English
The Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) is based at the Centre for Development Research (ZEF), an institute of the University of Bonn. The University of Bonn is one of Germany’s 11 Universities of Excellence and runs 12 International Graduate Schools, among them BIGS-DR. The structured and interdisciplinary doctoral programme was established in 1999 and has since been offering outstanding opportunities for conducting development research, establishing international collaboration, and taking part in a tailored qualification programme.
ZEF’s doctoral programme is an excellent choice for those seeking to build a career in the field of sustainable development, including research, implementation, or policy-making. Topics of special research interest at ZEF include agriculture, land use, climate change; water resources (management); biodiversity; food and nutrition; health; gender; migration, mobility, and urbanisation; governance and conflict; markets and services; and innovation and science policy.
BIGS-DR is a full-time programme with a duration of three and a half years. Doctoral students will participate in coursework, conduct field research, and complete their theses within this time frame. In addition, students take part in soft skills workshops that train them in academic writing, working interculturally, leadership skills, and ethical considerations.
On average, it takes four years for BIGS-DR students to complete their dissertations and obtain their doctoral degrees. During this time frame, they participate in a tailor-made course programme, conduct field research, analyse data, write academic papers, and present their results at international conferences. Furthermore, students improve their career prospects by attending workshops on academic writing, intercultural training, and research ethics.
As a structured doctoral programme, BIGS-DR provides intensive supervision and tutorship. Doctoral students are supported and guided by a team of experts consisting of their supervisors and senior researchers at ZEF.
Upon successfully defending their dissertation, students are awarded a doctoral degree from one of the faculties of the University of Bonn (agriculture, natural sciences, social sciences, economics, etc.).
PDF DownloadThe University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.
The cost of living for students in Bonn is around 1,300 EUR, with rent accounting for the largest share. The funds you need to secure for your research will vary from project to project, but they usually range from 5,000 to 20,000 EUR.
International applicants who are admitted can apply for a dorm room through the programme coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all students will be allotted a room, as these are in short supply.
The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice) that provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. Moreover, international students can join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.
The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days (www.uni-bonn.de/welcomedays) before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities, and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.
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