Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

KISSWIN.de is a portal for young researchers and no course guidance service. Information about higher education institutions and degrees are provided on the following pages:

• www.studienwahl.de
• www.studieren.de
• www.hochschulkompass.de
• www.was-studiere-ich.de
• www.fh-studiengang.de
• www.fern-studium.de
• www.bachelor-vergleich.com
• www.master-vergleich.com
• www.mba-vergleich.de
• www.uni-vergleich.de
• www.bacherlorstudium.de
• www.Studieren-im-Netz.org
• www.mba-studium.de
• www.mastermap.de
• www.fernstudium-vergleich.de

The source of funding can change abruptly in an academic career. But from the application until the release of funding six to twelve months can go by. Therefore it is advisable to look for funding opportunities early enough and be able to react quickly if there is a change in your funding situation.

To collect information about funding is advisable even if you have a secure job, as there is a variety of little-known funding options for specific areas of studies and smaller projects.

The amount of the scholarship depends on the funding organisation and on the purpose of the scholarship. Scholarships for aspiring doctorates are usually higher than those for graduate students. They consist of a basic amount and subsidies for a specific purpose, varying in accordance to the funding institution. Subsidies for specific purposes may include money for books and expenses related to the research such as material and travel expenses.

Basically, scholarships can be received at every stage of the academic career, as a student, during doctoral and postdoctoral studies and for the habilitation. The foundations and funding organisations, however, might focus on specific stages of the academic career.

Most scholarships are awarded by foundations. There are public and private foundations and foundations which are related to companies. Scholarships are also awarded by funding organisations, like the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The EU gives scholarships for research visits abroad within the “Marie Curie Actions” of the specific programme “People” of the Seventh Research Framework Programme.

Yes. To apply at several organisations is possible and has no effect on the individual application. It is even recommended to do so, as the chances to achieving a scholarship increase. You should, however, indicate in your cover letter that you have applied at several organisations, as this is requested by most of the funding organisations.

When writing the application, it is important to investigate the conditions of the organisation (e.g. age limit) and to meet the requirements of formalities (orthographic mistakes do not leave a good impression). The application is the first impression that the institution gets of the student and should always be written carefully. The special qualification and aspired target of the applicant should be well presented.

It depends on the respective funding organisation whether you are allowed to earn money and how much. Many foundations allow their scholarship holders to earn a certain amount of money. Scholarships in general, however, are supposed to support those who are really in need of financial support. Scholarship holders who earn too much money might lose their scholarship.

First of all the required finished degree. Any other qualifications that are required from the applicant can be taken from the study regulations of the departments and the respective job advertisement.

This is indeed possible if the study regulations of the respective university say so. This is, however, rather rare and requires outstanding qualifications.

Basically it is possible to study for a doctorate after finishing a degree at a university of applied sciences; this, however might be excluded by the study regulations of the respective university. Once you are admitted to a doctoral programme, you might have to attend additional courses to qualify. Usually, admission is only given in case of an outstanding qualification.

Promotional options such as scholarships are supposed to support young talented researchers. Age limits vary depending on the funding organisations; however, it is difficult to receive support from the age of 30 onwards. There are exceptions for researchers with children, as the child education is taken into account, and at institutions that support women only.

The time of application depends on the requirements of the job advertisement. Typically it is possible to apply shortly before graduating.

If you are not satisfied with your doctoral supervision, try to approach your supervisor and tell him about your concerns. It might be that there is a representation of interests for doctoral students at your university or research facility. Another possibility is to take part in doctoral seminars where the doctoral students support each other. You can always organise a seminar yourself if there are not any taking place.

Applicants for scholarships as well as those looking for a doctoral supervisor usually need to hand in an exposé of their dissertation. A common mistake is to spend too less time on the exposé and to take the task not serious enough. It is important to arrange enough time and let somebody correct your exposé. To write an exposé is a great opportunity to improve your own work by having a close look at the methodology and structure of your dissertation.

A scientific thesis is basically the same as a project. A time schedule is no guarantee for success but can be very helpful. The participation in seminars specialising on project and time management is therefore highly recommended.

Yes of course. To present your research on a symposium or conferences is a great way to get feedback and criticism on your work. Your active participation can be a great opportunity to secure many valuable connections and can be highly motivating.

Publications primarily have an evidential function. They prove that your research results are really your own and as an indication for your scientific success, often play a decisive role when applying for research funding.

You should start publishing as early as possible. A good way to gain experience within your doctoral studies is to collaborate in a Festschrift or by writing a review. Another opportunity is to take up on the many topics one comes across while writing a doctoral thesis and write essays which could be published in scholarly journals or anthologies.

