Study Abroad

PhD in Germany : Indian Sudent's Perspective

study in germany> Following post was shared by Puneet ( PhD Student at Frankfurt).

Everyone – Myself Puneet, I did my bachelors from Kirori Mal College in Botany (H) 2006-2009, followed by M.Sc in Plant Molecular Biology from DPMB, University of Delhi (2009-2011). Later, I worked for a year as a Junior Research Fellow at DPMB (2011-2012).

Meanwhile during my tenure as a JRF, I was applying for PhD positions in US and had applied to 10 US Universities (spread all over US- Iowa State, Florida SU, Nevada U, Michigan SU, Minnesota SU, Texas A & M, UC- Davis etc).

Though, the admission decision was still awaited, I came to know (December 28, 2011) about a nice Marie Curie Fellowship (Initial Training Network) for an open PhD position at multiple places in Europe & Israel (Italy, Germany, Austria, Netherlands) .

So, I decided to apply full fledge for a position in Frankfurt and was very confident that I will get through (considering good Letter of Recommendations, CV, Statement of Purpose and more importantly ‘Intuition Factor’).

Visit Study in Germany page to get more information of higher Education in Germany.

And finally, I was selected (March 26, 2012) after going through a round of interview over Skype with my boss, which mainly revolved around my master thesis work and about current (at that time) work.

Once the admission decision was announced, everything went so fast. The first thing I that really impressed me was the efficiency with which the official work (Invitation Letter, Hosting agreement, other Visa documents, and verification of my mark-sheets/degree) was carried out by the concerned authorities.

I had no real-trouble dealing with visa and was successfully granted the visa for 3 months (initially, which was extended later once I reached Germany).

I landed here in Frankfurt on May 6, 2012, filled with mixed emotions- happy (as this was what I wanted and was striving a lot for), nervous (as how it will be here, all HOWs and WHATs were roaming on my mind) and sad (about leaving all the loved ones back home).

But thankfully, everything went well- the initial period was a very different experience, since we as ‘Indians’ are not used to ‘Isolated’ version of life (I would say so as once you reach abroad, you start missing even the slightest or minutest of the things of your home place/country).

Before landing here, I was under the impression that it will just take a few days for me to settle down but in general it took ~6 to 8 months, as I feel one needs this much time to settle down in work, life, people and the general environment.

Though, language was never a problem- but I would surely admit I lost a bit of hold over my English, since I had this thing in mind that may be the other person (in general) may not understand English, so I started speaking in bits and pieces. Wherein, everybody at my working group (in Frankfurt) can speak English really well- so it was an added advantage.

To Be Continued –  Student Life in Germany.

P.S : If you are in Germany or in the process of apply for German Universities, I have good proposal for you. Send me an email or leave a comment to this blog post.  I will contact you with additional information.

 

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71 Comments

  1. Nirwan University, Jaipur (NUJ) has a strong commitment to high quality research and aims to enhance the professional competence of the scholars. The University offers Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) Programme to the eligible scholars, who are interested in doing research. Every candidate is expected to follow the procedures laid down for fulfilling the requirements of Ph.D. Programme of the University & University Grant Commission (UGC).

  2. Hi
    What are the courses which can be pursued in Germany after completing M.Pharmacy or any research synchronously to pursuing M.Pharmacy from India.Pls Suggest,thanks in advance.

  3. Hello Punnet,

    Thank you for the blog. It is quite useful. I have going through a similar process having stayed here for about 6 months now. I am currently pursuing my masters in Design in Germany. And am inclined towards doing a PhD later. I would be really grateful if you could guide me through the process and answer some questions. Regards

    1. Shruti, I’m not sure if Puneet is following this post. It’s been a while since he wrote this. Where are you studying in Germany?

  4. Hello Sir.. Thanku for sharing ur experience with us
    I really wanted someone to guide me as i wanted to pursue my phd from germany and i m totally unaware of the process.. If u could help that would mean alot
    I did BSC( maths n comp) HONS with 79% and MSC(maths) HONS with 61% And i wish to pursue a FUNDED PHD from germany..
    what do u think i should do first..

