Doctoral studies as a parent
The University of Cologne seeks to provide special support for young scientists and researchers with children and offers a variety of support services, childcare and counseling.
In many Graduate Schools and doctoral programs, doctoral candidates with children who hold a scholarship receive additional allowance and/or an extension of funding. You can also convert your scholarship or a grant into a part-time scholarship with extended duration.
To doctoral candidates who are employed, e.g. by the University of Cologne, the legal provisions for parents by employment law apply (paid maternity leave, parental leave). Information on legal protection during pregnancy and for working mothers, parental leave, child allowance etc. can be obtained on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
At the Law Faculty, doctoral candidates with children may assign a student assistant for various auxiliary scientific tasks.
Some of the faculties and graduate schools as well as the Student Service Center (SSC) offer Family Study Rooms to doctoral candidates with children. In the university canteens you can find children's chairs and sometimes a separate children's area.
During scientific events and conferences you can use professional child care (on demand) through a back-up service. The Albertus Magnus Nachwuchszentrum aims to offer more back-up child care and supports parents networking.
The Dual Career & Family Support Office and the Gender Commissioner also offer a variety of support and counseling services for all members of the University of Cologne.
Special offers for families at the University of Cologne
- Dual Career & Family Support Office
- “Studying, working and researching with children" at the University of Cologne
- Support for students with children by the Kölner Studierendenwerk (Website in German)
- PARAMECIUM – childcare at the University of Cologne (Website in German)
- Childcare at the University Hospital of Cologne