phd astrophysics in germany

• Institutions
• Studying Astrophysics
• B.Sc. in Physics
• M.Sc. in Astrophysics
• Doctoral Study
• Research Areas
• Research Infrastructure

University of Potsdam (UP)  

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) 

Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)

Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute / AEI)

Information for

• Prospective Students
• PhD Students

Doctorate in Astrophysics

Doing a doctorate in the network.

As a doctoral candidate, you have the opportunity to conduct your research at the University of Potsdam, at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) or the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI).

Topics for a doctoral thesis are agreed upon and planned individually with potential supervisors at the institutions. Please refer to the network institutions’ websites for details. Subject-specific Graduate Schools enable doctoral studies within a thematic network with a suitable curriculum. This also promotes enhanced exchange with fellow doctoral candidates involved in similar projects. At AIP and the University of Potsdam, doctorates can be pursued individually or at a Leibniz Graduate School; at AEI, all doctoral students are part of the Max Planck graduate programs (International Max Planck Research Schools).

More information:

• Astrophysics at UP
• Doctoral theses at AIP
• Max Planck graduate program at AEI
• Doctoral theses at DESY

Structured doctoral training

In Germany, only universities have the authority to grant doctoral degrees: for this reason, you will remain enrolled at the university throughout your doctorate. After completing the doctoral exami­nation procedure, the University of Potsdam’s Faculty of Science will award the Doctor of Science degree (Dr. rer. nat.). If you decide to write your doctoral thesis at AIP, for example, your super­visor from AIP will assess your work and be a member of the examining committee.

The non-university institutions in the Astrophysics Network and the University of Potsdam have agreed to offer structured doctoral training. This agreement regulates the rights and obligations of the supervisors and doctoral candidates, ensuring ideal conditions for doctoral studies. In addition, the network offers joint events that are open to all doctoral candidates. Special professional courses and training programs are also offered in the form of transferable and professional skills, delivered in collaboration with the University of Potsdam’s interdisciplinary Potsdam Graduate School.

• Doing a doctorate at the University of Potsdam’s Faculty of Science

Leibniz Graduate School for Quantitative Spectros­copy in Astrophysics

The Leibniz Graduate School for Quanti­tative Spectroscopy in Astrophysics is a collaborative program offered by AIP and the University of Potsdam’s Institute of Physics and Astronomy. Projects can be chosen from a wide range of topics: from solar and planetary physics, stellar physics and extragalactic astrophysics to cosmology. What all these topics have in common is that they involve applying spectroscopic methods.

At the Graduate School, doctoral candi­dates are supervised collectively by the university and AIP. It also offers joint colloquia and courses in which profes­sional knowledge is taught. These offerings are open to all doctoral candidates studying astrophysics, enabling them to engage in lively exchange beyond their individual research group.

• Leibniz Graduate School for Quantitative Spektroscopy in Astrophysics

International Max Planck Research Schools

International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) are offered by Max Planck Institutes in cooperation with partner universities. There are two such doctoral programs at AEI. The “IMPRS on Gravitational-Wave Astronomy” with branches in Potsdam and Hannover focuses on gravitational-wave research. Its branch in Potsdam is dedicated to analytical and numerical relativity, data analysis, astrophysics of compact objects, and multi-messenger astronomy while its branch in Hannover investigates experimental and observational aspects of gravitational-wave astronomy. Both branches participate in the analysis of gravitational-wave detector data of the LIGO and Virgo detectors.

The “IMPRS for Mathematical and Physical Aspects of Gravitation, Cosmology and Quantum Field Theory” addresses fundamental questions about the nature of classical and quantum gravity and its links to the fundamental constituents of matter. The purely theoretical research brings together some of the most exciting challenges of modern physics and mathematics.

You are also welcome to attend lectures at nearby universities and take advantage of a specialized IMPRS curriculum and continuing education courses. It usually takes three years to complete a doctorate at the IMPRS. The working language is typically English.

• IMPRS on Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Branch in Potsdam
• IMPRS for Mathematical and Physical Aspects of Gravitation, Cosmology and Quantum Field Theory

Demanding doctoral projects in an international environment are offered at DESY. At the Zeuthen site, you can complete your dissertation on astrophysical issues from the research area of astro­particle physics. Astroparticle physics unites issues and methods from astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and observations of fundamental processes in the universe.

At DESY, doctoral projects are available in a variety of experimental research projects concerning neutrino and gamma astronomy, or in theoretical astroparticle physics. As a doctoral student, you will be closely integrated in research groups at Zeuthen and the participating universities (University of Potsdam and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin).