  5. Hi puneet,
    I would like to pursue my PhD in Molecular Biology. I have completed my masters in biotechnology in 2017 and now I m looking forward to do my PhD from germany. So, I need your guidance regarding this.

  6. Hi Puneet,
    I want to pursue PhD in Germany. I would appreciate if you could guide me on how to go about. I have completed M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy) from India. What is the procedure for the same? Is M.Pharm valid in Germany?

    1. Hi Puneet,
      I am exploring many PhD positions in Germany. I have done Masters in Biochemistry and have more than 2 years in Molecular Biology. I would appreciate if you could guide me and help me to find out things.
      Thank you

  7. Hi puneet,
    I completed my mMtech in biomedical instrumentation.I would like to pursue my PhD in Germany…can you pls guide me regarding doing PhD in biomedical science in germany

  8. Hi Puneet

    I want to pursue PhD in Germany. I would appreciate if you could guide me on how to go about. I have a MSc(RES) from UK and B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering from India.

  9. Hi puneet
    I am Girish Yenagimath. I have completed MSc in Applied geology in 2017 and right now perusing PG diploma in Geosciences and Geo hard in Indian institute of remote sensing and by the month of June 2018 I ll finish off my PG diploma I want join PhD in Germany with scholarships so help me out with eligibility criteria and all my schooling till now is done in English medium

  10. Hi this is ranganath I did my masters in London in 2010 I am working as assistant professor in a university in vijayawada (india) . I am willing to pursue my PhD in German is there any consultant do this job or you have any suggestions for me please I am in deep need

  11. Hi puneet,

    This is Vikram. I have done my Mtech in civil Engineering. I am interested in doing Ph D in Germany. Can you guide me for the same.I want to do Ph D in civil engineering as i am currently working in it. Is it possible for me to apply for the same.

  12. Hi puneet,

    This is Anurag singh. I have done my Mtech in Computer Science and Engineering. I am interested in doing Ph D in Germany. Can you guide me for the same.I want to do Ph D in computer science as i am currently working in it. Is it possible for me to apply for the same.

    Regards,
    Durga Prasad

  13. Hello sir ,
    I’m in second year of M. Tech in NIT I’m interested in doing phd in germany. Can u please provide me some information about it.

  14. Hello Puneet,

    Good to hear your story, and I can understand your mix feeling of scarifying with your family, friend and country love for your dream, and I wish you get all the things which you have dreamed.
    I am also planning for PhD. in A.I. ( Artificial Intelligence) from Germany,
    and I am looking for Guide/supervisor, do you have any suggestion? please let me know if have.

    Thanks.

  15. Hi,
    I’m Thulasi Lakshmi, im a postgraduate in Microbiology and would like to do PhD. If possible pls reply me, how to approach the professor to accept me as his doctoral student. I’m talking about the traditional PhD program and not the structured one

  16. Hello,
    I have done my Master’s in robotics engineering from UPES , dehradun.
    I want yo apply for PhD position in Germany but i am confused about their behaviour towards indian , how much time it will take to complete the degree and what will be the job prospectus after phd .

    plz share your views .

    thank you

  17. Hi, i have completed my m.tech in thermal engg..what should I do for admition to PHD? Which universities complete PHD by easiest way?

  18. Hi Puneet
    I have completed my engineering from mechanical branch from Bhopal and want to do my master’s from Germany..bit confused about the exam which exam should o take ielts or tofel and except this what are the other essentials should I look for.if u can contact then plz mail me at [email protected]

    1. Well this is just one sided written stuff.
      Actually PhD in Germany is very difficult because the most of the Professors will steal your work and kick you out.
      This is the reputation of German PhDs.

      JOhn

      1. Hi John,
        Can you please share your “bad” experiences with the german universities?? On what basis you consider and say them as its difficult to do PhD at Germany? based on what you claim that the researchers will steal your work ? Is any thing happen to you? can you post which university you studied? it will be an eye opener for everyone 🙂 thank you !

    2. Hi
      PhD in Germany is very difficult. Especially for Indians. When an Indian candidate go to German university, he will be given a scholarship of two years. Next two years are given for research through the employment. It is possible when you tell them everything you did in 2 year. Then they change the topic. At the end of next two years before 6 months they will tell you to come to an agreement to cancel the contract. As you need to go for exam you will agree. Once you agree you can not stay in Germany. As you speak with professors for long time, your ideas are known to them. In that case, in the end when you give your dissertation for evaluation. They stop answering you. In embarrassed state, you leave Germany. As you have given the dissertation for evaluation, they modify it and use for their own purpose of receiving the funds, writing projects and research papers. Thats why their research papers are 300 or 400. So it means most of the Professors in German universities steal the Indian candidates work and kick them off.
      There are lot of things you don’t know. This is not even one percent wrong doing. There are many malpractices. Probably such things happen in almost all universities.

      John

  19. Hi Puneet,

    This is Prathmesh. I have completed my M. Pharm in Pharmacology, Univ. of Pune. I have published my research work in reputed international journal. Although, I do not have any hands on experience on RT-PCR, Western Blotting or any such technique and neither is included in my dissertation work. My overall education performance is quite good. I have qualified all India entrance exam, GPAT, and have completed my education with the aid of fellowship from MHRD, New Delhi.

    I am highly motivated to do my further research in Deutschland. But I do not have any contacts there. I am willing to do my research and PhD in traditional (non-structured) system. Can you please suggest me some labs or institutions and their eligibility requirements.

  20. Hi puneet,

    This is durga Prasad. I have done my Mtech in control systems EEE. I am interested in doing Ph D in Germany. Can you guide me for the same.I want to do Ph D in computer science as i am currently working in it. Is it possible for me to apply for the same.

    Regards,
    Durga Prasad.

  21. hello dear. I feel really good to read your post. I have passed M.Sc Applied Physics in 2011 and presently working in degree college. i have strong desire to pursue Ph.D from Germany. Can you suggest me any scholarships and few good institutions from I can do my research.

  22. Hi Puneeth,

    I Karthik Kumar, Hyderabad, A.P

    I have completed my M.Tech In Embedded And VLSI domain in 2010 and having three years of Experience looking for Phd in Germany and Abroad countries.

    Pls Help Me

  23. Hi sir ! this is keerthi Raja planned to pursue MS in environmental science and management or environmental protection related courses in Germany.I have cgpa of 7.26 and have project based experience in B.Tech Biotechnology from IIT Madras for six months and I’m looking ahead of taking IELTS soon how about getting masters admission with scholarship in good universities in Germany.pleas help me.

  24. Hi puneet,
    I have done Masters in geological Sciences from IISER Kolkata and want to pursue master in petroleum engineering in germany or other places, could you suggest some colleges in germany where I should specifically focus

  25. Hi ! Congratulations Puneet. I am pursuing M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering and would like to go for phd from Germany.Can u suggest some good universities and how to apply.My field of interest is basically Artificial Intelligence.Also I would like to know if its kinda mandatory to work in the same field in phd as I am working on my mtech thesis.It will be really appreciable if you could take this up in your next blog in details.Looking forward to your reply 🙂

  26. Dear Punit,

    I am interested in doing PhD in Germany and Canada.

    My area of specialization in Virology. I have done masters in Virology from National Institute of Virology and later working with pharma company for more than two years.

    I was in Berlin for summer school and I am very much impressed with kind of research in German university and research institutes.

    I tried contacting many professors. But received reply from everybody saying no positions are available.

    Now I am confused whether my profile and SOP/CV is lacking something or those professors genuinely did not had any position.

    Since you successfully gone through all these stages, will you help me to identify where exactly things are going wrong?

    Thank in advance,
    Vishakha

  27. Hi
    I HAVE DONE MY MSC IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MY BSC IN BOTANY CAN YOU SUGGEST ME THE PROCEDURES HOW TO SESRCH FOR UNIVERSITIES IN GERMANY TO APPLY FOR PHD..

  28. Hi Puneet,

    Thaks for the valuable information. As you said Germany is a good option for higher studies than USA for fields like electrical and mechanical. Considering all the factors , even I decided to do my MS in Germany and have applied for 6 universities and also heard from Darmstadt university on my admit and I am learning German.
    My doubt is for Visa should we show the account balance in a German bank or Indian bank and could you please provide information on how the part time jobs and living is in germnay ?

