Criteria check
Completed postgraduate studies
To apply for doctoral studies in Germany, you generally need to have completed a Master's degree in a related subject. Depending on the university, you can apply even before completing your Master's degree.
Your degree must at least be equivalent to a German Master's degree. This involves the following criteria, among others: You must have gained the degree at a university that is recognised (accredited) under the laws of the country in question. For applicants from some countries, the course of study itself must also be accredited.
Check recognition
You can check the recognition of your university using the information portal "anabin" of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). This is also where you can find out if your degree is equivalent to a German Master's degree.
Your result – what are the next steps?
Equivalent degree
If you gained your postgraduate degree at a university outside Germany and it is equivalent to a German master’s degree, please see our information about additional criteria.
Not sure
Are you unsure about the recognition of your postgraduate degree in Germany? We will determine that for you when we process your application. You should find out about additional criteria now.
German degree
Have you completed a master’s degree in Germany? In this case, the university is responsible for evaluating your application for doctoral studies. Contact the university for more information about their criteria.
Language proficiency
Each university decides which language skills are required for doctoral studies.
You will usually need to submit the required proof of language proficiency to the university when you apply there.
Further criteria
As well as the required degree and proof of language proficiency, there are further criteria for applications for doctoral studies. The individual universities set these criteria.
The universities' criteria may include a current offer of a place in a doctoral programme from the university and other formal requirements, such as specific application deadlines and translations of documents.
Get information
To ensure a successful application, get information from the uni-assist universities about your options and the universities' criteria for your application.
The required level of language proficiency and other admission criteria can vary, depending on the university. For example, a certain grade may be required.
Not all universities accept applications with preliminary educational certificates. Some do so only if you studied or are studying for your master’s degree in an EU country. If you have not yet completed your master’s, you will need an attestation from your university on your future degree and the studies completed so far.
The university may set a deadline for your application.
You will usually receive your evaluation result within 4 to 6 weeks.
Apply as soon as possible for the uni-assist pre-check, preferably at least 8 weeks before your application to the university. This ensures that we can inform you in time if any documents are missing.
