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How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

If you’re considering advancing your academic journey with a PhD and have a passion for conducting research in your field, Germany could be an excellent destination for you. With its top-tier universities, exciting research opportunities, financial support, and diverse culture, Germany stands out as an excellent choice for PhD studies.

These are the main steps to doing a PhD in Germany:

Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

• Decide Between Individual and Structured PhD Programs
• Meet All Requirements & Prepare Your Application

Apply for Doctoral Studies

Secure funding, get a student visa or resident permit, arrive in germany and begin your phd program, why pursue a phd in germany.

Here are some compelling reasons to pursue a PhD in Germany:

• Top universities. Germany boasts four universities ranked in the top 100 globally, offering access to world-class education and research facilities.
• International student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community, with over 458,210 international students studying across the country.
• Abundant research institutions. Germany’s 1,000+ publicly funded research institutions, spanning universities, applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies, offer countless opportunities for collaboration and networking.
• Investment in research and development. Germany’s commitment to research and development is evident through its increasing expenditure, which reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
• Strong economy. Germany is known for its robust and stable economy, offering potential career opportunities in academia, industry, and research sectors after completing your PhD.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

Below, you will find all the steps you need to take, from discovering your perfect program to submitting your application and commencing your PhD adventure in Germany.

To start your PhD in Germany, define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. Explore resources, attend conferences, and connect with professors. Use online sources, engage with academic communities, and seek advice from current PhD students for insights into the research scene.

If you’re already clear about your research direction, it’s time to search for suitable programs. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a comprehensive database of current opportunities, which you can explore at the DAAD PhD Database . Additionally, consider researching universities in Germany individually to understand what each institution offers in terms of research and programs.

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You will also have to find a supervisor. One way to do so is by visiting university websites to find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research interests. Contact professors whose work aligns with your research interests, express your interest and inquire about supervision opportunities.

> You can search PhD programs using the GERiT database , which features over 31,000 research institutions.

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

Before you start searching for a PhD program, it’s essential to understand that in Germany, there are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD, each with its own set of advantages and opportunities.

Individual PhD Programs

An individual doctorate program is considered the more common and traditional PhD route in Germany. It is a flexible and self-directed path to earning a doctoral degree, particularly in fields like humanities and social sciences. You take the initiative to find a supervisor (called “Doktorvater” or “Doktormutter”) for your research project and often suggest your research topic.

There’s no fixed curriculum, giving you the freedom to set your research timeline and choose coursework. This approach requires self-discipline and active networking, including participation in doctoral candidate meetings and research events.

Structured PhD Programs

Structured PhD programs in Germany offer a clear path to a PhD degree, typically lasting three to five years. Unlike individual doctorate studies, they include a curriculum, research proposal submission that has to fit an existing program, and a set timeline for coursework and research.

Candidates benefit from advisor supervision and are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines, making structured programs ideal if you’re seeking a guided and comprehensive doctoral experience.

Ensure You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

The requirements and application documents for a PhD in Germany can vary depending on your chosen institution and research area. However, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

• Academic degree recognized in Germany. Typically, you’ll need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) to qualify for a PhD program.
• Copy of master’s thesis. Provide a copy of your master’s thesis, showcasing your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
• Research proposal. Craft a clear and comprehensive research proposal outlining your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance.
• Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose explaining why you wish to pursue a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with your aspirations.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV). Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, publications, and any other qualifications.
• Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction (usually German or English), you may have to provide proof of language proficiency. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, IELTS, or proof of previous studies in the language.
• Academic references. You may need to provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors or academic advisors confirming your academic abilities and research potential.
• Predoctoral examination. Some programs may require you to pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

Once you’ve found a suitable PhD program and a mentor, and your academic qualifications are recognized in Germany, you can start your application. Depending on the university or research institute, you can apply online or by post, so it’s essential to check their specific requirements. Keep in mind that admission committees are selective and may conduct interviews to admit the best candidates.

Securing funding is a crucial step when preparing for a PhD in Germany. To meet visa requirements and stay in the country, you must demonstrate access to a minimum of €934 per month, totaling €11,208 annually. This proof can be provided through an admission agreement or relevant contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are various ways to financially support yourself while pursuing a PhD in Germany:

• PhD scholarships. DAAD offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139.
• Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will have a contract and work on specific research projects while receiving a salary.
• Research associate positions. You can also work as a research associate in a university, research institution, or company and receive a salary as compensation.
• Part-time jobs. Some PhD students/researchers work part-time jobs that are not related to their studies to secure additional income.

> Read more about the costs associated with studying in Germany.

> Explore scholarship opportunities.

Once your acceptance into the PhD program is confirmed by the university or institution, you can begin the process of applying for a student visa or residence permit. The PhD visa or permit requirements for Germany can vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances:

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need any special permit or visa to pursue a PhD in Germany. They can research and work with just a valid passport or ID card.

For international researchers who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, a visa will be required to work as a researcher in Germany.

The type of visa you need depends on your specific situation:

• Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program, you may apply for a student visa.
• Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany, you can apply for a research visa.
• EU Blue Card. If your PhD offer includes a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you may be eligible for an EU Blue Card, which is a special residence title for international academics.

Residence Permit Requirements

Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit based on the visa you have:

• Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, you can get a study-based residence permit for up to two years, extendable.
• Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, you can get a research permit for Germany. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
• EU Blue Card. You may be eligible for the EU Blue Card, which is for foreign academics and qualified workers in Germany. To get it through a PhD offer, your salary should be at least €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for certain bottleneck professions .

*Note that nationals of certain countries , including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, who are not required to obtain a visa, must still apply for a residence permit.

> For more specific information tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also use this visa navigator.

Arriving in Germany and commencing your PhD program is an exciting step, but there are certain formalities you need to take care of. The international office at the university or a representative can guide you, however here are the main things to take care of once you’re in the country:

Register Your Residence

Shortly after your arrival, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is mandatory, and you typically have a window of two weeks to complete this process.

Obtain Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany, including international PhD students, is obligated by law to have health insurance coverage . The type of health insurance you are eligible for depends on the source of your funding:

• Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are typically insured automatically with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung -GKV)
• Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) may choose between:
• Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
• Coverage with a private health insurance company.

