International Programmes 2024/2025

PhD Programme in Computer Science (PCS) PhD Programme in Computer Science (PCS)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
PhD or Dr rer nat
Teaching language
  • German
  • English
Languages

Courses are held in English and German. The PhD thesis is usually written in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Only for doctoral programmes: any time
Application deadline

Any time

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 Computer Science (PCS) at the University of Göttingen is a high-quality PhD education programme offered by the graduate school of the Faculties of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Georg-August University School of Science (GAUSS). The official language of the PCS programme is English (i.e. German is not necessarily required). As the academic degree qualification of the PCS programme, the degree of "Doctor rerum naturalium" (Dr rer nat) or the equivalent PhD degree can be awarded.
The main focus of the PCS programme is the research aspect, i.e. the PhD student works on a current research topic in the area of computer science in one of the computer science research groups of the University of Göttingen. The research group should be chosen based on the student's strengths and preferences, i.e. the research topic that the student is interested in and the research environment provided by the group the student wants to work in.

Research groups:

  • Computational Neurosciences
  • Computer Graphics and Ecological Informatics
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Security
  • Databases and Information Systems
  • Data Fusion
  • Data Science Infrastructures
  • Didactics of Informatics
  • Digital Humanities
  • Distributed Systems
  • High-Performance Storage
  • Machine Learning
  • Medical Informatics
  • Neural Data Science
  • Practical Informatics
  • Scientific Information Analytics
  • Software Engineering for Distributed Systems
  • Telematics
  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Optimal Transport

Work on a scientific topic aims to enable the student to understand complex scientific work of current state-of-the-art topics in computer science, to solve complex problems, to develop his/her own ideas and approaches to advance the chosen research topic and finally to contribute to the work of the research group and the body of knowledge.

Course organisation

Upon admission to the PCS programme, the PhD student can start directly to work on the chosen topic of the PhD thesis in the chosen research group. In general, the PCS programme lasts three years. At least once a year, the progress of the thesis must be presented to the thesis committee. Over the course of the three years and in close association with the thesis topic, the student is expected to demonstrate additional achievements such as publication of conference papers and organisation of lectures, which underline his/her integration in the scientific community. After three years, the thesis should be ready for submission.

International elements
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
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 in Germany free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.
Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

At least eight semesters of study of computer science with completion of a consecutive Master's degree programme comprising at least 240 ECTS credits or an equivalent qualification ("Diplom", Master of Science, Master of Arts, state examinations) in a study programme at a German university or at a university belonging to one of the Bologna signatory states, or successful completion of another study programme closely related to computer science (technical relevance)

Language requirements

There are no language requirements, but IELTS, Cambridge Main Suite or TOEFL are recommended.

Application deadline

Any time

Submit application to

Further information: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/application/138988.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 is also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job.

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 number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

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

Career Service

The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

Also, the GAUSS school offers qualification and training: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/565767.html.

Further information: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/636267.html

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.

An orientation week for new international students provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

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

Foyer International: Meetings and activities for all students  

German courses during studies (free of charge)

University of Göttingen

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