Doctoral programs

In accordance with § 70, paragraph 5 of the Hamburg Higher Education Law, people who pursue doctoral studies are enrolled as doctoral students. Upon enrollment in or conversion to a doctoral program, doctoral candidates attain or maintain student status accordingly. You can apply to enroll with Services for Students (see contact box).

All questions related to specific doctoral programs can be answered by the respective department; for example, by a supervising professor, the doctoral committee or the dean (see the list of subject advisors and responsible persons in the schools and departments.) Answers to questions regarding formalities can be found in the doctoral degree regulations of the respective department.

Matriculation

Enrolling in or converting to a doctoral program at Universität Hamburg requires a university degree (Magister, theological exam, Diplom, state exam). If you have received your university degree abroad, please submit confirmation of your registration to the doctoral program from the responsible department.

To enroll as a doctoral student, please submit an informal application in writing to Services for Students:

Service für Studierende - Team Bewerbung und Zulassung
Alsterterrasse 1
20354 Hamburg

Office hours: Mon.-Wed.: 9 - 10 a.m., Thurs. 5 - 6 p.m.
Tel.: (040) 42838-7000

The following supporting documents are required in addition to your application:

• informal enrollment application
  Applicants who have not been matriculated at the University of Hamburg before please fill in the matriculation form (see download section at the right)
• your transcript of records including passed final exam (certified photocopy)
• certification by supervisor at Universität Hamburg
• in case of promotion at the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences a supervisor-certification of the Graduate School is required
  Contact Graduate School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences
• in case of enrollement at the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences a certification of the current Office of Academic Affairs (Studienbüro) is required
• certification of health insurance

Converting to a doctoral program (students at Universität Hamburg)

If you are already a student at Universität Hamburg, please convert your status within a month after your transcript of records including exams passed has been issued.

No admission restrictions

There are currently no admission restrictions to enroll as a doctoral student at Universität Hamburg. Services for Students nonetheless maintains the right to regularly request current confirmation of your status from supervising professors.

Fees

Students enrolled as doctoral candidates are exempted from paying tution fees but they must pay semester fees.

Doctoral programs, funding and fellowships

You can find information about doctoral programs in which Universität Hamburg takes part, doctoral funding and fellowships for doctoral projects on the pages of the Department for Research and Academic Funding.

Disabled or chronically-ill doctoral students

Generally, there is less (financial) aid available to disabled or chronically-ill doctoral students than there is for first and second-degree programs. We recommend advising by the Office for the Affairs of Disabled or Chronically-ill Students.