As Europe’s only intergovernmental research organization in the life sciences and as a leading laboratory in molecular biology, EMBL is dedicated to promoting excellence in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by inspiring and fostering talented young scientists to turn them into skilled and creative future leaders.

The EMBL International Ph.D. Programme is Europe’s ‘best in class’ Ph.D. programme for the life sciences. 240 students from over 40 countries are carrying out Ph.D. research at EMBL at any time. Every year we admit an average of 60 new students, who belong to the top science graduates in their countries. They are carefully selected from a large multi-national pool of applicants that reached over 1700 applications in 2012.... [-]

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neural Circuits was established in 2011 and offers around ten fully-paid positions every year for talented students holding a relevant Masters or Bachelors as their highest degree to perform research resulting in a PhD. The program is taught in English.

We offer a multidisciplinary program to excellent doctoral students with backgrounds in neuroscience, mathematics, physics, computer science, (bio) chemistry, biology and medicine as well as research experience in the participating institutions of the Frankfurt Neuroscience community. Students will participate in a tailor-made educational program including research rotations and neuroscience courses but also in training in transferable skills as well as retreats, conferences and summer schools and lecture series. A special fast-track option is offered to students with a Bachelor’s as their highest degree.... [-]

PhD in Economics - with a full-time scholarship at DIW Graduate Center

Who we areThe German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) is one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany. We are an independent, non-profit institute involved in economic research, service and policy advice. In addition to co-operating closely with universities in Berlin and Brandenburg, we are also active in international academic networks.

The goal of the DIW Graduate Center is to provide outstanding doctoral students with a research environment and a training structure that will develop their talents in an exemplary manner. It provides them with a deep understanding of economic and social processes while offering them the opportunity to apply their knowledge within the professional research environment of one of the leading economic think tanks in Germany.... [-]

PhD in Biological Diversity and Ecology

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.)Standard period of study: 6 semestersStart of programme: winter or summer semesterAdmission: admission restricted (application with the faculty)Admission for international applicants: admission restricted (application with the university)Terms of admission: interviewLanguage requirements: good knowledge of English (mother tongue/internationally acknowledged certificate/equivalent knowledge)

Course description

The doctoral studies programme qualifies for scientific work in the areas of biodiversity and ecology in university and non-university research institutes. It leads to a Ph.D. or a doctorate.The subject in Göttingen: fields, main areas of researchMain areas of study and research with the 19 professorships associated with the Göttingen Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology... [-]

Ph.D. in Catalysis for Sustainable Synthesis (Ph.D./Dr. rer. nat.)Modern developments in sustainable catalytic chemistry form the focus of the "Catalysis for Sustainable Synthesis" doctoral programme at Göttingen. This degree programme in the English language is directly connected with one of the research foci of the Faculty of Chemistry. This doctoral programme is characterized by excellent research possibilities, renowned supervisors, international partners and a thematically co-ordinated programme of studies. The Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture supports the study programme by awarding a number of scholarships.

Degree: Dr. rer.nat./Ph.D.Standard period of study: 3 years (6 semesters)Starting semester: Winter or summer semesterApplication deadline: January 31st (summer semester) Juli 31st (winter semester)Admission: Limited admission (application to the Faculty)Admission requirements: Diploma or Master degreeLanguage requirements: English (verification required)... [-]

Ph.D. in Behaviour and CognitionDegree: Dr. rer. nat. or Ph.D.Implementation: Summer and winter semesterRegular duration: Six SemestersApplication: Online-ApplicationApplication deadline and beginning: January 31st for the following summer term; July 31st for the following winter termRequirements: Master in Biology or Psychology, or a related field from the natural sciences; „fast track“ admission from the affiliated master programmes in Psychology or DNB (Developmental, Neural and Behavioural Biology) at the University of Göttingen is possible for outstanding candidates.Language Requirements: Proof of proficiency in English

