The following questions aim at drawing your attention to several issues connected with funding through a paid doctoral position. Please be aware that this list is not comprehensive and can only cover those aspects that are relevant to most doctoral candidates.

How much funding do you need?

Please refer to the following link in order to get a general idea of living expenses in Germany: DRS Welcome and Info Services

Residence Permit

If you need a visa and/or a residence permit for your stay in Germany, please note that you will have to prove that you have at least 700€ per month and person (approximately 8000€ per year) when applying for your visa/residence permit.

Semester Fees and Public Transportation in Berlin

If you enroll at Freie Universität Berlin, you will have to pay semester fees. They include the costs of a ticket for Berlin’s public transportation system.

Work Permit

In case you need a visa and/or a residence permit, the visa and/or your residence title determines, whether you are allowed to work. For further information on different residence titles, have a look at the “Overview on potential residence permits for scientists from third countries pursuant to the German Residence Act” compiled by the German Rectors’ Conference and at the portal EURAXESS.

Taxes and Social Security Contributions

Employees in Germany pay taxes on their salary as well as social security contributions. This means that you pay in your pension fund and for unemployment health insurance. For more information on taxation in Germany, visit EURAXESS . Further details on the social security system in Germany can be found at German Social Insurance and EURAXESS.

Health Insurance

As a general rule, employees are covered by the statutory health insurance. For more information on health insurance, visit DRS Welcome and Info Services and EURAXESS.

Duration

Does the paid doctoral position secure funding of your whole doctorate? If not, do you have means to cover the rest? Please note that, in general, it is very difficult to find doctoral completion funding.

Choice of Research Topic

Will you be able to define a research question of your own or is the project determined by the position offered?