Some exceptions allow you to retain your insurance from your home country, such as students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account

It’s advisable to open a German bank account as soon as possible. Many financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are typically done through a German bank account.

Enrollment at University

If your PhD program requires enrollment at a university, you’ll need to complete this step. Submit the necessary documents to the university’s enrollment office, which may include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and proof of financial means.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot to think about when you’re considering pursuing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

What Is the Duration of a PhD Program in Germany?

In general, a PhD program in Germany typically lasts between three to six years.

The duration of a PhD program in Germany can vary depending on several factors, including the university, the subject area, and individual progress.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

Most PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if you are enrolled at a university, you will need to cover a semester fee. This can vary depending on the university but usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is Knowing German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

Knowing German is not always mandatory to pursue a PhD in Germany. Many German universities offer PhD programs in English, especially in fields like science, engineering, and the humanities. In such programs, you can write your thesis and communicate with professors and peers in English.

However, language requirements differ by university and department. If your program is in German, you might need to prove your proficiency. Knowing German can also be helpful for daily life and integration if you’re living in Germany.

Will I Get a PhD Salary in Germany?

PhD candidates in Germany, whether affiliated with universities, research institutions, or companies collaborating with them, typically receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under the TV-L (Tarifvertrag im Öffentlichen Dienst) salary scale, often falling within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6).

Salaries are typically determined based on a wage agreement that specifies the contract tier (Stufe) and working hours (percentage-based). Many entry-level PhD students start with tier 1 contracts that are not full-time. For example, if your contract places you in Pay Group E-13 Tier 1 of the TV-L and you work at 75% capacity, your monthly gross salary will be €3,141.

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

It’s generally allowed for PhD students in Germany to have part-time jobs to cover living expenses. However, the rules and expectations can vary depending on your supervisor, field of study, and specific circumstances.

While part-time work is an option, keep in mind that pursuing a PhD can be quite demanding, often requiring long hours of research and study. It’s essential to find the right balance between work and your academic commitments. Additionally, make sure to be aware of any legal and contractual obligations related to your employment while studying for your PhD.

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

In Germany, defending your PhD thesis involves several steps. You start by submitting your thesis and necessary documents, making sure they meet all the formal requirements. A commission is formed, and you may have the opportunity to suggest reviewers.

Then, you will have to prepare and undergo an oral defense, which can be either public or private and typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this, you present your research and discuss it with the committee.

The outcome of this discussion determines your final grade, which you receive after the defense. If everything goes well, you’re granted the Ph.D. title and have about two years to publish your dissertation.

What Are the Career Prospects After Completing a PhD in Germany?

After completing a PhD in Germany, career prospects are promising. Graduates often find opportunities in academia as professors or researchers or in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. Germany’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place for career development.

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Doctoral studies at HHU

There are several ways to earn a doctorate depending on the faculties, the individual research fields as well as on the type of doctorate. It can be completed within a structured programme or quite independently under the supervision of a professor. Over a period of about three to four years, doctoral students conduct independent research, write a dissertation and usually defend it through an oral examination. The starting date is not bound to the university semesters, but rather depends on the available funding options for the individual research projects.

At HHU, doctoral candidates are individually supervised and supported in order to advance their careers. The following applies to all faculties of HHU:

• the regulations for doctoral studies stipulate that doctoral theses must be overseen by two supervisors; i.e. a second supervisor may be added to the PhD advisory committee
• the course "Good Scientific Practice" is mandatory for all doctoral candidates
• the doctoral research is conducted within a structured doctoral programme or, alternatively, can be completed within the framework of a structured curriculum at the respective faculties' graduate academies
• international junior researchers receive advice and support from the Junior Scientist and International Research Center (JUNO) regarding their stay in Germany and at HHU
• the faculties' graduate academies offer a broad qualification programme for doctoral students and a comprehensive counseling service
• the  Heine Research Academies and the graduate academies of the  Faculty of Medicine (MedRSD) , the  Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Sciences (iGRAD)  and the  Faculty of Arts and Humanities (PhilGRAD) provide a common framework of support and structured education for all doctoral researchers.

In Germany and at HHU, the most common PhD track is completing an individual doctorate under the supervision of a professor and thereby conducting research largely independently on one's own research topic. This offers a great deal of flexibility but also demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility. To start such a doctoral project, you first need to find a supervisor at HHU. The supervision of a doctoral thesis is an individual agreement between the doctoral researcher and the supervisor. In some faculties at HHU (e.g. Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Sciences) an additional supervising professor is mandatory. 

Doctoral students conducting an indivual doctorate may be employed by the supervisor's institute, which often requires them to work on a specific project or to participate in the teaching requirements of the institute. Vacancies for this path to a doctorate are often advertised on the research institute's website or can be found at the HeRA job portal . Doctoral researchers who are not employed by the institute are advised to organise funding for their dissertation project , for example by a scholarship.

How long it takes to complete an individual doctorate depends mainly on one's own time schedule. Three to four years are within in the normal range.

Find further information on how to apply for an individual doctorate here .

In structured doctoral programmes, doctoral students and their research topics are integrated into a larger scientific framework in which the students work on a common research focus or methodology. These programmes are often interdisciplinary and/or have a strong international orientation with English as the team language. In general, they offer a subject-specific curriculum as well as opportunities to acquire transferable skills and additional qualifications. Doctoral students are generally supervised by a thesis advisory committee, i.e. in teams of several professors participating in the programme. 

At HHU you have a broad spectrum of structured doctoral programmes in research training groups and graduate schools funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Excellence Initiative, the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and HHU itself. Sometimes they include collaborations with other universities, non-university research institutes such as the Helmholtz Association or the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) as well as other international partners.

Programme specific scholarships or job offers for doctoral candidates usually provide funding for at least three years. Find further information on available scholarships or job offers at the graduate programmes' websites or and the HeRA job portal . Click here  for details on how to apply for a graduate programme.

Steps to a doctorate

Application

Re-Registration of doctoral students for a new semester

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Phd studies, enrollment office for phd students.

The enrollment office will be closed from March 29, 2024 to April 2, 2024. We wish you a happy Easter!

