Skip to content
Universität des Saarlandes
Bachelor English Social Sciences

International PhD Programme: Science and Health in Football

Bachelor

About the Program

The international doctoral programme "Science and Health in Football" is hosted by the Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine at Saarland University and funded by the German Football Federation (DFB). Close collaborations are established with the University of Technology in Sydney (UTS, Australia), the Edith-Cowan University in Perth (ECU, Australia), the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (Luxembourg), the University of Basel (Switzerland), and the University of Groningen (The Netherlands). The programme aims to improve the scientific approach to football. In particular, the programme focuses on evaluating potential health benefits and further developing training standards and performance diagnoses for elite football players. The institute is a licensed FIFA (Fédération International de Football Association) Medical Centre of Excellence and a medical examination centre of the German Olympics Sports Federation (DOSB). Due to its long-term and extensive cooperation with the German Football Federation (DFB), it offers profound expertise in football science and medical care for athletes and patients. The programme covers the following disciplines: sports science, medicine, exercise physiology, and human biology. In addition to the thesis, PhD students will receive training in research methods, knowledge transfer, and teaching as well as practical work in patient health care and physical performance testing. Doctoral students will be awarded a PhD degree from Saarland University and have the opportunity to earn a joint degree with the University of Technology Sydney in Australia or the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Show the original English text
The international doctoral programme "Science and Health in Football" is hosted by the Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine at Saarland University and funded by the German Football Federation (DFB). Close collaborations are established with the University of Technology in Sydney (UTS, Australia), the Edith-Cowan University in Perth (ECU, Australia), the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (Luxembourg), the University of Basel (Switzerland), and the University of Groningen (The Netherlands). The programme aims to improve the scientific approach to football. In particular, the programme focuses on evaluating potential health benefits and further developing training standards and performance diagnoses for elite football players. The institute is a licensed FIFA (Fédération International de Football Association) Medical Centre of Excellence and a medical examination centre of the German Olympics Sports Federation (DOSB). Due to its long-term and extensive cooperation with the German Football Federation (DFB), it offers profound expertise in football science and medical care for athletes and patients. The programme covers the following disciplines: sports science, medicine, exercise physiology, and human biology. In addition to the thesis, PhD students will receive training in research methods, knowledge transfer, and teaching as well as practical work in patient health care and physical performance testing. Doctoral students will be awarded a PhD degree from Saarland University and have the opportunity to earn a joint degree with the University of Technology Sydney in Australia or the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised higher-education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent). International applicants may need recognition via Anabin and, if not directly eligible, a Studienkolleg + assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Sports Science

Similar Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about International PhD Programme: Science and Health in Football at Universität des Saarlandes

Is International PhD Programme: Science and Health in Football at Universität des Saarlandes taught in German or English?

This Bachelor programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the International PhD Programme: Science and Health in Football programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for International PhD Programme: Science and Health in Football at Universität des Saarlandes?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying International PhD Programme: Science and Health in Football?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität des Saarlandes — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

Get the weekly Germany guide in your inbox

New blog posts, application deadlines, scholarship announcements. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Weekly Germany guide — 1–2 emails/week, no spam.

Weekly Germany guide delivered to your inbox

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

AlmanyaUni Assistant

AI answers can contain mistakes. Please verify important details from official sources.