• Helmholtz Weizmann Reseach School Multimessenger Astronomy
• Potsdam Graduate School

Potsdam Graduate School (PoGS) is a central scientific facility at the University of Potsdam. It acts as the central contact point and supporting organization for doctoral candidates and postdocs from all faculties. Potsdam Graduate School brings together individual doctoral candidates, and connects the structured graduate programs of the University of Potsdam and the non-university institutions.

It offers a wide range of services: funding opportunities such as publishing and travel allowances, proof reading, as well as multidisciplinary courses and PhD coaching.

A comprehensive continuing education program is also open to all doctoral candidates, preparing them not only for university teaching, but also for professions outside higher education. Potsdam Graduate School also organizes numerous networking events, such as Career Talks, a Science Club and PhDay.

There are currently over one thousand doctoral candidates from all kinds of subject areas at Potsdam Graduate School.

Universität Bonn

Universität zu Köln

The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School for Physics and Astronomy BCGS is a joint program of graduate studies between the universities of Bonn and Cologne. The program leads students with a bachelor's degree in physics (or related subject) through an MSc phase to doctoral studies.

The BCGS provides mentoring and research internships, scholarships and travel funds, and a vibrant research environment at the forefront of modern physics. Research areas at the two departments of Bonn and Cologne span almost the entire range of current physics; from astrophysics, biophysics and condensed matter research to particle physics, quantum optics and string theory.

BCGS intensive week 2024

In our series Science meets Business , our former students Dr. Ju Min Kim (VOSSIUS), Dr. Oliver Maria Kind (ZF) and Dr. Anjishnu Bandyopadhyay (Tamara) will talk about their careers and work as a patent attorney, in autonomous driving and using statistics to recognise financial crime.

Advanced Topics in High Energy Physics 11.-15. September 2023

Bonn Office: Isabela Fox

[email protected]

+49-228-73-2826

2.011 & 2.012, HISKP

Nussallee 14-16

Opening hours Bonn

• Tuesday - Wednesday 09:30 - 14:00
• Thursday 10:00 - 14:00
• Closed on Monday and Friday. Please contact us via email.

Cologne Office: Dr. Petra Neubauer-Guenther

[email protected]

+49-221-4703554

203, I Physics Institute

Zülpicher Str. 77

Opening hours Cologne

• Monday - Thursday 09.30 - 12.00
• Monday - Tuesday 13.30 - 15.00
• Thursday 13.30 - 17.00
• Closed on Wednesday afternoon and Friday

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from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

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Girls' Day am MPA

from 08:30 AM to 01:00 PM (Local Time Germany)

Upcoming seminars

Großräumige strukturen und die geschichte des universums, the evolving “big picture” of galaxy formation: a scientific (and sociological) retrospective, reconciling observations of stars and gas, emission and absorption, in the adolescent universe, meet our mpa fellows.

Spirals, waves and gliding along

September 06, 2023

Kavli Summer Program In Astrophysics 2023: The lives, deaths and afterlives of interacting stars

A look back forward

Managing Director Prof. Dr. Eiichiro Komatsu

Scientific Members, Kollegium, Directors Prof. Dr. Selma E. de Mink Prof. Dr. Guinevere Kauffmann Prof. Dr. Eiichiro Komatsu Prof. Dr. Volker Springel

Emeritus Directors Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Hillebrandt Prof. Dr. Rashid Sunyaev Prof. Dr. Simon White

External Scientific Members Prof. Dr. Rolf-Peter Kudritzki Prof. Dr. Werner Tscharnuter

Head of the administration Pia Fischhaber

Press and Public Relations Dr. Hannelore Haemmerle Phone: 089 30000-3980 Dr. Hans-Thomas Janka Phone: 089 30000-2228

email: [email protected]

Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Garching Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 1 Postfach 1317 D-85741 Garching, Germany

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14 phd-astrophysics positions in Germany

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• phd-astrophysics

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• Scholarship 7
• Research Job 4
• Postdoctoral 4
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• ESO - European Southern Observatory 1
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• Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, Berlin 1
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• Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf - HZDR - Helmholtz Association 1
• LMU Munich 1
• Leibniz-Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam 1
• Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics • 1
• Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching 1
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• University of Bonn • 1
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PhD Fellowships in Physics

, workshops and social events. For the 2024 application call, we offer the following PhD topics: • Searches for ultralight bosonic fields (Prof. Dr. Dmitry Budker) • Novel techniques in magnetometry and

