Overview

Mission

The key to success in language technologies is to master scalable, robust and efficient semantic processing. Current methods use rich textual and computational linguistic resources for solving tasks in small domains. Developing efficient methods for accurate semantic processing in multiple languages, in general or changing application domains, however, is still a true challenge.

Scalability will be demonstrated by application to new languages and domains and to novel and challenging tasks. We will move from current techniques of approximate semantic processing to more powerful models for natural language understanding and generation.

Advancing automatic semantic processing to human performance levels requires links to related disciplines such as cognitive science, artificial intelligence, or visual processing. We therefore encourage interdisciplinary research. The Semantic Processing programme is offered by Heidelberg University.

Programme Structure

The goal of this graduate program is to extend semantic analysis to the discourse level and to approximate coherence-based interpretation through three mutually supporting research directions: (a) analysing semantic phenomena at the discourse level and representing them as “semantic graphs”; (b) using these graphs to improve semantic analysis; (c) evaluating (a) and (b) in NLP applications.

The proposed PhD topics are integrated into and linked by the three directions. Further ties are ensured by the joint use of text collections (corpora).

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-13 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Heidelberg, Germany

Disciplines

Language Studies Linguistics View 7 other PhDs in Linguistics 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

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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

Please consult the Statutes of our Doctoral Program and practical information on PhD scholarships within the graduate program "Semantic Processing" at Heidelberg University.

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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

There is no tuition fee but every doctoral candidate must pay a student service fee (161 EUR per semester).

Living costs

Heidelberg

Germany

922 - 1397 EUR / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Semantic Processing.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Mission

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

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

Heidelberg

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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