enrol at the Universität Leipzig
If you‘ve received your letter of admission from the International Centre, you
can go to Dr. Anne-Maria Stresing at any time during office hours to enrol
at the Universität Leipzig. You should have the following items available and at hand:
Step 5: Register as a PhD candidate in your faculty
Together with your advising professor you’ll need to submit an application for admission to your Faculty’s doctoral candidate list (Antrag auf Aufnahme in die Doktorandenliste).
The application should be submitted as soon as possible after enrolment at the University. Ideally you’ll already have written confirmation of acceptance to the doctoral candidate list when you first apply to the University or enrol.
