PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

PhD

Course location

Bonn

Teaching language

• German
• English

Languages

Courses are held in English (80%) and German (20%). Doctoral students can write their PhD theses in either language.

Programme duration

8 semesters

Beginning

Winter semester

Application periods

The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 1 July

More information on application periods

Please find more details on this website .

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

BIGS-OAS investigates the cultures and societies of Asia and the Middle East in change through time and the processes of global interaction. The graduate school combines the broad regional and thematic scope of the University of Bonn's Oriental and Asian-based social sciences and humanities. The doctoral students are incorporated into the graduate school's framework of a structured doctoral programme, which will lead to a completion of their PhD within four years. The curriculum encourages their theoretical, methodological, and occupational competencies and prepares them for a competent participation in the international research community. As a rule, research and field studies abroad are integrated into the second or third year of the graduate programme. A special emphasis is laid on the intensive support of the individual doctoral projects by the adviser (from the field of subject) and as well from discussions and research colloquia that are offered by the graduate school.

Course organisation

The BIGS-OAS offers its doctoral students a balanced and modularised main curriculum. Depending on their individual needs and interests, students can select and tailor their own study plan. The main curriculum consists of interdisciplinary skills, theory, and method seminars, which are supplemented by open topics. The main curriculum is offered on a biennial basis, beginning in October of even years. The seminars are offered as two-day workshops, usually on Fridays and Saturdays.

A Diploma supplement will be issued

No

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Language training provided
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
• Content-related regional focus

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

No

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester

None

Semester contribution

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Costs of living

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

BIGS-OAS annually awards two one-year stipends (800 EUR per month) to BIGS-PhD students of the respective new peer group (those who joined the international peer group in the last cycle). These stipends start being paid at the beginning of the second year.

Funding conference trips and research stays

Academic admission requirements

Master's degree relevant to the discipline or equivalent degree

German language skills

No minimum language level required

English language skills

B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:

• IELTS Academic: 5.5
• Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First

Application periods

The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 1 July

More information on application periods

Please find more details on this website .

Submit application via

Please apply via e-mail .

Accommodation

Students at the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory owned by the Studierendenwerk Bonn (see www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation for more details).

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website at www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn .

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice ), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart ), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates

• Welcome event
• Tutors
• Buddy programme

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days (www.uni-bonn.de/welcomedays ) before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.

The Study Buddy Programme (www.uni-bonn.de/study-buddy ) matches newly arrived international students (“Mentees”) with a University of Bonn student (“Buddy”) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn.

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