Brief Description

The focus of this study programme is on the foundations and the evolution of nonhuman and human primate behavior. Research projects are undertaken in the fields of psychology, anthropology and evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on comparative approaches. Core areas are the evolution of social behavior, group behavior and group coordination, developmental psychology, as well as the cognitive and physiological foundations of behavior. The programme is run by the Faculty of Biology and Psychology of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, the Courant Research Centres „Evolution of Social Behaviour” and „Text structures" and the German Primate Center. Interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange are an important element of this study program.Doctoral students are affiliated with one (or sometimes two) of the research groups of this programme. Each project is supervised by a three-member thesis committee. The exchange across groups and disciplines is fostered by the integration of the doctoral students into the Courant Research Centres „Evolution of Social Behaviour” and „Text structures" funded by the German Initiative of Excellence. Its regular research... [-]

Ph.D. in Microbiology and Biochemistry

The doctoral program "Microbiology and Biochemistry" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is hosted by the Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry.The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, or related fields.The Microbiology and Biochemistry program accepts students who are interested in all problems of microbiology and biochemistry. Training is aimed at achieving a comparative understanding of microorganisms work at a molecular level and how they contribute to interactions in their natural environments; a critical sense of how to apply comprehensive genomic analysis tools, and an ability to set up and test conceptual models for molecular functions.... [-]

PhD in Environmental informatics

Environmental informatics is understood to be an integrated subject consisting of bio-, eco-and geoinformatics in addition to scientific computing. By using the tools of informatics on this subject, anyone can study or model objects, structures, regulatory networks, processes (signals, materials, and information flows) at various scales and integration levels. Under the umbrella of environmental informatics, the transfer of knowledge about biological, ecological and environmental systems and the system-orientated integration of such will be improved and promoted using modern methods and technology. This important integrative approach at the system level is effective due to the efficient academic and education-related measures set up with the establishment of the MSc and PhD programmes in environmental informatics and their embedment in GAUSS and in the research landscape Göttingen. The excellent biological, ecosystemic, environmental and mathematical research in Göttingen requires the establishment of a corresponding integrated Master and PhD programme in environmental informatics, from which important innovative scientific impulses and contributions can be expected.... [-]

International PhD in Agricultural Sciences in GöttingenDegree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Standard period of study: Six SemestersStart: throughout the yearApplication deadline: noneAdmission: Limited admission (application to the Faculty)Requirements: Master degree or equivalent in Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Geography or related fieldsLanguage requirements: English (verification required)

Programme description

This internationally designed course of study is held in English and is intended to lead graduates of agricultural science to a doctorate degree in three years. It is aimed towards German and international students with an international study focus on their research activities.In the first year of studies, the courses concentrate on modules that prepare the contents and methods of the research. In the second year, doctoral candidates may return to their home country to acquire the data necessary for their work. Field research is accompanied on site in seminars at partner universities. In the third year - back in Göttingen – the data is evaluated and the dissertation prepared. It is also possible to conduct research activities solely at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. During studies, two public colloquiums are specified in which the doctoral candidates introduce the status of their research work. Scientific seminars and lectures during the entire course of the programme offer a forum for the interdisciplinary exchange of all research projects. Workshops convey occupational qualifications such as teamwork, moderating or evaluations techniques.This programme is conducted in cooperation with universities abroad in Indonesia, Thailand, Cuba, and Chile.For this program, you have to enroll in Doctoral Studies for Agricultural Sciences in Göttingen... [-]

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology of Cells

The doctoral program "Molecular Biology of Cells" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is hosted by the Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, and the German Primate Center.The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, medicine, or related fields.The program accepts students from diverse areas of previous education who share an enthusiasm for studying cells. Training is aimed at achieving a comparative understanding of how cell fate and topology are determined, a critical sense of how to apply comprehensive genomic analysis tools, and the ability to set up and test conceptual models for cellular functions.... [-]

