Financing
For the duration of their studies, over 90% of doctoral researchers in the natural sciences receive funding either through a job contract or through a scholarship. Most doctoral researchers are funded by third-party entities.
Doctoral researchers should seek information on the advantages and disadvantages of the various funding options early on. Employment at the university may be an advantage due to the proximity to the research group and the supervisor. However, time commitments are usually greater for employed students compared to scholarship awardees. However, the time commitments, for example through teaching duties or administrative tasks, are usually greater than those of a scholarship. In any case, the amount of time spent on such obligations in addition to the doctorate should be agreed upon with the supervisor in advance.
When accepting a scholarship, it should be noted that scholarship holders must provide for their own social security. They are not legally insured against accidents and do not pay into the unemployment insurance or have pension insurance. These circumstances must be considered in advance for all doctoral scholarship holders, but especially for nationals or those who will live in an EU country after their doctorate.
Information on the cost of living for matriculated students and doctoral candidates in Hamburg can be found on the Campus Center website.