Universität Hamburg - der Forschung, der Lehre, der Bildung, zur Homepage

Photo: UHH/KlimaCampus/Ausserhofer

Doctoral studies

Information about doctoral studies is now available on the webpages of the Hamburg Research Academy (HRA). The HRA, a joint initiative of Hamburg’s higher education institutions, is the central port of call for doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior professors.

Which topic?

Selecting a suitable doctoral topic is essential. As your doctoral project will span four to five years, your topic ought to be well-chosen, substantial, and relevant.

Many professors provide suitable topics. If you would like to realize your doctoral thesis as an individual project, we recommend that you discuss your plans with your doctoral supervisor.

Write a research proposal that includes a research schedule and a preliminary outline of the dissertation and submit it to your doctoral supervisor for approval.

Types of doctorates

Universität Hamburg offers individual doctorates and various types of doctoral programs:

How to choose a doctoral supervisor

Once you have a topic, you probably know which department is responsible for you. Can you think of a potential doctoral supervisor whose research focus corresponds to your doctoral project?

Make an appointment and be well prepared for your first meeting!

The goal of the second meeting should be to obtain a written declaration of consent from your future doctoral supervisor. Without this consent, you cannot enroll as a doctoral student at Universität Hamburg.

Joint PhD program: Macquarie University and Universität Hamburg

Universität Hamburg and Macquarie University, Australia, are now offering PhD students the opportunity to benefit from both institutions by participating in a joint PhD program.

Students in this program are enrolled at both universities and are supervised by faculty members from both institutions. If you would like more information about this joint program, please click here:

More information (PDF)

Costs

Doctoral students have to pay a semester contribution. This includes the semester public transport pass, which entitles you to use Hamburg’s entire public transportation network.

There are no tuition fees at Universität Hamburg.

Financial aid

Doctoral students may apply for various kinds of financial assistance. See doctoral funding.

How to enroll as a doctoral student

At Universität Hamburg the faculties are responsible for doctoral applications and admissions.

Your application for admission to doctoral studies must contain the following documents:

  • university degree certificate
  • CV
  • doctoral project research proposal
  • further documents in accordance with the respective faculty's regulations

Please download detailed info from the respective faculties:

If your application is approved, you will be admitted to doctoral studies and permitted to enroll at Universität Hamburg.

All formal guidelines are laid out in the faculty doctoral degree regulations.

Campus Center's Services for Students is responsible for enrolling doctoral students.

See Campus Center's information on doctoral applications and enrollment.

Who gives advice?

The departments are responsible for answering all questions relating to doctoral studies, i.e., doctoral supervisors, the doctoral committee, or the deans.

For information on doctoral studies and contact details of doctoral advisors in Universität Hamburg's faculties, please consult the individual faculty webpages:

The respective doctoral degree regulations provide formal guidelines (available only in German).

Qualifying as a teacher or for jobs outside of academia

Universität Hamburg's Career Center offers classes and workshops for young researchers and doctoral students. We focus on teaching interdisciplinary skills.

PIASTA offers the following events for graduate students:

There is also a special program for young researchers.

How to meet other doctoral students

The University offers several networks for doctoral students. Get in touch with students from outside your graduate school or research training group through:

  • PIASTA (intercultural living and studying): Meet international graduates, doctoral students, and fellows of the University through our intercultural living and study program for all students and alumni.
  • Alumni Universität Hamburg (ALUHH): The University’s alumni network connects people within the University and offers a broad range of events, for example AlumniZirkel, AlumniSport, AlumniKultur, exclusive on-site visits, discussions, lectures, etc.
  • Alumni Universität Hamburg (ALUHH) also on XING: Almost 10,000 alumni of Universität Hamburg use the premium group ALUHH for interdisciplinary and discipline-specific exchange.

After the doctorate ...

For more information about academic career options after your doctorate, see postdoctoral career options.

Useful links

How do I start a doctorate! For useful and practical advice visit