Bachelor
English
Social Sciences
PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS)PhD in International Development Studies
Bachelor
About the Program
The Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Germany, offers an international and interdisciplinary three-year PhD programme in International Development Studies (IDS). The programme is taught entirely in English. The PhD IDS is embedded within the framework of the RUB Research School, a winner of the German Excellence Initiative. It is offered by the IEE in cooperation with the Faculties of Geography, Law, Social Sciences, and Economics and targets excellent young academics from all over the world who aspire to advance their academic career in international development studies and have a strong interest in cross-disciplinary work. Annually around five to eight candidates are admitted to the programme. Participants can choose from a variety of tailor-made courses while at the same time working on their own research projects. A supervisor is assigned to each research project. All supervisors hold professorial posts in the faculties involved. Teaching modules deal with developmental issues from a multidisciplinary perspective such as development economics, political institutions, conflict and democracy, or economics and culture. These seminars are complemented by courses on research methods and statistical analysis. Individual research projects are presented and discussed on a regular basis by the PhD candidates and their supervisors in the framework of the meetings of the IEE Research Clusters. Courses on generic skills, offered by the RUB Research School for doctoral candidates from all disciplines, aim at the training of key competences and include seminars on scientific writing, scientific presentation, and professional (scientific) communication.
▶ Show the original English text
The Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), Germany, offers an international and interdisciplinary three-year PhD programme in International Development Studies (IDS). The programme is taught entirely in English. The PhD IDS is embedded within the framework of the RUB Research School, a winner of the German Excellence Initiative. It is offered by the IEE in cooperation with the Faculties of Geography, Law, Social Sciences, and Economics and targets excellent young academics from all over the world who aspire to advance their academic career in international development studies and have a strong interest in cross-disciplinary work. Annually around five to eight candidates are admitted to the programme. Participants can choose from a variety of tailor-made courses while at the same time working on their own research projects. A supervisor is assigned to each research project. All supervisors hold professorial posts in the faculties involved. Teaching modules deal with developmental issues from a multidisciplinary perspective such as development economics, political institutions, conflict and democracy, or economics and culture. These seminars are complemented by courses on research methods and statistical analysis. Individual research projects are presented and discussed on a regular basis by the PhD candidates and their supervisors in the framework of the meetings of the IEE Research Clusters. Courses on generic skills, offered by the RUB Research School for doctoral candidates from all disciplines, aim at the training of key competences and include seminars on scientific writing, scientific presentation, and professional (scientific) communication.
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How do I apply to PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Is PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum 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 PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS) 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 PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum? ▼
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 PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS)? ▼
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 Ruhr-Universität Bochum — 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.