- Duration
- Usually 3–5 years
- Model
- Individual (supervised) or structured programme
- Language
- Mostly English; thesis language depends on the programme
- Funding
- Research assistant posts, scholarships (DAAD etc.)
- Application
- Directly to a professor / graduate school
- Afterwards
- Career in academia or R&D
- Master's graduates and students at the thesis stage
- Those aiming for an academic career
- Those who want to specialise in R&D-intensive sectors
Do your doctorate in Germany and gain an internationally recognised qualification.
- Prestigious universities38 of the world's top 500 universities are in Germany.
- Outstanding programmesStudent-focused teaching with excellent academic opportunities.
- High-quality educationGraduates leave highly qualified and well equipped.
To do a doctorate in Germany, applicants from Turkey must hold a Master's degree from a Turkish university. In technical subjects and the natural sciences, you can carry out your doctoral research in English. Whether you can do your PhD in English is decided by the university you apply to and your supervising professors.
Choosing the right supervisor – a professor who is an expert in your chosen topic and whom you will consult throughout your research – is crucial to a PhD in Germany. You apply to the relevant doctoral programme with a document setting out your CV and research topic in detail. Once your professor has agreed to supervise you, you contact the university's International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) to begin the formal procedures.
Whereas Turkish universities include a doctoral thesis course, German doctoral programmes have no such course, and students are expected to prepare their dissertation independently. This makes the choice of supervisor all the more important for your thesis.
A doctorate takes three years. After completing your programme, you can go on to work at the university as an academic. You can also work in your department as an assistant during your doctorate.
Application steps
- 01
Research topic and supervisor
We identify professors and graduate schools that match your field.
- 02
First contact
Writing to potential supervisors with your CV and research proposal.
- 03
Admission and enrolment
Once a supervisor has agreed, the formal procedures are handled through the Akademisches Auslandsamt.
- 04
Funding
Applications for scholarships and research assistant posts.
- 05
Visa and settling in
Researcher/student visa, accommodation and orientation.
Required documents
- Master's degree certificate and transcript
- Research proposal (exposé)
- Academic CV and list of publications
- Letters of reference
- Language certificate
- Passport
This list is general; universities and departments may ask for additional documents. We manage the translation and certification sequence on your behalf.
Annual timeline
- Ongoing
- For an individual doctorate you can apply at any time of the year
- Depending on the programme
- Structured graduate schools have 1–2 application rounds a year
Featured universities
Some of the universities in Germany our students have applied to and been admitted to. We narrow the list down together by ranking, subject and admission criteria.
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- LMU Munich
- Heidelberg University
- RWTH Aachen University
- TU Berlin
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- TU Dresden
- University of Hamburg
Budget plan (approximate)
- Blocked account (for the visa)
- Approx. €11,900 per year
- Accommodation
- Hall of residence €300–450 · Rented room €400–700
- Health insurance
- Student insurance ~€130/month
- Semester contribution
- €100–350 (including public transport ticket)
Figures are indicative averages and vary by city, university and year. We confirm current amounts with you at the initial consultation.
FAQ
01Are there taught courses in a PhD?
An individual doctorate has no compulsory courses; the focus is on the thesis and research. Structured programmes include seminars and methods courses.
02Can I work during my PhD?
Yes. Many doctoral students work in their department as salaried research assistants.
What does DBT do in this process?
Education Coaching
A personal roadmap from the 11th grade onwards with monthly one-to-one sessions, and university, accommodation and visa applications handled in one place.
DetailsLegal Advice
Support with residence, employment, contracts and official applications, together with partners who know the local legal system.
DetailsAirport Transfer
Safe, comfortable transport on arrival and departure, arranged as part of your study-abroad support from a single point of contact.
Details