Program Overview

The program starts in August with a two-month crash course in the German language. The working language for your PhD is English, but this course will allow you to get through every-day life. Apart from the language classes this course contains field trips and other activities aiming at introducing the participants to German culture and society. 

From the multi-faceted course program of the Faculty of Agriculture, you choose three modules to enhance your skills and knowledge and get accepted as PhD candidate at the University of Hohenheim.

Our weekly research colloquium enables you to share and discuss your research and to engage with fellow students about their research. You are also invited to join the weekly seminar of the Hans-Ruthenberg-Institute which fosters an exciting interdisciplinary exchange.

Your research will benefit from expert advice by a dedicated mentor team. After a deep dive into the relevant literature, you develop an innovative research proposal and design your field research. The core of your PhD is the collection of data in your selected research region. this period may last from three to nine months and may be divided into two field visits. Your supervisor from Hohenheim will visit during your field research to advise you in the field. The field research also helps you to strengthen linkages with research organisations in your home country.

After returning from the field, the university offers you a highly conducive environment to analyse and write up your results. The recommended cumulative structure of your PhD thesis allows you to publish journal papers while pursuing your PhD. The final steps after submitting your thesis are the defence and the publication of your thesis.

• A monthly scholarship which presently amounts to € 1.200 is paid for the time of the doctoral studies (42 months).

• Family allowances are provided if the candidate's family joins him/her during the time of the doctoral scholarship allocation.

• Field work allocation provided by the DAAD for each grant holder. This allocation is of maximum €2500 for up to two visits.

• Up to two return flights to your field research location are also covered by the DAAD

• Expenses for your supervisor to visit you during your field work are included in the program

• Yearly research grant of € 460 to purchase items such as laptops or books

• During your two-month language course, an allowance of € 410 per month and accommodation is provided.