Postdoctoral position in Solar Physics

job ticket. The appointment will be for 2 years. Applicants need to hold a PhD degree in astrophysics , physics, or a related field at the beginning of the appointment. Programming experience, preferably

Postdoctoral Positions in Experimental Infrared/ Submillimeter Astrophysics (m/f/d)

talented, ambitious graduating PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in experimental astrophysics . Our front-line research focuses on near-IR-millimeter high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy

Postdoctoral Positions (m/f/d) | Experimental Infrared / Submillimeter Astrophysics

for Extraterrestrial Physics invites applications from talented, ambitious graduating PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in experimental astrophysics . Our front-line research focuses on near-IR-millimeter high

Postdoc positions in planet formation at LMU Munich (up to 5 years)

performance and funding) - one 4-year PhD position (paid on 75% TV-L E13 level for public employees) in the field of planet formation, protoplanetary disk formation, and evolution. Experience in topics related

Several Interdisciplinary PhD Positions (f/m/d)

Several Interdisciplinary PhD Positions (f/m/d) at Heidelberg University The Heidelberg Graduate School of Mathematical and Computational Methods for the Sciences HGS MathComp at Heidelberg

VLT Programme Scientist

communicate at all levels within the organisation and with the science community; A strong record of personal research, demonstrating international recognition in optical and near-infrared astrophysics research

PhD Position (m/f/d) | Two-color infrared free-electron laser spectroscopy and microscopy

with applications ranging from biomedicine to chemistry and materials science to astrophysics . Within a new project of the Center, the Lattice Dynamics (LD) group in the Department of Physical Chemistry

Postdoc (f/m/d) / Scientific Assistant (f/m/d) inductive sensor development / Completed university studies ( PhD ) in the field of electrical engineering or related field / Development

technologies can be applied to analyse geo- and astrophysical topics e.g., Rayleigh-Bénard convection of liquid metals, as well as to control industrial processes as continuous casting of steel and the

PhD / Doctorate •

, condensed matter physics and solid state theory, statistical and biological physics, mathematical physics, gravitation, and astrophysics . Course organisation All graduate studies (MSc and PhD

Searches related to phd astrophysics

• space physics
• astrophysics
• phd in astrophysics physics
• astronomy and astrophysics
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International Programmes 2023/2024

Physics (PhD) Physics (PhD)

University of göttingen • göttingen.

• Course details
• Costs / Funding
• Requirements / Registration

Participants can choose to write their PhD theses in either German or English.

The PhD programme in Physics is part of the Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS), which offers a structured doctoral education and promotes excellent research in mathematics and natural sciences ( http://www.gauss.uni-goettingen.de ). The Faculty of Physics offers you a wide range of physical sub-fields such as the following:

• astrophysics
• materials physics
• dynamics of complex systems
• particle physics
• semi-conductor physics
• theoretical physics
• X-ray physics

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/488933.html .

As a doctoral student in physics, you will be affiliated with one of the research groups of the programme. Each PhD project will be supervised by a three-member thesis committee that will advise on research questions and study content. To broaden and deepen your knowledge of physics in your speciality area as well as in other areas, you will participate in advanced lecture courses. In addition to your research activities, you will gain teaching experience.

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/requirements-during-the-doctorate/501108.html .

• International guest lecturers
• Integrated study abroad unit(s)
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Study trips
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

We have many options to participate in a research visit abroad. Nevertheless, this is not mandatory.

Teaching is welcome (as well as mandatory) and is credited.

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens. Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html .

1. Academic admission requirements include an excellent Master's degree in physics, mathematics, or other natural sciences. If the degree was not awarded in Germany, eligibility will be assessed according to the guidelines of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the federal states in the Federal Republic of Germany (documented at http://www.anabin.de ). For the assessment of eligibility, the respective certificate should be submitted to the Dean's office of the Faculty of Physics. 2. Acceptance by an authorised supervisor For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/how-to-become-a-phd-student/501047.html .

• English or German native speakers: none
• other applicants without a previous degree taught in English: proof of proficiency in English (at a level equivalent to PBT TOEFL 550)

For further information, please visit our website: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/phd-physics/488933.html .

Application steps:

• Decide on a research topic and contact potential supervisor
• Assemble a thesis advisory committee (TAC)
• Apply for admission (programme, supervision agreement)

https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/577087.html

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html

Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are only available if you have a low income.

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html .

Office of the Dean of Studies

Career-related talks with physicists

• Specialist counselling
• Pick-up service

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from the Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html

There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university. http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Study Buddy programme ( https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/112395.html ) as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/108275.html

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• Find your PhD position

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Find your PhD position in Germany

Before you start your search ....