Funding options for post doctorates are either positions at universities or non-university research organisations or scholarships. Post doctorates are funded by research scholarships of the DFG or by scholarships of other postgraduate programmes.

Besides that, foundations, like the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation, private foundations, such as the Volkswagen Foundation, and other smaller foundations which promote only specific subject fields, offer scholarships for post doctorates.

Visits abroad are funded by the DAAD and the “Marie Curie Actions”, part of the specific programme “People” of the Seventh Research Framework Programme.

Doctoral students cannot apply for a scholarship directly at the DFG. The postgraduate programmes funding the students are supported by the DFG, but the scholarships are advertised for and given by the universities. The only exception is conference trips, for which doctoral students can apply directly. Generally, students cannot apply until they have submitted their doctoral thesis to the examination office. Afterwards they have to prove that they have successfully gained their doctorate.

For further information please visit www.dfg.de.

The most famous foundations are the Hildegardis-Verein and Christiane-Nüsslein-Volhard Stiftung. The Deutsche Akademikerinnenbund (DAB) grants print and publication subsidies.

A change of location during a scientific career is quite common. But during your doctoral studies or a habilitation it is very important to carefully consider all pro and cons. A change of the usual academic surrounding could mean a delay of several weeks or months.

Many employers put a great emphasis on a broad range of experiences concerning stays abroad. Of course it is important to think carefully about relevant research location, but to try different research locations and therefore experience different academic standards and surroundings can be an advantage concerning job offers as well as personal experiences.

Job hunting can be difficult from abroad, because many job offers are not advertised publicly but only within the national scientific community. Therefore it is important to keep up with scientific networks while being abroad, e.g. through personal contacts, lecture tours, meetings and conferences.

The most famous funding organisation is the Deutsche Akademische Austausch Dienst (DAAD). Study stays abroad are also promoted by the Dr. Jost Henkel Stiftung, the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung, as well as the Marie Curie Actions of the 7th Research Framework Programme of the EU. Furthermore there are organisations that particularly support the exchange between two countries. The DAAD offers the Stipendiendatenbank (scholarship data bank) that helps to find such organisations.

Programmes for returnees are offered by the following institutions:

North Rhine-Westphalia
The government of North Rhine-Wetsphalia set up a programme to promote the return of top researchers. For further informatione please visit www.innovation.nrw.de.

Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7):
The “Marie Curie Actions”, part of the specific programme “People”, promote the return of scientists to Europe by the “International Reintegration Grants” (IRG). For further information please visit www.kowi.de.

The DAAD offers a search engine for promotion options on its website which lists the options according to the country of origin. There are also foundations which particularly support young researchers from a certain country. Furthermore, there are so called returnee scholarships for German researchers who were abroad.

To establish contacts within the scientific community can be a determining step for a scientific career. The attendance of summer schools, conferences etcetera, as well as a membership in a scientific association or network can therefore be very helpful.

Surveys conducted by the magazines DUZ and Forschung & Lehre showed that most job offers can be found directly on the web pages of the different universities. Only half of all jobs are offered on job boards. In addition to the job boards, use the Research Explorer of the German Research Foundation (DFG) to find the web pages of the different research facilities and job offers advertised on their web pages.

Following the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG) a non-permanent appointment is possible when the job is funded at least fifty per cent by third-party funds. To gain further information please contact the respective personnel administration responsible for academic staff.

If you can not decide about your following career path during your doctoral studies it is advisable to choose a post-doc job which qualifies you for both, a career in science as well as in economy and industry.

Business companies usually appreciate the capacity for teamwork, a sense of responsibility as well as experience in dealing with budgetary matters and project management. It is possible to acquire these qualifications within research projects. Therefore it is advisable to make an application for a research project and decide afterwards on a definite career path.

The German Research Foundation (DFG) promotes research projects for young researchers.

Teamwork is becoming more and more a usual standard in science and research.  Even within the humanities, traditionally regarded as a field of individual research, more and more cooperation and teamwork is taking place. Teamwork offers the opportunity for professional exchange and to establish important contacts. Project work offers the great opportunity to gain experiences valuable beyond the scope of science and research. Even in academic positions experiences concerning project management, organisation and communication skills are becoming more and more important.

The assistance in an international project also offers the opportunity to become known abroad and publish research results internationally.

There are two different kinds of applications: speculative applications and applications through a third party. The type of application required is indicated in the advertisement. Sometimes the procedure might also depend on the importance of the award. If the award has a high prestige, it is likely that the application has to be supported by a third party.

Yes, this is generally permitted and most applicants do this. It is important however, to follow the guidelines of the award, as the application for several awards at the same time may be excluded.