Document Actions

Procedures - From Application to Examination

Before embarking on your doctoral studies you will have to

 

  • Contact a professor of your choice at the respective department who is willing to act as your supervisor (first examiner/tutor). You will need his or her letter of endorsement in writing.
    Explain your project in detail. Emphasize why you think the professor of your choice would be the ideal supervisor for your project (read the web pages of the respective professor carefully). Also indicate the necessary language requirements (will you write your thesis in German or English).
  • Once you have found a supervisor (hold a letter of endorsement of a professor of JLU), you will have to apply as a doctoral student to the respective doctoral examination committee. You should apply with the help of your future supervisor. 
  • You can matriculate for your doctoral studies but you do not necessarily have to do so. Please read the respective code of regulations for doctoral degrees for details. If you decide to matriculate, you will need officially translated and officially authenticated school leaving certificates and university degrees. You will then be able to apply for matriculation. Please click on the following link for the necessary documents and forms.
    Becoming a member of the student body has its advantages: you will get the semester ticket which enables you to use local public transport for free, you will get meals at a reduced price at student restaurants, you will be able to apply for a place in a student hall of residence, you will pay reduced entrance fees for selected museums, etc. Matriculation and re-matriculation for the next semester come with a semester fee, however (around € 260 per semester).
  • You will need a valid visa for entry to the Federal Republic of Germany. You will have to prove sufficient financial ressources for the entire period of your stay (finance plan) and you will have to settle all matters pertaining to your family. Please enquire whether you can entry Germany with a student visa or a visa for scientists. You can apply for both at the German Embassy of your home country. You will need the letter of application of JLU as well as the finance plan showing that you have enough financial ressources for the entire period of your stay for a student visa.
    The visa for scientists requires a letter of a professor of JLU stating that you will get a post at JLU or a grant plus the finance plan.

Doing your doctorate

 

Hats

Once you have mastered all formal procedures and you have been accepted as a doctoral student of JLU you should concentrate on actually doing your doctorate. At the end of your doctoral studies the following formal procedures await you:

  • Decide who should be your second examiner and officially nominate him/her: you will need a second professor/examiner who acts as an expert for your thesis. You should choose this expert carefully and ask him/her to act as your second examiner as early as possible. Your second examiner will also be able to guide you in writing your thesis if you chose him/her early enough.
  • Handing in your thesis – please see the respective code of regulations for doctoral degrees for details on how to hand in your thesis (number of copies, format, etc.).
  • Examination of your thesis by your first and second examiner - they will suggest a grade and also decide on whether your thesis is acceptable as a doctoral thesis.
  • You thesis will be open for display - the examination office will display it (only within the university)
  • It is your task to organize the oral examination (disputation/defence of your thesis). You have to book a room, agree on a date with the members of your examination committee, etc. 
  • Notify the examination office of the room and date
  • Send the thesis paper for your oral defence to the examination office
  • Disputation/Defence of your thesis
  • The formal procedure allowing you to bear the title of "Dr." ends with the publication of your thesis. The publication must take place within 2 years after your disputation. Once you have received your doctoral certificate you are allowed to bear the title of "Dr.". JLU does not award the title of "Dr.des." (interim title indicating that you have passed the examination but not published your thesis yet). 
  • Tip:
    • Work on your outline, timeline, and synopsis as early as possible. This is important for your work and a potential application for a grant.
    • Choose your second examiner as early as possible.
    • Select the members of your examination committee as early as possible.