PhD

PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS)

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Bochum, GermanyPolitical Science & International Relations

Free Tuitionfull-time

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Degree

PhD

Language

English

Tuition

Free

Duration

6 semesters

Programme Overview

PhD IDS is a structured and interdisciplinary English-language doctoral programme at Ruhr University Bochum combining individual research with coursework and transferable-skills training. It is oriented toward development challenges and supported by IEE research clusters and international cooperation partners.

Admission Requirements

Academic requirements: Applicants must submit a research proposal (five pages maximum).
Minimum GPA: The official PhD IDS page requires either a qualified university degree equivalent to German grade 2.7 after at least four years of relevant study, or a qualified degree equivalent to German grade 1.3 after at least three years of study plus usually three semesters of preparatory studies.
English requirements: The official PhD IDS page requires English proficiency equivalent to CEFR C1, for example IELTS 7, TOEFL iBT 94, or Duolingo 125 or above. If English has been the language of instruction since secondary education, separate proof is not compulsory but is still recommended.
Accepted bachelor fields

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Costs & Funding

Tuition fee: Free (no tuition)
Semester contribution: Study fees are not charged. The official PhD IDS page states that PhD students register as regular Ruhr University Bochum students; the current official RUB social contribution is 362.40 EUR per semester for Summer Semester 2026.
Funding info: Semester contribution: Study fees are not charged. The official PhD IDS page states that PhD students register as regular Ruhr University Bochum students; the current official RUB social contribution is 362.40 EUR per semester for Summer Semester 2026.

Career Outcomes

The programme prepares researchers for academic and policy-oriented careers in international development studies, supported by supervised research, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary exchange.

Typical job roles

Academic researcherPostdoctoral fellow

Target industries

AcademiaResearch institutionsInternational organizationsNGOsGovernment

Programme details

Degree: PhD
Language: English
Duration: 6 semesters
Mode: full-time
Start: Winter semester; starts in November each year
Deadline: ~31 March (check website)

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External links

View on DAAD Application portal