At the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau a variety of structured PhD-Programmes are offered. There are Graduate Schools, Research Training Groups, Collaborative Research Centres and Networks of Excellence. They include a curricular programme in their research field and interdisciplinary subjects, have a fixed term and regulated funding.

Before you choose to do astructured PhD programme you have to check out what kind of programme fits for you. You can find an overview of all possibilities offered at the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau here. For making your selection it is helpful to ask yourself certain questions: Which kind of programme (which institution) works best for you and your doctoral degree? Which requirements do the different programmes have? What is expected of you?

In the first step you need to prepare your application.

It is recommended to start this process about half a year before you are going to start your PhD. If you have found out which programme(s) is(are) suitable for you, you should prepare your application carefully. Check if there is an application deadline for that certain programme and how many application steps you have to pass. Check which documents are required for your application and prepare them. Basically you will need a curriculum vitae (resume / profile), a copy of your degree certificate(s), a short description of your research proposal for earning your PhD and a letter of motivation for your application.

The second step is starting your application itself.

Now that you know all the certain conditions of the programme you want to apply for, you can send your application to the respective address of the chosen programme of the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. Usually the application process for structured PhD-Programmes is multistage. Mostly on request you will be asked for a scientific report of your future research project – including particular details on your planned time schedule. Also you might be asked for recommendations from your professors and of course copies of all your certifications. For some PhD-Programmes a proof of language profiency is necessary.

The third (but parallel) step is contacting the ISGS.

Fill in the ISGS application form for doctoral students. Contact the ISGS and provide the office with your previous academic qualifications and your desired PhD-Programme. You will get a notification once the ISGS  has received your application.

The forth step is getting throughthe further application process.

As mentioned earlier you have to verify the specific requirements, demands and application steps of the programme you are applying for. If the doctoral committee judges your submitted documents sufficient, you might get invited for a personal interview, occasionally conducted as a telephone interview. A good preparation for such an interview is important. You need to know about the details of the doctoral programme you have applied for, about what is expected from you and why you are motivated and especially qualified for this programme. Furthermore you should know about the differences between doing a PhD in your home country and in Germany.

At the end of each application process you will either receive a notification of admission or a rejection.

The fifth step is preparing your journey.

As soon as you have obtained the notification of admission, you should apply for a visa. Submit the letter of acceptance and verify the tentative acceptance of the admission offer. Notify the ISGS of your arrival date and keep in touch with the ISGS in order to obtain further assistance on matters such as accommodation, conveyance to the university, organizational issues as well as help and support during your initial days in Germany and at the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau.