Here you will find information about the application to the doctoral program and current calls for applications.
If you want to apply for admission to the doctoral program and for a scholarship, we will inform you about the application modalities below. We publically tender all open positions in the doctoral program as well as available scholarships.
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Current Call for Applications
- No open CfA at the moment
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Conditions of Entry and Selection Criteria of the Doctoral Program
In order to be eligible for the doctoral program, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Their dissertation project must fit to the thematic focus of the doctoral program.
- One of the professors cooperating with the doctoral program must agree to supervise the applicants´ dissertation project.
- Applicants must have received a master’s, magister or diploma degree in a subject area that is relevant to their dissertation project. Applicants must have graduated from their master’s, magister or diploma program with an above-average degree (for example, with honours, at least grade “good” (2.0) or an equivalent degree).
- Applicants must be fluent in written and spoken English. Good German language skills are preferred, but are not required.
In addition, it is advantageous if applicants have already gained the following experiences:
- Experienced professional work, also through internships and working student positions.
- Have been committed to social or political projects.
Have gained international experience through studies abroad programs, professional stays abroad, or international volunteer work.
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Eligibility Conditions and Award Criteria of a Scholarship
In order to be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Applicants must fulfil the doctoral program’s conditions of entry and have been accepted into the doctoral program.
- Applicants must not already receive funding for the same project from a public or private institution, or a scholarship from a foundation.
- Their secondary earnings are within the permitted thematic, time-constricted, and financial conditions that have been clearly specified above.
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Application Documents
Unless otherwise specified in the call for applications, an application for the doctoral program comprises of the following documents:- Letter of motivation (in English, max. 1000 words).
- Personal data sheet/CV (in German or English).
- Academic reference letter (German form template / English form template)
- Exposé of research idea (in German or English; max. 5000 words), which contains the following information:
- Working Title
- Abstract (max. 500 words)
- Research question / presentation of problem / working hypothesis (“What is the problem?”)
- State of research & own preparatory work (if applicable)
- Methodology / provisional structure
- Working plan
- Bibliography
- Unofficial copies of master’s, magister and/or diploma certificates (or a provisional certificate) with all individual grades that are relevant for the examination and final grade.
- Unofficial copy of bachelor´s certificate with all individual grades which are relevant for the examination and final grade.
- Internship and employment certificates (if applicable).
- Certification / Proof of voluntary work (if applicable).
Use our application portal to submit all application documents. We only consider documents which are submitted via the application portal. Additional documents sent via email will not be reviewed.
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Application Procedure
In the pre-selection round, the coordination office of the doctoral program checks whether the application documents have been completed, and how well, if at all, the candidate fulfils the program’s criteria of entry. Candidates who make it to the next round will have two interviews, first with their preferred supervisor, and second with the academic head of the doctoral program and a member of the managing board of the WCGE.
Candidates proposed for a scholarship of the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (SDW) have to succeed also in the selection interviews of the SDW.
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FAQ
- I do not have German citizenship. Can I apply for the doctoral program?
Yes, the citizenship of the applicants does not matter. International candidates who are admitted into the doctoral program will be required to apply for a visa on their own, if necessary.
- I have not yet finished my master program. Can I apply for the doctoral program?
Provided that candidates will have finished their master program by the start date of the doctoral program, they are eligible to apply. In this case, applicants should send an overview of all individual grades that are relevant for the examination, and an informal provisional certificate from their university confirming the pending graduation completion date.
- I received my last academic degree several years ago. Can I apply to the doctoral program?
Yes, there is no time restriction regarding the last academic degree. To the contrary, we welcome applicants with professional experience to the doctoral program.
- Are there any age restrictions for applicants?
No, the doctoral program welcomes applicants of all ages. Applicants should, however, explain in their motivation letter why they have chosen this point in their life to earn a doctorate degree.
- Who should write the academic reference letter?
A professor, an assistant professor, or a habilitated university lecturer should write the applicant’s academic reference letter. The applicant must have attended seminars or lectures of this academic referee, or the referee must have supervised the applicant´s final thesis.
- I have received my bachelor´s, master´s, magister and/or diploma certificate from non-German and non-English speaking universities. Do I have to provide official translations of my certificates?
Yes, please send us copies of your original certificates in addition to translations of these in either the German or English language.
- I have already applied for the doctoral program in past and my application was rejected. Can I reapply?
Yes, but it is advisable to carefully revise your previous application.
- Can or should I contact the professor who is my preferred supervising professor?
No, please refrain from contacting the professors in advance. If you have concrete questions, contact the academic head. He/she will consult with the professor, if necessary.
- Do I already have to name one of the professors as my supervising professors in my application?
Yes, you should name one of the professors as your preferred supervisor in the application. If we feel that another professor may be a more suitable supervisor for you, we will contact you to discuss this with you.
- How long does it take from the application deadline for a decision to me made about acceptance to the doctoral program?
We review all applications very carefully and this, of course, takes time. It can take up to four months after the application deadline to reach a decision. We ask you to refrain from inquiries, and kindly ask for your patience and understanding.
- If my application is not successful, will I get a detailed explanation for my rejection?
We send all candidates whose applications were not successful letters of refusal. Due to time constraints, we unfortunately do not offer detailed explanations of the refusals, and ask that unsuccessful applicants refrain from inquiring about details of their rejection.
- The application deadline has already passed. Can I still send an application?
On an individual basis, applications after the deadline may be taken into consideration. However, late applicants are asked to please first contact the academic head and ask whether applications are still being accepted. Unsolicited submissions of applications after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.
If you have not found an answer to your question here, please contact the academic head.
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Past Calls for Applications