  29. hi Puneet,
    I am a Post graduate student in physics,I want some information about phd in Germany,How the funding will be?,Is the Germany is safe for girls. I heard it is very problem to stay in Germany with knowing language ,is it true?I will be very thankful to you if you answer for these questions.

  30. Hi Puneet,
    Atul here. Thanks for the informative blog, which is very helpful for us who aim to do Ph.D from Deutschland. Currently I’m pursuing my Masters in Automotive Engg., and would like to go for Ph.D once done with it. I’ve some bunch of questions to ask, and your experience would surely help me to clarify my doubts.
    Reply is keenly awaited.

    Cheerios’ ats

  31. Hi Puneet,
    This is Suda, completed my MPhil Bioinformatics. I am currently looking for PhD positions in Europe mainly Germany. I have been applying for the past one year to almost all universities – be it for a general application call they provide or mailing to each professor.. Although I have made it to few Skype sessions, my application gets rejected after the interview or else in the first level of screening itself. I am totally perplexed and I am unsure what European universities expect out of our application.

    When I counsulted few of my friends, they said due to recession, they are not giving preference to international students.

    Could you please help me out on how I can improve my application..?

    Many thanks,

    Suda

  32. Hi puneet
    myself maulik Patel
    from Ahmedabad. I would like to master in applied computational mechanics in Germany.

    I want to know how much money require to study in Germany and what are the possibilities to get work permit after completing study over there..
    Regards
    Maulik

  33. Hallo
    my self pankaj..i did my MSC biotechnology last year….i want to join Phd in europian country..my CGPA score is 6.97 and i am doing prepration of GRE and TOEFL also..can i eligible for phd while my CGPA score is not much..plz suggest me.

  34. Hello Puneet,
    Congratulations for attaining what you truly desired and best wishes for your Ph.D. I have applied to a few US and German universities for a Ph.D in Immunology and/or Proteomics. Would you elaborate on your application process to both these countries? I have graduated in Biotechnology. Thanks a lot.

    1. Hi Ashwini

      Thanks for the wishes. I have already submitted a new blog post to the ‘happychoolblog’ describing the essential and major differences between the application procedure and studying (a general overview). I think it will be posted very soon on this website.

      In addition, if you have certain specific query you may ask then.

      All the best for your admissions as well.

      1. Hi Puneet,
        Yes, I did have a few specific questions to ask you. Would you be able to provide me with your email address.? Thank you.

    1. Hi Imranul

      I think we can’t have access to each others e-mail id here as it is automatically removed or hidden.

      It won’t be a problem, you may ask your queries here. I will try to answer them asap.

  35. Hi Puneet,
    Congrats. I also thank you for sharing your experience. It will be useful for those who wish to study in Germany. I am planning for Masters in Germany. Kindly render your advice. Thanks.

  36. Hello Punit.
    I will be applying at German universities for MS in microelectronics for the winter intake of this year. I have a confusion with document attestation. Here it is …
    Please consider few lines below that I took from my Online application form before I put my querry :

    Authentication of all documents will be accepted only if performed by a notary public, by the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or by the institution which has issued the original document.
    (Secondary or intermediate school certificates authenticated by your university or vice versa cannot be accepted.)

    My Problem :Getting attested by Notary public, German Consulate seems to be a costly affair (I found their charges to range from Rs. 10K to 30K, from DAAD’s website). So I wish to go with the second option.
    However, I fail to understand the second part which says that although one can alternatively get the documents attested by the institution which has issued the original document, but the text in bracket says not by one’s university. But its my university itself that will give me all my documents then is it not my Institution that has given me the original document ? Could you please resolve this confusion ?
    (may be you also may have been confronted by a similar problem at your time, thats why I write to you :-), Any Idea ?)

  37. Hi Puneet,

    I am currently studying B.Pharm from Indian University.I am interested to do my masters from US, Germany universities. Well, I am preparing for GRE and TOEFL for applying in US universities ,I want to have some information about German universities .It would be a great help if you can extract some information about research which deals with pharmaceutical science.

    1. Hi Aritra

      For masters, I will suggest you to look into individual departments (related to pharmacy or chemistry, as per your interest) of certain universities. This will help you to know whether the master course offered by the respective universities is in German or in English because I doubt if the master courses are full-fledged available in English.

