KLU’s PhD Program
KLU’s PhD program is a four-year program. The course program is tailored to every doctoral student’s specific focal research area: Our doctoral students have opportunities to attend courses that teach methods and skills relevant to their research activities offered by KLU as well as our partner universities and broader networks.
Upon successful completion, a doctoral student will obtain the (German) degree of Doctor of Management Sciences/Wirtschaftswissenschaften (Dr. rer. pol.) or the (international) degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The scholarships enable four years of independent research under supervision by two academic supervisors of KLU’s outstanding faculty encompassing a wide scope of various disciplines within the fields of Operations and Technology as well as Management and Leadership. The scholarships are open for any field within the scope of the university including social science and business disciplines. 

KLU’s PhD program aims to develop successful candidates for independent in-depth academic research. PhD students receive their own generous annual research and training budget. Academic publications in top journals, participation in international research conferences, and international research stays are strongly supported. 
KLU provides a collegial, active, and inspiring international research environment. PhD students are embedded in research groups and the university-wide PhD community. Interdisciplinary research projects across KLU’s disciplines are encouraged.

Admission and Eligibility
Admission to the program is competitive and based on the applicant’s excellence as well as the match in research interest with the university’s resident faculty. We encourage you to apply immediately, since the reviews of applicants and the selection of scholarship awardees start upon receipt of applications. Evaluations of the applications will start on April 1^st 2024. 
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet these minimum requirements:

• Completed or about to complete a Master’s degree or equivalent (300 ECTS) from an accredited university with a good international reputation with the German grade 2.0 or better. Grade equivalents are required for international applicants.
• English language proficiency equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5.
• Support from at least one KLU professor.

Full details about the application procedure can be found here. You should submit:

• Cover letter (incl. name of the member of the resident faculty who is willing to act as your supervisor). 
• Research statement.
• Video statement (max. 3 minutes).
• A full resume (CV).
• Two references (with full contact details).
• Evidence of your English proficiency (e.g., a TOEFL or an IELTS test, or other evidence provided by your university).
• List of degrees obtained (Bachelor and Master’s degree)
• Quality indicators for your individual excellence (e.g., prices, scholarships), excellence in your program (e.g., class rank, thesis grade/rank), and your university (e.g., university rankings)

Scholarship and Facilities
The KLU scholarship is €1,750 per month (tax-free). All PhD students have the opportunity to teaching in the KLU’s degree programs, present in research seminars, participate in university services as part of the PhD program. 
The annual research and training budget is €3,500 in year one and two and €6,500 in year three and four. Moreover, scholarship students receive a full waiver of tuition. 
All these are for a period of four years.

We look forward to receiving your complete application at klu-jobs@m.personio.de or via the "Apply" button. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at phd@klu.org.