Graduate Academy

The Graduate Academy As a coordinating hub for meta-disciplinary skills training, career orientation and information services, the Graduate Academy supports all early-stage researchers across Heidelberg University, either pursuing an individual PhD or a structured PhD in the context of a doctoral programme. It is committed to excellence in training and mentoring, and it serves as the university’s umbrella organisation for all operative and strategic developments regarding early-stage researchers’ careers. In this context, the Graduate Academy cooperates closely with service units such as the PhD offices, the Doctoral Convention and the Career Service as well as with Heidelberg University’s graduate schools and programmes. Heidelberg has established three doctoral schools in the natural sciences and one in the humanities and social sciences as well as numerous smaller research training groups. Advising The consulting team of the Graduate Academy’s Service Point is dedicated to assisting and advising doctoral candidates from all disciplines. It provides information about the first steps towards becoming a doctoral candidate (admission regulations, registration procedures) as well as information regarding contact points and support services. The Service Point also offers counselling on writing a project proposal and a proofreading service in English and German. The Graduate Academy also coordinates a dedicated "Ombud Programme" for doctoral candidates. Financial support The Graduate Academy advises students on funding options for dissertation work up to the time of publication. It also administers a variety of grants that support doctoral candidates. Vocational skills training The Graduate Academy provides a seminar programme for professional and academic development, which is open to all doctoral candidates. The courses are designed to help students obtain the qualifications necessary for the successful completion of their dissertations and to develop career perspectives for their professional lives in academia, in the private sector and beyond. For further information on doctoral training at Heidelberg University, please visit our website and contact us! For an overview of all graduate schools and structured doctoral programmes at Heidelberg University, please see: Graduate Schools and Structured Doctoral Programmes.