Funding for doctoral studies
A doctorate can be financed either by working at a chair at the University of Cologne, with the help of a doctoral scholarship or by working outside the university.
Employment at the University of Cologne
Doctoral candidates can be employed as research assistants at the University of Cologne. These positions are regularly advertised and require a normal application. In most Faculties, these "doctoral positions" are part-time positions. Depending on the position, the doctoral candidates fulfil tasks in a research project and/or at the chair, such as teaching seminars for Bachelor students, carrying out or supervising laboratory work, carrying out administrative tasks, supporting the professors' research work (proofreading, research, carrying out experiments etc.). The remaining time is intended for writing the dissertation. The tasks and working hours depend on the respective supervisor and professional practice.
Job advertisements for research assistants can be found on the website of the University of Cologne's job centre and in the career portal.
Scholarships
Doctoral scholarships are awarded by various foundations and organizations. The scholarships usually consist of an amount to cover living expenses and a lump sum for research costs. Many foundations also offer an accompanying programme with advisory services, seminars and interdisciplinary exchange.
The following websites of external providers give an overview of possible scholarship providers:
Good to know: Many structured doctoral programmes also offer scholarships, although these are generally tied to participation in the programme. An individual doctorate with such a programme scholarship is not possible. You can find more information on this under doctorate in a structured programme.
Further information on the University of Cologne's doctoral programmes (re-entry scholarships, etc.) can also be found on the website of Department 7 - Research Management.
Other employment
There are doctoral programmes that can also be pursued during a part-time career, i.e. financed by work outside academia. In Cologne, for example, there are a number of publishers, independent research institutes, companies and organizations that offer part-time positions for doctoral candidates or employment contracts on an hourly basis.
Many of these vacancies are listed on the University of Cologne's job portal.