PhD studies in Germany: What you need to know

By Alex Evans and Frances Foley. In this week's JobTalk, The Local gives the lowdown on PhD studies in Germany. What are the best types of courses and should you choose Germany?
German higher education authorities have hailed a growth in the number of postgraduates coming from abroad to study in the country in recent years. The number of foreign researchers in German institutions reached a new high in 2011.
But with German universities becoming less competitive overall in global rankings, one might question why so many choose to come here for further study.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), an education ministry programme which provides support and information to foreign graduates, argues the main reasons to come here for a doctorate or masters degree are the low fees, excellent research environment, and the high standard of living.
Officials also make much of the German system's openness to foreign students. More...