Overview

Key Features

Since winter 2007, the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy has been offering an international English-language PhD International Development Studies programme from Ruhr University Bochum.

It is implemented by the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy on behalf of the Faculties of Geography, Law, Social Science, and Economics. Up to 10 PhD candidates are accepted to the programme annually.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The PhD in International Development Studies is a combination of working on individual PhD research projects as well as participating in selected teaching modules.

Teaching modules deal with developmental issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. These seminars are complemented by courses on research methods and statistical analysis. Regular presentation and discussion of individual research projects take place in three different Research Cluster Meetings which are regularly scheduled.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

94

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

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Credits

90 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bochum, Germany

Disciplines

International Development View 3 other PhDs in International Development in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

94

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Hold a strong master's degree, or an MBA, with a dissertation or project. Diplomas are not accepted.
The qualification must be relevant to the research subject, such as business administration, finance, or law.
Submit a letter of intent explaining your motivation for applying to our doctoral programmes.
Answer the Research Intention Questions for the DBA and the Research Project Questions for the PhD.
Pass an interview conducted by the Head of School.
Research Project Questions
Please provide comprehensive answers to the following questions within a word count of 700 to 800 words:
State your intention to seek a PhD.
Describe the area of research you are interested in and the reasons for this interest.
Explain how this area of research relates to a specific problem in the business sector that interests you (e.g., how it is related to policies, practices, or recognised problems in the sector you will be addressing).

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Ruhr University Bochum and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) does not charge tuition fees. The students must only pay a semester contribution fee of about 350€ per semester.

Living costs

Bochum

Germany

680 - 930 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for International Development Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Bochum

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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