PhD Programme at Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences (BGTS) Bielefeld University in Germany

The Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences (BGTS) at Bielefeld University offers a structured, internationally oriented doctoral programme for students interested in advanced research across Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Business Administration, and Mathematical Economics. BGTS serves as an umbrella organisation for several research training groups and provides a comprehensive academic environment, including courses, seminars, international workshops, soft skills training, and social events. Doctoral candidates can pursue their studies within a participating research training group or independently under the supervision of BGTS scientists.

The programme is designed to foster interdisciplinary research and collaboration, with international guest lecturers and projects involving partners in Germany and abroad. Courses for doctoral students are primarily held in English, ensuring accessibility for international applicants. While there are no tuition fees, students are required to pay a semester contribution (approximately 300 EUR), which covers a social ticket for free public transport in Bielefeld and North-Rhine Westphalia. Living expenses are estimated at around 850 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, and other costs. Affordable accommodation options are available through student residences and private organisations, and the International Office provides support for finding housing.

BGTS does not offer internal funding opportunities, so students must secure their own financial support for living expenses. The university provides a range of support services for international students, including welcome events, buddy programmes, cultural and linguistic preparation, visa assistance, and specialist counselling. Academic support is available through the German Learning Centre, which offers mentoring and workshops on academic writing. Career advisory services are also provided to help students plan their professional development.

Applicants should consult the BGTS website and the web pages of participating research programmes for detailed information on admission and language requirements. Typically, a relevant Master's degree is expected, and specific prerequisites may vary by research group. Applications can be submitted at any time, but candidates should check the BGTS and Bielefeld University PhD positions websites for current openings. For general inquiries, contact [email protected]

For more information, visit the BGTS website: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/bgts/ and the DAAD programme page: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/detail/8266/