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Registering or enrolling as a doctoral research student
Starting your research journey
Have you successfully completed a Master's degree and are now thinking about pursuing research? Registering or enrolling as a doctoral student is the first formal step on your path to a PhD. And we're here to help. Whether you need information about admission requirements, or which documents to submit and when, this page provides you with key information and links to the resources you'll need to get started quickly and with confidence.
Your path to a doctorate, step by step
Before you begin your doctorate, it is well worth taking a look at your faculty's doctoral degree regulationsoctoral regulations. The doctoral degree regulations provide essential guidance, covering such issues as:
- Which requirements must I meet to be admitted as a doctoral student?
- Which formal procedures do I need to follow?
- How does the oral defence of my dissertation work?
- How long does the revision/corrections phase usually take?
Applicants with a degree from abroad
If your qualifying degree was awarded outside the EU, the formal process of being admitted as a doctoral student via the Dean's Office or the doctoral studies office of the relevant faculty can take several months. We therefore recommend starting the process as early as possible.
Saarland University's Welcome Center provides support to international doctoral research students – both prospective and current. If you have questions or queries, or you need advice regarding visas, arrival formalities, accommodation near the university, etc., please get in touch with the Welcome Center staff.