• Office location:

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Referat Studierendenservice Unter den Linden 6 10117 Berlin

• Contact person:

Ms. Olga Vorobyeva

• E-mail: [email protected] *

Consultation hour by phone Wednesday 09:00 - 10:00 a.m. Phone: (+49) 30 2093-70330

*If you are already enrolled or registered at HU Berlin, please submit your full name, your enrollment or registration number, your date and place of birth.

If you are not aiming for a degree at HU and only want to complete a few semesters as part of your guest/research stay at HU , you cannot apply for enrollment at the enrollment office. Please contact the International Office with your questions regarding the enrollment process: [email protected]

I. Beginning your doctoral studies: Admission, enrollment and registration

Please find general information for doctoral candidates at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) on our Doctoral Candidates Portal .

Please contact the PhD office of the faculty at which you would like to do your doctorate. Notice that there are no fixed deadlines for applying as a doctoral candidate. You get all necessary information on the application procedure directly there. Please find corresponding contact details on the websites of the faculties .

Please submit your application for admission exclusively to the PhD office at the faculty of your choice. Your application must contain all specified documents. Please note, if you have a non German university degree, your documents will be checked for equivalence with the German education system before the application procedure. Any coordination that may be necessary for this process is carried out between the faculty’s PhD office and the department for student services internally. We kindly ask you, do not send any documents to the enrollment office for doctoral studies before you received your admission by the faculty of your choice.

Please submit the enrollment form for PhD studies [ PDF ] and all the required documents as soon as possible, but no later than four weeks after you received the letter of admission from your faculty. If you are employed at HU and prefer to be only registered, please choose the registration-form for a doctorate [ PDF ]. Please send the filled out and signed form with all required documents to the following address

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Referat Studierendenservice Unter den Linden 6 10099 Berlin

or drop them into the mailbox at the Student Service Center (SSC) in the main building of  Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin (Opening hours: Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.).

To keep the four-week deadline for enrollment/registration it is sufficient to submit the documents during this period to the enrollment office for PhD students.

Enrollment forms submitted digitally (e.g. as e-mail attachments) cannot be accepted for your enrollment.

You can only enroll for PhD studies after you have received your formal admission in a doctoral-study-program from the PhD office/PhD board of your faculty.

Enrolled doctoral candidates do have a student status and receive a student card (Campus-Card) but cannot receive the semester ticket for public transport. Enrolled PhD students have to pay the semester fees. Enrollment as a doctoral candidate is not contingent upon employment as a staff member at the HU Berlin.

However, if you are employed at HU, you have two options:

Either you enroll or you register for PhD studies. Registration is only possible as long as you are an employee/staff member at the HU Berlin. In case of registration, no fees or contributions have to be paid. But you do not have a status of a student at the HU Berlin and you are excluded from using the discounted semester ticket.

Differences between enrollment and registration for PhD studies

Please enroll for PhD studies within four weeks after receiving the letter of admission from your faculty and submit the following documents:

- the completed and signed enrollment form [ PDF ] incl. details on your educational biography,

- a simple copy of your admission letter from the PhD board,

- the payment confirmation of the semester fee (e.g. a simple copy of the bank transfer). You will find detailed information about the amount of semester fee which has to be paid for your enrollment below under "How much semester fee do I have to pay to be enrolled for PhD studies?".

- a simple copy of the de-registration certificate from your last German university (does not apply if you have never been enrolled at a university in Germany),

- a simple copy of your university entrance qualification (in most cases the secondary school certificate and/or university entrance examination),

- simple copies of your previous university degree certificates (German and/or foreign certificates),

- proof of a scholarship (if applicable).

How much semester fee do I have to pay to be enrolled for PhD studies?

Enrollment for the winter semester 2023/24

Doctoral students have the opportunity to purchase the semester ticket for the months of February and March 2024 when enrolling for the winter semester 2023/24.

Please see this overview for the amount to be transferred for your enrollment:

Enrollment for the summer semester 2024 (01.04.2024 – 30.09.2024)

Starting from the summer semester of 2024, PhD students are not entitled to a semester ticket and are excluded from using the Germany semester ticket.

Please transfer the semester fee of €114.59 for your enrollment in the summer semester 2024.

When enrolling from the beginning of the re-registration period for the winter semester 2024/25 (in the months of June, July, August and September 2024), we ask you to transfer the semester fee for the winter semester 2024/25 as well.

Exemption from the enrollment fee (currently €50)

PhD students who receive a scholarship (e.g. from the DAAD) as part of funding programs that are financed exclusively or predominantly from public funds from the federal or state governments and who submit a proof of this for enrollment can be exempted from the fee for enrollment and re-registration, currently 50 € per semester, in accordance with Section 2 Paragraph 7 of the BerlHG ( § 2 Abs. 7 BerlHG ).

Please find detailed information about the composition of semester fees and contributions here:

https://hu.berlin/rueckmeldung

If you are employed at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and have chosen to register as a PhD student, please submit the following documents within four weeks after receiving the letter of admission from your faculty:

- the completed and signed application registration-form for PhD studies incl. details on your educational biography [ PDF ],

- a proof of employment at HU which contains the begin-date and the end-date of your employment (e.g. a copy of your employment contract),

- simple copies of your previous university degree certificates (either German and/or foreign certificates).

Please note that the enrollment office will not send you a confirmation that your documents have been received . The application deadline is met if your documents for enrollment or registration have reached the enrollment office within one month after your admission for PhD studies.

After we have received your documents, we will check them carefully. If any documents are missing, you will be informed by email or via mail and we will give you a deadline for submitting the missing evidence.

If you submitted all the required documents in full, you will receive a confirmation of completed enrollment/registration by e-mail. In addition, we will provide you with further information (in case of enrollment: e.g. how to create the Campus Card (student ID) or to activate the student HU account).

Please note that the processing of your application for enrollment or registration for PhD studies usually takes at least two weeks after the enrollment office has received all the required documents. Before the start of the semester or shortly after the semester start, there may be longer processing times.

II. During PhD studies: Re-registration, semester fees and semester ticket

Yes, re-registration for the next semester is mandatory. In order to retain your status as a doctoral student and to be able to complete your PhD studies, you must re-register within the re-registration period. Please note the information on the main deadlines for re-registration in your AGNES account and on our website for re-registration .

If you have appropriate reasons, you can apply for a leave of absence as a PhD student by using our application form [ PDF ]. For further information please visit our website .

