International Programmes 2024/2025

Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences

Bielefeld University • Bielefeld

Degree
Doctoral degree
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses for doctoral students are usually held in English.

Programme duration
6 semesters
Beginning
Only for doctoral programmes: any time
Application deadline

Please consult the respective websites for current information on open positions: PhD Positions - Bielefeld University (uni-bielefeld.de)

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

The Bielefeld Graduate School in Theoretical Sciences (BGTS) is a joint institution of the Departments of Business Administration and Economics, Mathematics, Physics, and the Center for Mathematical Economics at Bielefeld University.
As an umbrella organisation of several structured research programmes in theoretical sciences at Bielefeld University, the BGTS provides a structured, internationally oriented doctoral study programme comprising courses, seminars, international workshops, soft skills training and social events.
Doctoral candidates in the BGTS study programme can pursue their doctoral studies within the programme of a participating research training group (https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/bgts/graduate-education/participating-program/) as well as independently and under supervision from a BGTS scientist.
Further information about the BGTS (list of scientists, research training groups, cooperation partners, etc.) can be found on the BGTS website (https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/bgts/).

International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • 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

Since Bielefeld University does not charge tuition fees, every student only has to pay a social fee. The social fee includes the contribution to the social ticket for free public transport in the city and area of Bielefeld and on regional trains and buses in North-Rhine Westphalia for the whole semester.

The current semester contribution is approximately 300 EUR.

Costs of living

Costs for studying in Germany are relatively high due to the living expenses.

  • Rent in a room in student halls of residence or a private student hall, in a room or flat comes to approx. 280 EUR per month.
  • The expected costs for student health insurance and other medical fees are about 80 EUR per month.
  • Depending on your lifestyle, you might spend about 150 EUR on food each month.
  • Altogether, monthly costs for food, clothes, leisure activities, social fees, travel expenses, telephone bills, and the other mentioned expenses add up to approx. 850 EUR.

There are several ways of cutting expenses in Bielefeld. For example, it is possible to rent a room in a student residence for about 230 EUR, and a meal at the student canteen (Mensa) costs only about 2.60 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

Please consult the web pages of the participating structured research programmes for specific information about admission requirements: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/bgts/graduate-education/participating-program/

Language requirements

Please consult the web pages of the participating structured research programmes for specific information about language requirements: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/bgts/graduate-education/participating-program/

Application deadline

Please consult the respective websites for current information on open positions: PhD Positions - Bielefeld University (uni-bielefeld.de)

Submit application to

bgts@uni-bielefeld.de

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Basically, with your residence permit (stamp in your passport), you will receive a work permit for 120 work days per year. This allows you to work 120 full days (eight hours per day) or 240 half days (up to four hours per day). This condition must be noted expressly in the passport by the authorities.

Accommodation

Please try to secure accommodation in Bielefeld as early as possible. In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Students residences are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations, and shared flats are very common.

Offers of accommodation can be found online by following the links below:

The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.

Research training / discussion
No
Career advisory service

Career planning is a step-by-step development and clarification process that requires individual strategies. Based on a strengths- and resource-oriented approach, we support you in developing your own career prospects.

Depending on your needs, our Career Service at Bielefeld University will accompany you throughout the entire process or in individual steps.

https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/themen/career-service

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Accompanying programme
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation
  • Support with registration procedures
  • Specialist counselling
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

At PunktUm, our German Learning Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of academic support programmes that are designed to meet the needs of international members of the Bielefeld University. These include the Academic Mentoring Programme for Master's students, the Peer Mentoring Programme for Bachelor's students, and semester-long workshops designed to help all students and researchers with academic writing. We also offer individual consultations on academic writing in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) or German as a Second Language (DaZ).

The International Office provides an orientation programme for all international members of Bielefeld University, including degree seekers (BA and MA), double degree students, Erasmus/cooperation students, doctoral students, scholars, interns, and refugees/preparing applicants. Example of activities include Café International, campus tour, introductions to digital services and administrative procedures.

Bielefeld University

University location

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