A Graduiertenkolleg, or research training group, is a structured doctoral programme at a university. Several doctoral candidates work on a shared research theme and are supervised by several academics. The term appears mainly in calls for applications and funding programmes.
Short answer: A Graduiertenkolleg is a doctoral programme with a fixed research theme in which several doctoral candidates work together. Many colleges are funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG). Whether and how you are funded is decided by each programme (as of October 2026).
The essentials at a glance
- A Graduiertenkolleg is a doctoral programme with a fixed research theme.
- Several doctoral candidates work together and are supervised by several academics.
- Many colleges are funded by the DFG, others by universities or federal states.
- Funding varies by programme: a post, a scholarship or no funding at all.
- Applications are made through the individual programme and its call.
What defines a Graduiertenkolleg?
The core is the structure. A college brings together several dissertations under one theme, often as part of a research network. In addition there are usually joint seminars, workshops or colloquia in which the doctoral candidates present their work. An individual doctorate usually lacks this group.
Which forms of funding exist?
| Form of funding | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Post | Employment at the university with work in research or teaching | Contract, working hours and contributions |
| Scholarship | Payment without an employment relationship | Tax and insurance questions |
| No funding | Taking part in the programme without your own salary | The doctorate has to be financed yourself |
Some programmes also offer completion funding if the doctorate would otherwise run out of money. Whether this exists and under which conditions is stated only in the call for applications of the college in question.
How do you find a suitable college?
The DFG provides information on its funding programmes on its website. Many universities also publish their own overview of their colleges. In every call, pay attention to three points: the topic, the supervision and the funding. Also ask the university how the final phase is organised.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Graduiertenkolleg the same as a doctorate?
No. The doctorate is the qualification with a dissertation and an oral examination. The Graduiertenkolleg is the organisational framework in which many doctorates take place. You can do your doctorate within a college, but you do not have to.
Do I automatically receive money if I am accepted?
Not necessarily. Whether a post or a scholarship is included is stated in the call. If you are accepted without funding, you have to finance the doctorate yourself.
Am I automatically covered by health insurance once I am accepted?
That depends on your status, because a post, a scholarship or enrolment each have different effects. Read our guide Health Insurance During a PhD in Germany and clarify your status with the university.
Can I do a doctorate without a college?
Yes, the classic individual doctorate is a separate route. Both lead to the doctoral title, but they differ in supervision, structure and funding. Compare the offers of your faculty before you decide.
Related reading
- Glossary: Doktorand (PhD candidate) explained
- Glossary: Dissertation explained
- Glossary: Rigorosum explained
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings
Sources: German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), Funding programmes and Graduiertenkollegs (dfg.de) (accessed on 27 October 2026). Concrete funding amounts and durations are not listed in this guide but in the call of the respective programme.
Stand: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
