What makes Germany such an attractive study destination for Indian PhD students?

Germany is the second most popular study abroad country in the world, and their universities have a solid and unshakeable reputation on a global scale. They are well regarded for their first-rate educational standards, distinguished faculty, cutting-edge facilities, contemporary teaching methods, strong emphasis on practical application, range of courses, and promising employment prospects.

With all of these advantages, Germany is the ideal destination for Indian students, particularly PhD candidates who want a favourable environment to have a rewarding experience on both a professional and personal level.

We only need to welcome your decision and assist you in the application procedure if you are an Indian student who wishes to pursue a PhD in Germany.

Below is a comprehensive list of details regarding PhD programmes in Germany for Indian students to aid you in that.

Find a PhD degree

Finding a PhD degree in Germany is a bit more difficult than finding an undergraduate or a master’s degree. That’s mainly because PhD degrees in Germany are not only offered by universities but also from licensed companies engaged in the industrial sector.

Lucky for you, navigating this information is easy with the right management. Here is a completed and updated database of PhD degrees for you.

Important Information

In order for you to choose the right choice, it is important you know there are two types of  PhD degrees in Germany

Individual PhD Degrees

On an individual PhD degree course, you will carry out a research project under the professional provision of a personal tutor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). Although your mentor will be informed about your progress at any time, this study program allows you to work a lot by yourself on your dissertation thesis. Note that individual PhD degrees in Germany can be offered by accredited universities and licensed companies engaged in the industrial sector.

Requirements

PhD entry requirements for Indian students in Germany change variously due to several factors, including here your previous education, your nationality, the university and the course of your choice.

Indian students must submit the following documents to apply for a PhD degree in Germany:

• Master Degree recognized in Germany
• Proof of Language Proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Recommendation
• Relevant Job Experience

Note that your qualifications attained in India must initially be accepted at the university or the institution you want to enroll. If it is assessed that your master degree does not qualify you for PhD studies in Germany, there is still a chance you will be admitted upon undertaking a fast-track preparatory course to teach you the skills and knowledge required in your regular PhD course.

Also, note that sometimes universities in Germany may admit international undergraduate students who are able to show top quality in a related field.

As per the Proof of Language, most PhD degree courses in Germany are taught in English. That said, you need to undertake an English proficiency test, commonly TOEFL or IELTS. Since the language used at this academic level is advanced you must aim to score high otherwise the PhD provider in Germany may reject your application.

How to apply

After you have found your PhD degree course and complete all documents as required is time to submit your application. Keep in mind that the details of the application procedure may be typical of the university you’re willing to apply, therefore for e detailed explanation of the application process you must contact your PhD provider.

Usually, after you have found an available professional tutor for your individual doctorate degree, there is a committee in charge of deciding if your academic profile matches exactly the vacant place in their PhD programs.

In this case, the committee will need the following documents to assess if you’re the right candidate

• Certified copies of your qualifications
• A statement from your personal mentor
• Academic references
• Proof of Language Proficiency

Note that the application for PhD studies in Germany can be carried online by scanning your documents into PDF or JPG format. Also, keep in mind that the committee may also be interested in doing an interview with you through Skype. Basically, the interview will contain questions around your master studies and its relation to the PhD course you want to attend.

German Student Visa

Every Indian student in Germany is obliged to have a student visa in order to legally stay in Germany for the period of their studies.

As soon as your PhD provider in Germany approves your admission you must go to the local German embassy and initiate a process for student visa application.

Below is given a list of documents you need to submit for your German Student Visa:

• Duly completed student visa application form,
• Valid passport (recommended with validity up to the period of studies or more),
• Recent Photos,
• Proof of mentors acceptance to supervise your doctoral thesis work– as a proof for your right of entry doctoral studies in Germany,
• Proof of health insurance,
• Proof of sufficient financial coverage for the given period of doctoral studies – typically a blocked German bank account,
• Certificates of education (all formal and informal education),
• Proof of sufficient German and/or English language skills (depending on the language of the doctoral program).

It is important you apply for your German student visa well in time to avoid any possible delay in your enrollment. Fortunately, master and PhD candidates in India who want to get a German student visa can appear at the local embassy without making an appointment beforehand, thus helping you to save a lot of time.