Overview

About the programme

The Center for Development Research at the University of Bonn hosts the Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research, which offers its students a structured doctoral program plus opportunities such as a research trip to Japan.
BIGS-DR enables doctoral studies in outstanding development research with attractive international collaborations and a tailored qualification program. BIGS-DR is an excellent choice as a stepping stone for your international career in the field of development cooperation, policy or research.

Programme Structure

Structure:

The interdisciplinary course offers BIGS-DR students different perspectives on the main research topics at ZEF. The course takes place during the first two months and provides interdisciplinary skills for doctoral research and a sound theoretical background to address complex and interlinked research topics.
The disciplinary courses in economics, social sciences, and ecology deepens the theoretical and methodological foundations for the different disciplines.
Throughout the year trainings in statistics, GIS, remote sensing, programming, SPSS, STATA, and soft skills are offered by BIGS-DR and BIGS. Students choose the workshops according to their needs.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-04-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Starting 2027-10-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-31 00:00:00

More details

DAAD-scholarship applicants: August 31st
Other applicants: May 1st

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bonn, Germany

Disciplines

International Development Community Development

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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

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

5.5

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

All applicants require an excellent master's degree (FAQ) , an innovative Research Proposal and English proficiency.
ZEF staff members screen your application for academic qualification, quality and relevance of your research proposal, and recommendations.
Candidates preferably have work experience in national or international research institutions, governments, or the private sector. Interest in interdisciplinary research is a prerequisite.

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.

Get your student insurance now

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 University of Bonn 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

No tuition fees, but students must pay a semester fee (345€).

Living costs

Bonn

Germany

865 - 1281 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 Development Research.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

About the programme

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

Bonn

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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