International Programmes 2024/2025

PAG – PhD Programme in Agricultural Science PAG – PhD Programme in Agricultural Science

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
PhD, Dr sc agr, Dr rer nat (doctoral studies with a focus on natural sciences), or Dr rer pol (doctoral studies with a focus on economic sciences)
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are usually held in English. The dissertation is written in English.

Mode of study
Less than 50% online
Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Only for doctoral programmes: any time
Application deadline

No application deadline

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The PhD Programme in Agricultural Science (PAG) is designed to provide PhD candidates with specialised professional training in one of the following 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 PhD programme emphasises independent research on the part of the participants. The graduate programme includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, and methods courses. In addition, PAG provides training in oral and written communication skills, including scientific writing and publishing, elective courses, and participation in international conferences or workshops. PAG also emphasises soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and moderation techniques. The study adviser provides any necessary assistance with regard to courses and logistic matters.

At the end of the PhD programme, a doctoral dissertation can be submitted either in a traditional format or as a collection of scientific publications: the latter must have been published in internationally recognised journals and must be supplemented with a general introduction and a discussion of the overall results.
The degree PhD or, alternatively, Dr sc agr, Dr rer nat, or Dr rer pol will be awarded after the successful defence of the doctoral dissertation and its subsequent publication.

Course organisation

The programme is mainly modular and includes participation in various types of modules and courses, writing of the dissertation and the disputation. The regular study time is six semesters. In addition to the dissertation and disputation, PhD students must successfully complete at least 24 credits (ECTS) through modules in the colloquia, methodology, expert knowledge and key competencies sections. Details regarding the modules that are offered and specific regulations can be found in the catalogue of courses.

http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/670315.html

Modules can be composed of various forms of teaching: lectures, seminars, exercises, practicals, colloquia as well as project work or combinations of these various forms.

In addition, other courses of a more in-depth character may be offered. Attendance at the latter type of courses is voluntary.

Support can be given by the Graduate School of Forest and Agricultural Sciences concerning travel arrangements, translation, and methodological aspects of the PhD work.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements

It depends on the dissertation and the countries with which the PhD student collaborates. During the PhD programme, many students present their studies at international conferences.

Integrated internships

None

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Self-paced (Material is always available and students progress at their own speed)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains and city buses in Germany free of charge.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.

For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

Academic admission requirements include an outstanding Master of Science (MSc) degree or its equivalent in agriculture, biology, geography, or related fields. To apply, students need to find a professor at the University of Göttingen who is willing to supervise their research. Applications are processed through the online application portal.
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/application-and-enrolment/532016.html

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English are asked to submit proof of proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL: iBT at least 81 points; IELTS: band 6; or Cambridge English Scale: min. 160 points). Proven higher education in English or a reasonably long stay in an English-speaking country may also be accepted.

Application deadline

No application deadline

Submit application to

Please see our website for questions regarding the application process:
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/application+and+enrolment/532016.html

Possibility of finding part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: https://www.stellenwerk.de/en/goettingen/.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work an equivalent of a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the amount of accommodations in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to check the following website well in advance: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/636264.html.

Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are limited to those with low income.

Structured research and supervision
Yes
Research training / discussion
Yes
Career advisory service

Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities.

For international students and prospective graduates, the “Start Guides” project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you have a promising business idea or are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The University of Göttingen accompanies you on your way to self-employment and supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

International Office

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Cultural evenings and more for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)

University of Göttingen

University location

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