Your first step in applying for doctoral studies is to look through the departmental websites at each University, to find a professor who matches your research interests. Contact this professor directly via email, to state your background and interests and to inquire if he/she is interested in taking on a doctoral student.

If your interests match, the professor may secure your enrollment at the university.

Phd studies in the Ruhr area are research-oriented and typically take 3-4 years. You will spend the majority of this time doing research with your departmental colleagues and developing your on your dissertation research, which culminates in a dissertation defense/ exam. German language abilities are not required, as the dissertation may be written and defended in english. While completing your studies, you may also opt to take German language lessons, which are provided at each university. 

There are no tuition fees for Doctoral Students.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us at ConRuhr - we are happy to help.

University Home pages:

University of Bochum
University of Duisburg-Essen
Technical University Dortmund