Key information
- Duration: Full-time, 36 months (The standard period of studies is 6-8 semesters.)
Overview
Doctoral students in History from Bielefeld University will find an exceptionally wide range of expertise in the Department that enthusiastically welcomes individual interests in doctoral topics. The Department's research areas range across not only all epochs from ancient up to contemporary history, but also a great number of systematic fields ranging from economic history to the history of art.
Key facts
- Doctoral students are integrated into an inspiring environment thanks to the strong cooperation not only between different research areas but also with neighbouring disciplines in the social sciences and cultural studies.
- Candidates benefit from a very dynamic approach to research in the Department, a great number of active international cooperations, and the presence of the BGHS Graduate School funded since 2007 as part of the Excellence Initiative.
- The wide-ranging cooperations at Bielefeld all merge into an intensive focus on analysing the theoretical foundations of historical research. This also provides the framework for doctoral training.
- You can gain a PhD in history either in the international doctoral programme in history or independently. The international doctoral programme is a curricular programme organized by the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology/BGHS.
- An independent PhD is more suitable if you are an external doctoral student or have employment obligations.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
To obtain additional information about the programme, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 90
Other requirements
General requirements
- In general, an above-average degree from a Master's degree programme relevant to doctorate/PhD studies is required. There are generally no age restrictions.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
There are no tuition fees at Bielefeld University. All you have to pay is a social fee of 300 EUR per semester.
Living costs
Bielefeld, Germany: 1,096-1,692 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for History.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Various benefits — Deadline 07 Oct 2026
- Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) • DAAD — 1400 EUR — Deadline not specified
- ServiceScape Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — 3500 USD — Deadline 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Various benefits — Deadline not specified
- ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk) — 1550 EUR — Deadline 31 Oct 2026
- Amberscholar Scholarship — 6000 USD — Deadline 31 Jan 2027
- Karl Schmidt Rottluff Scholarship — 1200 EUR — Deadline not specified
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 01 Mar 2027
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 31 Oct 2026
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — 1000 USD — Deadline 13 Jan 2027
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — 3000 USD — Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- PhD Scholarships (Gerda Henkel Stiftung) — 1920 EUR — Deadline Anytime
- Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria — Various benefits — Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- Scholarship of the German National Academic Foundation — 649 EUR — Deadline 31 Dec 2026
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — 1500 USD — Deadline not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — 12000 USD — Deadline 11 Jan 2027