PhD in Germany

The decision to choose this University was pretty straightforward for me as I had an offer for the PhD with a full scholarship. The scholarship was good enough to allow me to rent accommodation outside the university and cover all my miscellaneous expenses.

As PhD students, there was no straightforward course or syllabus to follow but we get plenty of Industrial and field exposure during our work.

Usually, each faculty holds classes with less than 30 students each. Except for the practical laboratory courses where the student population may rise to 70-100 but the faculty member is usually assisted by two other PhD or post doc students in such cases. The faculty is usually very approachable and promptly responds to emails and team messages. My current supervisor Dr. Matthias S. Ullrich has been my mentor and guide throughout my time here in the university. His knowledge, experience, work ethic and attention to detail has greatly impacted me and pushed me to be a better version of myself.

Campus life is cool! We have a very lively and diverse community, with many dining options that suit any taste bud. Most students live in dorms on campus, so it's pretty easy to stay connected with your friends always. Classrooms are equipped with all modern teaching aids, while there are green spaces and gardens to chill out in when the need for a break is needed. Extracurricularly, we have something for everyone. From academic clubs like the Literature Club to cultural organizations and special interest groups, the events never stop. And let alone events—from cultural festivals to guest lectures, there's always something happening. We also have ultra-modern research facilities with state-of-the-art labs and extensive library resources. The campus is hi-tech, with high-speed Wi-Fi and technical support. The campus has impressive Sports facilities, indoors and outdoors: gyms and outdoor fields for all your fitness needs. There are also support services ranging from health and wellness programs to career counselling and academic support.

PhD students have the option to continue as post-docs in their respective labs. Numerous companies drop by during recruitment festivals and offer jobs ranging from part-time experience to full-time opportunities based on performance.

I chose to stay as a paying guest in an accommodation close to the University. I have my own bedroom (25 square meter) and bathroom but I share the kitchen with my landlord (who is an absolute gentleman) and one other housemate. My rent is 300 euros and 110 euros per month for utilities. There are multiple options where students can stay in shared apartments and they usually range between 300 and 500 euros depending on location and size of the room.

- GRE and SAT are not compulsory. IELTS requirements are above 6 in each category. My overall score was 8. - ICSE- 85% (12th); ICSE- 88% (10th) West Bengal University of Technology- B.Sc Biotechnology 7.32 YGPA (UG); University College Dublin- M. Sc. Biomolecular Sciences 3.25 (GPA) - Requirements: Yes, I had to submit SoP, LoRs and an updated CV. For SoPs, its best to keep it short and focus on your strengths that you wish to highlight and are relevant to the position while mentioning why it is this University that we have chosen. Yes, I had two rounds of interviews. During the first round, it is more like a general introduction and chat. Once shortlisted, the second round of interviews began but this time they were in an oral viva format. Questions are asked by more than one supervisor who checks for basic knowledge and understanding of the topic for about one hour. The final selection depends on the total score achieved during the interview rounds.

PhD positions in Germany are almost always fully funded by the government or private funding. It usually is high enough to cover the tuition fees of the university as well as pay out a monthly stipend for the student's sustenance.