Overview of Doctoral Study at Europa-Universität
Information from the EUF doctoral committees about the procedures and regulations associated with doctoral study, as well as answers to key questions
Pursuing a doctorate at Europa-Universität Flensburg
Faculty-specific information on doctoral procedures, doctoral committees, core documents, and contact persons
Information for Prospective Doctoral Students
Paths to the Doctorate
The diversity of interests and backgrounds of prospective doctoral students means that there are many paths to obtaining a doctorate. Various types of collaborations, particularly regional and international partnerships with other universities and colleges, offer prospective doctoral students numerous opportunities to engage with the research and academic landscape, access different areas of expertise, and explore various career options. Mobility and internationalization are becoming increasingly important for careers in academia.
Regardless, the transition phase from studying to pursuing a doctorate is crucial for the progress and success of the doctoral project. While the decision to pursue a doctorate may arise organically from one's academic journey, fundamental questions still need to be addressed. These include clarifying research interests, career prospects, the field of study and dissertation topic, as well as identifying a supervisor for the doctoral project and securing funding.
First steps
This section gives prospective doctoral students who seek guidance and practical tips during their decision-making process an overview of the basic general information and key issues to consider before starting a doctorate.
To maximize the potential of a doctorate as a qualification phase, it is essential to consider factors such as admission requirements, the dissertation topic, the selection of supervisors, the demands of the doctoral regulations, and financing during the doctoral period, alongside personal interests, career prospects, and private life plans.
Formal Admission Requirements:
Find out about the admission requirements for a doctorate in your field:
- The following degrees from a German university qualify for a doctorate: master's degree, state examination, Diplom, or Magister.
- Completion of an equivalent degree at a comparable foreign university.
- A higher education degree from a relevant degree program.
- Generally, above-average academic final grade is expected as evidence of the ability to engage in in-depth academic work.
For further admission requirements (including language skills, specific grade thresholds, or proof of the ability to conduct in-depth scientific work through a qualified presentation of the research project and/or qualified study and examination achievements within the doctoral field), the doctoral regulations of EUF's three faculties can be found here.
Selecting a doctoral supervisor:
A fundamental prerequisite for beginning a doctorate is to securing the commitment of a university professor who is willing to supervise your dissertation. Consider early on who might be suitable for your topic or field of interest. To do this, you should know your dissertation topic and the specific research question you wish to explore and in which research area you want to work. The topic and supervision should complement each other well, so it is advisable to research the research area, publications, and teaching content of your potential supervisors.
Types of doctorates
- Cotutelle process (bi-national doctorate)
- Individual doctorate (monograph)
- Collaborative doctorate
- Doctorate by publication (Kumulative Dissertation)
Enrollment requirement for doctoral students:
If you have been accepted for doctoral studies by the Doctoral Committee at Europa-Universität Flensburg, you will need to enroll as a doctoral student via EUF Student Services.
International Students
International students can find essential information about pursuing a doctorate in Germany in the "Doing a PhD in Germany" published by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. We have also compiled information about doctoral fellowships, scholarships and grants. The EUF International Center (IC) gives comprehensive details about topics such as visas, insurance and housing.
Services at Europa-Universität Flensburg:
