The Disputation is the oral examination in which you defend your dissertation. It shows that you know the state of research and can justify your positions. Unlike the Rigorosum, it focuses on one topic rather than on several subjects.
Short answer: The Disputation is the oral defence of your dissertation. It consists of a presentation of at most 20 minutes followed by a question round. At Göttingen it lasts 90 to 120 minutes and is open to the university public (as of October 2026).
The essentials at a glance
- The Disputation is the oral defence of your dissertation.
- The presentation lasts at most 20 minutes and covers the aims and results of the thesis.
- The examiners then ask questions, including about the wider academic context.
- At Göttingen the examination lasts 90 to 120 minutes.
- The grade is determined by a decision of the committee.
How does a Disputation work?
- The dissertation has been submitted, reviewed and accepted.
- The examination office sets the date and notifies you in writing at least one week in advance.
- You give the presentation of at most 20 minutes on the aims and results of your thesis.
- The examiners ask questions, including about the wider academic context.
- A record is made and signed by the members present. The committee then decides on the pass in a closed session.
Open to the university public means that the examination does not take place only in front of the committee. Members of the university can attend. Whether and how many guests can be seated is decided by the university in each case.
How is the grade determined?
In the Disputation the grade is set by a decision of the examination committee. The possible grades are summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude and rite. If performance is insufficient, the result is non rite. Unlike the Rigorosum, no average is calculated across several subjects here.
| Feature | Disputation | Rigorosum |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | The dissertation and its research context | Several subject areas |
| Duration at Göttingen | 90 to 120 minutes | around 120 minutes |
| Assessment | Decision of the committee | Weighted average of the subjects |
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to defend my dissertation in front of the committee?
Yes, that is exactly what the Disputation is for. You need to show that you know the state of research and can justify your results. The questions may go beyond your own thesis.
Who sits on the examination committee?
At least two thirds of the members must be present. In a Disputation, at least two reviewers of your dissertation are among them. The faculty determines the composition.
What happens if I do not pass the Disputation?
The assessment is then non rite. Under the rules of the University of Göttingen, the examination can be repeated once within one year, at the earliest after six months. Check the deadlines of your own faculty.
From when is the doctorate considered passed?
The day of the passed oral examination counts as the date of the doctorate. You may use the doctoral title once the doctoral certificate has been handed over.
Related reading
- Glossary: Doktorand (PhD candidate) explained
- Glossary: Dissertation explained
- Glossary: Rigorosum explained
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Health Insurance During a PhD in Germany
Sources: University of Göttingen, Doctoral procedure: the oral examination (in German) (accessed on 27 October 2026, page without a date; the information is based on the doctoral regulations cited there).
Stand: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
