Doctoral Studies at Leibniz University Hannover
A doctorate demonstrates advanced academic skills, usually attained by means of completing a written doctoral thesis in combination with an oral examination and resulting in the award of a doctoral degree. It is awarded in a specific academic field, in the form of a doctoral certificate. Doctoral graduates are capable of undertaking academic work and independent research. In Germany, faculties or universities, as well as equivalent higher education institutions (in some federal states) are entitled to award doctorates.
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Initial steps towards obtaining a doctorate
The procedure is governed by the doctoral regulations of the relevant faculty.
The general process for commencing a doctorate requires independently searching for a professor prepared to supervise the doctoral thesis. The subject is determined in agreement with the supervising professor.
For general questions regarding doctoral studies, please contact the Graduate Academy at Leibniz University Hannover..
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Forms of doctoral studies
In Germany, the traditional route towards obtaining a doctoral degree is an independent doctorate. In recent years, there have been efforts to promote structured programmes such as doctoral studies undertaken within the scope of graduate schools or research training groups.
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Admission and enrolment
Application process for prospective doctoral candidates from summer semester 2023 (from 1 April 2023):
The first step is to find out how to apply for a doctorate on the website of your faculty. As a rule, prospective doctoral candidates need to contact their faculty first.
You will then need to apply for the doctoral programme for which you have been (provisionally) accepted by the faculty, via our online portal. During the application process, an overview of the documents required for your application can be found in the portal.
If you are currently studying at Leibniz University Hannover or if your last enrolment was terminated in winter semester 2022/2023, please use the following link and your IDM login details: campus management system
If you do not remember your login details, please send an email to the information desk of Student Advisory Services (infothek@zuv.uni-hannover.de) including a signed scan of your identity card.
If you have not studied at Leibniz University Hannover before, please register here: Registration application portal
Please re-register if your last enrolment was terminated before winter semester 2022/2023. Once you have registered and activated your account, please send an email to promotion.i-amt@zuv.uni-hannover.de including a scanned version of your identity card and your previous enrolment number. We will then assign your previous enrolment number to your user account before you proceed with your application.
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Financial aspects and funding
- Doctoral candidates may complete their doctorate within the scope of a position as a member of research staff. Vacancies can be found in the job portal.
- In addition, there are various grants available for doctoral candidates.
- Furthermore, a doctorate may be obtained in the context of part-time studies or self-funded doctoral research in close cooperation with the supervising members of staff. International doctoral candidates should check the regulations specified in their residence permit. Contact person for international doctoral candidates
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Career prospects for postdoctoral researchers
There are numerous career prospects for postdoctoral researchers - both within and outside of academia.
