Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - School of Business and Economics

Admission to doctoral studies

This page provides an overview of the procedure for admission to doctoral studies at the School of Business and Economics.

The formal basis of doctoral studies is constituted by the
Doctoral degree regulations of the School of Business and Economics (October 1, 2024).

To register for doctoral studies at the School, please follow the following steps.

All necessary forms and templates are available under the following link: Download link (HU-BOX)

Step 1: Supervision agreement

If you are pursuing a structured doctoral degree programme, you must conclude a written supervision agreement once you have been successfully admitted to the programme by the relevant office.

If you are pursuing an individual doctoral degree programme, you must conclude the supervision agreement with your supervisors directly.

 

Step 2: Application for admission to doctoral studies

After concluding your supervision agreement, you must submit an application for admission to doctoral studies to the Graduate Office of the School of Business and Economics. Please send the following documents by e-mail.

  • [04-F01] application for admission to doctoral studies
  • [05-F01] supervision statement
  • [05-M02] copy of the supervision agreement (template can be fully adapted)
  • up-to-date CV
  • copies of all university degrees (bachelor's and master's degree certificates incl. transcripts)

All university degrees must also be provided as originals or officially certified copies.

Degrees obtained at non-German universities must undergo an "equivalence check". For this, the Graduate Office requires the degree certificates and transcripts in German or English, or in the original language together with an officially certified translation.

Please note: Only complete applications for admission to doctoral studies will be processed.

 

Step 3: Notice of admission

Once all documents have been submitted, they will be reviewed. The School's Doctoral Degree Board or its chairperson decides on the application for admission. If admission is granted, you will receive a notice of admission from the Graduate Office. Your time as a doctoral candidate officially begins on the date of the notice of admission.

Please note: Admission to doctoral studies is valid for six years. If you have not completed your doctoral studies by the end of this time frame, you are required to apply for prolongation of the standard period of study.

  • [04-F07] Application for prolongation of the period of study

 

Step 4: Enrolment as a doctoral candidate

Once you have received the notice of admission from the School, you are required to submit an application for enrolment/registration as a doctoral candidate to the Students Office of Humboldt-Universität within four weeks. If you do not enrol or register within this period, your admission to doctoral studies by the School will become invalid.

 

Forms
Further information