Planning a Doctorate at the University of Bonn
The University of Bonn has stood for top-level science for 200 years, and we have been a University of Excellence since 2019. Our mission is to deliver the highest level of education and support for PhD students, and to provide an environment conducive to free academic discussion. We would like to accompany our young talents on their way to scientific independence and support them in achieving their career goals within and outside of science.
First Steps towards a Doctorate
Each faculty determines its own doctoral regulations. Here you will find information about the formal requirements of your faculty and the first steps towards a doctorate.
Funding Opportunities
How do I finance my doctorate? Where can I find travel allowance? Where can I apply for a printing grant? You can find the right funding instruments here.
Orientation and Support
With a wide range of services, the Argelander Program for Early Career-Researchers accompanies you in all stages of your doctorate.
From all over the World to Bonn
The International Office will support you on the way to a successful doctorate - even before your arrival. Learn more about the support offered for international PhD students.
Doctoral Studies Abroad
Going abroad during your doctorate can be a great enrichment for your research project. Maybe even as part of a binational doctorate?
A Diverse Environment
There is life outside the lecture hall and laboratory— and what a life! The City of Bonn and the Rhineland region has much to offer; the University also makes its own contribution to this mix.
6,518
Doctoral Students
47
Structured Doctoral Programs
550
Professors
Individual or Structured Doctorate?
The university offers you two options: you can aim for a classic individual doctorate with the support of a doctoral supervisor as expert in your field, or you can choose from our more than 30 structured doctoral programs. Structured doctoral programs combine excellent scientific framework conditions with individual supervision by experienced researchers in your field - supplemented by continuous exchange and regular meetings with your supervisors.
What type of doctoral studies suits you best? In this video you will learn more about your options.
Would You Like to Prepare for Your Doctorate?
Doing a Doctorate? Yes or no? [in German]
Get an idea of the requirements and challenges of the doctorate and assess the opportunities and effects realistically. The workshop will help you decide: Do I want to do a doctorate? Yes or no?! And if so, how do I start?
Funding the Doctorate [in German]
The successful completion of a doctorate often also depends on funding. This workshop gives you an overview of funding options and application formalities. An overview and presentation of the funding landscape and the research options round off the workshop.
How do I prepare a doctoral project exposé? [in German]
The workshop helps you to narrow down the topic and question of your dissertation, to draw up a time and work plan and to cope with typical initial difficulties. The exposé created in this workshop can serve as a basis for supervisory interviews and scholarship applications.
Contact
Sandra Papel
I am happy to advise international PhD students on planning!
Bonn Graduate Center
Your central point of contact for all general questions about the doctorate.
Address
Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47
53115 Bonn
Argelander Program
Qualification
Find out more about our wide range of offers, from good scientific practice to our Doctorate plus and Postdoc plus qualification programs.