International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextDresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) in Sustainability SciencesDresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) in Sustainability SciencesLeibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER)• DresdenOverviewCourse detailsCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesAbout the institutionDegreeDoctoral degree: Doktoringenieur (Dr-Ing), Doctor rerum naturalium (Dr rer nat), Doctor of philosophy (Dr phil), or Doctor rerum politicarum (Dr rer pol)Doctoral degree or degree awarded byDresden University of TechnologyCourse locationDresdenIn cooperation withDresden University of TechnologyTeaching languageEnglishLanguagesThe programme is conducted in English.Full-time / part-timefull-timeProgramme duration6 semestersBeginningOtherAdditional information on beginning, duration and mode of studyThe programme start for the annual call applicants is1 March 2026ORrollingfor the open topic.Application deadline1 September 2025for the annual-call application ORrolling deadlinefor open-topic applicationTuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeNoDescription/contentTheDresden Leibniz Graduate School(DLGS) is a joint interdisciplinary facility of theLeibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development(IOER) andDresden University of Technology(TUD).DLGS offers an interdisciplinary,three-year doctoral programme. Fellows are admitted in a competitive process with independently conceived research proposals that align with IOER’s research. The programme aims to equip PhD candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete a doctoral dissertation, which may be written either as a monograph or as a cumulative work. Scientific support is provided through Supervisory Board meetings, where research progress is reviewed, and tailored guidance fosters individual development. Additional support includes funding opportunities for fieldwork and networking at national and international conferences.Course organisationTheDLGS curriculumconsists of both compulsory and elective formats that cover core, subject-specific, methodological, and skill development courses. It includes core courses in philosophy of science, qualitative and quantitative methodology, selected spatial sustainability science subjects, transformative leadership, and technical skills in research, writing, and publishing. Additionally, fellows may choose courses from the wide-ranging programme ofTUD's Graduate Academy. For all international students, language courses in German are also supported.International elementsInternational guest lecturersInternational comparisons and thematic reference to the international contextProjects with partners in Germany and abroadSpecialist literature in other languagesContent-related regional focusDescription of other international elementsInternational PhD peers, staff and supervisorsParticipation in international conferencesDiverse intercultural background of studentsTo find out more about DLGS fellows, see https://dlgs-dresden.de/fellows/current-fellows.Course-specific, integrated German language coursesNoCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesNoTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionTo officially enrol at Dresden University of Technology (TUD), DLGS doctoral fellows pay a semester fee, which also provides access to public transportation.Funding opportunities within the universityYesDescription of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the universityDLGS fellows receive a full-time scholarship for a duration of three years with the possibility for extension. As of 2025, the DLGS scholarship amounts to 1,515 EUR per month in addition to travel and research activity expenses.Academic admission requirementsDLGS accepts competitive applications for:Current call(deadline: 1 September 2025)https://dlgs-dresden.de/application/funding/scholarshipsOROpen topichttps://dlgs-dresden.de/application/funding/rolling-applications(rolling deadline)To enter the selection process for 1 or 2 (above), applicants must meet the following criteria:First Master’s degree obtained within the last three years before application (date of certificate)Total grade obtained for the Master’s degree "good" or better (corresponding to German level "gut")Research proposal within scope that clearlyaddresses the annual topic (only when applying for the current call)addresses thescientific profile and remitof DLGSaligns withIOER research areas(one or several)identifies suitable supervisors (professors) at the TUD/ IOER (please do not contact potential supervisors in advance)Complete online application (in English only) with all supporting documents requestedLanguage requirementsApplicants whose first language is not English or who have not earned a Master's degree in an English-speaking country are required to demonstrate English language proficiency through either the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum accepted score for TOEFL is 600 for the paper-based test, 250 for the computer-based test or 100 for the Internet-based test. An IELTS test is accepted with a band score of 7 or better on a nine-point scale (academic modules).ONLY applicants for transdisciplinary research must demonstrate German language proficiency (C1 level) for working with diverse local stakeholders.Application deadline1 September 2025for the annual-call application ORrolling deadlinefor open-topic applicationSubmit application toWe only accept online applications. Please note the separate submission forms for theannual topicand foropen topicapplications.AccommodationDresden is a popular destination for students, researchers, and professionals from Germany and around the world. As demand rises, it can be challenging for international researchers to find housing in the city.TUD’s Welcome Centersupports DLGS fellows in their housing search. We strongly recommend starting the search before arrival. Alternatively, one could arrange in advance to stay at TUD’s guest house and look for more permanent accommodation after arrival.Structured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesCareer advisory services and programmes for future professionalsTUD's Career Servicesoffer advice on improving the personal CV as well as various other professional workshops. They also help students connect with potential employers.Support for international students and doctoral candidatesWelcome eventCultural and linguistic preparationHelp with finding accommodationSupport with registration proceduresGeneral services and support for international students and doctoral candidatesTUD's Welcome Centreprovides a range of services for incoming PhD students.Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER)© S. Schwarz/IÖR-MediaTheLeibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development(IOER) in Dresden is a non-university research centre in the field of spatial sciences, and it is a member of the Leibniz Association. Our subject is the sustainable development and transformation of cities and regions in the context of the global human-ecological crisis. We investigate dynamic interactions between ecosystems and society at and across multiple spatial scales as well as options for responsible stewardship. Our research is highly interdisciplinary across the natural, social and engineering sciences. It is equally transdisciplinary, working with stakeholders in the public, private and civil society sectors on knowledge co-production and transfer. We aim to foster just urban and regional transformations that enable humanity to thrive within a safe ecological operating space. The IOER sets great value on training and promoting young scientists. The institute also supports equal opportunities, and it has therefore repeatedly received the TOTAL-E-QUALITY award.Dresden University of Technology(TUD) is one of the top-ranked universities in Germany and Europe. Since 2012, it has been one of the eleven German Universities of Excellence and ranks among the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. With 17 faculties across five schools, TUD offers a broad range of 119 degree programmes. Approximately 18% of its students come from abroad.LocationDresden, the capital of Saxony and home to more than 550,000 inhabitants, is located on the Elbe River and is renowned for its baroque architecture, opera, concert halls, theatres, museums, and art galleries. In addition to offering excellent cultural activities and a lively student scene, the city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes—such as the Saxon Switzerland National Park—which provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.Activate mapTo 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 ourprivacy policy.You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.Show mapContactLeibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER)Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS)Dr Nora GortchevaWeberplatz 101217 DresdenE-Mail:EmailWeb:Course websiteProf Dr Marc Wolfram