Doctoral Studies A-Z

About this program

Earning a doctorate demonstrates the ability to carry out independent research at the highest level. At RWTH, doctoral training takes place within our faculties, which are authorized to award doctoral degrees. Throughout the doctoral journey, candidates receive close supervision while developing both advanced academic expertise and valuable professional skills. At RWTH, doctoral studies serve as a bridge between academic training and professional practice, with programs designed to emphasize real-world applications. Doctoral candidates typically work as research associates within university departments, gaining hands-on experience while pursuing their research. This integrated approach prepares graduates for success in both academic careers and leadership roles across industries. Faculty supervisors – recognized experts in their fields – provide dedicated guidance grounded in principles of equity and inclusion. While comprehensive mentorship is offered, doctoral candidates take primary responsibility for their projects and drive their own success. Doctoral candidates at RWTH carry out independent, original research and share their results in a dissertation. Upholding academic integrity is always a top priority. In the Code of Conduct for Doctoral Candidates, RWTH commits itself to principles and standards for the design of the doctoral process. These guidelines help to ensure the quality of doctoral training and form the basis for continuous development. Like all scholars working at RWTH Aachen University, doctoral candidates also pledge their academic integrity. The Principles for Safeguarding Good Research Practice serve the goal of implementing the basic ethical principles of integrity and honesty in science and providing guidance in academic work. As part of the doctoral qualification, young researchers are taught the principles of good academic practice that apply at RWTH Aachen University, taking into account the specifics of the subject cultures. This is provided, on the one hand, as part of the academic supervision and, on the other hand, by participation in continuing education courses, for example the online course or seminars of the Doctoral Academy. The University Committee for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice investigates all allegations or suspicions of scientific misconduct at RWTH Aachen University. In cases of conflict and suspected scientific misconduct, RWTH members have the opportunity to contact the relevant faculty ombud (responsible for doctorates) or one of the ombuds for safeguarding good scientific practice. The basis and guarantor for the quality of the doctoral process is a transparent supervision relationship between supervisors and doctoral candidates. The Supervision Agreement has established itself as an essential element of quality assurance. It enables supervisors and doctoral candidates to make their expectations transparent, to formulate objectives, and to monitor whether these are fulfilled. The Supervision Agreements vary according to the subject culture of the respective faculty. At RWTH, doctoral candidates are the responsibility of the respective faculty, which supervises them during the doctoral phase and is responsible for the entire doctoral process. This process is regulated in each faculty‘s doctoral regulations. In addition to professional qualification and research on academic issues, doctoral studies at RWTH Aachen University also include the acquisition of professional skills. These include skills that are helpful for a successful doctorate as well as for the next career steps afterwards and that contribute to the further development of one's own personality. The RWTH Aachen University offers central workshop and consulting services at the Doctoral Academy under the umbrella of the RWTH Center for Young Academics. As research assistants, doctoral candidates are also subject to the objectives of the staff development measures of RWTH. We want to inspire people to work at RW

Required documents

General requirements for PhD programs in Germany. Program-specific requirements are shown once you start a journey for this program.

No general document list published yet for this program level.

Academic requirements

No general academic requirements published yet — check program-specific requirements after starting a journey.

Frequently asked questions

Static answers for the most common questions about applying to this program.

Country & application steps

Step by step, from choosing a federal state to your residence permit in Germany.