The procedures may differ depending on the Faculty, research area and type of doctorate and are defined by the Faculties and programs.

You can find out the exact application requirements and procedures from the respective doctoral programs as well as open calls for applications and job offers. Additional job openings can also be found on the University of Cologne job portal.

If you have decided to do an individual doctorate at the University of Cologne, you will need an academic supervisor ("Doktorvater", "Doktormutter"). You can find the relevant university lecturers on the websites of the individual Faculties. We also recommend that you also contact the central graduate schools of the relevant Faculty in advance to obtain information about the current application requirements.

Please note that the Albertus Magnus Center cannot proceed or forward applications.

General requirements

In principle, admission to doctoral studies at the University of Cologne requires an above-average degree in an appropriate subject. This university degree should normally be at the level of a Master's degree, which is awarded after at least eight semesters of study. Only in exceptional cases is a Bachelor's degree sufficient.

The respective Faculty decides whether academic achievements and degrees (especially degrees from foreign universities) are appropriate. In certain cases, it is necessary for you to catch up on courses from your Master's degree before you are admitted to the doctorate. Detailed information on admission can be found in the relevant doctoral regulations of the respective faculty or in the relevant doctoral program itself.

Language requirements

The University of Cologne is becoming increasingly accessible to English speakers and English is the language of science at many research institutions. German language skills are not necessarily a prerequisite for starting a doctorate at the University of Cologne. In principle, it is also possible to write and defend the dissertation in English or another language. However, the consent of your supervisor and the approval of the doctoral committee are required. Detailed information on admission can be found in the relevant doctoral regulations of the respective Faculty; please contact the relevant doctoral program yourself.

A doctorate can be financed either by working at the University of Cologne, with the help of a doctoral scholarship or by working outside the university.

On our pages you will find general information on financing options. Furthermore you are welcome to contact the Faculty or institution where you would like to do your doctorate to find out what options are available to support you in financing your doctorate.