However, the leave of absence has no influence on the standard processing time of your doctoral studies and your processing time will not be automatically extended for the duration of your leave of absence.

Please complete the extension form ("Bescheinigung über die Verlängerung der Regelbearbeitungszeit der Promotion" [ PDF ]) and have it signed by your PhD supervisor. Then send the signed form to the PhD office of your faculty. Please note that the PhD office may need additional documents from you. Contact the office for more information and procedure details.

If your request has been approved by the faculty’s PhD board, the PhD office will forward the signed form to the enrollment office for doctoral studies.

As a registration for PhD studies is only possible for the duration of your employment at the HU Berlin, you have to enroll as a PhD student after your employment relationship has expired. Please submit the application form for enrollment for PhD studies to the enrollment office. In addition, please submit a proof of payment of the semester fee, a proof of health insurance and an informal letter in which you inform us that you are currently registered for doctoral studies.

The amount of the semester fee depends on two factors:

Whether you want to use the semester ticket and on what date you enroll for PhD studies.

If you want to use the semester ticket and enroll within the first semester month (April or October), the full semester fee including the semester ticket fee must be paid.

If you enroll after the first month of the semester, the semester ticket fee only has to be paid proportionally from the month of enrollment.

If you opt out the semester ticket, the semester fee for the current semester is constant regardless of the month of enrollment.

If you enroll in the last three semester months (July-September or January-March), we ask you to transfer the re-registration fee for the following semester in addition to the semester fee for the matriculation semester.

Please try to re-activate your HU account for students via our Computer and Media Service (CMS) to solve this issue. If this is not possible, please contact the enrollment office for generating a new PIN letter for re-activating your HU account for students.

Please note that a new PIN can only provided via a PIN letter send to you by mail.

III. Finishing your doctoral studies, de-registration

If you do not re-register for the upcoming semester, .e.g. not paying the required semester fee, you will be automatically de-registered (“Exmatrikulation”). If you would like to be de-registered before the end of the semester, please submit the application for de-registration [ PDF ] to the enrollment office for doctoral studies.

Please contact the PhD office of your faculty and clarify whether the enrollment is necessary to defend your thesis and proceed accordingly. If the regular processing time for your doctorate has expired, and you have submitted your thesis and you need to be enrolled in the upcoming semester, ask the PhD office to inform the enrollment office about this. After the enrollment office has received the confirmation from the PhD office and your payment of the semester fee has been received, we will re-register you.

IV. Legal bases

Fächerübergreifende Satzung zur Regelung von Zulassung, Studium und Prüfung der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (ZSP-HU)

Sections 59 and 60 regulate form, procedure and conditions of enrollment and registration as a doctoral student at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

V. Additional information

Doctoral regulations of the faculties

https://hu.berlin/promord

Humboldt Graduate School

https://www.humboldt-graduate-school.de

International Scholar Services

https://hu.berlin/issprom

Financing the PhD studies

https://hu.berlin/promfinanz

https://www.daad.de

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DAAD Scholarships - An Overview

Would you like to study, carry out research or learn German in Germany and are you looking for funding? Every year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports well over 100,000 German and international students and researchers around the globe – making it the world's largest funding organisation of its kind. Learn more about our scholarship options.

DAAD scholarships are aimed primarily at graduates, doctoral students and postdocs and are awarded for study and research visits to universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. In some programmes, internships are also funded.

DAAD awards Research Grants – One-Year Grants for Doctoral Candidates for PhD students from almost all countries of origin. A grant for a full doctoral programme in Germany is offered primarily to applicants from developing and threshold countries (based on the OECD-DAC list ).

Scholarships for a Master's degree in Germany are available, in particular, for persons from industrial countries.

Students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their country of origin have the chance to apply for a scholarship from the Hilde Domin Programme . Potential candidates cannot themselves apply for participation in the scholarship programme but are nominated by an institution or organisation that is a legal entity domiciled in Germany. Thereafter, suitable candidates will be contacted by the DAAD and invited to apply via the DAAD application portal.

Also available are so-called " Sur-place and Third Country Programmes " in which students and young scientists and researchers are offered DAAD funding for a graduate programme, doctoral programme or postdoc period in their home country or region.

If you wish to apply for a DAAD scholarship, please read the call for applications for your chosen scholarship programme in the scholarship database , paying particular attention to application deadlines. The scholarship database will take you to the application portal. Scholarship applications are reviewed by independent and voluntary selection committees, which also decide on the allocation of scholarships. Selection is based on subject-related criteria.

DAAD scholarships do not have to be paid back. They usually consist of a monthly scholarship payment (currently, for example,  € 934 for graduates and € 1,200 for doctoral/PhD students) and a flat-rate travel allowance. In many cases, DAAD also provides you with health, accident and personal liability insurance . Depending on scholarship programme, here are also additional benefits such as a one-off research allowance, family benefits or funds for language courses. The benefits offered by the respective scholarship programme are described in the call for applications in the scholarship database .

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Doctoral studies at the University of Stuttgart

A doctoral degree is proof that you are capable of in-depth scientific work, and lays the foundation for a career in science or industry.

Ten reasons to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart

• is considered one of the most outstanding technical research universities in Germany, with a worldwide reputation
• is a hub for academic, non-academic and industrial research
• sees itself as a guarantor of holistic, research-oriented teaching with a focus on quality
• stands for the interdisciplinary integration of engineering, natural sciences, the humanities and social sciences based on top-level research in the various disciplines with its “Stuttgart method”
• is nestled in one of Europe's most vibrant industrial regions, and enjoys cooperative arrangements with companies and institutions in the local area as well as across Germany and worldwide
• is one of the universities which gets the most external funding in Germany
• offers excellent conditions for research
• provides doctoral candidates with a variety of cross-disciplinary qualifications, information and advisory services and a number of mentoring programs
• provides staff with individual support via a range of measures and personnel development and health management programs
• is committed to equal opportunities and family friendliness

Different doctorate opportunities

There are a variety of ways to gain a doctoral degree:

Individual doctoral studies

Structured doctoral studies.

