How to successfully Find a PHD Supervisor in Germany in 6 steps

You need to find a PHD supervisor if you are seeking a PHD in Germany. It needs hardworking and luck at the same time. My suggestion is to do the following:

1 – Define specific topics

  • Narrow down your area of research to three topics (Topic 1, Topic 2 and Topic 3)
  • Start with only one topic

2 – Search for potential PHD supervisor

You have two ways to conduct your search

  • Institute-based
  • Person-based

You also have several platforms that you can use to find a PHD supervisor

Focus on one way and two or three Platforms

  • For institute-based search I recommend normal google search or DAAD website.
  • For person-based search use LinkedIn, ResearchGate or google scholar

3 – Make short list of potential PHD Supervisors

Define 10 – 20 Professors and find out their emails, you may get their emails from their publications

4 – Send each one of them a short email with:

  • A brief description about yourself and your current situation (2-3 lines)
  • Your request (clearly formulated in 1-2 sentences)
  • Attach only your CV (including a list of your publications, if applicable)
  • You may send more details (motivation letter, research proposal, etc.) for those who respond to your email.

5 – Repeat the whole process again from step 1

6 – Don’t lose hope

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