The Rigorosum is an oral examination at the end of a doctorate (Promotion). It tests not only your dissertation but also your knowledge in related subjects. Whether you take it depends on which format your faculty offers and which one you choose when applying for admission.
Short answer: The Rigorosum is an oral examination covering two or three subject areas. At the University of Göttingen it lasts around 120 minutes, and the subject of your dissertation is examined for about 60 minutes. You choose it when applying for admission, if your faculty offers it (as of October 2026).
The essentials at a glance
- The Rigorosum is an oral examination covering two or three subject areas.
- The subject of your dissertation is the main subject, and further subjects are added to it.
- At Göttingen it lasts around 120 minutes.
- It tests interdisciplinary knowledge and sound judgement, not only the thesis itself.
- The grade is a weighted average of the subjects examined.
How is a Rigorosum structured?
You are examined in the subject in which you are doing your doctorate as the main subject. This is combined either with a second main subject or with two minor subjects (Nebenfächer). The total duration is about two hours. The breakdown below follows the information from the University of Göttingen.
| Part | Duration (approx.) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Main subject (subject of the dissertation) | 60 minutes | Always part of the examination |
| Second main subject | 60 minutes | One of two variants |
| Two minor subjects | 30 minutes each | Alternative to the second main subject |
| Total | around 120 minutes | University of Göttingen, as of October 2026 |
Who conducts the Rigorosum?
The examination committee conducts the examination. At least two thirds of the committee members must be present. For a Rigorosum, at least three people must also take part, including one authorised examiner for each subject chosen.
How is the Rigorosum graded?
The grade is determined by the weighted average of the subjects examined. The possible grades are summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude and rite. If performance is insufficient, the result is non rite. The examination can then be repeated once within one year, at the earliest after six months.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from the Disputation?
The Disputation focuses on your dissertation. There you give a presentation of at most 20 minutes and answer questions on your field of research. The Rigorosum, by contrast, covers several subjects. At Göttingen you choose between the two formats.
In which language is the Rigorosum held?
At Göttingen, German or English is envisaged. Other languages are possible depending on the subject area and with the approval of the doctoral committee, for example French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish in certain subjects.
What happens if I do not pass the Rigorosum?
The assessment is then non rite. A repeat is possible once within one year, at the earliest after six months. Clarify the deadlines with the doctoral office early so that you can plan the date.
When is the doctorate considered complete?
With the passed oral examination. The day of the examination counts as the date of the doctorate. The doctorate is formally complete once the doctoral certificate has been handed over, and only then may you use the title.
Related reading
- Glossary: Doktorand (PhD candidate) explained
- Glossary: Dissertation explained
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Doctoral Title Abbreviations: From Dr. rer. nat. to Dr. h. c. Explained
- PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings
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.