• Individual freedom in choosing the topic and supervisor.
• A doctoral degree may be done in any subject area represented at the University of Stuttgart.
• You can freely choose a potential supervisor from among 10 different faculties and around 150 institutes.
• You can draw on the full range of qualifications offered by the graduate academy.
• You are part of a larger research association.
• You work on a research topic across different disciplines and working together with several, largely also international doctoral candidates.
• You complete a comprehensive professional and interdisciplinary qualification program .

Find out more about the doctoral studies programs which you can apply for. 

Additional programs, support, further education during studies

• Certificate: Gender and Diversity Skills For doctoral researchers and students

More information

The five steps to gaining your doctoral …

Your path to a doctoral degree – from admission to examination to being awarded your certificate.

Registering, applying and enrolling

The Act on Higher Education of the Land of Baden-Württemberg (Landeshochschulgesetz, LHG) stipulates …

Stipends and support options

Look here for information on several scholarships for self-financing your doctoral degree studies, …

Doctoral degree programs

The University of Stuttgart has graduate schools, PhD research groups, and doctoral degree programs …

Contacts and reference persons for …

This web page provides an overview of where and from whom to get answers to your questions.

Team of the Graduate Academy GRADUS

Pfaffenwaldring 5c, 70569 stuttgart.

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Jürgen Hädrich

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Important information about closing days

The PhD office is closed from May 21, 2024 to May 24, 2024. Please note that displaying periods cannot be started and registrations for oral exams will not be processed. Displaying periods will be extended accordingly. Registrations for oral exams during this closing period must be submitted until May 13, 2024 the latest.

Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Science

Office hours.

Dr. Sarah Müller Monday - Thursday, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. (no appointment neccessary) (Auf der Morgenstelle 8, B-Building, 10th floor, room 10A38) and by appointment (29- 75955 ).

Dr. Elaine Huggenberger Monday - Thursday, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. (no appointment neccessary) (Auf der Morgenstelle 8, B-Building, 10th floor, room 10A23) and by appointment (29- 72751 ).

Sebastian Schlemender Monday - Thursday, 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. (no appointment neccessary) (Auf der Morgenstelle 8, B-Building, 10th floor, room 10R38) and by appointment (29- 76853 ) .

  Feel free to contact us, if you have any further questions. However, we recommend reading the information sheet first, as it usually resolves most of the questions.

Areas of Responsibilities

Dr. Sarah Müller

Applications for acceptance as a doctoral student

Ongoing doctoral procedures (Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Psychology)

Verification and confirmation of doctoral degrees

Information about doctoral guidelines of the Faculty of Science

Cotutelle agreements

Dr. Elaine Huggenberger

Ongoing doctoral procedures (Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Physics)

State Postgraduate Fellowship Programme (Landesgraduiertenförderung)

Sebastian Schlemender

Submission/Acceptance of doctoral dissertations

Doctoral procedures (Biology and Geosciences)

Annette Goller

PhD Certificates

Doctoral Subjects

At the Faculty of Science, you can pursue a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.) in the following fields:

Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution

Biochemistry

Bioinformatics

Cognitive Science

Computer Science

Environmental Sciences

Geosciences

Mathematics

Medical Informatics

Pharmaceutics

Prehistory and Early History

Supervision of Doctoral Candidates

In general, all persons with professorship and all persons with a Habilitation are allowed to supervise doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Science.

Scientists without professorship and Habilitation have the possibility to apply for the supervision of doctoral candidates provided the funding of these candidates is provided by the scientists themselves.

Please submit the following application at the PhD office:

• Application for supervision (German) word |  pdf
• Application for supervision (English) word | pdf

Scientists from abroad are allowed to supervise doctoral candidates at the Faculty of Science provided they have this right at the relevant university abroad.

Code of Conduct for the Doctoral Phase

Advice and Help

The ombudsperson assists the doctoral students in settling conflicts or solving problems. All matters are treated as strictly confidential and neutral. Ombudsperson is the Dean of the Faculty, the Vice Dean for Research and the Dean of Studies ( Contact).

First Points of Contact within each Department

Confidental Representatives - Good Scientific Practice

Psychosocial Counseling Service for University Employees

Psychotherapeutic Counselling of the Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim

Legal Advice of the Studierendenwerks Tübingen-Hohenheim

Family Office - Advice Concerning Work/Life Balance

Advice on sexual harassment/mobbing

Downloads and Information

Information.

Information Sheet for Doctoral Candidates: pdf

PromO-Rules and Guidelines for Doctoral Studies 2015: pdf   (This is a courtesy translation. The sole legally binding regulations are the Promotionsordnung der Mathematisch Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Tübingen, in der Fassung vom 24. April 2015 pdf )

Recommendations for Cumulative Dissertations: pdf

Recommendations for Dissertations including Scientific Manuscripts with Co-Authors pdf

Information on "systematic reviews" pdf

Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice

Library Info Sheet Concerning Online Publication pdf

Postgraduate Affairs Board

Forms and Policies

Application for acceptance.

Application for Acceptance as Doctoral Candidate and Supervision Agreement: pdf

Please be aware that incomplete applications cannot be processed. We need all required certificates and documents, the filled out supervision agreement, and the signatures of the docotral candidate and both supervisors.

According to German university law (LHG §38 (5)) PhD candidates must be enrolled as students (until date of oral exam). You can register as student at the Student Administration with the acceptance letter of the PhD Office.

Exceptions:

• Doctoral students accepted by their faculty prior to 30 March 2018 may enroll but are not compelled to do so.
• Employees of the university of Tübingen can apply for an exception of this compulsory duty (application on webpage of Student Administration).

 Admission to the Doctoral Examination Procedure

Application for Admission to the Doctoral Examination Procedure: pdf

Declaration Colaborative Publications: word | pdf

Please be aware that incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Registration Form Oral Exam: word | pdf

Abstract (Please hand in pdf file): word | pdf

Information on online exam: pdf

Self certification for online exam: word | pdf

Publishing Procedure

Declaration of Changes: pdf

• Oral Exams from April 1st, 2021: word | pdf
• Oral Exams before April 1st, 2021 and after August 19th, 2020 : word | pdf

Oral Exams before August 19th, 2020: word | pdf

Remark: In case of English titles, please capitalize the first word and all the principal words, i.e. not the articles, prepositions and conjuctions.

Please do not use double titles. Language of title should correspond to language of thesis.

Please do not use the university logo on the title page. For more information check the webpages of the Corporate Design .

