Why should I apply to KSOP?
The interdisciplinary research structure of KSOP forms the basis for the Master and Ph.D. programs. Currently, KSOP encompasses professors from 17 institutes and the four different faculties Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Chemistry and Biosciences, as well as Mechanical Engineering. The research and educational concept have been established to optimally reflect the spirit of multidisciplinary research among scientists and engineers. Therefore, all research areas are strongly interlinked and most institutes feature research projects in more than one of the five research areas.
Are the Ph.D. positions paid?
All Ph.D. positions are fully financed, either through a employment contract or through a KSOP scholarship (which will be arranged by your supervisor). Some of the prestigious scholarships funded by our partners.
What does the training concept have to offer?
The KSOP Ph.D. program is English taught in the prestigious research environment of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). It´s training concept is provided with advancing competencies.
Since successful careers in industry and academia often require leadership and interdisciplinary knowledge, KSOP emphasizes management skills, which are taught in a mandatory module or an optional MBA Fundamentals Program within KSOP.
To support their endeavor, two independent advisors and a mentor accompany the research work of the doctoral researcher.
In addition to that, KSOP fosters an active network amongst its members - active or alumni. The KSOP team regularly involves the researchers into Ph.D. Seminars, which take place once every three months and offers insights into the research work of all five research areas within KSOP. A scientific exchange with international peers and leading scientists is facilitated through international conferences and networking events with academia and industry.
During the KSOP scientific events, researchers will:
- reach out an international audience by presenting their research achievements in poster sessions
- get exposure to the latest advancements worldwide
- meet leading experts in the different research areas of the KSOP program
In which project will I be focused? Is that assigned?
The research project is assigned by the group leader. The doctoral student will finalize the topic of the doctoral thesis with his/her supervisor.
On the online application portal you will select the research area you are interested in.
How to apply to KSOP?
There are three access channels to KSOP:
- You can apply to KSOP if your Ph.D. supervisor belongs to the KSOP principal investigators.
(Feel free to contact the working group leader/members directly of those groups that you are most interested in working with as a doctoral student.)
- You can apply for an advertised position by a KSOP principal investigator.
(Find out about open positions by choosing a research area and having a look at the institute´s websites. Some open Ph.D. positions are advertised on the KSOP webpage as well.)
- If you are interested in working in research as a doctoral student in one of our five research areas, you can speculatively apply for a research position.
Either way, please apply and upload your documents to the online application portal:
We will carefully screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications fit our program and current needs best. We will consider your application holistically during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue in the recruitment process.
To be considered for a position, please make sure that your application is complete. Please understand that we are only able to consider applications that reach us via the application portal.
When is the application period?
What are the minimum credits required?
Is it possible to apply with the Master’s transcript or records only in case the degree certificate is not available yet?
The degree certificate must be submitted at the time of enrollment the latest.
If you do not have your Master’s degree by the moment of the application, we need a certificate of completion of your studies issued by your university or institute, which states that you have already completed all your exams and that you will be awarded with a Master’s degree with at least the minimum grades.
I am still studying for my Master’s degree; can I apply already?
You can start your online application any time and upload the documents one at the time and then submit your application while approaching the end of your studies. We recommend getting in touch with a suitable KSOP principal investigator for the research you would like to pursue while completing your Master’s studies and then apply for a Ph.D. at KSOP.
Please note that once you submit your application, it cannot be subsequently modified in the application portal. If you wish to modify your submitted application, please contact us by email.
What are the application documents?
Click here to find a detailed list of the application documents that are required for an application for the Ph.D. program at KSOP. These documents must be certified and translated into English or German.
What are the costs and fees for studying at KSOP?
Will I get a Ph.D. degree after graduating from the school?
Yes, after defending successfully you will receive an official internationally recognized Ph.D. degree by the Karlsruhe Institute of technology (KIT).
Do I get a certificate at the end of my doctoral training in the KSOP Graduate School?
Yes, you will receive a final certificate stating that you have completed the training offered by KSOP.
Click here for more information about the Ph.D. training concept