Before you start your search you should know that there are different PhD models:

• Individual doctorate  or
• Structured PhD programmes

What's the difference? Check out our  overview of the various ways to do your PhD in Germany  

Find your individual doctorate

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor . This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but demands a high degree of  personal initiative  and responsibility.

How to find your PhD supervisor

In Germany there is no central admissions or selection office for doctoral students. Therefore, your first step is to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor.

One way to find a supervisor is to look for a university institute that matches your area of research. The following online search engines might help you find a suitable supervisor:

• GERiT – German research institutions GERiT is a website containing information on approximately 29,000 research institutions in Germany. GERiT allows the user to search easily by location or subject. It provides all the information needed to choose an institution at which to research, study or do a doctorate. www.gerit.org
• Finding a PhD position PhDGermany publishes PhD openings in Germany that specifically target international applicants. Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and assists you with the online application process. www.phdgermany.de
• Higher Education Compass   This database provides up-to-date information from universities about doctoral opportunities in Germany. The search engine enables you to carry out targeted searches on the basis of departments, admission requirements and form of doctoral thesis. www.higher-education-compass.de

Furthermore,  your contacts with your professors or previous university  could help direct you to a suitable department or potential supervisor in Germany.

It is also helpful to attend  academic conferences  in your own subject area. There you will be able to exchange information and make contacts ­– and perhaps even find a future PhD supervisor.

Find your structured PhD programme

DAAD/Ausserhofer/Himsel

Structured PhD programmes in Germany are frequently very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries, in which a  team of supervisors  look after a  group of doctoral students . Around 12,000 doctoral students from abroad – roughly one in four – do their PhDs in structured programmes. As a rule, it is possible to complete a doctorate in four to five years.

Where to find your PhD programme

There is no central database of all structured PhD programmes in Germany. You can usually find these programmes directly through the respective universities, graduate schools or non-university research institutions. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) database is also a good place to look. Here you will find a large number of PhD programmes that are specially aimed at international doctoral students.

International doctoral programme database

Are you interested in an international doctoral programme in Germany? This DAAD database presents a selection of roughly 230 international doctoral programmes in Germany. The database can be searched according to different criteria.  www.daad.de/international-programmes 

Doctoral programmes at universities

Many universities offer structured doctoral programmes, which they publicise on their websites. The Student Advisory Service or Graduate Centre at the respective university will also provide help here. You can find the relevant addresses using the Higher Education Compass provided by the German Rectors’ Conference. www.higher-education-compass.de

​​​​​​​DFG-funded research training groups

Research training groups are also funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. www.dfg.de > Current Research Training Groups

Helmholtz Research Schools, Colleges and Graduate Schools

The Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation. In collaboration with various institutions of higher education, Helmholtz Association research centres have established structured PhD programmes under the auspices of Helmholtz Graduate Schools, Helmholtz Research Schools and Colleges.  www.helmholtz.de > PhD Candidates 

Leibniz Graduate Schools

The Leibniz Association connects 97 research institutes that conduct problem-oriented research and provide scientific infrastructure of national and international importance. Together with universities they run structured PhD programmes in Leibniz Graduate Schools. www.leibniz-association.eu > Leibniz Graduate Schools

International Max Planck Research Schools

The Max Planck Society specialises in innovative basic research and its institutes are able to offer up-and-coming researchers excellent infrastructure and support. The website lists the programmes available at International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS):  www.mpg.de > International Max Planck Research Schools  

Max Planck Schools

In Germany, the best researchers in a specific field are often work at different universities and non-university research institutions spread throughout the country. The Max Planck Schools serve as hubs which gather this distributed knowledge. Here, the brightest minds in their fields have come together from within the scientific community to interconnect in faculties made up of active researchers. Students gain access to these unique networks, learn in close personal exchange from leaders in their fields and their peers, and enjoy access to outstanding infrastructure. Currently, three Schools are operating in the fields of Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics. www.maxplanckschools.de

Where can I find out about requirements?

Application procedures  differ from programme to programme . The precise requirements and deadlines can be found on the website of the respective university, research training group or graduate school. You should therefore first choose a PhD programme and/or graduate school.

You've found the position you want to apply for, but how does applying to a potential supervisor or structured PhD programme work in Germany? Find out more here.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

We help you navigate through the large number of job portals that specialise in openings for academics and scientists. These are some of the sites that may get you started.

DAAD/Uta Konopka

Check out our brochure

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.