Supervisors' Approval for Online Publication: pdf

Link to Dissertation Center of the University Library

Checking plagiarism

The ZDV offers the possiblity of conduction a similarity analysis for free by the software "Turnitiin". We recommend to make use of this offer before submitting the thesis. More information can be found under Link .

Please contact your supervisor if you do not have the authorization for using "Turnitin" yourself.

Dissertation Center of the University Library

Doctoral Studies at the Universit yof Tuebingen

Welcome Center for Visiting Researches & Scholars

International Doctoral Candidates

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DaF - German for PhD students and visiting scholars

(Deutsche Version)

The Department of German as a Foreign Language (DaF) in collaboration with the International Office has put together a set of language courses for international doctoral students and guest researchers and their partners.

Corona Update winter semester 2020/21

In view of he Corona pandemic and the challenges associated with it, the course program for the winter semester 2020/21 has been cancelled.

However, international PhD students and visiting scholars can take part in the courses of the study-accompanying German language program free of charge:

• Information about courses and registration can be found in the course catalog of the UR and at the web site of the study-accompanying German language program .
• PhD students and visiting scholars who are not enrolled as a student at UR should write an e-mail to [email protected] to register for the courses.

Course program

For winter semester 2020/21 please note the information at "Corona Update winter semester 2020/21".

In the German language program for international doctoral students and visiting scholars, courses are offered from beginners (level A1) to proficient users (level C1).

A1: 3 partial courses

A2: 4 partial courses

B1: 4 partial courses

B2: 4 partial courses

C1: 2 partial courses

Each partial course lasts 28 course hours (à 45 minutes each). All partial courses of A1 level are offered within one semester, while the partial courses of levels A2 to C1 are offered within one academic year.

Days & Times

The courses for the levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 take place in the evening on two dates a week. The C1 course takes place once a week.

A1 German courses (semester courses)

Days & Times:

Mon & Wed, 5:30-8:00 p.m. (October-February) / 5:30-8:00 p.m. (April-July)

Classroom: VG 3.59

A2 German courses (semester courses)

Mon & Thu, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (October-February), 6:00-7:45 p.m. (April-July)

Classroom: R 006

A2 German courses (lecture-free period)

Mon, Wed & Thu, 6:00-7:45 p.m. (attention: 3 dates a week)

Classroom: S 0.14

B1 German courses

Classroom: VG 3.60 (Vielberth-Building)

B2 German courses

Tue & Thu, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (October-February), 6:00-7:45 p.m. (April-July)

C1 German courses

Wed, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (October-February), Wed 6:00-7:45 p.m. (April-July)

During the academic year 2019/20, there is a fee of € 30 per course (28 lecture hours à 45 minutes each). Your teacher will provide you with the necessary information to pay the fee.

Registration

There is no pre-registration necessary. If you are interested in participating in the German courses, please attend the very first class. The teacher will sign you up.

• Universität Regensburg

Center of Language and Communication

German as a Foreign Language

E-Mail: [email protected]

+49 941 943-2425

+49 941 943-2496

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Doctoral scholarships

Academic support.

The Studienstiftung's academic support includes summer academies, research groups, language courses, workshops and supervision by local tutors.

Financial support

The Studienstiftung offers generous financial support for Ph.D. students. Additional funds are provided for research and travel abroad.

Application

Highly qualified and socially committed PhD students may, together with their supervisors, submit an application for support for their doctoral studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about requirements, application and funding concerning the Studienstiftung’s doctoral scholarships.

Freie Universität Berlin

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Enrollment in PhD and doctoral programs (doctoral degree)

Enrollment in a doctoral program.

If you have been admitted to the doctoral program within the months of July until December, you may apply for enrollment for a winter semester. If you were admitted between January and June, you may apply for enrollment for a summer semester.

As soon as you have been admitted to the doctorate, apply for enrollment. Save all required documents individually and name them according to their content. Accepted file formats are pdf, jpeg, png, bmp, docx with a maximum size of 2MB each. We do not accept links to external storage locations or zip files.

Send all required documents as e-mail attachments to the e-mail address [email protected] with the subject "last name, first name, doctorate".

After you have submitted your enrollment documents, you will receive an automatically generated confirmation of receipt and, if necessary, a follow-up request for missing documents. Please check your spam folder if necessary.

Required Documents

1. Current letter of admission (issued by the doctoral committee of the department) 2. if applicable, confirmation of DRS membership/participation in Dahlem Research School (DRS) programs; available through the coordination of your DRS program. Contact information can be found on the DRS website for doctoral programs . 3. Completed and signed application for enrollment . If you are already enrolled at Freie Universität Berlin please use the  application for change of programs   (see also change of programs into a doctoral program) .

4. Identification document showing your full last name, first name, date of birth and expiration date. You have the option to black out all other information. This copy of the ID document is used exclusively for identification purposes and at the same time protects against identity theft. The copy of the ID document will be destroyed after successful enrollment. Proof of a visa/residence permit is not required at the university. For more information, please visit the Berlin Immigration Office website . Please note:  A change of name for Trans, Intersex, and Non-Binary Students during the enrollment process is possible. Please find here which documents have to be submitted additionally. 5. University entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent), if necessary a copy of an official translation 6. If applicable, the last certificate of enrollment from a German university with details of the course of study and all course related and university semesters 7. If applicable, exmatriculation certificate of your last German university attended (not applicable if you last studied at Freie Universität Berlin) 8. Degree certificate s, if applicable a copy of an official translation if your degree certificate was issued in a language other than German or English

9. if applicable, notification of scholarship

Please note: Foreign doctoral students in the context of funding programs who are financed exclusively or predominantly by public funds from the German federal or state governments, e.g. receive a scholarship from these funds, pay the semester fees and contributions without the administrative fee of 50.00 €. If this applies to you, please also submit the scholarship notification and make sure that the duration of the scholarship is indicated. 10. transfer voucher with the date of the direct debit for the semester fees and contributions  in the amount of 114,09 euros for the summer semester 2024, payable to the account of Freie Universität Berlin: Recipient: Freie Universität Berlin Credit institution: DEUTSCHE BANK PGK AG IBAN: DE45100708480513128908 SWIFT or BIC: DEUTDEDB110 Reason for payment: Last name, given name, PhD (Please only use this reference as “reason for transfer”) Attention: For transfers from (non-EU) countries, additional bank charges may apply, which must be borne by the applicant. Please select the OUR option (you pay all transfer fees) when making transfers. This is the only way that the full semester contribution will go to Freie Universitaet's account. Otherwise, the enrollment will be delayed because the missing amount has to be reclaimed. In addition, when you transfer the missing amount, you still have to pay the additional transfer fees.

Enrollment will not take place until the corresponding amount has been received in full on the account of Freie Universität Berlin and when all other requirements have been met.

Spring 2024 PhD Student Survey – Now live!

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Current Students

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Fall 2024 PhD Course Schedule

Click here for the printable version of the Fall 2024 Course Schedule

2024 Fairfield Awards Dinner Raises Over $1.4M for Student Scholarships

More than 700 alumni, parents, students, and friends of Fairfield gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and raised over $1.4 million to support student scholarships while honoring exceptional members of the University community.

Since 1988, the Fairfield Awards Dinner has been a true celebration of Fairfield and has raised more than $22 million for the Alumni Multicultural Scholarship Fund and other endowed scholarships, to help students realize their potentials through a Fairfield education, regardless of economic or social barriers.

On April 3, more than 700 alumni, parents, students, and friends of Fairfield gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City and raised over $1.4 million to support student scholarships while honoring exceptional members of the Fairfield community,  making this the most successful Fairfield Awards Dinner in the last ten years!

NBA TV host Chris Miles ’03 opened the program and spoke about the importance of scholarships for students. He said, “Many of you were fortunate enough to study at Fairfield, some of you have been brought into the Fairfield family by friends or colleagues. What we all share, everyone in this room tonight, is the belief that education is the key to opening the doors of opportunity. You have the continued chance to do that at your fingertips tonight.”

(L-R): Jason Beckwith and Alexis Dunbar Beckwith, P’23; Nancy Clegg Altobello ’80; President Mark R. Nemec, PhD; Janet A. Canepa ’82; Timothy E. Lane ’85 P’24,’16; and Chris Miles '03.

Student speaker and scholarship recipient Aliyah Seenauth ’24 thanked the Fairfield community, and she described her journey as one of self-discovery and resilience. “It's a testament to the transformative power of education and the strength found in community, one that I truly believe I wouldn’t have been able to find at a different school. As I reflect on the challenges I've overcome, I'm reminded of the countless individuals who have supported me along the way.”

This year’s honorees were Nancy Clegg Altobello ’80, corporate board member and retired global vice chair of talent at Ernst & Young; Timothy E. Lane ’85, P’24,’16, president and CEO emerti Retirement Health; Janet A. Canepa ’82, assistant vide president for Alumni Relations at Fairfield University, Jason Beckwith and Alexis Dunbar Beckwith, P’23, managing director, wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch and independent construction, renovation, and design consultant; and a special recognition to Varian Mackey Fry, co-founder of the World War II Emergency Rescue Committee and former graduate student, School of Education and Human Development.

“The best thing about this event is that we’re raising funds for multicultural scholarships. To provide opportunities for more students to experience the great Fairfield education that meant so much to me. To change their lives and to help them make their impact on the world. I can’t think of a better match to what I truly care about,” said Altobello in her speech.

In its 35th year, the Fairfield Awards Dinner continues to be a celebration of service, leadership, scholarship, and providing access to a Fairfield education. 

2024 Fairfield Awards Dinner

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A doctorate is the highest academic degree that a university can award. In Germany, studying for a doctorate primarily means  working intensely on a specific subject or research project  for a long period of time. It typically takes five to six years to obtain a doctorate, though the length of time can vary.

How to obtain a PhD in Germany

If you decide to do a doctorate, you can choose between different forms of study. Depending on your discipline, research area, personal circumstances and formal qualifications, there are two different paths:

• Individual doctorate The individual doctorate is based on independent research carried out alone under the supervision of one professor. This is the traditional path followed by over three quarters of all doctoral students in Germany.
• Structured PhD programmes These programmes offer a form of study similar to that found in English-speaking countries. You will be supervised by a team and will attend courses, lectures and seminars together with other doctoral students. Normally, such programmes are publicly advertised and often feature grants or paid doctoral positions.

Individual doctorate

DAAD/Jan Zappner

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the  most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor .

This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but also demands a  high degree of personal initiative and responsibility . A professor supervises a PhD student, who works on his or her subject in consultation with the professor, but  largely independently .

How long a traditional individual doctorate takes depends on your own time schedule – or on the duration of your work contract. On average, you can expect it to take five to six years . Although a university is normally responsible for the doctoral process, you can also carry out your research at other institutions.

Depending on your subject, research area and interests, you can choose whether to work on a research project and your PhD at a university or non-university research institute – or indeed in industry. However, no matter where you conduct your research, a professor will always supervise your PhD.

You can obtain a doctorate by pursuing research:

• at a university
• at a non-university research institute or
• in a German company

PhD at a university

The "typical" PhD student in Germany works – usually part-time – as a  research associate  at his or her university. Although research is generally part of the job description, most of the associate’s own doctoral research usually has to be carried out outside working hours. How closely teaching, research and/or administrative duties are actually tied into the doctoral student’s own research depends very much on the individual situation.

PhD at a non-university research institute

Non-university research establishments – such as the  Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ,  Helmholtz Association ,  Leibniz Association  and  Max Planck Society  – offer an excellent research environment in which to conduct your research. These institutions do not have the right to award doctorates themselves, but collaborate with universities for that purpose. They offer PhD students  scholarships and/or (usually fixed-term) contracts of employment  – or a combination of the two. However, support is also possible in the form of regular research posts, which are especially typical of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Max Planck Society.

PhD in industry

Graduates who decide to work in industry and study for a doctorate part-time – often with funding and support from their employer – also need a university professor to supervise their research. In some cases, the employer will already be collaborating with a university or research institute and can help the PhD student find the right supervisor.

People who have PhD research posts within a company usually have part-time temporary contracts and work on a research project that allows them to pursue their doctoral research under the supervision of a professor. When a university and an industrial company collaborate in specially established institutes, doctoral researchers usually work on their projects with their professor and a supervisor from the company.

