PhD Programme in Agricultural Science (PAG) at University of Göttingen University of Göttingen in Germany

The PhD Programme in Agricultural Science (PAG) at the University of Göttingen offers doctoral candidates specialised training in eight majors: Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Agronomy, Animal Production, Management of Natural Resources, Agribusiness, Tropical and International Agriculture, Global Agri-Food Systems, and Animal Welfare. The programme is designed for students seeking advanced research opportunities in agriculture and related fields, with a strong emphasis on independent research and professional development.

Teaching is conducted in English, and the dissertation must also be written in English. The programme is modular, combining lectures, seminars, tutorials, and methods courses, as well as training in scientific writing, publishing, and soft skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to participate in international conferences and workshops, and projects with partners in Germany and abroad are possible depending on the dissertation topic.

To complete the programme, students must successfully defend their doctoral dissertation, which can be submitted in a traditional format or as a collection of scientific publications. The degree awarded may be PhD, Dr sc agr, Dr rer nat, or Dr rer pol, depending on the focus of the research. The regular study duration is six semesters, and students must earn at least 24 ECTS credits through modules in colloquia, methodology, expert knowledge, and key competencies.

There are no tuition fees, but a semester contribution of about 400 EUR covers a prepaid semester ticket for regional transport and discounts for cultural events. The average cost of living in Göttingen is approximately 850 EUR per month, including accommodation, food, health insurance, and books. The university does not offer internal funding opportunities, so students are responsible for securing their own funding.

Applicants must have an outstanding MSc degree or equivalent in agriculture, biology, geography, or related fields. Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT at least 81, IELTS band 6, or Cambridge English Scale minimum 160). Applicants must also find a professor at the University of Göttingen willing to supervise their research before applying. Applications are accepted at any time via the online portal.

The university provides support services for international students, including accommodation assistance, buddy programmes, orientation week, and career advisory services. Students may find part-time employment in local industries or at the university, but restrictions may apply depending on visa or scholarship status. The Graduate School of Forest and Agricultural Sciences offers additional support for travel, translation, and methodological aspects of PhD work.

For more information about the programme, modules, and application process, visit the University of Göttingen's official websites and the DAAD programme page.