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The major benefit for students in this programme is an early contact with research and research techniques in special courses for guided research. The study time before the dissertation is therefore shortened. The acquisition and application of computer science knowledge to research problems are facilitated when students enter the programme early. Additionally, students obtain skills in writing, presenting, and project management.
The PhD programme consists of two phases.
During the first phase, known as the graduate studies phase, the main focus is on studies related to a specific field and guided research. This lays the foundation for your PhD thesis and research. During the graduate studies phase, you will attend subject- and research-oriented lectures and seminars and prepare a thesis proposal.
The second phase of the programme, the doctoral studies phase, is devoted to independent research for the preparation of the thesis.
The transition from phase 1 to phase 2 is granted by the successful completion of the graduate studies phase and the preparation of a thesis proposal. If you have an MSc in Computer Science or a closely related field, you will be admitted directly to phase 2. More details regarding the admission can be found at https://phd.cs.rptu.de/program/graduate_studies/.
There are positions that combine teaching and research activities. For further information, you should ask the respective contact person for the research groups you would be interested in joining.
SOCIAL FEE: 350 EUR per semester (including public transport ("Deutschland-Semesterticket"), reductions at the RPTU canteen, university sports, etc.)
ASSESSMENT FEE (for verification of foreign certificates): 60 EUR
RECOMMENDED: German language & orientation course: 800 EUR
MONTHLY COST OF LIVING: approx. 850 EUR (including accommodation, health insurance, food, internet, phone, etc.)
More information:
Fees & Living Expenses — RPTU Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
Typically, research groups have project-related funding available. Project-related funding also offers opportunities for travel and work within a team on a well-defined project. In addition to funded projects, there might be other sources of funding. For example, there are positions that combine teaching and research activities. For further information, please contact the research groups you would be interested in joining.
Excellent Bachelor's or Master's degree (in computer science or a related discipline)
The GRE test is strongly recommended.
ACCOMMODATION @ RPTU in KAISERSLAUTERN: The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk. For international Master's or PhD students, International Affairs RPTU aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service. The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.
Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to International Affairs ISGS is advisable.
Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to International Affairs ISGS is advisable.
Optional: To help international students get started in Kaiserslautern, the "Studierendenwerk" offers a starter package for the apartment. This package can be purchased for 95 EUR: https://www.studierendenwerk-kaiserslautern.de/en/housing/international.
More information: https://rptu.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation
International Affairs RPTU supports international students in finding (student) jobs and in deepening their professional networks, e.g. by organising networking dialogues with executives from science and industry as informal career meetings.
Furthermore, we set up interdisciplinary workshops, seminars and information sessions focusing on the skills & competences students need to integrate in the German (business) culture.
More information on how to enhance your degree can be found at our related website for international students: https://rptu.de/international/master/current-students/enhance-your-degree.
International Affairs RPTU supports international students in every phase of their stay!
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL: Effective pre-arrival communication helps you with application, visa, residence permit, and housing affairs.
ONCE YOU ARE HERE: As a warm-up to your studies, we offer an Orientation Course which combines German language training with administrative support (finding accommodation, registration process, visa, health insurance, rental contracts, etc.) and a cultural & social component including individual guidance in the first days, campus & city tour, excursions, information sessions, social events, a welcome party, etc.
DURING YOUR STUDIES: We provide you with continuing support and accompany you on your way until graduation and entry to the German job market.
More information: https://rptu.de/en/international/home
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