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PhD Scholarships at University of Duisburg-Essen

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) offers a range of PhD scholarships and funded positions, particularly appealing to international students seeking advanced research opportunities in Germany. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, UDE provides doctoral programs in fields like biology, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and plant sciences. International applicants benefit from English-taught programs and support services, including visa assistance and integration programs. Funding often comes through research positions, graduate schools, or external scholarships like DAAD, covering stipends and research costs. UDE’s two campuses in Duisburg and Essen foster a vibrant, multicultural environment, with over 20% international students. Prospective PhD candidates must secure a supervisor and meet academic requirements, making it accessible for global talents pursuing innovative research in natural sciences.

Introduction to PhD Opportunities at University of Duisburg-Essen

University of Duisburg-Essen welcomes international students to its PhD programs, offering funded positions in cutting-edge research areas. With a focus on global accessibility, UDE provides support for non-EU applicants, including guidance on residence permits and funding options. Programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, making it ideal for foreign researchers aiming to contribute to scientific advancements in Europe.

Fields of Study

University of Duisburg-Essen offers PhD opportunities in several agriculture-related fields through its Faculty of Biology and associated institutes. These programs emphasize research in natural sciences, with a focus on sustainability and innovation, accessible to international students.
These fields align with UDE's research strengths, offering international students funded positions and collaborative projects. Applicants should review specific graduate schools for tailored opportunities.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD programs at University of Duisburg-Essen requires a relevant master's degree or equivalent, and acceptance by a supervisor. International students must ensure their qualifications are recognized in Germany, with support available through the International Office.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, with a minimum grade equivalent to 2.5 in the German system. International qualifications are assessed for equivalence by the faculty. For natural sciences PhDs, prior research experience is advantageous.
Supervisor Acceptance
Prospective PhD candidates must contact and secure agreement from a UDE professor to supervise their dissertation. This involves submitting a CV, academic transcripts, and a brief research outline to potential supervisors.
Enrollment Requirements
Upon supervisor approval, applicants enroll as doctoral students. International students need to provide proof of health insurance and sufficient funds for visa purposes, though funded positions often cover this.

Monthly Stipend for PhD Positions

Funded PhD positions at UDE typically offer a monthly salary of around 2,000-2,500 EUR (approximately 2,200-2,700 USD), depending on the funding source such as DFG grants or university positions. This supports living expenses for international students during their research.

Annual Research Funding

In addition to stipends, PhD students may receive annual budgets of 5,000-10,000 EUR for research expenses, including conferences, travel, and materials, through graduate schools or project grants. This does not include salary.

Application Process for PhD Scholarships

The application for PhD positions involves finding a supervisor and applying for admission. International students receive support from the International Office for documentation and visa processes.
  1. Identify a Supervisor: Search for professors in your field via the faculty websites and contact them with your CV, transcripts, and research interests. Use the doctoral studies portal for listings: Doctoral Studies.
  2. Submit Documents for Supervision Agreement: Provide academic records, motivation letter, and references to the potential supervisor. Once agreed, obtain a supervision commitment letter.
  3. Apply for Doctoral Admission: Submit the application form, supervision letter, degree certificates, and CV to the Doctoral Office. International applicants include qualification equivalence if needed.
  4. Enroll as a Doctoral Student: After admission, enroll at the Student Service Center with proof of insurance and residence permit for non-EU students.
For assistance, contact the International Office at [email protected] or 49 203 379-3704. Deadlines vary by position, often rolling admissions.

Application Deadlines

PhD applications at University of Duisburg-Essen are typically rolling, with no fixed deadlines for most programs. Specific funded positions may have deadlines posted on the job portal. For the 2024/2025 academic year, check individual graduate school calls, often closing in spring or fall. Visit the official site for updates: Doctoral Studies. Application Deadlines

Official Website

For more information, please visit the official website:

Contact Information for PhD Admissions and Inquiries

For inquiries about PhD scholarships, reach out via email at [email protected] or call 49 203 379-3704.
  • Physical Address:
  • Universitätsstraße 2
  • 45141 Essen
  • Germany

Additional Information

International Student Services

UDE's International Office provides orientation programs, language courses, and buddy systems for foreign PhD students. Visa support and residence permit guidance ensure smooth integration. Over 9,000 international students benefit from these services annually.

Career Prospects

PhD graduates from UDE pursue careers in academia, industry, and research institutions globally. The university's Career Service offers workshops on job applications and networking, with strong ties to German industries in the Ruhr area.

Resource Links

Explore funding via Research Funding. For international admissions, visit International Office. Graduate schools details at Graduate Center.

Additional Information

PhD scholarship programs and External Funding Opportunities for PhD Scholarships in Agriculture University of Duisburg-Essen

DAAD PhD Scholarships

DAAD offers scholarships for international PhD students in agriculture-related fields like environmental sciences. Eligibility: Non-German nationals with a master's degree. Funding: 1,200 EUR monthly plus travel. Deadlines: Vary, often October. Apply via DAAD Portal. Contact: [email protected].

DFG Research Training Groups

DFG funds PhD positions in UDE's graduate schools, including biology and biotechnology. Eligibility: International applicants with relevant qualifications. Funding: Salary positions ~2,000 EUR/month. Deadlines: Project-specific. Details at DFG Website. Contact: [email protected].

Erasmus+ Doctoral Mobility

For EU and non-EU students, funding short-term PhD research stays in agriculture. Eligibility: Enrolled PhD students. Funding: 700-850 EUR/month. Deadlines: February/March. Apply through Erasmus+ Program. Contact: Local Erasmus office.

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