PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

Dr agr, Dr rer nat, Dr phil, Dr oec, Dr pol

Course location

Bonn

Teaching language

• English

Languages

English

Full-time / part-time

• full-time

Programme duration

7 semesters

Beginning

Winter semester

Application deadline

The deadline for the DAAD EPOS scholarship via BIGS-DR is 31 August for the following academic year.

For applicants with secured funding, the deadline is 1 May for a start in October of the same year.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) is based at the Center for Development Research (ZEF ), an institute of the University of Bonn . The University of Bonn is one of Germany’s 11 Universities of Excellence  and runs 12 International Graduate Schools , among them BIGS-DR. The structured and interdisciplinary doctoral programme was established in 1999 and has since been offering outstanding opportunities for conducting development research, establishing international collaboration, and taking part in a tailored qualification programme.

ZEF’s doctoral programme is an excellent choice for those seeking to build a career in the field of sustainable development, including research, project development and implementation, or policy-making. Topics of special research interest at ZEF include agriculture, land use, climate change ; water resources (management); biodiversity ; food and nutrition ; health ; gender ; migration, mobility, and urbanisation ; governance and conflict ; markets and services ; and innovation and science policy .

Course organisation

BIGS-DR is a full-time programme with a duration of three and a half years. Doctoral students will participate in coursework, conduct field research, and complete their theses within this time frame. In addition, students take part in soft skills workshops that train them in academic writing, working interculturally, leadership skills, and ethical considerations.

On average, it takes four years for BIGS-DR students to complete their dissertations and obtain their doctoral degrees. During this time frame, they participate in a tailor-made course programme, conduct field research, analyse data, write academic papers, and present their results at international conferences. Furthermore, students improve their career prospects by attending workshops on academic writing, intercultural training, and research ethics.

As a structured doctoral programme, BIGS-DR provides intensive supervision and tutorship. Doctoral students are supported and guided by a team of experts consisting of their supervisors and senior researchers at ZEF.

Upon successfully defending their dissertation, students are awarded a doctoral degree from one of the faculties of the University of Bonn (agriculture, natural sciences, social sciences, economics, etc.)

PDF Download

A Diploma supplement will be issued

Yes

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Training in intercultural skills
• Courses are led with foreign partners
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Diverse intercultural background of students

More than 500 students from 100 countries have participated in the BIGS-DR programme at ZEF so far. Each annual "batch" comprises around 20–30 students who come from different disciplinary backgrounds.

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• DAAD development-related postgraduate course

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

No

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

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 so-called social contribution (semester fee) of about 330 EUR per semester. It includes among other things a student transit pass for public transport and a statutory accident insurance.

Costs of living

The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 1,300 EUR, with rent accounting for the largest share. The funds you need to secure for your research will vary from project to project, but they usually range from 5,000 to 20,000 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university

No

Academic admission requirements

• An excellent Master's or equivalent degree: GPA higher than 3.0 in the American system or a grade higher than 2.0 in the German system or equivalent
• Relevant work experience (min. two years)
• An excellent and innovative research concept
• Certified proficiency in English
• The last MA degree should have been obtained less than six years ago.

Language requirements

• IELTS certificate (band 6)
• TOEFL (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 Internet-based)
• University waiver that indicates the language of instruction was in English

Application deadline

The deadline for the DAAD EPOS scholarship via BIGS-DR is 31 August for the following academic year.

For applicants with secured funding, the deadline is 1 May for a start in October of the same year.

Submit application to

https://www.zef.de/doctoral-program/application/overview.html

Accommodation

International applicants who are admitted can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply.

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 ) that provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can 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
• Cultural and linguistic preparation
• Visa matters

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.

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.