Your path to a PhD at KU

1. Check the academic requirements

A completed university degree is the main academic requirement for pursuing a doctoral degree. Additional requirements are specified in the doctoral regulations of the respective faculty.

Applicants with an international university degree should check whether their qualification meets the requirements for doctoral studies at KU.

Detailed information on academic requirements, doctoral regulations, financing, formal acceptance, enrollment, and the doctoral process is available on the Academic Careers website:

→ Doctoral studies at KU – What you need to know

2. Identify a potential supervisor

Prospective doctoral researchers are responsible for finding a suitable supervisor themselves. The International Office and the Welcome Center cannot assign supervisors or forward general requests for supervision to professors.

Before contacting a professor, please:

• identify a faculty member, chair, or professorship that matches your academic field;
• carefully review the professor’s research interests and current projects;
• prepare a concise outline of your proposed doctoral research;
• include your curriculum vitae and relevant academic qualifications; and
• explain why your research project is a good academic fit for the professor and KU.

General requests for admission or supervision that do not show a clear connection to the professor’s field of research are unlikely to be successful.

→ Explore KU’s faculties and academic departments

You may also check the KU Job Portal for advertised doctoral or research positions:

→ KU Job Portal

Please note that contacting a professor does not constitute a formal application and does not guarantee admission to doctoral studies at KU.

3. Apply for formal acceptance by the faculty

Once a KU professor has agreed to supervise your doctoral project, you must apply for formal acceptance as a doctoral researcher by the doctoral committee of the relevant faculty.

The required documents and procedures depend on the faculty and its doctoral regulations. The doctoral committee determines whether you meet the academic and formal requirements for pursuing a doctoral degree.

Please note that confirmation of supervision does not automatically mean that you have been formally accepted as a doctoral researcher.

For detailed information on the formal doctoral process, please visit:

→ Doctoral studies at KU – What you need to know

4. Register with the Welcome Center

Once a KU professor has confirmed that they are willing to supervise or host you, the Welcome Center can assist you with practical and administrative matters related to your stay in Germany.

Depending on your individual situation, this may include information and guidance on:

• visa and residence requirements;
• accommodation;
• health insurance;
• registration with local authorities;
• university services; and
• preparing for your arrival at KU.

To access these services, please register with the Welcome Center and upload proof of your contact with or confirmation from your KU host or supervisor.

Please note: The Welcome Center does not assess academic qualifications, arrange doctoral supervision, or offer doctoral positions. Registration with the Welcome Center is not an application for doctoral studies at KU.