Essential Prerequisites for Doctoral Studies at the Viadrina

Anyone who wants to study for a doctorate at Viadrina usually needs to have a recognised Master´s degree with superior results. If you want to check whether your degree is recognised in Germany click here (site in German).

Future doctoral students from non-EU countries need the appropriate visa to enter Germany. Do not enter the country with a tourist visa, because a tourist visa can not be converted. Information on how to get a study visa are provided by the German embassy in your country. For more information on visa issues and practical advice on documents you might want to bring to Germany click here.

If you plan to write your dissertation in German you need to prove that you have adequate command of the language by passing a German language exam (click here for more information). Besides, all faculties of Viadrina offer the possibility to write a dissertation in another language, e.g. English, Polish or French. Check the faculties´ regulations for doctoral studies for details (links in the box on the left). In this case, you do not need to take a German language test. However, you should definitely learn some German. The more German you speak, the easier it will be for you to organise your studies - and the more fun you´re going to have in Frankfurt (Oder). For information on German language courses please check the website of the Viadrina´s language center.

For practical information on studying at Viadrina and living in Frankfurt (Oder) (e.g. enrolment, accommodation, visa issues, useful contacts, support on arrival etc.) please visit the site of the International Office.