      On the contrary, if you look for Max Planck’s (Chemistry or Chemical Biology etc.), then there are higher chances that you get the master course in English.

      I hope the information was of some use.
      All the best

      1. Thanks for the suggestion I guess I have to make a thorough research on the German universities .Because I guess Germany deals with more engineering stuff.It is hard to find any related pharmacy subject.

        1. Its true that Germany deals with engineering stuff but there is no dearth for opportunities for people looking biological sciences as well. So, no need to worry much.

      2. Hello Punit.
        I will be applying at German universities for MS in microelectronics for the winter intake of this year. I have a confusion with document attestation. Here it is …
        Please consider few lines below that I took from my Online application form before I put my querry :

        Authentication of all documents will be accepted only if performed by a notary public, by the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or by the institution which has issued the original document.
        (Secondary or intermediate school certificates authenticated by your university or vice versa cannot be accepted.)

        My Problem :Getting attested by Notary public, German Consulate seems to be a costly affair (I found their charges to range from Rs. 10K to 30K, from DAAD’s website). So I wish to go with the second option.
        However, I fail to understand the second part which says that although one can alternatively get the documents attested by the institution which has issued the original document, but the text in bracket says not by one’s university. But its my university itself that will give me all my documents then is it not my Institution that has given me the original document ? Could you please resolve this confusion ?
        (may be you also may have been confronted by a similar problem at your time, thats why I write to you :-), Any Idea ?)

  38. I am planning to do my masters in mechanical engineering at Germany, next year. Friends like you, Puneet will be helpful to me . Expecting your next post on your experience there.

  39. Hello, nice post but a little bit more in detail would be preferable.
    Also, what is the procedure to apply through a DAAD scholarship if its possible.
    Awaiting reply.
    Thanks.

  40. Hey puneet !! Congrats on getting admits and best of luck for P.hd !
    Did you got any admits in U.S ??
    And why did you choose germany in place of U.S ?
    I have 7.5 band in Ielts and am planning for applying in germany !
    Pls. send me your proposal and further details in my email !
    thanks

    1. Hi Justin

      Thanks for the wishes.
      Yes, once I landed here in Frankfurt-I got a call from Univ of Florida and was on waiting list for Iowa State Uni.

      Why I chose Germany over US- will write a detailed version about it very soon (my next blog).

      I would like to know which field you wish to apply for?

  41. Hi Puneet

    I recently saw your post on “PhD in Germany”.

    I have applied for Structured PhD under the banner of CLIB Graduate Cluster Industrial Biotechnology in Germany. Awaiting for the call of an interview.

    As you mentioned in your post about the Intuition Factor, I also have the same feeling… But don’t know how to prepare myself for an interview. Please suggest me some interview questions and other tips you have…. I will be thankful to you

    1. Hi Saurabh

      All the best for the admission.
      Well, for interviews I would say just brush-up your past experiences in research, like I mentioned your master dissertation work may be discussed a lot. Just form a work flow how will you proceed (step by step) if asked about your experiences in research. Because if you per-frame some of your answers, it will make you sound much more confident, that is what I did.

      Moreover, if you have a clue regarding the project of the proposed PhD program than try to get an overview of the same, just to be on a safer side.

      I hope it of some use.

  42. Hi !
    Came to know about phd degree in Germany through post published on HSB.I am a Computer Science student(final yr) and want to do phd. I am not very familiar with German colleges who admits international phd graduate students.I want to know about :
    1.Universities for Computer Science
    2.Way to apply
    3.Funding &
    4.How doing phd in Germany is different from US.

      1. Hi Puneet,
        I planning to do PhD in Germany in Mechanical engineering field, can you tell me which college best for me. My master degree in Mechanical engineering and renationalisation in Machine Design. Please guide with my this details.

  43. Hi Puneet
    Hope you are doing well , I am planning to do my masters from germany I have an IELTS score of 8.0/9.0 and BTECH in IT with 71% ,IF you can mention your email in comments , I would like to discuss few things.

  44. Thanks for sharing your experience.I am planning for Masters either USA or Germany. How is the education system different from India(If you do know about USA also please add up). The only ting that stops me from applying for Germany is language and living conditions.

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