Ph.D. in Physics of Biological and Complex Systems

The GGNB doctoral program / International Max Planck Research School "Physics of Biological and Complex Systems" is a member of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization.The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the physics, biophysics, chemistry, life sciences, medicine, or related fields.Building upon the increasingly strong links between physics, chemistry and the life sciences, the program aims at advancing the quantitative and molecular understanding of life processes while at the same time exploring new frontiers of physics. Research topics include biomolecular structure and dynamics, biological membranes, motor proteins and pattern formation in systems of interacting cells, neuronal information processing, and hydrodynamics and pattern formation of complex fluids.The program offers cutting-edge advanced microscopy courses and teaches the basics of new cutting-edge techniques essential for studying life processes in combination with quantitative physical approaches and synthetic strategies. An important aim is to overcome traditional barriers between disciplines and expose graduate students to physics, chemistry, and biology for a deeper understanding of all areas preparing students for increasingly interdisciplinary life sciences.... [-]

The Solar System School recruits and supports excellent junior researchers, offering them training towards a PhD degree in physics at an international graduate school in a vibrant geo- and astrophysics research environment.

The Solar System School

The "International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen" (IMPRS, Solar System School) is a collaboration of the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research and the University of Göttingen offering an international PhD programme in physics.

The Solar System School is a research-oriented graduate programme hosted by the Max Planck Institute (MPS) on the Göttingen Campus in the center of Germany. In this unique environment, the IMPRS School is run jointly with the Institute for Astrophysics and the Institute of Geophysics. Junior researchers joining the doctoral programme will find that these institutes offer excellent facilities, internationally renowned researchers, and experienced teachers, and provide excellent conditions to specialize in the field of Solar System science.... [-]

Ph.D. in Computer Science (PCS)

The “Ph.D. Programme in Computer Science” (PCS) is a Ph.D. programme offered by the graduate school of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS). PCS was created by the participating institutions of the Center for Computational Sciences and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen in 2005 with the mission to provide high-quality Ph.D. education on a high scientific level within three years. The PCS programme includes lectures, seminars, and methods courses. In addition, PCS encourages to participate in international conferences or workshops. PCS also emphasizes soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and moderation techniques. The Ph.D. candidates are obliged to take part in tutoring activities.Each PCS applicant needs to choose a research area from a computer science related research group, e.g. Center for Computational Sciences or Institute of Computer Science. Afterwards, a related supervisor from the list of eligible examiners needs to be found, which is normally one of the group leaders of the chosen research group.PCS is open to students from Germany and from abroad who hold a Master's degree in Computer Sciences (or equivalent). After the successful completion of the PCS programme, the international degree of Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or alternatively the degree of Dr. rer. nat. (Doctor Rerum Naturalium) will be awarded.... [-]

Description of Study Program

The Göttingen math department offers excellent and manifold opportunities for pursuing a career towards a doctoral degree. Students are integrated into the international and inspiring environment of the department. The spectrum of possible Ph.D. research topics ranges from pure over applied mathematics to mathematical statistics. Ph.D. projects may also be interdisciplinary, with close connections to other disciplines, such as mathematical physics or biophysics.

For more information about the various research topics of the Göttingen math department, please consult the faculty homepages. The Ph.D. program usually takes three years. During the entire program, doctoral candidates are students of the University of Göttingen. Aside from the research program, Ph.D. candidates are additionally required to attend lectures and seminars in order to broaden their knowledge and to acquire new skills. Ph.D. students are also expected to present their research results at international conferences and workshops.... [-]

The Joint Ph.D. Program between Chile and Germany

The PhD-Program “Agricultural Economics” (J-PPAE) is jointly offered by the Georg-August-Universität of Goettingen (Germany) and Universidad de Talca (Chile).By taking part in one of our programs, our PhD-students benefit from the international very well cross-linked Agricultural Faculty and its excellent reputation. Our research-oriented PhD-program “Agricultural Economics” is dedicated to combining theoretical knowledge of agricultural topics with practical solutions. We offer to get a very well-distinguished education in agribusiness and its neighboring fields of study.Besides this, Göttingen does not only have a university, Göttingen is a university, so it has been said for the past 270 years. That means: every third resident downtown is a student, the city is lively, young and not too big - everything is close by.In Göttingen you don't only meet friends in the lecture hall, you get in contact with them on the streets of downtown, at concerts, in the theatre, at sports and in the numerous cafes and bars. Studying in Göttingen is traditionally internationally oriented. The motto is themed "studying while well taken care of". Göttingen is a lovable city, in which the ground stone has been laid for many careers.... [-]