Doctorate at Freie Universität Berlin

Very attractive for international students: along with the University of Heidelberg, Freie Universität Berlin is the preferred address in Germany for doctoral candidates from abroad. Source: Peter Himsel

As one of nine Germany’s leading universities Freie Universität Berlin offers high quality doctoral education. In the Excellence Initiative competition Freie Universität was awarded additional funding for its outstanding graduate programs to promote young researchers.

Individual Doctorate

The individual doctorate ("Apprenticeship Model") – independent research under supervision of a professor – is still the most common way to pursue a doctorate in Germany. This usually provides greater freedom as far as the choice of subject is concerned. An individual doctorate can principally be accomplished in any subject area represented by a professorship at Freie Universität Berlin. Requirement for acceptance as a doctoral candidate is generally a very good final degree. Individual doctoral students do not automatically take part in a qualification program.

Doctoral Degree Programs

Pursuing doctoral studies in a doctoral degree program, doctoral candidates come together to work on projects related to a common interdisciplinary research topic. During the course of their doctorate junior researchers in obtaining a broad set of skills  to enhance their personal, professional and career development. 

Doctoral degree programs at Freie Universität

Doctoral Education at Dahlem Research School (DRS)

Outstanding doctoral degree programs are comprised under the umbrella of Dahlem Research School. Doctoral candidates of DRS-member programs benefit from an interdisciplinary course program in which transferable skills applicable to a range of future careers in academia and beyond can be acquired. The Welcome Infos & Services Site for international junior researchers provides useful advice and information on all non-academic issues relevant to a research stay in Berlin. Newly admitted doctoral candidates are invited to attend DRS Orientation Weeks in September.