More information:

Find your individual doctorate 

The traditional individual path to a doctorate remains the most common in Germany. In this case, the doctoral student works for the most part independently on their thesis, though in consultation with their supervising professor.

Structured PhD programmes

DAAD/Volker Lannert

Structured doctoral programmes often have a  strong international orientation  with English as the team language. Unlike the individual doctorate model that can be freely structured to suit the individual research project, here doctoral students and their research proposals have to fit in with an existing PhD programme.

The doctorate frequently entails a  clearly structured doctoral study   programme  with compulsory attendance at lectures or seminars and interim assessment (credit points). The programme frequently also covers  academic and scientific methods or soft skills , such as presentation techniques.

As a rule, PhD Students work steadily at realising their research project within the team and with intensive  support from a group of academic staff  (often referred to as the “thesis committee”).

The duration of your studies is generally   limited to three to five years, and there is usually a fixed curriculum within which you work toward your doctorate and write your thesis.

Find your structured PhD programme

Though no database containing all structured PhD programmes in Germany is available yet, we can point you in the direction of databases that will help you find what you are looking for nonetheless, where to obtain information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Check out our brochure:

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Introducing 1st year phd student siavash heshmati, international graduate student, dr grace fleming seed science lab.

Dept of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences - April 07, 2024

Sia is turning his lifelong curiosity about seeds into a PhD project

Siavash Heshmati, or Sia, arrived last August to study seed science with Dr. Grace Fleming.

Sia studied crop science for his BSc in his hometown Karaj and got his MSc in Tehran. After graduation he worked as a research assistant in Tehran until COVID-19 shut everything down. At that moment, Sia decided to make the most of it, and began to study English more intensely than he ever had: watching and re-watching “Friends” and listening to instructive podcasts for hours each day. And looking toward a PhD in CSS at MSU.

Sia learned of Dr. Fleming from literature references. He received his documentation 90 days after he traveled to Armenia for his visa interview, and he was on his way to the other side of the planet.

Sia recalls seeing his mother sprouting wheat and lentil seeds in a damp towel during the Nowruz ritual.  While studying seed germination at the university, he came across a reference to the seed sprouting ritual he’d seen in his home. When he arrived at MSU, Sia spoke with students who studied crop science here, and “we figured out that we all took the same classes! All developed here,” at MSU the flagship agriculture institution.  “So even though it’s physically very far from my home, I felt very connected,” Sia said

 Sia is collecting preliminary data to begin his PhD project, in which he will examine what happens inside seeds using transcriptomics and genomics in different conditions, including cold temperatures, hydration regimes, hormone treatments and custom coatings—moving from agronomy to the molecular scale.

He  comes to the lab daily to observe changes: Noting differences in seed treatments side-by-side. Some changes can be observed in just a few hours. “Using hydroprime, we have lowered the temperature of germination from 10 degrees C to 4 degrees C.”

Sia enjoys improving language skills as much as lab skills; he recently gave a talk at the Corteva symposium in Indianapolis. “It was a real challenge, but I really appreciate the opportunity.”

During our conversation, Sia told me about this delightful  podcast episode , featuring Dr Grace Fleming 

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Over 30 million student-loan borrowers would see some — or all — of their balances wiped out in Biden's newly released plan for debt relief

• The White House released new details for Biden's second attempt at broader student-debt relief.
• If implemented as proposed, it could benefit over 30 million borrowers.
• It includes removing unpaid interest for borrowers and canceling loans in repayment for at least 20 years.

President Joe Biden's second attempt at student-loan forgiveness is taking a key step forward.

On Monday, the White House and Education Department released details on the administration's plan to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers after the Supreme Court struck down its first attempt in June of last year.

According to a White House fact sheet, the new plan — if implemented as proposed — would provide debt cancellation to over 30 million borrowers when combined with prior debt relief actions. It would "fully eliminate" any accrued interest for 23 million borrowers, give more than 10 million borrowers at least $5,000 in relief, and cancel 4 million borrowers' entire balances.

"These historic steps reflect President Biden's determination that we cannot allow student debt to leave students worse off than before they went to college," Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal said in a statement. "The President directed us to complete these programs as quickly as possible, and we are going to do just that."

The plan has been a work in progress for months. Since the Education Department seeks to implement this relief under the Higher Education Act of 1965, it must conduct a series of negotiation sessions with stakeholders to help determine the final plan for relief. The final negotiation session concluded in February, and Monday's announcement offered new details about which borrowers will benefit this time around.

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Specifically, borrowers whose balances have grown because of unpaid interest would see up to $20,000 in debt cancellation, regardless of their income. The plan also aims to cancel student debt for borrowers eligible for relief under certain repayment plans, like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or the SAVE income-driven repayment plan, but have not yet enrolled.

"Too many borrowers eligible for relief — including immediate cancellation — have not been able to overcome paperwork requirements, bad advice, or other obstacles," the fact sheet said.

Additionally, the plan would cancel student debt for borrowers who first entered repayment at least 20 years ago — and it would also provide relief to borrowers who attended "low-financial-value programs" that left them with too much debt compared to post-graduation earnings.

The fact sheet also appears to answer advocates who pushed for a relief category for borrowers experiencing hardship . While it did not outline specific categories to determine financial hardship, it said the relief could benefit "borrowers who are at high risk of defaulting on their student loans, who could be eligible for automatic relief, or families who are burdened with other expenses like medical debt or child care who can apply for relief in the future."

A senior administration official told Business Insider on a Sunday press call that the goal is for the majority of the relief to be automatic, meaning borrowers will not need to take any action on their part to become eligible. However, the administration needs to finalize more details when determining hardship relief .

These plans are not yet set in stone — senior officials said the administration would release the proposed text for the rules "over the coming months." Upon being finalized, borrowers could begin seeing relief as early as this fall. The public will also have an opportunity over the next few months to comment on the proposals, and the administration could choose to amend its plan depending on the responses it receives.

Although this is a narrower scale for relief than the initial plan struck down by the Supreme Court, it's likely to face legal challenges from conservative groups that could hinder or block its final implementation. Still, senior administration officials told reporters the new plan is consistent with the Supreme Court's decision and can be implemented within the law.

Biden is expected to officially announce the new plan during remarks in Wisconsin on Monday afternoon.

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