1. Individual PhD studies

under the direct supervision of one professor who is an expert in a given research area ("Apprentice Model").

The PhD student could be described as research assistant who works independently in a certain field of research. At present, the majority of German and international doctoral students at Freie Universität Berlin follow this model. Generally speaking, any professor of Freie Universität can supervise PhD candidates.

The FUB-CSC PhD Program is for individually supervised PhD students on the projects of professors in a wide range of subject areas.

• Please check the list with individual PhD positions for application to the FUB-CSC Program 2025
• Application process and counselling are arranged by the FUB Division of International Affairs.

2. Structured PhD Programs

There are a variety of Graduate Schools (GS) and Research Training Groups (RTG) focusing on interdisciplinary research. PhD studies can be undertaken within structured training program.

• Some PhD programs are offered by Graduate Schools, jointly organized by Berlin universities (FU Berlin, TU Berlin, HU Berlin) i.e. Berlin Mathematical School.
• Questions should be directed and will be answered directly by the program coordinators in Berlin.

Please check the list of structured PhD programs at FUB.

The two possibilities correspond to two different ways of perfoming PhD studies. Please read the section on General Information About PhD Studies at Freie Universität Berlin for details.

NOTE: The doctoral degree/PhD degree awarded is the same for both types of doctoral studies!