Before completing the online application form, arrange two letters of recommendation by two professors from your home university. They should use the "DAAD template for recommendation letter” (PDF or DOC) available through the links on this page (right site). At least one of the letters should confirm that you belong to best 10 % of your graduation class.

Both letters must be sent directly by the professors to Dr Karin Boessenkool, GSGS coordinator, via gradschool-geosciuni-koeln.de by the application deadline (31st January, 2025).

Before completing the online application form, further collect:

1. a cover letter in which you explain your motivation for applying;
2. a short description (max. 300 words) of your own project idea for your doctoral research that is closely related to ongoing research in the working group of your potential supervisor, a Cologne Geoscientist.
3. a curriculum vitae without gaps (i.e., the entire period since graduating from secondary education is covered);
4. copies of (these don’t have to be certified at this point):
   • your transcripts of records covering your academic studies;
   • certificates of any academic degree or advanced qualifications; these should indicate grades and include an explanation of the issuing university’s grading system;
   • documents certifying knowledge of English Language, e.g. IELTS-Academics, TOEFL (if available).
5. Translations for any certificates not issued in English or German.

Questions can be directed to GSGS coordinator, Dr Karin Boessenkool through gradschool-geosciuni-koeln.de

Alternatively, you can join us during one of the online information meetings for potential applicants (at the bottom).